Author	Message
GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 10 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: The Frontier #4
	The Frontier #4 The bandits have fled the scene of the attack. Chased by Validar and aided by the just arriving Dar Thaltus the bandits flee into the woods, not to be seen again. Back on the battlefield, Stephanie and Flint engage the remaining ogre. Flint swings and embeds his sword into the ogre's leg. Stephanie tries to hit the beast, only to be smacked away by the ogre's great fist. She is knocked off of her feet. Cereld summons Ti-Cat to his side and gives him the Magic Stones. Cereld then turns his attention to the fallen Merlin. Dar Thaltus joins him in his attempt to revive the mage. Unfortunately, they are too late. The mage has passed on to the next world. Further back in the forest, the combat with the IMP continues. Arafel drops her longbow and draws her scimitars. Finrod goes to longsword and dagger. Both try to hit the nimble demonoid. Both miss. Ti-Cat comes rushing in and flings a Magic Stone at the Imp. His aim is true and the Imp cries out in pain. "I shall take pleasure in killing you, human!" it hisses. The Imp's barbed tail flashes forward, but misses Ti-Cat. Dalliance rushes in, her sword drawn. She swings and her aim is true. Her Elven Blade slices into the Imp. The Imp vanishes in a puff of red, sulfur-smelling smoke. As Raeden approaches the caravan, Radagast emerges from behind a wagon. He purposefully strides past the druid and towards the combat with the ogre. Flint ducks under a clumsy attack from the ogre and drives his blade deep into the ogre's chest. Sword thrusts from Stephanie and Radagast settle the issue. The fighting is now over and the men of the caravan slowly come forward, not quite sure what to make of their rescuers. A large man with bright red hair comes to the forefront. "I am Trevor," he says. "Wagon Master of this Caravan. All of you have our deepest gratitude. Would you happen to be bound for Gateway? That is this train's destination. You would be more than welcome to travel with us." Now what are you going to do?

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 11 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: September 02, 1989      Post subject: GM Notes
	GM Notes: Name Hit Points Finrod 5 of 7 Merlin RIP Stephanie 5 of 12 Ti Cat 7 of 12 Validar 7 of 12 Post Away!

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 25 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: I'll tell you what, creating all these tables on Q was a royal pain in the you know what!

Flint Fireforge Dwarven Wariror Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 6 Location: Rockhome

Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: Flint

Flint "Hail Trevor, I am Flint Fireforge our band is also heading to gateway. I would be more then willing to travel with you but it depends on whether my companions want to "(well do we go by ourselves or do we accompany them?)[I then turn to the fallen foes and search them for anything of value or interest afterwards I ask if Trevor has a shovel to use to bury Merlin.] (Btw how many mages do we have in the party? and what shall we do with Merlins' equip. and spell book?) [After burying Merlin I clean my sword and divide up any valuables found on the foes and examine any things of interest.]

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 5 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: Stephanie

Stephanie 'Well fought all of you! I have a good feeling that together we shall conquer many a foe and uncover many a treasure trove!' Speaking of treasure, Steph will wipe the blood from her sword and then sheath it. Seeing the blood run down the side of her face, she reaches for a rag from her saddlebag. Using the rag she will halt the bleeding. Not even the wound can stop her enthusiasm. 'Let me give you a hand Flint. Let's see what we got here...'

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 12 Location: Erie, PA

Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: GM Notes

GM Notes: The two dead bandits have a total of 30 cp, 3 ep and 2 obsidian gems on them. Their equipment consisted of black leather, shortsword and dagger. The only valuables the ogres had were 12 gp. The Cleric of Hextor had 40 sp and 15 gp in a pouch. He wore a backpack and inside it was a wooden box. The box is well crafted and varnished. It is about the size of a shoebox. It does not have a lock or hinges. However, the top does not come off. The Cleric's equipment consisted of chain mail, shield and flail. Flint, Dalliance and Finrod are also mages. Merlin had little in the way of equipment. He had a quarterstaff, a dagger and 6 darts. He had his spell book and 50 gp in a large pouch. Trevor can provide the party with the proper digging tools.

Dar Thaltus Priest of Ehlonna Joined: 02 Sept 1989 Posts: 4 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: Dar Thaltus

Dar Thaltus Dar Thaltus stands disheartened at his failure to revive Merlin....then looks up at the gathering group. Meeting each person with a steady gaze, measuring the members one by one, Dar then speaks a greeting." Hail Fellow Adventurers, I am known as Dar Thaltus and have recently left (the last city??) to join up with you in the hopes of becoming a member of your company." Dar notices that several people are wounded and immediately offers his services, taking out bandages and herb poultices for those accepting Dar's aid. "As to going on alone or with this caravan, I believe we have a duty to assist them to Gateway.... of course this is my personal belief and I welcome any other thoughts on the matter." To those who take note of Dar's physical appearance :> : Seen is a gray elf who stands approximately 5'2" and weighs a little over 100# (101# to be exact) Dar's amber eyes are quick to take his surroundings in and it may be noticed that his golden blond hair is close-cropped.... not the norm for an elf. Dar wears studded leather armor with a silver unicorn pin attached right over his heart. Also worn around his neck is a larger version of the pin, also made of silver. At his side a longsword is sheathed and a spear is clasped in one hand. Over his back is seen a shortbow and quiver as well.

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 8 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld "Greetings Trevor. I am Cereld, spokesman for the Seekers. Yes we to are traveling to Gateway, and if you could but wait till we finish cleaning up this mess here, we would be glad to accompany you there. If you would require our services for further protection against such incidents as this, we would appreciate at least food and lodgings. I'm sure my comrades would be pained if I did not ask for monetary compensation as well. Take your time and decide while I straighten up a few details here. Flint, don't touch any of the cleric's belongings until the mages can look at them for magical ability. You never know what you may find on a cleric of Hextor. Dar Thaltus, Squire Radagast we would be honored if you join us. Your valor and skill would be a worthy addition to the group. Steph, Validar may I see you for a moment over here?" I will head towards the body of Merlin. When we are out of earshot range of the others I will say, "You elected me leader of this group, an honor of which I hold dear. I would have been of perfect content to listen to the leadership of another, as long as it did not conflict with my beliefs, but you all chose to follow my judgment. And yet when I came up with a means for attacking this group here, even after I thought all objections had been satisfied, you two decided to do as you pleased. Look at the result. (Points at Merlin) I make no claims of superiority or overabundance of knowledge. I thought I explained the necessity of your remaining behind at the rear of the party to prevent such a tragedy as has happened. If you had still disagreed with my plan after this, I would have gladly heard your argument. Your disobedience not only caused this death, it also could have meant the destruction of possibly us all. Consider for a moment the results if the bandits had not lost faith and run. They would have trapped us in between themselves and the ogres with a cleric on their side to help. And by the time that we had gotten finished with that bunch, IF we could finish that bunch, imagine what could have happened to the surprise party with that imp by then. If you do not wish for me to lead this group please say so, I will gladly bow to your decision. But if not, please try to remember next time that this is a group, not a band of people who are traveling together just out of convenience. We all have to depend on each other and rely on the knowledge that one will do as the group expects them to do. If you do not wish me to be leader, please say so now. If not then would you be so kind as to get the shovels from Trevor and help me bury our unfortunate comrade. We will bury his weapons and spell books with him, as a true warrior deserves." At this he awaits their response.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 26 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: And here I thought the really battle was going to be with the bandits... Silly me.

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 6 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 06, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance The Elf Fighter/Mage, though still flushed (quite attractively) with the excitement of battle, nevertheless finds herself saddened by the loss of their companion and fellow MU, Mage Merlin. "In truth, Cereld had the right of it," she thinks, but she does not place blame on anyone. "'Twas our first fight, and we will be wiser in the next." She is happy to have escaped injury, and that the evil priest and his minions were vanquished. Walking over to Finrod, she says, "Well, friend, we have won. Let's have a look at the priest's things. There may be something of value there." I agree that we should travel with the caravan. As to the spoils, I ask only an equal share. I would also like to wash up, and eat, as soon as the details of Merlin's burial are finished. I will clean my blade well, removing all trace of the vile imp... Dalliance will also greet the new members of the party. To Dar Thaltus, she says, "Blame not yourself, healer. I fear the mage was beyond any but Divine assistance. Your skills and devotion were not at fault." She then proceeds to examine, with Fin, the evil priest's belongings.

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 5 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 07, 1989      Post subject: Validar

Validar In response to Cereld: "As you stated, Cereld, the fallen one is being honored as a true warrior, even though he fought not with weapons, but sorcery. If such is the case, then there is no greater honor in death than to die in battle as he did. It simply was not in his ability to survive this combat. There is no shame in that." "Now if there is anything in your tone which suggests that the fair Stephanie and myself were to blame in this death, I must challenge that. I thought that I made it clear that I joined your band in search of glory. Surely you cannot expect one such as I to stand back as guard, when there is a cleric of the war god on the battlefield! Obviously, Stephanie is of a like mind and I salute her for her valor and might of arms." Validar thought for a moment to point out the flaw in Cereld's plan, but decided that would only fuel the cleric's anger. He decided to take a different tactic. "Think on this, friend Cereld, with the foul imp's arrival the surprise party, as you call them, might have been subject to that soulless slug's foul magicks. Who knows what evil that lowly avatar might have brought upon them. It is clearly possible that Finrod, Dalliance and Arafel might all have met some foul end. I say we have done well to emerge as well as we have." Truly Validar was not sure what Cereld's main objection was. They won the battle handily. Surely he could not expect everyone to survive every battle. "Finally, as a late-comer to this party, I felt as though I had no say and so bowed to you, the elected leader. However, a word of caution: Do not expect one of my station to remain behind as 'guard' when a battle has erupted! I have trained for battle and that is why I am here. I am not some wallflower to stand and watch. You would do well to remember that." After the discussion, Validar will approach Radagast: "Greetings, Squire. Welcome to our mighty band. Although you were late in the joining to arms, I am certain that you will find much glory and honor as long as you ride with us."

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 27 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: To be perfectly fair, Validar probably took off even while Cereld was coming up with his plan of attack. In actually, he probably never did finish it, let alone get opinions on it. One of the odd things of doing an MB game. Something that may take only a few seconds in real life last much, much longer in an MB.

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 6 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 07, 1989      Post subject: Stephanie

Stephanie While the Validar and Cereld carry on their conversation, Stephanie stands silently with a puzzled look upon her face. She listens to their words, but you get the feeling that she does not comprehend true meaning of them. 'Did I do something wrong? I... Only did what I was taught to do...' Steph stands there thinking deeply... And her head hurts....;) 'I know that I am not as smart or as wise as you... but isn't to do what you are best at right?' Stephanie walks of to the others. She seeks out her friend, Finrod. Perhaps he can explain this better. 'Oh, and thanks for the compliment, Validar. You weren't so bad yourself, big guy!'

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 9 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 07, 1989      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld As Validar's speech to Cereld goes on, Cereld's face turns redder and redder. By the time it is finished, it is a dark shade of purple. He casts a brief glance at the confused Steph and then lets loose his full fury on Validar. His voice, once barely audible to the other members of the party due to the distance away from them, now can clearly be heard. It is extremely obvious that he is not a happy camper. "How dare you? You arrogant little snot. I was not blaming you or Stephanie directly for Merlin's death nor do I intend to. You seem to think your actions saved this party, well think again. You are playing a game of "what if's" right now which you continue you will surely lose. While your thinking of them try thinking of the one where that same party all dies because the fighter who is too big to follow a plan is not there to help them with the demon that is more than a match for them, the one that he would have spotted IF he were waiting behind like he was supposed to be. Don't try to tell me what might have happened, because I DON'T DEAL WITH WHAT IF'S. What I brought you over here away from the others to discuss is why you did what you did without telling anyone what you were going to do. Oh sure you say that because you were a late comer that you felt that you had no input into the running of the party, so what do you do instead. You ignore completely what was being done and go right ahead and do as you damn well please. And don't give me that line of the Glory and Valor of combat. I am a cleric of HEIRONEOUS the God of VALOR and CHIVILARY. I know all about those things and yet if you had told me that you refused to stand by and watch as you saw it, I would have gladly switched places with you even against my better judgment. I am a cleric, yes of a god of combat, but still a cleric and do not by no means compare my fighting prowess to that of a warrior. That is why I felt that you would make a better one to be backup rather than I. That way if any of the party was in trouble you would be there to help. Now as I said before, this is a party and either we work as a team or we don't work at all. YOU GOT THAT!!!"

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 11 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: September 07, 1989      Post subject: The Aftermath and the Agony :)

Finrod #Spending the first round following the end of combat checking the woods behind the scene carefully to insure there will be no further surprises, then sheathing his as-yet unbloodied sword and dagger with a sigh# "Well done, Dal! Fine sword craft you displayed in skewering that nimble critter." (Unable to avoid noticing the attractive flush of combat about her and smiling appreciatively, despite himself) After helping to pile the loot in a central location for FAIR (notice that little clue to alignment) splitting, Finrod will begin examination of the lacquered box. I suspect that it probably has a complex latch mechanism that will cause one side to open for a lid. I also suspect that it is trapped, so I plan to spend a goodly time just examining the puzzle before attempting to open it, perhaps discussing with Dalliance the possibilities of magical closures and traps... About this time is probably when the puzzled Stephanie arrives, so after setting down the box and an excuse us smile to Dal, Finrod will move off with Steph a little way and attempt to explain the self-importance delusions of human nobility... Then comes the hard part- Explaining that there really is truth in Cereld's rantings...That when you gather together as a unit the best overall employment requires occasional subrogation of ones own need to excel in the interests of unity. "You know, Steph, the old saw about 'he who hesitates is lost?' Well a party is like one big person, and the leader is like the brain...No one expects him to be right all the time, but SOMEONE has to make the snap decisions, and we need to get in the habit of following them, or we could all die from the other old saw of 'divided we fall'. If there isn't time to change his mind right away, the best thing is to go with the plan, because any plan is better than no plan. Then AFTER the battle there is time for individual dissent, and the modification of future plans...Is any of this making sense?" He is quite capable of talking for hours about the balance that must be struck between the individual and the group...

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 12 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: September 07, 1989      Post subject: But he won't! :)

Finrod The while is trying to explain all this to Steph, he is carefully bandaging the wound she received in the battle. This gives way to a quick neck and upper back massage to soothe the tension from her muscles, given with skilled fingers. He then sits on the ground across from her and completes his explanation of what this lawful concept of Parties is about, and promises to speak with Cereld on her behalf at some less strained time, to try and convince him to use her more offensively and less as a rearguard, and trying to explain that in the course of things she probably won't ALWAYS be in the first shock attack, but that combats are rarely so short as to deny even those in the very rear the opportunity to prove their might and valor. With that I guess we should rejoin the others in sending MageMerlin on. "I agree wholeheartedly with the concept of burying a hero with his weapons," Finrod states to the group in general," but in the case of a mage, even though he has gone on to greater researches in a better place, I don't think he would wish the record of his worldly learning's to be lost. Rather I believe he would have wanted his spell books to be passed along to others of the scholarly persuasion. I am sure that there is much learning in his books that would be of great aid to the party were Daliance and myself to study what he has left behind... It might even help to cover for this great loss to our capabilities. Nonetheless, I am willing to bend to the will of the majority in this." After the funerary services are complete, while the others take their sustenance, I will seek repair of my wounds from the skilled healers, then move off from the party to attempt this box... I don't mean out of sight, but rather right in everyone's sight and far enough to the front that if I spring a trap by accident no one can be injured but myself. I will then attempt to detect traps, then try the standard push/pull/ tap/squeeze/twist/etc. methods of opening the obviously secretly locked box.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 28 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: You've got to admit that Fin is pretty smooth. Stephanie is Chaotic Good in alignment, so the concept of a lawful party is probably beyond her comprehension.

Arafel Silverhilt Woods Woman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 4 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 07, 1989      Post subject: Arafel
	Arafel ::sheaths scimitars and picks up bow..looks over at Cere and Vali when Cere raises his voice, shakes head and leans against a tree watching everyone move about:: (Sorry bout the lack of imagination but I've got this stupid flu going around and I'm just about dead.)

Stephanie Swordswoman Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 7 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Stephanie

Stephanie 'Oooohhh... Don't stop on my account, Fin.... You have very talented fingers....' Steph listens to Fin to the best of her ability and accept his generous offer to bandage her wound. 'I think I understand.... I'm just not used to being told what to do... Never did take orders well... I'll do my best...' Once the talk is done, I'll help with the funeral. Grasping a shovel, Steph begins the sad task of digging a hole.

TiCat Swordsman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 4 Location: Cynalon

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Ti-Cat

Ti-Cat Ti-Cat, grimacing with the pain of his wounds, searches the ground for the magic stone with which he hit the foul imp. He then strides over to Dar Thaltus. "Friend, people call me Ti-Cat. I would not impose on your kind offer, but perchance your help in healing my small wounds will allow me to fight better for our cause. I am in your debt for any aid you can give me." He stops, as if surprised by his own verbosity. His wounds tended to, Ti-Cat nods and smiles at Dar Thaltus and strides over to return the magic stones to Cereld. That done, he stands next to the party leader and glares at Validar wordlessly. But his gaze is drawn to Dalliance... he smiles shyly, as his eyes, one blue, one green, follow her every move.

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 6 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Validar

Validar As the cleric spouts his tirade, Validar will calmly remove his helmet and place it under his arm, meeting Cereld with an icy stare. When he is finished, Validar pauses a moment, then responds... "I have a difficult time with what you are saying due to the number of times you have contradicted yourself in your burst of anger. First of all, you did put blame on fair Stephanie and myself. Your words: 'You disobeyed orders and look at the result'. If that is not an attempt to place guilt then we are obviously not speaking the same tongue. Then you were so brash as to say that by doing as we pleased, we may have been responsible for the deaths of us all. Obviously, we have played out that exact situation and it did not happen! "Which brings me to the next comment that irks me. In stating this inaccurate claim, YOU, Cereld, started the 'war of ifs', not I. You should take better care of what you say and have said." "Also, you say I think I may have saved us? Is that not what your original plan was by having me hang back? To save someone, should they be beset beyond their ability? You are now contradicting your very order! That is what you wanted me to do, and now you are upset because I did so. I find this quite strange indeed." "Finally, if you are so well versed in the attitudes of honor and chivalry, then you would have known that it would be unacceptable and impossible for me to say back on my horse until it was almost too late and be forced to make an tremendous rescue to save the poor soul's beleaguered life! I am convinced that we would have been in far worse condition had the cleric been given a chance to use his foul abilities. He was obviously the greater threat than that miserable little deviling. You, above all, should know that, being a cleric of the god of chivalry and battle, as you claim." It was clear that they succeeded mightily.. "So calm yourself. Such an outburst is quite unbecoming of you. A leader must remain in control of his emotions regardless of the situation. The deed is done. Let us put the mage to rest and be on to bigger and better things." Validar's tone hardly wavers throughout, his gaze a firm stare at Cereld as he delivers his remarks. As he turns to see the look that Ti-Cat gives him, he ignores it as though it did not even happen. After the business with the mage is completed, Validar will offer his opinion of the situation with Trevor. "I find it unbecoming to be considered mere mercenary guardians. If we choose to ride with the caravan, I feel we should not accept, much less demand, monetary compensation. Food and lodging is an adequate recompense for our meager troubles." After all this, Validar will tend to his weapons.

Raeden Hillgreen Druid Joined: 30 Aug 1989 Posts: 3 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Raeden

Raeden (After Raeden has finished his working of treating the minor wounds of the caravaneers as best he can, he returns to the party to see the corpse of Merlin and the "discussion" between Cereld and Validar) (Tears well in the eyes of Raeden, to the point that he finally falls to his knees near the body of Merlin and cries, he continues his crying for several moments and then offers several silent prayers to Obad-Hai that the ground may except and keep the corpse of the fallen Merlin and that his passing may do some good) (After regaining his composure, Raeden rises to his feet and looks around to the others) "This my friends is the only "gift" of war(pointing at the body of Merlin and then to the bodies of our foes); I can seen no glory in it and can find no reason to fantasize about it. War is for fools! It may be necessary in some instances, but its toll is still absurd. I have said my piece and will remain silent hence on the subject, but I will not revel in the glory of battle nor will I ever understand the fools that do. I hear that the caravan needs guidance to Gateway; I am in favor of helping them if that is the judgment of the group. I hope that first, we can perhaps learn from the "tragedy"(looking at Merlin) so that in the future it might be prevented (looking at Validar and Stephanie). I am ready when everyone one else is, Cereld."

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 29 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Did I mention melodramatic before?? I could see it if it was some character who was near and dear to everyone, but this was not the case. Merlin had a greater impact in death than he ever had in life.

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 7 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance Although I do not join in the argument, and allow no change in my expression, I regard Cereld as the leader of the party. And, I would rather see feelings aired than resentment harbored. I hope the party's differences will be resolved before we face battle again. Tonight I will meditate on the spell Detect Magic, that I may better examine the priest's possessions. For now, I will greet the caravan party, and see to Rhymer. This was his first exposure to battle, and I wish to be certain he is not spooked by the violence. Though a goodly riding steed, he will no doubt see more fighting in the future, and a show of calmness on my part may help him adjust.

Arafel Silverhilt Woods Woman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 5 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Arafel

Arafel ::moves over to Cereld and Validar smiles:: You remind me so much of me two brothers... with the exception that they are children and you are grown men. Arguing amongst ourselves and blaming others for a death that lays entirely in the hands of the gods. Is exactly what I'd expect from a child. Now I suggest we get ourselves together and attempt to get along and work as a team. ::takes a deep breath:: As for joining the caravan.. I will gladly help. Now if someone wouldn't mind sharing a horse I would be most grateful..

Finrod Fasthand Servant of Steel Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 13 Location: By Stephanie's Side

Posted: September 08, 1989      Post subject: Finrod

Finrod "But of course we are, Validar! Are we not all banded together for the gaining of wealth, knowledge, and Glory? This smacks of a mercenary unit to me! If we have a skill that is useful to these caravaneers, then we would be unprofessional to perform the service and not ask recompense in equal value. If we are to tally along the road and aid these persons stripped of their previous guard by the battle, (and it would only be right to do so) then we should be given fair recompense! This is not to say that we need to charge rates no different than the highwaymen, only that we should be paid something." #Turning to Cereld, and keeping my voice carefully level and avoiding any accusing glances or disapproving stares at anyone# "Wise cleric, we chose you leader and until or unless you prove our confidence misplaced with foolish decisions we should stand behind you. I feel we should accompany this caravan and charge them a small fee for the services, perhaps with bonuses in the event of further combat. You must make this decision, of course, but there is my respectful input. I am yours to command in this as all things."

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 7 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 09, 1989      Post subject: Validar

Validar "I am not a caravan guard, Finrod, and shall not be. We may ride with these people and offer protection, should they need it, as they are going to the same destination as ourselves. However, I will not take any money from Trevor for doing so. There is QUITE a difference in acquiring monies during adventure and working as a common sellsword." When the druid breaks into melodramatic tears and a woeful tirade about war, Validar raises an eyebrow and looks about, wondering where they found this one. He is so dumbfounded by Raeden's words that he cannot even comment on them. Turning to Arafel,... "I would be honored if you would continue to ride with me. Myself and my steed are at your service."

Cereld Priest of Heironeous Joined: 21 Aug 1989 Posts: 10 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 09, 1989      Post subject: Cereld

Cereld After he released his anger, Cereld is a lot calmer but Validar can still see the glint of anger in his eyes. "You are right Validar, I do blame you for Merlin's death. I can't help but think that you could have stopped the swords from entering his unarmored back, if you where were you were supposed to be or I could have if you had told me that you refused to stay back. You will notice I said I hold you responsible, not you and Steph for her words suggest that she was confused by my plan, while you just didn't care about it." "You're also right that we seem to have different opinions of what honor is, but I refuse to argue that over the body of a friend." "And lastly you are right that a leader must be in control, of more than just his emotions though. Clearly you have no intention of ever listening to me, so my friend you have a choice to make RIGHT NOW. Either you decide to curve your battle lust and think about the good of the group instead of your own personal glory, or leave now and search for your glory somewhere else. I'll not have someone that I can not depend on to do what is expected of him causing the deaths of any more of my friends."

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 30 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Merlin died because I killed him and all parties involved knew it. Even if they had followed the plan, he was still going to be toast. Not that it really matters, but this all seemed silly from my perspective and blown way out of proportion. But on the other hand, Cereld did act on what the character knew, not the player.

Validar Noble Warrior Joined: 23 Aug 1989 Posts: 8 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 09, 1989      Post subject: Validar

Validar "Very well, Cereld. Next time I shall just have to remember to say that I didn't understand the plan. However, since I see that most of the rest of this party has decided that you are right: I see no further chance in making my case. And on top of that, you seem determined to make an example of me, as though I am some sort of threat to you." The others seemed to follow their leader. That was good at this stage of the organization. A group such as this was not a true military unit and the various attitudes and actions would take time to be molded into a cohesive fighting force. So far they had done well. Validar would show those sceptics that he was right. In time, they would see the folly in their current attitudes. "We shall call this matter ended, for it is now behind us. To dwell on it would be foolish; we must go forward. Therefore, let us decide how we are going to bargain with the caravan and be on our way." There was a time to make a point and a time to be done with trivial matters. They had already spent enough time on the issue. During the next battle, everyone would have a better idea of what they all could do.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 31 Location: Erie, PA

Present Day Comments: Actually, that's the bit that miffed Muskateer more than anything to this very day. Steph was let off the hook and he wasn't. I did say in the previous post that women get treated differently!

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 8 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 09, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance ::Maybe we should just let Validar do all the fighting himself and we can picnic and watch the chosen of the Gods vanquish the foe single-handedly. 'Tis been a long time since I've seen an ego so large..:: I keep my thoughts to myself, not wishing to waste time with any more tirades of self-righteousness. But perhaps I am being too harsh. It may be that Validar is not accustomed to travelling as a member of a group, a band of brothers-in-arms that co-ordinate its attack to utilize all its members effectively. Given time and a feeling of comradeship, he may yet learn these new ways... I vow to myself to conceal my feelings and give Validar the respect he deserves for his bravery, and the chance to prove he can be an important squad fighter as well as an independent free sword.

Dalliance Elfin Sorceress Joined: 22 Aug 1989 Posts: 9 Location: Frontier Lands

Posted: September 09, 1989      Post subject: Dalliance

Dalliance My horse, Rhymer, can carry two, though not a warhorse. A lighter passenger would be easier on him. I ask only that my passenger dismount in the event of a fight, that I be free to maneuver freely. As to recompense for our guarding the caravan: Since we did not present ourselves to Trevor as seeking employment, nor is caravan guard our normal occupation, I feel that meals and arrow replacement, etc., will suffice. I voice my feelings to Cereld, saying in my usual, elegant manner: "Hey, mighty leader, just ask them to feed us and toss in a bath!" Of course, I suffer from a dearth of merchants in my family tree.........

TiCat Swordsman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 5 Location: Cynalon	Posted: September 10, 1989      Post subject: Ti-Cat
	Ti-Cat (Thinking silently as he stands next to Cereld and watches Validar): :: mayhap glory comes to he who searches not so constantly to find it.::

Arafel Silverhilt Woods Woman Joined: 27 Aug 1989 Posts: 6 Location: Frontier Lands	Posted: September 10, 1989      Post subject: Arafel
	Arafel Thank you Validar, now the traveling will be so much easier on my feet... ::perks up at hearing the word bath:: Now a bath would be nice ::looks at Cereld:: If we have time during the trip of course.

GM Mad Game Master Joined: 01 Jan 1989 Posts: 13 Location: Erie, PA	Posted: September 10, 1989      Post subject:
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