Spectrum's Comments: While tracking Wendy's father, the Seekers were ambushed by ankhegs, giant worm-like insects...
The Frontier #10
Raeden leads a frightened Wendy away from the battle site. He tends to the wounds of Cereld's mount and gathers the rest of the horses. His healing powers revive the horse. (It is now 12 of 15.)
The archers fire arrows at the worms, but fail to harm the beasts.
Meanwhile, Flint repels into the pit. The beasts are so engrossed in their meal that they fail to notice the dwarf until he strikes with his sword.
Before the Ankhegs' can act, Validar and Stephanie enter the fray. Their blades add to the damage caused by Flint and slay one of the worms.
Another of the creatures charges Flint. It's large mandibles surround the dwarf, crushing him.
Once more Validar and Stephanie spill Ankheg blood. Flint manages to drive his sword into its neck. In death it releases the dwarf.
The arrow brigade has better luck with the remaining worm. Dalliance made two hits while Ticat and Finrod had one each.
Severely wounded, the worm tries to flee, but Stephanie will have none of that. Her blade neatly slices it in half.
No more threats are visible in the pit. Cereld, Dalliance and Finrod descend into the cave.
A short distance away is a good-sized opening, apparently leading into another cave. This area angles down, deeper into the earth.
Peering into this open, you can see a large cave. On the far side of the cave is yet another Ankheg. Only this one is twice the size of the others! A full twenty feet long. It is currently munching on one of Radagast's legs....
GM Notes:
Looks like Mama Worm is havin' paladin for dinner! ;)
Party Status:
Flint 4 of 20
Dalliance, you recovered a total of 3 arrows that missed in the battle.
Spectrum's Comments: Now Radagast is toast...
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 10/14/89 S#: 106915
"Let's send this poor, lonely creature to join its kin in Hell!" With that, I fire an arrow at the foul worm; quickly nocking another while it is still in flight. I may be no Paladin, but no belly-crawler is going to feast on a companion of MINE and live for the dessert course!!
I will continue to fire as long as I have a clear shot at the slime ball. Err, I mean the vile shadow-spawned tool of evil. If the swords of Validar and Steph have no effect on this monster, I will shoulder my bow ad cast Magic Missile directly into the beast's face. Then I will draw my Elven longsword and shove its gleaming, razor-edged blade into the filthy thing's mouth. Then I will hack its disgusting length into wormburger. THEN, I will wipe my blade clean, walk to a corner of the cave, and puke my dainty little guts.
Spectrum's Comments: Now that is one angry & aggressive elf maiden! Still wondering how one can daintily toss their cookies.
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 10/15/89 S#: 803920
::drops sword and grabs bow and lets fly some arrows:: "TAKE THIS YOU BEASTIE!"
SUBJ: Stephanie
Slightly taken aback by Dal's aggressive behavior, Steph pauses for a moment. Once sorting it out, she again raises her sword and rushes towards the momma monster.
'Yeah! What she said!'
I'll rush the monster, trying to avoid its nasty jaws.
'Come on, Val! Let's finish the job!'
SUBJ: Momma Worm. (R) FROM: FINROD 10/15/89 S#: 416415
My companions' comments, while somewhat ineloquent, are quite accurate. "EAT FEATHERED FURY, YOU WORTHLESS WORM!!"
Once again I will keep my rate of fire to half of normal, because I wish to look around the cavern for other entrances where the Ankheg might receive reinforcements.
I will upon entering the cavern move around to the left along the wall so that others may enter unobstructed, and so that I can get a better shot at the enemy without other party members being right in the direct line of fire. If there are any other openings in the walls, I will work my way around to them as I fire, so as to be able to block any creature attempting to join the fray by that route.
If Stephanie should encounter any extreme trouble, I will, of course, drop my bow and rush to her side, or if she should be knocked down or out, to stand over her until she may regain her feet.
SUBJ: Cereld (R) FROM: Lanceson 10/15/89 S#: 409757
"Archers spread out, keep it in a cross fire. And watch out for any others around here. Remember that these things can tunnel right through the dirt walls so keep sharp. Everyone else, Charge but don't stick together. Keep apart and try to confuse it. Stay Alert. Heironeous help us avenge our friend who has died here."
With that Cereld will charge up with his battle-axe out yelling at the top of his lungs as to attract the creatures attention and give the others a chance at a better shot. If given the opportunity, Cereld will gladly place the blade of his axe in the creatures' belly.
SUBJ: Validar (R) FROM: Panther13 10/17/89 S#: 413224
"You may only be doing what comes naturally to you, monster, but you shall not snack on any more of MY companions!"
Validar will rush forward, sword drawn. If Cereld is willing to draw the beast's attention, then I will definitely attempt to use the distraction to gain a better attack point. Simply put, Validar will use all the skills at his disposal to slash this insect-like worm into numerous smaller pieces...as quickly as possible!
SUBJ: ti-cat FROM: JP TiCat 10/19/89 S#: 440143
Rappelling into the pit, Ti-Cat moves down near his companions. With an arrow nocked, and another held between the ring and little fingers of his right (firing) hand, he waits.
Should he get a clear shot at the queen mother worm, with no chance of hitting his companions, he will take it. If a party member (particularly Dalliance or Stephanie) is in imminent danger, he will fire an arrow, then charge as he draws his broadsword.
Otherwise, he will bide his time, trusting his friends to finish off the ankheg, ready to deal with any others that may appear.
SUBJ: Moving to the left FROM: Random0 10/20/89 S#: 817715
to keep the vile worm in a cross-fire of arrows, I continue to fire at the beast. I concentrate my attack on the head, eyes, mouth and throat, not knowing if the body is vulnerable to my shafts. With Fin across from me, I am even more careful to hit my mark, lest a stray shaft strike my friend.Small beads of sweat dot my brow as I maintain focus on my target. I begin to feel a strength of concentration unknown to me except during the most demanding spell-casting. My father had spoken of this "battle-center", but never have I experienced it before. It is as if I am 'casting' my shots! Hovering on the edge of my awareness, set aside in the heat of battle, is the realization that this heightened combat-state is an extension of my mage powers, united at last with my fighting skills. But the thoughts fly by with the same blinding speed as my arrows, and all I see is the incandescent clarity of my target.
Die, spittle of evil, your foul feasting is over...
Spectrum's Comments: As mentioned before, Dal certainly has a way with words!
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 10/21/89 S#: 451946
(Raeden is surprised, though not too much so, when Ti-Cat follows his "blood lust" and abandons Wendy and him. Raeden decides that now he is left alone to protect the girl and the horses.)
Raeden says a silent prayer (so as not to upset Wendy) to Obad-Hai asking that the lord of Nature give his protection to the noble horses, the girl Wendy and his humble and obedient servant Raeden in this time of need.
(Raeden to Wendy) "Fear not, they seem to be very violent, foolish and chaotic, but they do their work well; even though I don't approve of their methods. My lord, Obad-Hai will protect us, while the others are gone."
(Raeden prepares for the worst)
Spectrum's Comments: Indeed, the worst was yet to come...
The Frontier #11
The tables have been turned on the ambushing Ankhegs. Only the largest remains... And she is not pleased...
Stephanie and Validar rush the worm with their swords, while the others spread out for bow fire.
The two fighters fail to harm the large monster. Momma Monster lunges at Validar, but he deftly sidesteps the attack.
Cereld comes in and drives his battleaxe into the worm.
Arrows fly from the bow brigade, three wounding the creature.
Stephanie drives her sword deep into the worm. It screeches in agony and lunges at the swordswoman. It's mandibles lock around her flesh.
Another volley of arrows puncture the monster. Validar delivers the final blow, his sword disposing of the giant worm.
Several party members look about the rest of the small cave system. No more Ankhegs are found. However, several items of interest were found.
One side tunnel contained several bags that appeared to have been dropped. There is a total of five bags. Several are split open with copper and silver coins pouring out.
Searching the main cavern, the one with the momma in it, you find another body. (Appart from Radagast's body.)
It is the skeletal remains of an elf. Many of his bones are missing, but, miraculously, his chain mail is in good shape.
A backpack, apparently belonging to the elf, is closeby. Inside the pack are three gems, a topaz, a peridot and a piece of amber. There is also a tiara set with sapphires and a platinum braclet. Wrapped inside a blanket made of owl bear feathers, are three bottles. Two of the bottles were shattered, their contents long evaporated. The remain bottle is still in holds liquid.
GM Notes:
Now what are you going to do?
For those who take the time to count the coins, there is 4000 cp and 1000 sp.
Only Stephanie and Flint have taken damage. They are currently 8 of 19 and 4 of 20, respectively.
Dalliance, you were given a scroll several posts ago. Will you attempt to learn the spells or leave them on the scroll?
Party Status:
| Name | Class | Level | Hp's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arafel | R | 1 | 9 |
| Cereld | C | 3 | 21 |
| Dalliance | F/M | 2/2 | 12 |
| Dwaladin | C/T | 1/1 | 6 |
| Finrod | F/M/T | 2/2/3 | 14 |
| Flint | F | 2 | 20 |
| Raeden | D | 2 | 15 |
| Stephanie | F | 2 | 19 |
| Ticat | F | 2 | 22 |
| Validar | F | 3 | 26 |
The player of Dar Thaltus is currently offline. His status is very shaky at the moment...
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 10/22/89 S#: 846574
With this fight behind us, I will take the time to read and attempt to memorize the spells on the scroll. I will collect what arrows I can salvage. Also, I would like to examine the Elven armor and the unbroken bottle. If the armor proves to be magic, I would like to claim it (protect your MUs!).
I sincerely hope that Flint's wounds are being tended.
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 10/22/89 S#: 409694
"AHHH WHAT A GLORIOUS BATTLE! Alas, poor Radagast died in the combat. My wounds could use tending to, but are not life threatening."
SUBJ: ti-cat FROM: JP TiCat 10/23/89 S#: 839075
Looking anxiously at Stephanie, Ti-Cat decides there is nothing he can do to help her. He runs back to the rope and clambers out of the pit to return to Raeden and Wendy.
To Raeden he says, "I'm sorry to have left you. My friends needed me," and hopes that will suffice for explanation.
SUBJ: Stephanie
When the monster dies, Steph is released from its grasp and falls to the floor of the cave. For several long minutes, she rests. Closes her eyes and breaths deeply. Finally she rises to inspect her wounds. Seeing that they are not overly serious, she looks at her marvelous blade. It has served the swordswoman well through the battle. The speed of it's strokes is astonishing. It's a fast as... As lightning. And thus is the sword named: Lightning!
Steph will aid in gathering of the treasure of the worms. Will, the silver and copper is a boon to our coffers, it is the jewelrly that catches her attention. The tiara, while beautiful, has little place in a warriors attire. It is the bracelet that she covets and will ask for it when the treasure is divided.
SUBJ: Dalliance FROM: Random0 10/23/89 S#: 838432
Turning to Ti-cat, I say "The marvelous bow you made for me has lived up to its beautiful appearance. Never have I used a bow of such balance and accuracy. And the power!! If you would be so kind as to make me some more arrows for it, to replace those lost, I would be most grateful." I will give Ti the money for the arrows from my share of our findings. Twelve shafts should be enough. "I will leave the type of arrow to your good judgment."
Then facing the others, I tell them "I am proud to fight beside such as you. This is truly a valiant and skilled band. And, if we learn to temper that bravery with a tad more....caution? No, rather 'tactical sense', then, well, there is no enemy we cannot vanquish, no goal that can be kept from us."
I then step over to the things we have found, to examine them and also to say a few words over the remains of my long-dead brother Elf. Not in sorrow, for he took his chances just as we did and died as we all must, someday. Rather, to acknowledge our kinship and our right to use those possessions he no longer needs.
This evening I shall study the scroll, learning its spells. If it is possible, I will later teach the spells to Finrod.
SUBJ: Araduin (R) FROM: Deslock 10/26/89 S#: 100070
- How could I have allowed those creatures to affect me so? Now I shall have to cross this wilderness on my own. But what is this? I hear the sounds of combat. Perhaps it is my former compatriots. -
Heading off in the direction of the conflict, Araduin arrives at the battle site just as things are finishing up.
- These people fight with no small skill. Perhaps I might join them in their travels. -
Those who happen to be looking notice a tall elf move into the open. He wears no armor, and is dressed in mundane clothing, of browns and greens. He bears a quarterstaff and backpack.
"Greetings. My name is Araduin. I heard the sounds of your battle; unfortunately, I did not arrive in time to partake. I have become separated from my companions, and would travel with you, if this be agreeable. What say you?"
Spectrum's Comments: A new player to the game. Deslock played Nazgul over in Crusaders Plus. His own adventuring party had been separated during a monster attack and he wandered across the Seekers. That was my way of getting him into the game. Several other members of this other party joined the Seekers as well down the line.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 10/26/89 S#: 414444
"Now that this untimely battle is over, I propose that we waste as little time dawdling here as possible. Once the matters of the wounded and dead are attended to, I say we mount up again and continue on our mission. We can worry about the treasure and any division of it when we settle in for the night's camp."
Validar will clean the worm remains from his weapon and assist however necessary in taking care of the deceased. Then he will mount his warhorse and wait, rather impatiently if necessary, for everyone else to continue on.
"Welcome, Araduin. If you are in search of battle, glory and honor, then you may be fortunate in crossing our path. I, for one, welcome you to ride with us."
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 10/26/89 S#: 835025
After the battle has ended, Cereld walks over to the wounded Flint. He places his hands on him and says this prayer, "Heironeous in your divine wisdom, heal this brave yet foolhardy warrior so that he may yet fight in your service tomorrow."
When Cereld looks up, he sees Ti-Cat down in the pit. "TI, is there a problem? Raeden, Wendy..." Without waiting for an answer, Cereld will start up the rope. When he arrives at the top and sees nothing is amiss (hopefully) he will turn back to Ti. "Why did you come down in the pit? You left Raeden and Wendy up here alone. If there had been more of those beasts around here, Raeden would have had to battle them himself. I don't think that was too wise a move, but we will discuss it later."
When he notices Arauduin (sp?) talking to Raeden, he will walk over and introduce himself, "Greetings, I am Cereld, leader of the Seekers. You are more than welcome to join our group if you wish."
Cereld will then return to the pit to help the others gather everything up. He will also heal Stephanie at the first opportunity if she has not been taken care of already. "I agree that they should gather everything up now and divide it up later on tonight. We must also bury the remains of Sir Radagast and that of the elf here. I also feel that Raeden would like it if we show the same respect to the dead horse."
After everything is collected and buried, he will mount his horse and continue on till we settle down for the night. When camp has been made, and everyone is settled, he will bring up the following, "Ok I think that we have to discuss something that has been happening in this group that I feel must stop. Araduin this is not about you as you are new to our band, but you are welcome to join in the discussion. This is about the disregard that some of you seem to have to any plan that the group has in a combat situation. You all elected me leader, of which I am honored. Now I am not a dictator and will always listen to your advice, as a matter of fact, I ask for you to give me your criticism of any plan I come up with as it will help me see the flaws in the plans and correct them. But once a plan is made, I think that we all have the right to expect that the plan will be followed and no one will go off on their own. This is a VERY dangerous habit. Flint in the last battle you risked your own life needlessly, and Ti-cat you risked the lives of Raeden and Wendy. Sure we all want the glory of battle, but sometimes that must be curved with the safety of the group. As I stated I am not a dictator, nor will I be just a figurehead. If that is what you wish in a leader, then I ask that you choose someone else." With that Cereld awaits the rest of the party's responses.
SUBJ: Flint FROM: Sir teske 10/26/89 S#: 403146
"I am but a humble fighter. I do have a short bow but I prefer to fight toe-to-toe with any and all adversaries. As for following your advice I will in most cases but sometimes I may go berserk and charge into melee. If you noticed I stopped and drew my bow for the last creature due to my wounds received earlier in the battle."
::will examine the soil and tunnels to determine what types of metals and gems can be found here then I will climb out of the pit and recover the repelling equipment::
"thanx for healing me"
SUBJ: ti-cat addendum FROM: JP TiCat 10/27/89 S#: 832074
[Actually, at the point both Dal and Cereld tried to address him in the pit, Ti was not there. I had already posted that he went into the pit briefly to help out with his bow, but had quickly climbed back out to stay with Raeden and Wendy.]
SUBJ: TSK, Tsk... (R) FROM: FINROD 10/27/89 S#: 796784
I am already on record as to my feelings on proper military discipline. Cereld, we elected you leader, and I will continue to obey to the best of my ability. Despite evidence to the contrary, I still feel we can learn to work as a unit if we but learn to put aside each of us his or her need to run wild. I must say, all this constant chaos seems just a tad too much for reason. (Sigh) Cereld, I ask that you cease these offers to step down, and I ask that anyone who has a complaint formalize it or try to get along.
::With that, Finrod moves away from the fire, and tends to his horse. Eventually, he will wander back, and will carefully check Steph's bandages, and change any that are in need. This completed, he begins a shoulder massage to ease the day's tensions from her muscles. Finrod animatedly shares in her elation at the quality of Lightning and it's amazingly keen edge. He would continue the massage, but he notices that others are taking note of the special attention he seems to pay Stephanie, and he becomes flustered. Muttering under his breath, he digs out his spell-book and busies himself leafing studiously through it's pages.::
SUBJ: ti-cat speaks FROM: JP TiCat 10/27/89 S#: 836995
Ti-Cat clears his throat, and looks at the ground as the others' eyes fall upon him.
"Cereld, I am sorry. I forgot my duty when I heard the battle below. I reacted when I thought death might claim... claim my friends. I was wrong; it will not happen again."
He pauses, should someone else wish to speak.
"But, Cereld, you should know by now that I do not seek glory. I seek to... to make the best arrows in the world, and to protect..."
He falls silent, and hopes someone else will speak.
SUBJ: Dalliance (R) FROM: Random0 10/27/89 S#: 802356
"I must say that while I admire bravery, understand battle-lust, and certainly share concern for the well-being of our comrades, Cereld and Fin are correct: our strength and survival lie in our acting as a cohesive unit. Cereld's plans have been well thought-out and sensible, and the problems we have had have stemmed from our deviations from them. I do not say that, when we were lone individuals, our personal styles were wrong. Quite the opposite, for we are here, alive. But we are no longer loners, and must learn to act and fight as members of a team. Perhaps next time, we will do better, and the next- even better. And Flint, it is a shame to waste such magnificent Berserker Battle-Rage on situations where mere tactics will win the day. Better to call on it when all seems lost, and heroic measures are needed. Then I shall truly envy you!"
SUBJ: Dal, again... FROM: Random0 10/27/89 S#: 799000
Aside to Ti: "Friend, I know how concerned you were that your companions were in danger. You have a noble heart, and cannot stand idle when others are threatened. But we can all look out for each other. Trust us, Ti. We care, too, and will not our friends down. And, do not be shamed. I know you will follow orders, as the rest of us will. One moment of rash bravery is not a crime. Think no more on it."
SUBJ: Raeden Disgusted! FROM: Belrek 10/27/89 S#: 850540
"Ti-Cat, I can forgive you since I know the malady you have, to be cursed with the illness of "battlelust" is to be cursed indeed. The one you should seek forgiveness from is this poor child, Wendy who was left in your care and instead had only the protection of humble servant of Obad-Hai, if danger had occurred up here, you would have returned to find our bodies no doubt and paid the same respect to them as you have shown to those of our dead comrades. I am sorry that I lack the power to heal you from your ailment, but maybe some day you will heal yourself.
(Raeden after having some time to assess his "companions" and after awaiting for Cereld to come back up from the pit, he throws his hands up in disgust and walks over to Cereld)
"I am sorry sir, you have done me no wrong, nor have you treated me with anything but respect, but my personal beliefs clash too greatly with some of our "friends"(tone is one of calm disgust). I give the protection of Wendy to you, since you are the only one that I am sure will look out for her. I did the best that I could for your noble friend (looking to his horse) though I suggest you not mount her for a while, to let her recover properly. I will handle the "last prayer" over Radagast's steed and then be on my way. I will take the horse, Gevin here, as my share of the cut, if you don't mind, for treasures and magic weapons are not my desire in life and being with those that "worship" them just sickens me. I am a protector of life and to travel with "bringers of death", who fully seem to enjoy the taste of other's death as some of this party does. I offer to you this ring, the Ring of Sustenance as a parting gift, for I feel that you will need it more than I. I pray that you shall meet with good fortune on your mission and that the stalking shadow of death find this party no more."
(Raeden hands him the ring, if he will take it and then will walk over to the pit and offer a silent prayer to Obad-Hai to take the spirit of the horse to his wonderous fields, for he has served nobly. After this is done he will go off from the party, fueled partly by disgust and partly by grief for the dead, leading his horse and find a nice spot to think; he is very confused at this point after seeing the men of a world he knows little about(he has been in isolation for most of his life).
The thought that troubles his mind at this point "Is this what the outsiders are like?"
Mail From: Belrek Date: Friday 27-Oct-89 23:20 EDT
Don't take Raeden's posting the wrong way, it is not that I am upset with the game as much as the party at this point. Raeden is experiencing a "new experience" with this group, he has met individuals who have beliefs completely foreign to him. He cannot comprehend the "warrior intellect". I don't know what will happen next with the big sort-em up to happen with this party, but Raeden needs to be alone to sort out what is going on. As I mentioned in the post, Raeden (I feel) has been sheltered from "mainstream" society for most of his life, and thus does not understand their "ways". Currently he is trying to sort out his beliefs and how these new experiences affect them. As far as impact on the game goes, we shall have to wait and see how the rest of the party reacts. Raeden as I mentioned before to you is very forward in his beliefs and very naive in his ways.
Spectrum's Comments: I trust that didn't come as a surprise to anyone. I have the policy of trying to not tell people how to play their characters. After all, just in this party there is a wide range of intrepretations on how to play a fighter. However, there are some classes that are much more narrow in their focus. Among these would be paladin and druid.
In this particular instance, Raeden is clearly not a druid. Understanding and accepting the cycles of life and death are part of the druidic culture. Survival of the fittest and all of that. Furthermore, Raeden is clearly not Neutral in his outlook on things. It's fine to come from a sheltered background, but its another to go against how the rules define a particular class. In hindsight, I should have discussed this with Raeden's player.
SUBJ: Validar FROM: Panther13 10/29/89 S#: 408230
"Do not worry yourself over your actions, friend Ti-Cat. From the sounds of it, the fair Wendy was never in any danger. Your desire to join in the combat is admirable, as there are too many who are willing to stand by and complain rather than stand up to the many evils that abound in this foul land. Your returning to assure her safety is even more admirable. It is much more difficult to remain as a guard than to charge into battle. Harder for some than others, it appears. It is my opinion that there is no need for apologies in your case."
"As there seems to be some small discord amongst this party, I think there is a point that needs to be made: we all have special abilities, tactics and personalities that need to be taken into account. I am certain that our confrontations with opponents will take on a much smoother manner once we all learn more about each other and work with each other. This can only come about through experience. Except for a few small instances, we have done quite well. And this group shall only get better. However, it will not happen if everyone is forced to change their styles. Modify, perhaps, but much as any dislike the fact, we are all what we are."
"I think we might be able to smooth some of these 'difficulties' out if everyone had a little better idea of what each of us expect out of the rest."
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 10/29/89 S#: 809434
When it comes time to speak, Steph says what she has to say:
'I'm not that good at words, but I believe that Val has said goes for me too. We are warriors and are trained as such. To ask us to make major changes in our skills would greatly weaken the group as a whole, not strengthen in. Cereld, I would never ask you to do anything against your faith. Why must you change ours? We have done very well so far. I shutter to think what could happen when the right people end in battle with the right opponent.'
Having said her piece, Steph turns in for the night.
Spectrum's Comments: Not sure if Steph just got all that wrong or if it was intentional. As noted previously, both her INT & WIS were below average, so she's bound to get things wrong.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 10/29/89 S#: 393992
To Raeden, "Wait Raeden, don't leave yet. I think you are misinterpreting the emotions going on here somewhat. Sure I think that some humans are bloodthirsty and warlike, but not all. The same holds true for the members of this party as well. What you interpret as having no value for life, might be just things like worrying about their friends, or trying to cope with a difficult situation. You know not all of what you see is what is really happening. What you perceive as bloodlust here is mostly the way that the members of this party deal with the fact that they had to kill at all. They try to sound like they don't care, to convince themselves that they don't care. For if they admitted that they did, then they would probably hesitate in battle, which we both know can prove fatal. This, I have found is what happens to every good fighter. None in this party loves to kill, so the only way they can do it is to try and convince themselves that they do. I don't know, maybe there is a better way, but I haven't seen it yet.
Look what it comes down to is this, I don't want you to go, but I can't force you to stay either. The decision has to be yours. But try to see beyond the image that the others try to erect. Look into their hearts and I think you will find they will not be lacking in compassion. After all, consider the fact that they are on this mission in the first place. There is little promise of reward here, only the chance to risk our lives to help a girl find her father. They could have wanted to go on some other mission that they would have been more than compensated for, but they chose this one. Think about it before you decide whether or not to leave."
Spectrum's Comments: Ah, Cereld. All the grief you would have prevented if you just had said, "Okay. See you later." ;D
SUBJ: Raeden FROM: Belrek 10/29/89 S#: 843182
(Raeden stops to hear Cereld out, but his words only seem to add to Raeden's confusion)
"Cereld, maybe you are right, I don't know. I am not sure of anything anymore but that I am unknowing of much of your world. I was warned that all of you think little of life and value treasures over living creatures, even your friends; being with these "warriors" has shown me nothing different. Perhaps, it is as you say, that is their "war-faces", but to me it seems to go much deeper in many of them. Does this party represent the average man of your world? I see little hope for change in them and their "warriors-instincts" will soon lead to the deaths of more than just themselves. Look at Ti-Cat for instance, he left me alone to guard Wendy, without a word and without a thought as to the possible consequences. This seems to be the desired actions of the "warrior", is it the desire of all man? Perhaps, I should stay and insure the safety of the child, I am not sure. I know that I could use the experience in living with the men of the outside world, but fear what I will learn of them. I must think this out.(with this said Raeden will go to the edge of the clearing and find a spot to think; after about 10 minutes he returns to Cereld) I will stay, it is my duty to protect life; the child Wendy is an innocent who needs my help and I need to understand the outside world. I will help as I can, but don't expect me to accept the "ways of the warrior, though I will have to tolerate it, to a point; I fear that Death still rides with this group, bidding it time until the "warriors" feed it."
Mail From: Belrek Date: Sunday 29-Oct-89 20:06 EST
Ok, I have responded. On an aside, these guys (the warriors are either incredibly stupid or incredibly cocky (tempting fate) to believe that they have done no wrong and that the cleric and the others are speaking foolish talk. Ti-Cat did something very stupid and luckily got away with it, and Validar goes and says that he not feel sorry for it. That is what I call stupid. I have a bad feeling that this party is going to continue to repeat the same mistakes, since the warriors are too stupid to realize they are wrong. It is too bad that something did not a attack while Raeden was alone guarding the girl, maybe their deaths would have pushed a point across; then again I doubt it.;) Belrek
Spectrum's Comments: I wasn't sure if I should have included that mail or not. There were some that I didn't bother to include on the webpage since they were not totally relevant, such as updated spell lists and what not. Now, I have no idea what sort of games this guy played in before. Validar, and obviously Stephanie, certainly knew my style of running things, so they had an advantage the others initially did not. Given this particular situation, TiCat probably shouldn't have done what he did, but it wasn't incredibly stupid either. Different strokes and all that I guess.
Stephanie did inherit an intense dislike of Druids from this character and it led to probably her best speech in the entire game. And even if anything did happen, at worst a separate encounter would have killed Raeden, as Wendy was essential to the plot. You know that might have not been a bad idea... Hindsight and all that.
SUBJ: Cereld FROM: Lanceson 10/29/89 S#: 393648
"Fair enough Raeden, that is all I can ask of you."
"I agree with you completely Validar. It has never been my intention to change the styles of fighting for anyone in this party, only to learn what each of us does best. I would no more ask Ti-cat to charge into a battle that he could use his bow in, than I would ask you to sit by and do nothing while the rest of us get slaughtered. That is why I continually ask for your opinions of the strategies I lay out. If you have reservations about doing something that I say to do, that is the time to do something about it, not charge off and do what you feel like anyway. This does not mean that you will always be able to do as you please, just so long as you tell someone. There will be jobs that no one will want, like staying behind and guarding those under our protection while there is a battle in progress or staying in the rear to make sure we are not attacked by surprise. But these things are sometimes necessary and someone has to do them. Right now I choose those whom I see are the best qualified for those jobs, and if no one speaks up, I expect them to be done. That is all I mean by my words, no more and no less. Change anyone? Never. This band has abilities that are so diverse that if put together will be a force to be reckoned with. But that will happen only if we are around to do this and it is my opinion that unless we stop going off half cocked all the time, we won't make it."