The Game: Week 2

"Strange Bedfellows"

Posted 15 Aug 99
The signing goes on for quite some time. The partying and revelry seem to be dying out. OK, not so much that the partying is dying out, but the partiers. In the midst of inquiring as to the meaning of the term "Creagans", the young priest Pheylan appears to nod off and slump to the table. At first no one is even concerned, as many young people suffer the same effects when engaging a Savoryan in an open-ended conversation.

The purple clad Shaizan and Brother Caledon are next to fall. But a mere few breaths later and the mighty (or, if you prefer, mighty ugly) Farlont collapses.

"Something is not right here," says Shameron. "It is not natural for so many to fall so quickly and simultaneously...."

"I feel an unnatural urge to close my eyes and fall asleep. It seems to be overcoming my body's natural resistance. Must be some drug instead of...."

Seeing the entire room falling like flies, Kiranyan knows he should be hurling a massive flame strike at his opponent, but he is unable to determine a definite source to attack. Besides, the one plus side to all this is the fact he doesn't have to listen to any more ramblings from the loudmouth Savoryan.

All goes dark.


Everyone slowly awakes to the sound of two squirrels fighting on a branch high over head. One squirrel's teeth grow alarmingly large as it takes a slight bite from the other. The second squirrel vanishes from sight, but can still be head squealing. Branches bounce in response to the flight of the now unseen squirrel as its wounded chatters become more faint. The victor looks down for a moment and scurries off in a different direction.

Groaning can be heard from all around. You struggle to sit up and survey the surroundings. At first glance it would appear that a small number of partiers have been deposited deep in the woods, far away from civilization. Your guess would be that you are probably somewhere in the eastern wilds.

It is still morning and the sun has not begun to heat the earth much. Dew is covering much of your belongings, so one would hazard a guess that you have been here for a while.

There are eight people here including yourself. A cursory examination of your items reveals that all your possessions appear to be intact and still with you.

Caledon the Larani priest, Kendervon the Savoryan, Kiranyan the Jenzig, Pheylan the Larani priest, and Shameron the elven maid are all beginning to stir. Farlont does not seem injured, or at least not injured to the point that it would impair his snoring. Shaizan is still out cold. The Peleahn, Varlus, is here as well, but has a large bleeding bump to the head and not moving.

There appears to be a metal-bound wooden chest of approximately 2 feet long by 1 foot wide by 1 foot tall in the center of the "camp". It is securely latched but does not seem to have a lock on it.

Pheylan
Pheylan slowly opens his eyes, blinking slowly as he begins to take in his surroundings. Suddenly becoming aware that he is not where he expected to be, he quickly jumps to his feet. Apparently, too quickly you guess, as you see him wobble slightly, grab his head, and fall back down with a heavy thump.

Moving much slower now, he raises up into a sitting position and looks around with a somewhat confused expression.

"What the..."

Groaning, he grabs his head again. Much more quietly, he begins speaking again...

"I only drank a single mug of ale last night, and I ate well of the mutton and bread. How could I be suffering from drink?"

Looking around the various members of the group, and their various states of consciousness his face suddenly takes on a dark expression. Glancing at the injured man, he runs his fingers over his own head to feel for similar injuries. Feeling none, he continues quietly speaking to himself:

"I am not hung over, and I have not been knocked unconscious. So how did I come to be here?"

Looking around again, Pheylan slowly rises, his eyes squeezed tightly shut and gently holding his head. After a few moments his wavering stops and he opens his eyes again. He looks closely at the other Laranian, and noticing him also stirring, seems satisfied. His eyes lock on the wooden chest for a brief second, and then Pheylan shakes his head slightly and moves towards the injured Peleahn. Upon reaching the white robed shek p'var, he slowly kneels next to the man's unmoving body. Taking a deep breath, Pheylan carefully places his hand slightly in front of the Peleahn's mouth and nose in an attempt to feel for any sign of breathing.

Kendervon
"Well it seems like were all here." Kendervon stands up slowly shaking off the cobwebs of sleep. After examining my possessions I go to see if I can awake Shaizan. Then I go to check on Peleahn bleeding head.

"Well now Shameron, you seem to think you're so smart. Who drugged us? I have my own theory, but of course your not interested so I`ll keep it to myself. Unless someone wants to hear it. Well if everyone is awake we prolly outta check out the chest, then get started. I really enjoy adventuring with a bunch of hung over travelers."

As everyone struggles to keep their feet, Pheylan gets to the Peleahn first. He appears to have taken a quite nasty bump to the head. Any blood seen is dried from the night before. With minor effort, he roused. In your experience, this type of wound does not require any additional healing, he will be fine.

Kendervon has Shaizan by the shoulders and appears to be shaking him. And shaking him. And shaking him. "Aw, come on! Wake the hell up!" Kendervon says. We could be in the middle of a Zun ambush, but this guy isn't gonna be disturbed." He slaps Shaizan's face a few times, and finally hears a sleepy response.

"Five more minutes," he says.

"Are we under attack?" Yells Farlont. "Then let's hold it down. Do you want the entire eastern wilds to awake and ready for us, too? Damned novices." Farlont checks his belongings also. "Still got spiked war-club. Anything else is luxuries. Anyone own that chest?"

Shaizan
"What...what...where am I?"

Pheylan
Satisfied that the Peleahn is alive and will survive, Pheylan again slowly rises to his feel and appears only slightly more stable than last time. Upon hearing Kendervon's mention of drugging, his expression again takes on a pained appearance.

"Are you certain we were drugged, Kendervon?"

Then to all he asks, "Does anyone remember what happened last night? The last thing I can remember from last night is a discussion between Shameron and Kendervon."

At Farlont's bellowing, Pheylan again groans and places his hands to his temples.

"While I definitely agree with your sentiments on noise, Farlont, I question the intelligence of yelling to recommend that we keep our voices down."

Shameron
Shameron slowly awakes and looks around. She realizes that her intuition was correct and she is extremely displeased at the deception that has befallen them all. She remembers only sipping the ale the previous evening and realizes that a very potent drug must have used. She has a mild headache, but feels unharmed otherwise. She is about the check on the Peleahn [she didn't catch his name since he didn't say it] when she sees Pheylan go to check on him.

As she sits up she hears Kendervon's snide remarks and chooses to ignore him. She stands up to stretch and survey the area. She begins to look around for anything edible to eat when she hears Kendervon trying to wake up Shaizan. "Is that really necessary? Why don't you leave the poor man alone and use your 'elven intelligence' [somewhat sarcastically] to try and find us something to eat."

As she starts to go into the woods, she hears Farlont's question about the chest.

Kiranyan
A scream escapes my lips as my world was suddenly filled with blinding light. Gradually the light dies down, and I slowly open my eyes. I am greeted with the sight of the blue sky, and trees towering from the sides. Slowly, I braced myself as I tried to find the strength to push myself into a sitting position so that I may take in my surroundings.

My eyes fell upon seven others, including one of the ugliest people I have ever laid my sights upon. I watched as he rummaged through his bags. Apparently he found what he was looking for as I hear him bellowing something about a spiked war-club, luxuries, and a chest.

What chest? I thought, and sure enough, in the center of our mock camp was a chest. Without saying a word to the others, I absently stand up and struggle a few steps. I stumbled in my first few steps, as I was still a bit groggy. Once I reached the chest, I paused as I ran my hand across its surface. I then turned towards the others and spoke as clearly as I could.

"Would anyone mind if I opened this?"

Shaizan
I eventually sits up and opens his eyes, shielding them from the morning sunlight. "What the hell..."

He looks around and sees the chest. Rubbing the slight stubble on his chin, he gets up and walks toward it, saying, "Sounds like a good idea to me. Maybe there's a razor inside."

Varlus
"Wonderful. This is not on my ten-days agenda," I say holding my head with both hands. "My head is throbbing." Turning to Pheylan, "Many thanks, my friend. I appreciate your concern. My name is Mavari Varlus Geffin. I am a Peleahn of the Gentle Order of the White Hand. That was serious low-pool on their end. There will be serious payback when I return."

[I rummage through my things. I was not prepared, or even dressed for this. Do I have my spellbooks?]

"My friend, I realize that you Jenzig are brazen and not inclined to think things through, but should we be so hasty?" I scan the others for a reaction. "I mean this, we have already been drugged and dumped into the forest without so much as a by-your-leave and you want to fling this box open? They could be scrying on us all at this very moment and you might be getting ready to give them quite a show as this chest could be a trap. Or.. let me put it in words a Jenzig like yourself would understand... IT COULD EXPLODE."

I look to the other faces to see if I have been deposited here with some intelligent people, or if I am truly doomed.

"If you want to open it, I can provide some magical protection or at the very least check to see if it glows. Providing, of course, that I can find my spellbooks."

I stand back off to the right side of the chest away from the opening, so I can see inside should he open it.

Pheylan
Pheylan looks towards Shameron with a slightly befuddled look, as she walks into the woods after exchanging insults with Kendervon. He continues to stare in her direction after she has disappeared from sight, and after a few moments returns his attention to the conversation at hand.

To the Peleahn's thanks, Pheylan responds:

"Your gratitude is unnecessary, Varlus. Apparently, you have taken a blow of significant force and I am greatly relieved that you are well enough to move."

Then to all, he continues speaking...

"I would not wager on it, but would find it hard to believe that the chest is trapped. Someone has gone to a significant amount of trouble to bring us all out here, including physically assaulting Lord Geffen, and so it would be almost anti-climactic to kill us all now with something as simple as an exploding chest. No, I believe whatever our host or hosts have planned for us is much bigger."

"Having said that, I for one would prefer to err on the side of caution and think that Varlus' magical detection and protection spells would be useful."

To Varlus, he continues:

"What can you detect with your spells, magical resonance or do you have a spell to detect traps? Also what kind of protection can the spell you mentioned provide us? I will also inspect the chest to check for divine influences on the chest, although I find that even more unlikely."

At this Pheylan moves towards the chest and begins to closely inspect it without touching it.

[DM - I will examine the chest closely and attempt to detect priestly magic on the chest]

Shameron
As Shameron hears the questions about the chest, she turns back to the party after hearing Varlus plea to be wary not open the chest and decides to speak up. "I agree with Mavari Varlus. While there may be some useful information or supplies in there, I too feel we cannot trust the person or persons responsible for putting it there. There doesn't appear to be any locks, however it may be magically sealed. I think a few simple tests for the presence of magic wouldn't hurt. [Turning to Varlus] Have you found your spellbooks? If you haven't, I think I could be of some assistance."

It would appear to any who take the time to inspect their belongings that any personal items needed for this trip (i.e. those listed on your character sheets) are in your possession. The only explanation, especially in Varlus's case, is that the person that did this must have also known our places of residence and "packed" for you.

Varlus
"The only spells I possess that might help out in this situation are Detect Magic and Protection from Evil, which I doubt will be of serious aid. [DM, correct me if I am wrong] I feel strong enough to cast both if need be, but I think I will only check for magical emanations and keep the protection ready should the need arise."

[I cast detect magic on the chest]

Kiranyan
Kiranyan chuckles as the group contemplates on the best course of action. He's obviously a little irritated by the fuss over the entire discussion. In an effort to keep good humor though, he sits back down, just inches away from the chest and says,

"I say just open the damn lid, and if it explodes... all the better."

[Laughs]

Varlus
I hold my hands out toward the chest and recite the incantations to see if the is magic on the chest. I squint to verify what I see. I straighten my robes.

"The chest appears to be free of magical residue, but there would seem to be one or more items of magical nature within. I can not gleen more without the chest being open. Do you agree, Pheylan?"

[Turning to the Jenzig, Kiranyan]

"If you are willing to open it, go right ahead. Just food for thought, though. You know there is more that can harm you than fire, right?"

Kiranyan rolls his eyes, mutters something like "whatever", and reaches down and touches the latch. After a second with no unforetold ill effects, he undoes the latch and opens the wooden chest. Inside appears to be a quiver with 6 arrows, 8 corked bottles of a red solution, 4 corked bottles of a dark red solution, 2 stoppered vials with a clear liquid, a small palm-sized metal disk with a mark on its face, 8 iron rations, rope, 2 knifes, and several sheets of parchment.

Kiranyan reaches in and picks up the top sheet of paper. "It would appear to be a note from Lord Vastair. It reads:

'My friends,

Gods speed and good luck. Lord Vastair.'

Hmmm. The contents match his letter. What should we do now?"

Kiranyan
"If there are no objections, I will take only what I feel I need. If there is, however, a conflict in interest... please, don't hesitate to tell me. It's been a long time since I've tossed a spell at anything that breathes."

[With that said, I flash a smile to indicate that I'm just joking around, and I pack the scroll of fire protection, one potion of healing, and one of the eight weeks of iron rations into my packs]

"I'm done here. Please, do help yourselves. Afterwards, I believe it would be a good idea that we elect a leader for this group... but don't get me wrong, I don't wish to be leader. I found out earlier that I lack... how do you say... diplomatic skills." [My hand twitches as I recall one of my past experiences] "A charred body tells no tales eh??" [I chuckle]

[Having said that, I rest myself against a nearby tree and I attempt to memorize as many spells of magic missile as I can]


[DM Note to all - spellcasters are not required to study/memorize a specific spell as their spell points can be used to cast any spell Feagurth Magick Mechanics. The correct way of saying this would be "I study my spells", "I refresh myself on my spells", or "I meditate for the proper use of my spells", etc.]

Pheylan
As Kiranyan finishes reading the letter, Pheylan struggles to keep his anger under control. Once Kiranyan concludes, Pheylan takes a slow deep breath and then begins to speak...

"My friends, I for one do not appreciate being kidnapped, nor am I willing to go along with this forced expedition unless no other option is available. However, I will freely admit that, having never been outside the walls of Tychuss, I currently have no idea as to which direction Tychuss lies."

"I have heard stories that some sailors can tell their approximate location and navigate from port to port by the stars. If anyone here has that type of skill perhaps we could determine our current location and the approximate direction to get back. If not, perhaps someone with woodland skills such as hunting or tracking could locate the wagon wheel marks from the wagons that must have been used to bring us to this remote location, and follow them back to Tychuss."

"Hopefully, someone has this type of skills or some other skill or power that can identify or current location or the direction to Tychuss. If not, I would be forced to admit that our only hope for return would be to complete this fools errand with the hope of settling up with Lord Chunnel and Lord Vastair at the end."

With this last comment, Pheylan looks intently from face to face, hoping for lightning to strike.

Farlont
[How much longer do I get harassed with the ugly jokes?]

"I did a quick look around and there are no tracks of any kind. Anyone with this kind of money would probably had us teleported out here. That way there are no questions from the city guards, no chance for attack on themselves, etc." I look into the chest. "The only items I could use are the potion of healing and possibly the rope."

I finish strapping on my hide armor and look around. "There clearly are not enough Extra Healing potions to go around. I suggest some of us stronger types take those, since we will still be standing in the heat of battle. We can then use them to help the weaker of us, as they fall." I look at the party, "OK, let me amend that. Even though the Jenzig looks big and beefy, he should not be one to carry one of the Extra Healing potions. I don't expect him to be standing much longer that the weaker ones." He sees the looks from the other party members. "I am serious. Not just because Jenzig typically go off and don't think things through, but he is wearing that blasted diamond on his cloak. Trust me, these zun know what that means. He might as well be wearing a big bulls-eye on his chest."

Shameron
Shameron first listens to Kiranyan and decides to respond to Pheylan's angry outburst. "Well my friends, it seems we are stuck together as traveling companions. I certainly do not posses any so called 'diplomatic skills' and would personally prefer to travel alone, however it would seem that this group is in need of my tracking skills and I must admit, it would probably be in everyone's best interest if we traveled together (unless we kill each other first, she mumbles under her breath)." [Louder] Unless there is one of you who posses skills using a bow, I would like to take the quiver and arrows. I will also pack 1 potion for healing and 1 ration of food, however, I will gladly share with our large friend over there [indicating Farlont] as I can probably find enough food in the forest to sustain me. I will wait till everyone has taken what they need, but I could possibly use a knife as well. As for the compass, I have never found the need for them and feel such magical items best belong to those with like abilities."

[Turning to Pheylan] "Since Lord Chunnel took the trouble to dump us all the way out here in the woods, I'm sure the wagon tracks are hidden quite well. Although I could possibly find the tracks, I for one, would like to go on. While I don't appreciate the deception in the manner in which we were unceremoniously dumped here, I did sign up willingly for this trek and look forward to traversing the eastern wilds. Shameron notices Pheylan's bemused face and can't help adding (with a slight smirk) "For one who so boldly announced your decision to sign up for this adventure I find it amusing you now feel this is a fool's errand. What happened to the brave lad who was first in line to sign up for this trek?" [Sorry Pheylan, just couldn't resist!]


[DM Note items claimed so far:
6 Arrows of Zun-Slaying (Shameron)
8 Potions of Healing (1 Kiranyan, 1 Shameron, 1 Farlont)
4 Potions of Extra-Healing (Farlont)
2 Potions of Invisibility
1 Magical Compass that only points to the return compass
8 One week Iron Rations (1 Kiranyan, 1 Shameron, 1 Farlont)
1 50 Rope (Farlont)
2 knives (1 Shameron)
1 Scroll of Protection from Fire 10' Radius (Kiranyan)
1 Scroll with 2 Neutralize Poison spells
1 Scroll with 2 Leomund's Tiny Hut spells
1 Scroll with Silence 15' Radius spell
1 Scroll with 2 Find Traps spells

Kiranyan
A faint chuckle escapes from the Jenzig's lips.

"The large one is thinking it seems. However, as I said before, I'll take one potion of healing... regardless of whomever serves as the human shield. I'll not prance about an unknown forest without some form of insurance."

After flashing a smile in Farlont's direction, and a wink towards Shameron, Kiranyan resumes in his reading.

Varlus
"Not wanting to appear greedy, but I will take my healing potion, 1 ration, and the scroll with Leomund's Tiny Hut. It looks like a good little shelter spell for us incase of emergency. The only problem I recall was only protects seven people. That will be interesting."

I continue looking through my things and put away my new items in a safe and secure place in my backpack. I look for a more suitable change of clothes, that is, something with a bit less white on it.

I head off into the woods a bit. "Excuse me for a moment while I change." [Assuming nothing happens] I return to camp and put away my city robes.

I pour a bit of water out of my wineskin onto a corner of my city robe, and wash my face as best I can. I look to Pheylan, "Is the blood gone?" I then comb my hair a bit to look more presentable.

"Has anyone else considered that there were more people in that room signing the contract than are here? I wonder if there are several teams out here. That could fundahhjjnkm n nngbgmentally change things."

Pheylan
Pheylan quietly listens to each response in turn, looking rather surprised at Farlont's comment about being teleported and chuckling slightly at his reference between a Jenzig and a bull's-eye.

At Shameron's comment the mission and his lack of courage, Phelyan looks somewhat perplexed.

Pheylan begins to speak, but then holds his tongue as both Kiranyan and Varlus have their say and claim their items. Finally, at a break in the conversation, Pheylan turns towards Shameron and begins to speak...

"I find your attitude towards this mission, well... let's say interesting. The fact is that we were drugged, and in Varlus' case beaten unconscious, our quarters were rummaged through, and then without our consent we were teleported into the middle of the woods, and this doesn't really bother you?"

"Yes, I did signup to complete a trek into the eastern wilds, but I also read the contract. I don't remember seeing anything about granting permission to drug me, search my quarters, and teleport me to a random location in the woods. I would also be willing to bet that when Varlus left the tent he did not ask to be assaulted. Obviously, these men believe that they are beyond the law and can do anything they wish. What makes you think they will keep their word and pay us at the completion of this errand? Also, what are the odds that whatever is at the end of the compass is not a trap? I have to admit, I find your faith in our hosts, especially given their recent behavior, somewhat naive."

Turning back to the group, he addresses all of those gathered...

"I'm not questioning your abilities or knowledge, Farlont, but do you really think we were teleported? I'm obviously not a shek p'var, but it would seem to me that that would require some significant power. I suppose it is possible that one of the Lords is a shek p'var of some power, but assuming one of them is not, this means that this conspiracy just added one extremely powerful shek p'var."

Finally, turning to Varlus he takes the wineskin from him and gently assists him in washing the remaining dried blood from his scalp. Once that is complete, he hands Varlus back his wineskin and begins to speak to him:

"Ok, that removed the last of the blood, but it looks like you'll have to wear that bruise for a few days, unfortunately."

He pauses a second as if thinking, and then continues...

"Varlus, I don't understand the reference to having multiple teams and how that would change things. How do you think that would fundamentally change things?"

Varlus
I repack my somewhat bloodied white city robe.

"I am just saying that there were, to my guess, 40 some potential adventurers in that tent. Since, by my being here, they have made up their minds on who they want, I would wager that all of those potentials are waking up somewhere just like us. Many of them are going to be pissed and some of them will be making the same conclusion that I am coming to." I try to get everyone to listen to my theory.

"I didn't really read the contract, as I had already decided it wasn't for me, but I know I didn't read it to be for more than one team out here. We may very well not receive payment of any kind if we are not the FIRST team back with the second compass. There may be several second compasses, or there may only be one. If there is only one, we may very well end up chasing another party back to Tychuss."

I take a sip from my waterskin, while I am gathering my thoughts. I jesture an offer of water to Pheylan. I look at my clothing. It is so sad, the least conspicuous clothes I possess is the one with the white strip across the mid-section. It is otherwise a fairly dark set tunic and breeches.

"A side thought is the second compass. Who is to say that some wandering zun won't find it. We could be on a wild goose chase for sure. I will not even go into the fact that we will be royally screwed if its magick is destroyed or disrupted somehow. You all must forgive my paranoia, but it kinda goes hand in hand with being a Peleahn. You know, the whole ounce of prevention, pound of cure stuff."

"As far as my choices for party leaders, I would have to say Shameron, Phylan, then Kendervon are my choices in that order. No offense Farlont, but you don't stike me a leader type [and not just because you are ugly and prolly have a bad Charisma, hehe]. I hate to think what would happen to this party if it were lead by a Jenzig in the woods, and both the other two haven't said much for me to base a decision on.

Kiranyan
"Why not Varlus? I mean... do you see anything flammable here?"

Kiranyan stands up and gives Varlus a light slap on the back... soon after he's rolling around laughing on the forest floor. Moments later, the teary-eyed elf stands and gives Shameron a light elbow in the ribs.

"Personally... I'd follow this one to hell and back."

He winks again towards Shameron, and quickly steps away. (To avoid any flailing arms... of course. Chuckle.)

"But... being that we are in hostile territory, I say we let the repulsive one lead. Unless we happen to meet another one of those teams, of course. Then perhaps the lovely one should do the speaking."

Pheylan
Listening attentively to Varlus' explanation, Pheylan gratefully accepts the offered wineskin and drinks deeply of the water. Then he hands the wineskin back and listens to the completion of the explanation, getting rather wild eyed as Varlus suggests Pheylan as a candidate for leader.

"I really don't think I'm the leader type, although I wouldn't mind giving Shameron a few orders...."

Following Kiranyan's example, Pheylan quickly jumps out of Shameron's general vicinity. After a few seconds, he looks sheepishly at Shameron...

"Sorry, Sham... It's all Kiranyan's fault, he's just a bad influence."

At this last statement, he grins widely at Kiranyan and winks at Shameron. Then, he continues...

"Seriously though, I have to ask... Why all of the interest in electing a leader? As I see it, a leader has been elected for us... the compass. So, we follow where the compass tells us to go. So again I ask, what exactly do we need a leader for?"

Shaizan
"I'll take a potion of healing and a ration, and would you all mind if I held onto an invisibility potion? If anyone else needs it, I will give it to them."

Shaizan
I take a step forward to catch everyone's attention. "While I believe that having a leader is generally a good idea on an adventure or mission, I think that we may have to do without one here. Firstly, nobody really knows anyone else well enough to make any good character judgements. Secondly, by the way everyone has been acting so far, I'm not at all sure that everyone will agree to the same person, or even if they do, that they will always go along with what he or she decides. Maybe we should just go ahead and get on with our journey. We don't need a leader at this stage anyway -- who needs to be told how to follow a compass?"

"If, at some point in the future, we come upon a situation which obviously requires a leader, we will be better acquainted and probably more at ease with each other. Such a situation would make electing a leader easy -- it is also possible that someone will have just naturally taken the lead instead of being formally elected."

"In the interest of making acquaintances, my name is Satia Shaizan, Savoryan Shek P'var. I am a scholar and a psionicist by training."

I offer my hand to everyone in turn.

Farlont
After finishing strapping on all my armor and hefting my club [and flexing with some Conan moves], I can finally hold my tongue no longer on the topic of party leadership.

"Personally, I think that leadership should be based on strength. Not just physical, or mental, but strength of character. I would wager all my possessions that I could best any one of you in any feat of physical strength you dare to name [I flex my right arm and grip my club so hard that it begins to creak], but that would prove nothing. Don't get me wrong, it would give me endless amusement, but in the end it would prove nothing."

I tap my club into the ground so that it stands handle up in the earth. I cross my arms [ok, and flex some more], and raise my eyebrow at the others for a moment as if looking for a taker. "I just want it known that should this 'party leader' thing turn into some popularity vote, I will have to preceed as I see fit."

[I quietly talk to the quiet sissy Laranian and punctuate it with a tap to the chest with my index finger. Trying to knock him a bit off balance, but not knock him over.]

Shameron
Shameron gives a small shrug after Pheylan's remark about about her being naive. "I don't have any faith in our host, only in myself and my abilities to survive. It is doubtful our "hosts" would renege on the money, but of course, they may not believe we will make it back. In fact, I'm sure that one of them would be extremely happy that we DIDN'T make it back. Since you have two lords pitted against each other, you really can't be sure what their intentions are. As for Varlus theory that there could be other teams, I myself wondered about that. But what doesn't make sense is that an increase in the number of teams would mean the odds are greater for a team making it back. Again, this could be all some sick game in which the Lords would like to see what happens if several teams are pitted against each other. Either way, I really don't care what the Lords do or not do. While we all have our reasons for being here, mine is not driven by the rewards given at the end, but more by sense of adventure in exploring and surviving in this wild country."

Shameron glares at Kiranyan's elbow in the ribs and remark about "hell and back". She listens to Pheylan and hides a slight smile after his remarks about "giving her orders". After hearing Farlont and then Shaizan speak, she decides to add in the following "As far as leading goes, I think everyone is looking at this in different ways. I think some of us are talking about leading as in "who goes first" and some of us are thinking about who is going to make decisions and arbitrate this group. I think, for now, we need to come up with a game plan of how best to survive in this wilderness and that means defending ourselves. Like Shaizan said, since we do not know each other, we have no idea on how to count on each other. I think we should take some time to eat and each of us tell a little about themselves so we know best how to travel and how to defend ourselves should we come under attack."

I sit down cross legged and open my backpack to pull out a piece of fruit. I gaze up at everyone's faces for their reactions. I can't read them all very well so I shrug and say "I'll go next. I think everyone knows by now that my name is Shameron. I have lived in the woods for many years and know how to travel through them without being detected, although those skills will be put to the test with a group this size. I am an excellent shot with a bow so I feel I should be somewhere near the front of the party when traveling. Although I don't consider myself a Priestess, I do follow my father's chosen God of Siem and posses a few clerical skills."

She points to the other Larani priest [Caledon] "You've been very quiet this whole time. Why don't you go next?"

Varlus
"I don't think I introduced myself to everyone. My name is Mavari Varlus Geffin. I am a Peleahn of the Gentle Order of the White Hand. My specialties are protections and paranoia. Don't let my order fool you. We are not passifists, but most of my shek p'var bethren are ill suited for combat, so usually try to stay out of it."

I offer my hand to everyone as Shameron did.

"Are we going to be lingering here much longer, or are we going to get this company on the road?"

Farlont
"In case anyone missed the obvious, my name is Farlont and I am a warrior. I enjoy fighting, killing, and maiming. Not necessarily in that order. My temper goes about as far as my good looks gets me with the women. That's right, not too damn far, so don't push me."

I pick up the compass thingie and look at it. I turn it, to verify that it is indeed pointing to one specific place at all times.

"Who wants to carry this thing? It's not gonna be me. My club requires me to have both these fists of steel on it at all times." I chuckle. "For what its worth. It appears to work, for now."

Pheylan
[Farlont - Just exactly which "quiet sissy Laranian" were you poking? ]

Pheylan bends over with laughter at Farlont's comparison of his temper and his appearance. Slowly, he regains his composure and begins to speak...

"Amazingly enough, I find myself in agreement with Farlont. I don't think a leader is either necessary or desirable at this junction. Honestly, I don't know any of you or trust any of you well enough to accept orders that go against my own beliefs. However, I do see the wisdom of Sham's suggestion to introduce ourselves."

Taking a deep breath he continues...

"My name is Pheylan. As I mentioned last night I am a Laranian acolyte of the Order of Hyvrik. I was only recently promoted to acolyte and my skills in magic are, unfortunately, well... less than perfect. However, my will and my faith are strong and will see me through."

Looking somewhat embarrassed and ashamed, he becomes unusually quiet and steps slightly back from the circle, apparently lost in his own thoughts...

Caledon
"My name is Caledon, and as Pheylan, I am a Laranian acolyte. As I said earlier in Lord Vastair's tent, I seek the creatures who killed my parents. As for you Farlont, your race is not responsible or else you would have died in Vastair's tent, besides they smelled better. Furthermore, I suggest you never put your hands on me again or you will be needing Pheylan's or Shameron's healing powers!"

"I have been silent, apparently, everyone has forgotten the art of observation. I have found myself drugged and dumped in the eastern wilds with seven strangers, other than Pheylan whom should I trust?"

"As for the election of a leader, I too believe there is no need at this time. With Shameron's abilities to survive in the woods, we should follow her for the time being. However, we should be more cautious, we have been fortunate the chest was not trapped. We should not complete the distribution of the remaining items in the chest and start our trek. If there are other parties seeking the same second compass, we must be first. For I cannot wait to see Lord Chunnel's face upon our successful return."

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