Spectrum's Comments: The Seekers are getting ready to go out on one more mission before the on set of winter. Naturally, they couldn't do that without a debate. Thus we have the great mule debate. Yes, its as exciting as it sounds.
The Frontier #80
The Seekers decide to have one last fling before winter sets in. One week passes while the group prepares for their trek.
Finrod studies his tome for the week and gains the results he desires.
Supplies:
Food and water for the people and grain and water for the horses will cost you 50 gp per day.
If you use the rod every night, you can save on rations and lower the cost to a mere 30 gp per day.
The journey to the ruins is 8 days, providing nothing happens along the way.
Another factor to consider is encumbrance for the rations. If you just carry it on your mounts, that'll slow you down one extra day.
You could buy mules to carry the supplies. They are relatively cheap, costing a mere 10 gp apiece. Of course, you will have to carry more food to feed these extra mounts. It would cost 2gp per mule extra for rations.
A mule could carry the equivalent of 3 days rations without slowing the party down.
Also, is there any other equipment you wish to purchase for the journey?
GM Notes:
What's it gonna be gang??
The group account stands at 36,000 gp.
SUBJ: Vonte 1
FROM: Vonte 02/22/91 S#: 521238
I will bow humbly to the party when I hear of their decision to allow me to remain in the party.
"May I make a suggestion to the party regarding food stuffs for the trip to the ruins?"
"If we set up a schedule of stops to make along the way, a few members should go on ahead to set up camp, and hunt for game to supplement a smaller amount of food carried."
"We should use the food carried only if the hunters are not successful, that way we can save money in food and mules and can travel faster due to the lack of encumbrance upon our mounts".
"I understand that the scouting members would be vulnerable to attack, but if the right few were chosen, the formable group would be able to hold there own."
"This is just a idea..."
"The scouting party would set off 1-3 hours earlier and arrive at the pre-set destination to scout the area for hostile creatures (and scout only, unless the scouts could definitely attack without a major risk.) And supply the majority of that nights dinner."
" SO what do you think???"
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 02/22/91 S#: 412453
Steph finds little interest in the preparations for the journey ahead. All those calculations make her head hurt!
Finding herself with several days to fill, she will seek out the warriors of the Seekers to engage in sword practice.
The nights she spends with her multi-talented rogue of a husband. I just love it when he reads me erotic elvish poetry!
Spectrum's Comments: Having learned her lesson, Steph wisely avoided such discussions.
SUBJ: Claudius... FROM: GM Falcon 02/22/91 S#: 800303
"A priest of Ehlonna...", the mage murmurs thoughtfully, "..advising wanton hunting when food is readily available. How quaint."
He looks over at Validar. "I vote that we invest in the mules. They won't slow us down much on the strategic scale, and on the tactical scale they are expendable, while we will still have our personal mobility."
"Buy four-weeks worth. We will certainly need sixteen, and the other twelve may be needed if we are delayed somehow. Better too much than starving.." He pats his slowly increasing belly for emphasis.
SUBJ: what (R) FROM: Thengor 02/24/91 S#: 794478
What ever you decide I will be ready with my ax to help
SUBJ: Armon Flamehilt (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 02/24/91 S#: 466865
The bard has finally found his way back into the party, and enters the discussion.
"Well, I don't have any personal need for new equipment or anything, but I'm more than willing to help with the purchasing of any goods. It doesn't matter to me if we bring mules, so long as I don't get stuck cleaning up after them. It couldn't hurt to scout ahead though. Why don't a couple of us just ride on ahead a little to make sure nothing unexpected has happened?"
SUBJ: Blod (R) FROM: Blod 02/24/91 S#: 427429
Egads! He returns! :D
***********************
Not able to pay much attention to such details, Blod will spend a couple hours each day on the practice field with Steph, hopefully giving her a workout with his sword.
He will then search the town for the proper materials to make a long bow and a score of flight arrows. When he finds this material, he will spend much of his free time constructing these weapons. If he will not be done with these before we leave, he will purchase a longbow and score of flight arrows for the trip.
His nights will be spent getting to know his beloved. :* []
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 02/24/91 S#: 473674
In the week before the Seekers set out, Pad approaches, in turn, Beholder, Mercy, Thundron, Armon, Claudius, Zynara, and Vonte. To each he says, "I have a spell that will help deflect a small number of blows aimed at you in combat. If you want, I will cast the spell on you. The protection offered by the spell has no time limit, so it will protect you until your first combat after I cast it. Do you want the spell?"
On the great mule debate, Pad says, "For the trivial amount of money we're talking about here, I say get the 4 weeks of food someone suggested and enough mules to carry it all. Besides, a train of mules will doubtlessly tempt any hostiles we pass by into attacking us."
SUBJ: Thundron (R) FROM: Dark2 02/24/91 S#: 444255
I will of course accept the spell so offered, knowing full well the mage's capabilities.
As to the mule thing, I have lived most of my life never carrying any food on me. I lived off the land for many years now. Having to carry extra food along seems quite silly to me. Anyway, I've seen many mules get spooked by something or killed while adventuring. There goes your way to transport all that stuff. I suggest we take Vonte's idea.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 02/24/91 S#: 850503
To Validar: I still suggest that we join the War, If we hit before Winterfall the Kelnites will have no chance to regroup, If we wait they will be a much more formidable opponent."
To Claudius: "For such a learned mage you certainly can tend to be a dullard. We are not the only warriors in the battle against the Keln Empire."
Arocken will retire and leave the planning to others stopping only to purchase an extra 2 dozen arrows.
Later that day Arocken will approach Claudius. " I must apologize for my words friend, this inactivity is making my mind a little crazed, I guess I just need to see the wonderful woodlands again."
SUBJ: vonte 2 (R) FROM: Vonte 02/24/91 S#: 452482
:to Pad. My Goddess does protect the good animals of the forest but, She also see the needs of the Human & Demi-Human's, it is the over killing and wanton murder of the animals that Her wrath will be distributed against the offending force whether it be Man/Demi-Human or creature.:
:Pad? I would be willing to teach you of Ehlonna so you can the True Light that will lead your soul to eternal life? If you wish??:
:To Validar: "Sir I am forced to make a request of the allocation of funds to purchase a weapon of my Faith. A simple Longbow with a quiver of arrows will aid me in the protection of the group" ::pause:: I will understand the denial, If you see fit, due to the fact that no monetary funds have been secured in my short time with the group?:
: Also I wish to set up a time to meet with you Validar, regarding the funds secured by the party...When you see fit?:
Back to the mule issue-
Someone had mentioned that a large mule train tends to attract attention, and I must agree with that fact, it also tends to draw attacks from the natural surroundings (i.e. Bears, Rocs etc.)
Mule trains also tend to slow down the group due to stubbornness and spookability, but they have their place.
I still believe that light quick travel will only help the group. With an advance force to scout ahead.
These are just suggestions? :)
SUBJ: vonte 3 FROM: Vonte 02/24/91 S#: 446947
I am sorry the statement made about Ehlonna and Her Protection was to be made to Claudius and not Pad. :/
I am sorry for the inconvenience and the mix-up!
Padraig: Yes, I believe in your magicks. And I would graciously accept any enchantments to protect me from harm. Thank you Kind sir for your thoughts to protect...
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 02/24/91 S#: 847844
First of all, addressing Arocken, regarding the war debate:
"I think you do not fully understand the situation, friend Arocken, judging by your words. There are a few factors that simply do not allow the war to begin at this point. The Seekers are not to be the only force in this war by any means. We will be but one of many. And a number of those forces have not yet returned to Gateway."
"Also, the weather will not allow for travelling time. By the time we reached the Keln forces, we would be in the midst of full winter. That is no way to conduct a proper war. Finally we may have defeated a sizable number of the Hextorite foes, but that will seem almost inconsequential to the numbers we will face further in the lands of Keln. Simply put, the Seekers have not the power to conduct this attack alone, even if it were within our striking range."
"To top matters off, Gateway still is recovering from the siege. Things may seem back to normal for us, but they are not. There is still too much for everyone here to do before the war can be joined. I appreciate your exuberance, as I stated, but you will be forced to unleash this energy on whatever we will meet beyond the lair of the green dragon."
To Vonte, regarding his request for the meeting:
"If there is something you wish to discuss, Vonte, I have no problem. We can meet sometime during this week before we set out. There are not many preparations despite the apparent over-emphasization we have been giving it of late."
"And yes, you may purchase the longbow you desire. You can either be reimbursed after paying for it yourself, or if you have not the gold on your person, we can supply the necessary amount beforehand. Either way is immaterial."
(In reality's terms, do you, as a player, want to discuss this by mail is it a question I can answer in the post?)
After listening to all the ideas submitted by party members, Validar makes his decision. He addresses all the Seekers at some point during the week, leaving enough time to fulfill these few tasks that are required.
"With the abilities of the Rod of Security in the care of the conjuress Zynara, we will effectively be without need of provisions for part of each day. We will use this item, as it will remove the need to find safe camping areas, as well as keep the amount of provisions necessary to a minimum."
"To carry any extra gear that we are purchasing, as well as food and water, and also to give us the ability to transport any spoils out of the dungeon, we will purchase three mules."
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 02/25/91 S#: 829234
"This small number will make them easy to keep under control and still give us the extra carrying capacity we require."
"We will also purchase 10 days of food. This in addition to the Rod's abilities will give us enough food for 16 days. As scouting ahead will not be necessary for a camping site, those of us who are comfortable in the forests can use their abilities to hunt and gather foods to supplement the food we are carrying. That will allow our rations to carry on much longer than simply the travelling time to and from the dragon's den."
"I do not believe that sending a scouting party ahead will be necessary. Any resistance that we will encounter during our trip will not be of the organized variety what with the destruction of the Hextorite command in this area. Therefore, a simple show of force and numbers should be enough to ward off all but the most dangerous, stupid, or starving of adversaries."
"If any of these types of encounters occur, having a smaller party riding ahead will be of no strategic value. Therefore, we will all basically ride together during this journey."
"Now that this has all been settled, and seeing as how Armon has graciously volunteered to become part of the purchasing party, I am going to give him the responsibility to arrange this job. Armon, choose a few of our number to assist you. I will have a list prepared and you can add anything that you feel we may need in addition to what we have stated here."
"Everyone else is welcome to purchase their own personal equipment for this expedition and prepare for this in whatever manner each of you choose. Then we shall add yet another page to the illustrious history of the Seekers."
SUBJ: Claudius (R) FROM: GM Falcon 02/25/91 S#: 395862
Claudius will reiterate Validar's response to Arocken.
"There is no way..", he responds, "..that Gateway's army is ready for a war now, which means it WOULD be just us. We are thirteen (or so)..they are thirteen-thousand. (or more)"
"Yes, winter will give them time to rebuild. One good point though...it will give us, meaning the Cynalon army, time to rebuild also."
He looks at Vonte: "Aye, sir, I agree that Ehlonna allows for hunting if needed. My argument is that if we were to take along enough food, we would not NEED to hunt. As for learning of your goddess..certainly, I am always eager to learn more of our little corner of the multiverse."
When Validar gives his decision concerning food, Claudius will look up:
"Problem, my lord. Rods usually don't have an infinite number of uses. Would
it not be more prudent to save these limited uses until times when we are in dire need?"
When Padraig comes up with his, to Claudius, strange and wondrous spell he will dumbly nod acceptance, and offer his thanks.
SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 02/25/91 S#: 448247
"I must agree with Claudius, Validar. My last group owned a Rod of Security for a while. They do indeed have a limited number of magical charges. It would be better not to use them up without cause. Buy the extra mules and food it will take. Their price is much smaller than the price of recharging such a rod would be, if you can even find someone who CAN recharge it."
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 02/25/91 S#: 491318
Since I am leaving the preparations for those better suited for it, I do not hear of the planned use for my Rod till later. I then speak up on it's use, "The rod was at about sixty percent power when it was checked last. That was after the seige was lifted. After research, that would leave the wand with twenty-five to thirty uses. We will want to use it this spring in the war so we shouldn't use it just for this outing."
Later when Padraig asks me if I would like some special protection, "I would be honored if you would cast that protection spell you are speaking of on me. Currently my main form of protection is my husband's offensive capabilities."
Spells memorized
1st:Chill Touch*2, Enlarge, Mount, Sleep
2nd: Melf's Acid Arrow*3
3rd: Flame Arrow, Vampiric Touch
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 02/25/91 S#: 460492
"Thank you much, Padraig. I find heavy armor so....bothersome. It's hot, heavy, and slows you down too much in a fight. I would be extremely thankful for any protection you could grant me."
Armon smiles to Validar and states, "Sure, no problem. I'll take care of getting whatever you need, just give me a list and the coins. By the way, you spoke of other factions involved in this war that we're waiting on. Anyone in particular?"
The young Flamehilt then takes the list and goes shopping, recruiting any willing Seekers to help. He'll turn on the charm to try and get the best prices available, and picks up the occasional item or two which may come in handy.
SUBJ: Vonte 3 (R) FROM: Vonte 02/26/91 S#: 805575
After hearing of Validar's decision to purchase mules, I will bow and state: "As you wish, Sir"
*******
To the purchasing agent of the party-
" I will request a longbow and an ample supply of arrows, the method of payment (after emptying my cloak pocket, and finding 5 gp.) must be on loan until I may secure gold (hopefully from the spoils of our travels)."
*******
Validar- E-Mail on the way(regarding our meeting). :)
::it will be player to player, not reality::
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 02/27/91 S#: 394139
Thoughly disgusted Arocken leaves the manor and heads to the local tavern, mumbling the whole way. "...Stupid.. ..greedy... !#$!$%...." He will then order a drink to try and cool his nerves.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 02/27/91 S#: 431835
Validar will address the mages who seem to disagree with his decision for mode of travel:
"I must admit that I am a little surprised at this. Not that my decision to use the Rod would be questioned, but not from the mages in the party. I would think that it's use benefits the three of you more than anyone else in the Seekers."
"If we travel in the conventional manner, then we will be forced to camp each night, which means less travelling time due to the time required to find and secure a suitable place. Also we will have to post guards throughout the night. That will preclude the three of you regaining any spells without an even longer period of staying in one place. Finally someone will have to tend to all these extra animals, feeding, watering and loading and unloading them. Unless you are volunteering for this job?"
"Then there is the matter of simple mathematics. If Zynara estimates the uses of the Rod at a minimum of 25, then 16 uses will leave 9 more, at a minimum. The situation we will be entering with the war does not allow the Rod to be a big strategic factor; more a matter of absolute necessity. If we need more than 9 charges, we will have made an error in even joining the war."
"Those of you who were with the Seekers during the siege of Gateway will remember the problems and difficulties we faced. We will all have to be together and all the enemy has to do is wait for us, once they know where we are. If one Hextorite can figure it out, any of them can. Consequently, I do not place much worth on the Rod's abilities in this situation."
"If you, Zynara, have a problem with utilizing the Rod, which technically belongs to you although almost strictly a group-functioning item, in this way, then allow me to consider the item strictly a group item, much like some of the other wands we have in our possession and you can have the next magical item you wish. I am not going to ask you to use up a personal item if you choose not to do so. If that is a concern of yours, then this offer should prove to satisfy it."
"Lastly, I would think that if the War goes well, which I believe it shall, the Crown itself should be able to deal with something so trivial as to recharge this item. After all, these things are designed to be used. That is the point behind expendable magicks: too use them. If we simply hold on to everything and hoard it, how do we know that some calamity will not befall any of us that will destroy this or other magic items? If we constantly wait for a proper time, we may not ever get to use its power. Just ask Finrod and Stephanie. It's happened more than once in this group already."
"Now, do any of you have anything to refute my position, or is the matter now decided?"
SUBJ: VALIDAR (R) FROM: Bl Panther 02/27/91 S#: 445267
In answer to Armon's question:
"In actuality, the Seekers will not be actually working directly with any other adventuring companies. It will be a matter of each of those involved having an objective or series of objectives to accomplish which when summed will amount to a full-fledged war effort. Most of the more experienced companies that operate out of Gateway will be involved, although a number of them have yet to return for the winter yet."
Finally, Validar will meet with Vonte in private to discuss the matter on his mind and explain to him the workings of the Seekers' monetary system.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 02/27/91 S#: 397670
"Forgive the candor with which I am about to speak, Validar, but I don't think you'll mind me being less than diplomatic. After all, we are both simply interested in the good of the party."
"First, in my experiences, I have had little trouble finding time enough to regain my spells when the party I worked with was not directly under attack. Should such a condition exist, and the party could not prevail without the use of the Rod, then that use would be justified. However, using it when there is no danger about is a foolish waste of a resource that could save our lives at some point. As a comparison, would you assemble the entire company of the Seekers every time you ventured outside the walls of this city, even for just an afternoon's ride? The possibility of danger certainly exists each time you go out of the gates, but the possibility is small close to the city. You would not waste the Seeker's time when you had no real cause to expect danger. The same principle applies here."
"Second, you do not understand the difficulties present in recharging items. Some are made in such a way that they cannot ever be recharged. Most require intensive work by powerful mages or priests to recharge. Very few are 'simple' to recharge."
"Given this, it makes more sense to expend renewable resources, money and man power, to handle our needs in provisioning. If you must use magic, it would be potentially less costly to the group for you to ask each priest who is so capable of carrying a few Create Food and Water spells. If you still resist, I am willing to use my own money to buy the food and mules, rather than see magic wasted needlessly."
"Finally, on a slightly tangential point, I dislike the thought of a party leader stripping a member of items previously granted. Such a course of action, without the full agreement of the individual, smacks of tyranny. I am not used to working with people who have that low a regard for personal rights."
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Thursday 28-Feb-91 00:17 EST
re:Frontier
In case you didn't guess, the spell I was asking people if they would like is a Stoneskin spell. If Validar doesn't reply further on the whole mule/food business, Pad will use his own cash to purchase the extra mules and food required for the previously mentioned 4 weeks.