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From: [e-mail] (Lance Dooly)
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Subject: STORY: The Tales of Dark Haven (Chapter 11)
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Date: 26 Jul 1995 14:30:50 -0400
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------- The Tales of Dark Haven ---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                                                                            -
- These stories are from an on-going E-mail campaign, and are currently      -
- maintained by Lance Dooly ([e-mail]).  New stories will be  -
- posted in rec.games.frp.archives and are available for anonymous FTP       -
- at tfnet.ils.unc.edu in /pub/dark.                                         -
-                                                                            -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------- Chapter 11: A party by any other name -------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tatiana brings the topic of conversation onto more practical matters ....

(Tatiana:)
"I went over to the Citadel today while it was still open.  There's
one job that might be interesting to us as a group unless we decide to
split up and go our individual ways."

She looked her new friends over and some rolled their eyes at the
thought of a sedentary life.  Others looked a little surprised that
she would even suggest such a thing since they all seemed to be cut
from the same cloth.  They all were the adventuresome sort.  Shade,
being a bard, could tell she was using reverse incentive to steer the
group to the same decision she had come to.

(Tatiana:)
No-one spoke up when she mentioned the group splitting up, so she
continued "Well then I think we agree that we should become an
adventuring group and seek to etch our fame and fortune from this new
land.  We will need a name to call ourselves so the history books
remember us well."

"There are eight of us, how about the enigmatic eight?" she winced
even as she said it.  "Or, how about The Eidolon (eye-doe-len) which
sounds neat and means an insubstantial image or an ideal.  Sorta
implies we will strive but gives us an air of mystery too" she looked
to each and said their names "Arlon, Dithion, Falrun, Kaeyar, Keilan,
Shade, Silver, and myself Tatiana, a toast to the future success of
The Eidolon" She raised her cup to each member and smiled.

(Keilan:)
Keilan rolls his eyes and shifts in his seat, taking a drink from his
mug of ale, "Please.  Names are for the foolish who do not know
themselves or the haughty who desire all to know of them.  Call
yourself what you will, but leave me out of it.  Bards!  Always think
every story is worth the telling."

(Arlon:)
"Yes Keilan, you are right - the fools and the proud do like to give
themselves names and of course history shows them to be this way or
doesn't show them at all.  But I have also known the naming of a group
to give the individuals a greater camaraderie, inspire a feeling of
togetherness and not just being a group of individuals; but a whole
single unit - a team.  It has its benefits."

"If we are able to do extraordinary things here, history will give us a
name anyway; so why not create that name ourselves.  I think a name
would be a good idea.  I always liked 'The Intrepid' myself."

"History! The experience of those before us is one of their greatest
gifts - and the Bards know this"

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana frowned at Keilan's reaction to the naming of their group.
"Names are important.  They are a source for identity and for bonding
individuals into a cohesive group.  The Zhentarium would not be so
frightening if they didn't have a name, nor would they be as organized
if they did not have a name to rally behind."

(Keilan:)
"A name changes nothing.  What lies in men's hearts is not bound by
the names given to it, only the blood in his veins.  And I for one
could care little what a horde of murderers might be called.  They are
slayers and that is all that matters."

(Tatiana:)
"A name denotes a belonging and a responsibility to it's members.  Your
callous comments, I attribute to ignorance and forgive them.  For I do
not believe you do not see yourself as part of our group.  I think you
long for being needed by others and fear to say so, and that is what
motivates such words."  She attempted to let the subject drop at that
point and continue on with the job posting.

(Keilan:)
"You could not be more wrong, I think.  I do see myself as part of
this group, but this talk of being needed and fear is pure fantasy.
You still don't understand me at all."

(pause)

"And it is a sorry name anyway..."

(Falrun:)
Falrun listens to the bickering about a name between Keilan and
Tatiana and soon can stand no more without putting in his two coppers
worth.  "Tatiana, I agree that we should have a name and possibly a
standard under which we may be identified and rally.  However, I do
not agree with a name that counts our numbers for at least two
reasons.  The first is that it will give away our numbers to potential
enemies.  Any one going against the Zhentarim for the first time has
no idea what they are in for.  Also, it does not easily allow for new
members or losses from the original number.  How would the Enigmatic
Eight look when they come dragging into town with only five surviving
members?"

"How about something a little less definite that still gives an idea
as to what we are planning to do here?  How about The Trailblazers?
It's not too fancy but I bet you'll get a few more songs out of that
one than the Enigmatic Eight.  What rhymes with that?"

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana makes a comment about the Eidolon not being a name which means
"The Enigmatic Eight" as even she would not care for such a crass
name.

(Falrun:)
Falrun blushes and apologizes, "I'm sorry Tatiana, I misunderstood
you.  I guess I got the name completely wrong.  I still don't agree
with it because the common peasant will have no idea what you're
talking about, much less most other people.  Not everyone is as
educated as you are."

(Tatiana:)
OOC: I couldn't really care less about the name of the group, and
     won't get hurt feelings if my name isn't chosen.  I'm just
     role-playing a bard :-)

Tatiana laughed a little at Falrun's comment about misunderstanding her
name for the group.

When Arlon agrees with Falrun about the name being difficult for
others to understand she looks to Falrun "I can see what you mean.  It
must be my love of words that makes me too poetic sometimes."

"Very well, the Eidolon isn't good either.  But Trailblazers doesn't
suit me either.  Sounds like we all chew tobacco and spit as we
adventure"

"Intrepid sounds interesting.  Hmm, Tatiana of the Intrepid.  I think
I like that one.  Unless someone can suggest a better" she said this
while looking at Keilan with a small grin

OOC: She's trying to be flirtatious with both Falrun and Keilan to
     minimize hurt feelings.  She's cute remember (even if I don't
     articulate it well)

(Shade:)
For a moment Shade had thought to interject to cool down the
bickering, but seeing Tatiana eyebrows fluttering so nicely and her
hips rocking a little more than the normal in order to soothe the men
moods, he settled down hardly choking back laughter.

Then, a serious expression on his face "Names are that important,
Keilan, a name is a road to someone soul - he shivers - I learnt it
well down in Menzoberranzan - but, - he looks at his companions - but,
I do think we have not earned a name yet."  He smiles "It has been
just a minor skirmish in a, I fear, loong war, nothing so heroic to
get a name from."

(Silver:)
After a number of people have mentioned what they think, Silver will
say to Tatiana "'Ana, I agree that we do need a name. Each has their
own thoughts on what that name should be. I have heard that the names
of groups such as ours will emerge as songs are sung by you Bards."

After a pause, Silver continues "Names bring with them many things,
and cannot be decided upon lightly. I like 'Eidolon', but it can only
be right if all agree."

(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar begins getting visibly annoyed and impatient as the argument
progresses, eventually breaking in with "fine, great, sure, let's have
some fine noble prosaic name under which we can go out and do fine
noble and prosaic deeds [makes a face here].

(Dithion:)
Dithion says little, then joins in briefly, saying, "It might help for
hiring purposes later, if we can make our name reputable."

(Tatiana:)
She turned to Silver "Perhaps you could ask Mielikki to bless this
union when it is appropriate.  And if you could include Tuft in your
blessing I would be grateful"

(Silver:)
Extremely pleased at being asked for her goddess's blessing on the
group, she will brighten, and say "Of course, I would be more than
willing to ask Mielikki to grant a blessing on our Group."

(Dithion:)
Dithion coughs here, and says, "No offense Silver, but leave me out of
that blessing."

(Silver:)
Her pleased look quickly fades. "Oh, Dithion, I am so sorry, I was
being thoughtless.  Please forgive me." Silver now looks concerned.
"You must tell me more about Des later. I know little about your
faith, and would not want to offend you further."




The party have been discussing joining together into an adventuring
band. Some seem keen on giving themselves an identity. Others - for
various reasons - do not like taking on a name just yet. The talk
turns to other topics ....


(Tatiana:)
"I guess since we are officially an organized group we should agree on
some means of direction we will follow." she said with trepidation as
she knew all were very individualistic people including herself.

"I will look to Silver for theological guidance, and to Arlon for
magical, but who will be our leader otherwise?  Perhaps we have a
volunteer for that position"

Tatiana looked to the others hoping someone would volunteer, but eyes
diverted leaving only a few to offer their skills as the leader of the
Eidolon.

(Arlon:)
"I would be glad to lend any leadership skills I have to the group,
one of the warriors will probably also have some leadership
background."

(Tatiana:)
She gets serious for a moment "Arlon, while I thank you for your offer
to be leader, I'd rather look to you for our magical guidance and look
to another for leadership of the mundane nature." She looked to Silver
as well hoping the thought would be translated to the theological
guidance as well.

"Please don't take this personally, I was just thinking more along the
lines of someone like ...  Keilan, Dithion, or Falrun.  The others of
us are too preoccupied with magical pursuits to dedicate our time to
the leadership role."

(Shade:)
"It is not only a matter of magical pursuit - Interjects Shadowdancer
- tactical training is part of a warrior life: no one else would be as
good as a true warrior at this task."

(Kaeyar:)
"But leadership is something we can't wait on.  And I myself have no
problem with Arlon as leader.  If you remember how the battle went, us
spell-slingers were far more in need of coordination than those who
did most of the hacking!  Much of our strength is in our magical
powers, so this insistence on a warrior as a leader seems folly to me.
And I'd be willing to bet that he is not untrained in strategy and
tactics.  If any other would be leader, let him play a game of chess
with our mage friend!  I have no doubt whom the victor would be."  As
he speaks, he gives a hard stare at those who have rejected Arlon's
offer.

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "I would make a very poor leader, so please count me
out.  How about you Tatiana?  You seem to have a good deal of
diplomacy skills, although I have no problem with Arlon either."  He
returns Kaeyar's hard stare with one equally hard.  Then he giggles,
and rubs his eyes as if very tired.  "I think I am getting punchy.  I
need some more sleep."

(Arlon:)
"Friends, we all know that the qualities of a leader are many and very
very few possess them all, each of us has some of those qualities -
Silver and Dithion, you posses the wisdom and care of others that I
have rarely seen; Falrun and Kaeyar have knowledge of the practical,
seeing a need and trying to fill it; Keilan is level headed and sure
of himself; I have a quick keen mind; Tatiana, you have the inner fire
and drive to want to get things done and Shade, you posses one of the
most important qualities of a leader, humility.  There is one quality
that will really only come from the interaction we have with each
other - that is trust; but it will come as we travel and battle and
socialize.  I believe that the leader in all of us will show itself at
some critical point when it is needed.

Now as far as a go-between for us and the leaders of this colony, this
could be a good thing to get soon. Several of us can do this and at
least 2 would be good."


(Falrun:)
"I've had some experience as an officer in a military group.  I also
believe in majority rules.  I see no reason why we can't all voice our
opinions and take the most reasonable decision of the bunch.  In other
words, what duties do you propose for the "leader" to perform that
can't be decided by the what is best for the party?"

(Silver:)
Silver leans slightly towards Falrun and says calmly that "Falrun, you
are quite correct to say that we are experienced enough not to need
the services of a leader during the times we will be working together.
But the leaders of this village, if they are to deal with a group,
need to deal with a spokesperson. We need someone with whom the
authorities can deal. Someone with wisdom, honesty and with an
appropriate bearing." She pauses to look around each of the others "I
believe that we are all a vital part of this group, and without
demeaning the skills that each of us have to offer, I would ask you,
Falrun, to assume the mantle of leader in order to ease our dealings
with the local authorities."

"Natural leaders will emerge through their actions during tight
situations, but in the relatively relaxed situations here, we need
someone like Falrun"

(Arlon:)
OOC: Falrun as leader? Really?  I may be getting confused with another
     character; but right now I didn't even have him in the top 4 -
     I'll have to go back and look at his posts.

     I really don't care - it seems to me a liaison or 2 with the
     leaders of the settlement may be good, otherwise it is probably
     real tough to do any battle leadership in pbem (timing and all).

(Silver:)
OOC: Absolutely. No chance of any real co-ordination in battle scenes,
     perhaps just like "real life" 8-). The only reason I think we
     need a leader is to handle the liaisons with the settlement
     leaders.  Out of interest, who were your top 4 ? I would not have
     counted Tatiana (too impulsive), Kaeyar (too common - not meant
     unkindly), Silver (wouldn't want to), Tarok (too dead), Shade
     (don't think he'd want to).

     That leaves Keilan, Dithion, Falrun, Arlon - how does it compare
     with your list ?

(Arlon:)
OOC: My top 4 were:
    Dithion, Keilan, Silver, Arlon - these I believe are the most
     solid of the group - I thought Silver would have been a fine liaison.


(Falrun:)
"Thank you, Silver, for your support, but I too believe that the
natural leader of the group will emerge soon enough.  At the moment we
can all contribute in the ways that we know how."

(Tatiana:)
As Falrun asks about the leaders responsibilities "Don't get me wrong,
I think making decisions by committee is good enough for most
occasions.  But when the time comes for quick thinking and fast
decisions, I want someone not preoccupied with picking a spell to
dictate a course of action.  As well as settle disputes that we as a
group can't agree on.  We can always change our mind later with
discussion.  This is only informal for the time being." She finished
with a smile hoping she had soothed things over.  She looked to Shade
to see if he could articulate things better.

(Shade:)
"So true, 'Ana. - He smiles to his friend slightly touching her
shoulder - I myself am of the individualistic lot, but in time of fast
paced melee the organization coming from a trusted leader is a bonus
not to be underrated.  My vote is for having a military leader, and
taking common decisions all together"

(Arlon:)
Arlon will say this loud enough to be heard over the chatter:
"Friends, let us not forget what we are doing here.  This is a
celebration, we were victorious in our first battle together.  We
should not be bickering, we should be thankful and encourage one
another."

"I thank you Kaeyar for your words; life as well as games have taught
me strategy and tactics - you get to see a lot when you are more or
less behind the scenes in a battle; but again our talk about leaders
can wait and leaders will naturally rise to the surface.  But before
that we need to trust each other and learn of each other"

Arlon stands and raises his mug "FRIENDS! a gift, a treasure that few
things exceed, let us help our friendships to grow and to be a bond
that nothing can break."

Arlon's face is very cheery at this time, as he looks around the table
at everyone.

(Dithion:)
Dithion smiles and raises his mug and drinks with Arlon.

(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar makes a face at those last few words, mumbles "ugh.  makes it
sound like we're getting married," but raises his glass nonetheless.

(Arlon:)
With a chuckle "Yes, I suppose it does; but there are many
similarities between friendships and marriage."

(Shade:)
The drow grins "I suppose you'd _HAVE_ to be friend in order to get
married, so sorry sometimes it's a different matter.."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana frowned at Kaeyar's harsh words, but soon took to shaking her
head realizing it was in his nature.  She too raised her glass of wine
to the toast, clinking her glass with Silver and others nearby.

(Kaeyar:)
"Ah, so we seem to have decided not to decide on a leader.  Very
well."




Ok, so the party have a little problem agreeing on a name, and indeed
on a leader. But what about who should get the treasure ......


(Falrun:)
"Seeing as how we are talking about organization of the party, does
anyone propose a written charter of the group detailing how treasure
will be split or can we work out a "Gentleman's" agreement on an even
split of treasure.  We all must make our homes here, at least for a
little while, and everyone should have at least some assurances of
their income."

With that said, Falrun takes his mug and leans back in his chair
anticipating the next round of "discussion".

(Tatiana:)
"That's not so hard really, I once had a court accountant describe to
me a fair and equitable means for distribution of treasure gained by
an adventuring group.  This might get confusing because I'm not an
accountant myself but let me give it a try."

"We bid on the items of treasure we wish to have for ourselves.  Let
me take an example Silver and I are the group.  I just use the two of
us for ease of calculations, it will work for larger groups as well.
Silver and I have agreed that she is more important to the group then
I am and she should get two shares.  I'm just saying that to show that
this will work for strange divisions of treasure as well as equal
portions.  So don't use this against me later" she said with a smile.

"On our adventuring we find a ring which turns out to be a ring of
magical protection, we find 4000 gold as well."

"We both bid in secret give the best and final offer for the ring.  We
will bid what we feel the ring is worth to us.  Let's just say she
values the ring more than I do and bids secretly 2000 gold.  I don't
care about the ring so I bid 0."

"We take the total of the highest bid for each item and sum them
together with the gold we earned.  2000 for the ring and 4000 for the
coins gives us a total of 6000 gold in booty."

"Since Silver gets 2 parts and I get 1 part then I am due 2000 gp and
she is due 4000 gp."

"Silver will take the ring which she needs to pay 2000 for and I get
2000 as well.  Silver gets the ring, and 2000 gold, I get 2000 gold
and we both feel like we got a good deal."

"If you can follow my analogy then I think you can easily see that it
would be just as useful for larger groups as well."

"But I suggest we consider everyone equal in treasure share for now"

"I'm good with numbers, and honest as well.  So I can take care of the
bidding process and division of treasure if it was too confusing.  But
really it works the best".

(Falrun:)
He then turns to Tatiana and says, "That seems to be a fair and
equitable means of dividing treasure to me.  I'll go along with it."

(Arlon:)
A way we used to do it is to divide the monetary treasure evenly, and
for the items of magic or unusual nature we would draw lots for a
picking order once and this picking order would rotate after each
subsequent division of treasure - we did this if there was at least 1
item for everyone, otherwise there was a group negotiation for who got
what, this would work extremely well.  Ex: suppose after drawing lots
the order came out to be:

 Dithion, Keilan, Shade, Arlon, Silver, Falrun, Kaeyar

Then Dithion would pick first and so on, cycling through the order
until all items are chosen - you could abstain picks or even trade
picks prior.

The next time there was enough treasure the cycle would rotate - the
order of rotation can be any way we want it; but as an example:

 Kaeyar, Dithion, Keilan, Shade, Arlon, Silver, Falrun

in this case rotation was a cycle down.

Just something else to think about that probably won't be decided
until we actually need to choose treasure.


(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "I like your method of division Arlon.  What of the rest
of you?"

(Silver:)
Silver responded "I also like Arlon's idea. It is simple, yet
effective.  However, if there is any particular item which is of
interest to only certain members of the party, say the mages, then
this needs to be handled as well."

(Dithion:)
At talk of dividing the treasure, Dithion says, "I think we should do
it equally, regardless of worth.  On one quest, I may be useless, on
another instrumental.  The same could be said for anyone.  If we are
going to be a team, I don't think any should be given more than
another.  None should be put above another.  If, however, some of us
cannot pull our weight, then we can rediscuss this division decision.
If we make one, that is."



Ok, so no agreement on a name, leader or treasure division, but what
exactly can we agree on ? What job we should take .....

The talk of leaders and names has now finished (we hope). But what
will the party do to earn fame, money, or whatever else motivates each
of them in this land ?


(Tatiana:)
"Anyways what I found at the Citadel was a posting concerning the
natives and Rhuleck's Farm.  The job wishes hearty individuals to
harass the retreating native army and make it's way to Rhuleck's Farm to
make contact ...  if it still stands."  she let the silence hang as
the importance of the mission sunk in.

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "I am interested in such a venture.  These savages
should be harried as much as possible after what they did."

(Falrun:)
"Can you tell us who is hiring for the job and will they supply us in
advance?  Or is it payment on completion of the mission?  I personally
would like to negotiate some supplies or equipment out of this
employer, and if we are to harass natives who are immune to natural
weapons, will they supply us with some effective weaponry?"

(Silver:)
Silver replies "Exactly, Falrun. You show wisdom once more. We should
indeed be able to get equipped for any task. I would suggest that
perhaps you negotiate this very point with those at the Citadel."

(Arlon:)
"Yes Falrun, magical weaponry could be needed if those retreating
natives have anymore of that foul potion with them; but seeing how
limited the resources are here, I doubt there would be any in surplus;
but no harm in asking.  I would lend one of you warriors my staff if
necessary, it may not be as effective as a sword but it does have a
magical benefit - are any of you proficient with a staff?"

(Falrun:)
"If no one else is proficient with a staff, I would be glad to use
your staff if my own two swords will do no damage.  I would, of
course, defer to anyone who could use it more effectively.  Thank you
for your offer Arlon."

(Keilan:)
"As good as any job we're likely to get here.  Though I'd rather NOT
harass the natives, I would like to find Rhuleck's Farm.  We'll need
money for supplies though.  What are the conditions of payment?  I
would not like to go running through hostile lands with a quiver of
only 4 warped arrows."

(Tatiana:)
"I've got a full load of arrows and a broken bow, so you may use as
many of my arrows as you need.  The payment was not on the posting,
and I'm pretty sure it will be discussed during the job interview."

(Kaeyar:)
Thinking back to the discussion a little while ago, Kaeyar mutters
"For the meantime, if we're just making a trek out to the farm, I
think we can live without a name ...."

(Tatiana:)
"I'm interested if you all are"

(Kaeyar:)
"Friends, I think we should turn our thoughts to the morrow.  If we
make this expedition to the farm, we'll need supplies, we'll need a
plan.  I can conjure a horse to make the trip easier, and several of
us seem to be able to fly.  As was said before, we will also need to
know details of payment and supply; but we should decide as much as we
can now based on what we know, so that we can leave early tomorrow."

"By the way, if anyone is in need of arrows, let me know, I have some
extras I bought today."

(Falrun:)
After listening to Kaeyar's offer of arrows, Falrun says, "I don't
mean to be sarcastic Kaeyar, but who has a bow that wasn't broken last
night?  Otherwise I would have been glad to take you up on your
offer."

(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar also springs for everyone's meal and drinks if they'll let him.
If they refuse, they get a very nasty glare.

(Tatiana:)
"Thank you very much friend Kaeyar". She calls a barmaid over and
orders another glass of wine.

(Arlon:)
"I thank you Kaeyar for dinner - you beat me to the punch, I suppose
Silver, me and you will have to have dinner another time ..."

(Silver:)
"Yes, Kaeyar, thank you very much for the meal and wine."

(Shade:)
"I really appreciate your offer Kaeyar - he smiles at his friend -
let's eat in honor of our friendship."

(Arlon:)
OOC: I am assuming that Tarok initially survived the battle; but then
     fell in a crater or something; because it doesn't look like he'll
     be participating.



At Arlon's earlier toast to friendship, which went some way towards
ending arguments among the party ....


(Shade:)
Eyes shining the drow rise is mug (of fruit juice, but that is not
critical;) "Great Arlon, ever thought of trying the bard career? - he
looks quizzically at Tatiana - he bested both of us, didn't he?"

(Tatiana:)
She looked to Shade with a look of mock disbelief on her face "You
maybe, but not me".  She could keep a straight face no longer and
broke out laughing "Yes, indeed he did good friend!"

(Arlon:)
"Ha, HA" supposed to be a laugh "Ever since a bard came into my
families village, when I was young, I had a place in my heart for
bards - we each share an interest in history and in many cases the
Ancients.  Besides, 2 of my best friends are bards!"  He says this
last thing with a big smile on his face while giving a look to Shade
and Tatiana.

(Shade:)
Then he catches his balalaika and start playing a joyous ballad
singing the worth of a trusted friendship

"About a leader... -he nods to Arlon - you ought to be right, but I
suggest that we spend a couple of hours to preplan and draw a tactic
to employ in the open before adventuring out of the palisade in
search of fame and fortune."  "Disorganisation -He picks a dissonant
chord on is instrument - can lead a strong party toward a sorry
demise. - he starts again on the ballad - If we point out everyone's
strengths and weaknesses we, all together - can decide the best
general course of action for each of us."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana listened to Shade talk about leaders and the way he used his
unique instrument to punctuate his remarks.  She took a note or two
for future reference.  As usual, his delivery was well done.



The mages get their heads together, and talk of arcane matters ....


(Kaeyar):
And spellcasters, if we want to spend some time trading spells
tonight, shall we just swap spell lists by e-mail?  I'm game...

(Arlon:)
This is fine with Arlon, if there is time tonight - which we probably
won't know till tomorrow; but Arlon will only trade spells on a 1 for
1 basis, it is a habit he picked up as he dealt with other mages in
his life.

(Shade:)
Shade does want to trade spells, one for one is good.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana overheard the request to trade spells and she added her voice
to the group.  "I too have some spells I'm willing to trade, and wish
to learn others given the time!"

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "I too, would be very interested in trading spells."

(Tatiana:)
OOC: How does transcribing a spell into your own spell book work here?
     Do we need special ink? Special paper, how much time etc Is a
     spell in a spell book magical (I'd rather it not be. I'd like to
     see it be just a treaties on a particular spell, so there's no
     threat of losing a spell from the spell book while transcribing
     and you can't cast from your spell book!)

(Shade:)
"Just one last thing: should one of us fail to learn a spell I assume
he can retry when more experienced- he smiles - free of charge I mean,
am I wrong?"

(Tatiana:)
"Why yes of course silly.  That's what a fair trade is about isn't
it?"

(Tatiana:)
She smiled at Arlon "You are such a charming gentleman, I'll tell you
what, I've already arranged for Magic Missile from Shade how about we
just trade Mirror Image and Burning hands for Strength and
Glitterdust."

"I like Glitterdust better cause it's got a prettier name, but I can
see the usefulness of Strength.  Sounds like a good trade to me."

(Arlon:)
"Ahh Tatiana, you are a gem - you remind me of myself when I was
younger and still with my family - you are a joy everytime I see you.
We must also, at some time, share stories of the Ancients since we are
both fond of that as well."

(Tatiana:)
"Perhaps over the campfire sometime.  Those are the best times for
telling history.  Sorta sets the mood, if you know what I mean."

She looked up as a thought came to her, "What ever came of that potion
bottle?  Did you all find out what is was?"


(Falrun:)
Turning to Arlon, "Yes, I too am curious about what was determined
about the potion.  Did you learn anything?  And when is it that we
should go and see Mendahl?  I don't want to disturb him when it is
inconvenient.  I know how touchy some wizards can be."

(Arlon:)
"The discovery of this potion was of dire news to both Daermon and
Mendahl.  It is a transformation potion that in the words of Daermon
'caused their souls to be sold, and their prowess increased'.  It is
the blackest evil.  This continent seems to be the home of evil on
this world, the creatures are vicious and cunning, there seems to be
no concept of healing to native spellcasters.  They are Demon
summoners and necromancers, they care not for the lives of others.
Mendahl said there would be an increase on the bounty for native
wizards.  It seems we are going to have a difficult fight on our hands
with any mission we undertake.

We discussed other things but came to no conclusions, Mendahl had some
...  uh .. pressing business to take care of" He gives Shade a sideways
glance and a short smile.

(Shade:)
"Yep Arlon, things were going to be hairy for Master Mendahl - he
grins - definitely silver haired. - then more seriously - I do think
you did forget nothing, my friend, I would just add a warning: - he
stares at the companions - we have to take double care in dealing with
these wretched shamen, the one who deals with demons is a very hateful
man.  As I witnessed myself in the underworld losing one's life is
sorry, but losing one's soul is worst."



Some of the arguments prove too much for one of us to stand ....


(Keilan:)
Keilan listens to the topics fly fast and furious, and then stands up
as he finishes his drink.

"Thank you for the drink, Kaeyar."
"Good evening, all."

With that Keilan leaves the tavern and the discussions behind.

(Tatiana:)
She watched Keilan walk away "Some of us trust that we will work
things out and leave the details to those that like to argue.  He is a
wise man."

(Arlon:)
Arlon says this to whoever is near him, this is after Keilan leaves.
"I am a little worried about Keilan, I am not sure if he feels
alienated from us or if its just his nature to be more solitary - he
seems more hardened than a man of his age should be.  I am sure of his
ability; but I hope he gets closer with us."

OOC: I am role-playing here, this is just Arlon's current impression
     of Keilan's recent reactions.

(Falrun:)
Falrun then settles in and finishes his meal and enjoys the company of
the remaining group.




Some of the party are still wounded from last night ....


(Silver:)
After all the discussions over leaders, names and treasure, Silver
will ask generally if anyone is still wounded after last night's
battle. With an apologetic smile towards Dithion she says "No doubt
you are able to take care of yourself, my friend."

(Arlon:)
To Silver "uh can I still have the heal now :-)"

(Silver:)
Smiling, Silver will walk round to behind Arlon, gently place her
slender hands on either side of his head. "Close your eyes, Arlon.
Feel the warmth of the love Mielikki shows her children."

Arlon's face calms almost immediately, and he relaxes in Silver's
hands. His breathing becomes much steadier, and he feels a gentle
warmth spread from his head down the rest of his body. The process
takes almost a full minute, and at last Silver will remove her hands
and return to her seat, a small smile on her face.

OOC: 5hp curing to Arlon.

"How do you feel now, Arlon ? And the rest of you ?"

(Arlon:)
"Very good, I have no more itch from those burn areas, thank you."

(Tatiana:)
Looking to Arlon as Silver heals him.  She grins as Arlon relaxes
under her healing touch.  "About your offer of loaning your staff,
Arlon - I'm proficient in the staff but not specialized in it's use as
I am in long sword and daggers.  But I also don't have a magical
blade, so if no other needs it I could use it."

"I too am hurt but not too bad (34 out of 38).  So don't worry about
me unless I'll cause problems tomorrow on our job interview? I've got
a lot to do tonight too before retiring.  Spells to transcribe, a
ballad for Tier Breche, sleep, and a busy day tomorrow.  Damn I don't
have any ink or quills, I hope I can get some somewhere and they don't
cost more than ... " She opens her purse strings "four golden lions."

(Kaeyar:)
When Silver comments on healing, Kaeyar perks up, and shyly asks "Fair
lady, I am still wounded from last night, and would be grateful for
your aid."

OOC: Am at 23 out of 31 -- oops, except I leveled and haven't rolled
     new hitpoints yet.  Anyway, whatever I'm now at, I'm down 8 from
     max.

(Silver:)
Moving over to Kaeyar, Silver examines him slightly more carefully.
His wounds seem to be more from blows than from fire, and Silver will
then pick two of the worst areas - Kaeyar's arm and hip. Very gently,
Silver will place her hands on these areas and close her eyes. Kaeyar
may be the only one able to hear her say "My Goddess, grant me the
power once more to ease the pain of one of your valiant children. He
has borne the pain too long." Kaeyar will feel a deep warmth within
his body near where Silver's slender fingers touch him.

OOC: 3hp back to Kaeyar.

(Silver:)
If any are feeling slightly below par, Silver will obtain some hot
water from one of the waitresses, and remove some crushed leaves from
her belt pouch. When they are added to the water, they release a
curiously fragrant aroma. "An old recipe I was taught once" she says
to any inquiring glances.

Silver will take a few sips from the mixture.

"I would like to examine any wounds that you may have, to ensure they
are properly cleaned and dressed." This she will do to any who need
help, offering them some of the drink at the same time.

(Falrun:)
"Yes, Silver, I have a cut or two that would fair better with a little
care.  I could use some first aid.  My wounds are too minor for any
real healing spells."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

(DM:)
Okay. Tarok did not post anything really, so I guess he is off the
list for good now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------ End of Chapter 11 -----------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--
*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*
Lance Dooly
[e-mail]                         "Not I," said the cat.
Physics/Chemistry/Philosophy   (PCP?!)