The ‘test of psionics’ as it was known was similar to those he had faced in the crescent forest. Although, Tak’ thought with a smile, the forest porcupine was a much better incentive to keep away from oneself.

Whilst the numbers were against him, he had triumphed - Wek’Lo’Raq would be proud.

THE PYRAMID FALLS

Aryus concentrates hard while his hands scramble to build the pyramid. He and Elric have an almost subconscious connection each anticipating the next step, each brings the pyramid closer to its completion and each hoping that victory is near.

While watching the pyramid being constructed, Tak’ was privately impressed with the speed in which Aryus and Elric sorted out the puzzle, and certainly their competence in this area would see them through. Then suddenly, the blocks fell!

For no reason other than instinct born of a hunter, Tak’ reached into his mind, seeking to reach his Will, to locate what little remained of his nexus.

His nexus exhausted, Tak’ grasped in vain for his Will to rise to his bidding. Holding back a disappointed grimace, Tak’ realized that he was as drained and empty as a waterhole in the wastes.

Chit-Zik looks in dismay at the toppled pyramid. He looked around his companions nervously. "Does this mean I can't hunt with the pack now?" He looks worried.

Gaigin curses loudly as the pyramid of blocks tumble to the ground. So close, and they were about to loose! A thought lurked at the back of his mind, something the Elf had said earlier. "My psychokinetic skills are unsurpassed!" Every warrior worth his water knew Elves were notorious cheats. Still, without proof, there was little Gaigin could do...

As the blocks tumbled, Koreth coughed loudly. His gaze whips over to the braggart elf, who earlier had proclaimed his skill at psychokinetics. "What is this!? The elf obviously tumbled our pyramid, everyone heard his boast of psychokinetics earlier did they not? How can you trust such a group to represent Tyr if they cannot participate fairly in a simple contest?" He quiets himself, realizing that anger was swelling within him. He folds his arms and waits, hopefully the council could see the truth in this matter.

When victory seemed so close, just one block away, the pyramid tumbled. The elf from the other team choked back a nasty chuckle. Aryus stands tall and glares at the elven opponent. Elric and the rest of his companions do the same. Something was amiss. He felt it, "a magic wind" did this foul deed.

Elric steals a quick glance at the other group; "We can still complete the pyramid first now we have solved the premise of the construction." Elric’s hands are a blur of motion as he rebuilds his sections of the pyramid, half-elven and kreen appendages working in complete harmony. Without taking his focus from the pyramid Elric speaks in a forced tone, "Sadira, I call foul. A telekinetic force felled our pyramid. I say it originated from the elf there who speaks so highly of his psychokinetic skills."

The lanky elf ignored the accusations and redoubled his speed at building the pyramid. His companion, the water priest, also put his hands to work once all the blocks were sorted out. Their pyramid was finished within moments while the heroes had merely started their own. The elf rogue bragged, "Here is how you beat a few unschooled barbarians. You use skill and might. I want to see some of this bowing shit, see if the savages have any honor!"

Elric steps purposefully toward Sadira "I call again foul, the elf used his ‘psychokinetic skills’ to fell our pyramid as we neared completion. I ask that the test be redone." Looking back to his companions "Did any of you feel the force or was I the only one."

Ayrus also supports his half-elven companion and states, "Sadira, alas a foul wind from a foul elf has fallen our pyramid. He has used no skill, but the evil of his heart!" Aryus looks long and hard at the elf, a hatred forming in his heart. The air cleric uses every last drop of charisma to convince try and convince Sadira who looks toward Gar for an answer.

Elric swings his gaze back to the Overcouncil "Yes, see Aryus felt it as well. That is further proof of a foul deed done. I must more that ask now honored council members, I seek retribution even to the point of a duel."

The elf remains calm while addressing the council while he taunts Elric, "You, the members of the Overcouncil, heard him. Is this the sort of people you want to send on a diplomatic trip, that ill-begotten son of a human whore and a drunken elf is supposed to represent Tyr?" He then addresses Elric, "As for you, you will get your death wish soon enough, HALF-MAN!"

Ayrus weaves his hands in the air and starts to cast a spell just as Elric moves forward with both hands on sword hilts. Rikus and the guards quickly step in to restrain both enraged half-elves, "There will be no duel here! Nor any spell casting if we can avoid it! Both of you calm down now or I will personally kick all of you out." The look of smug on the elf only adds more anger to an already enraged crowd.

The mul turns to Gar, "You were looking over this test. What do we do?" Gar Bonehammer calmly says, "I have not felt anything but let us call on the house meditative master and he will help us out."

A burly guard soon brings in an old man. The old man is quickly explained the situation and he turns inward calling forth his Will. The master of the Way smiles as he faces the Overcouncil, "The elf has used psionic energy some moments ago!" Elric cuts in, "You see, I told you all, he cheated!" The lanky elf quickly replied, "I did use the Way but only to augment my own speed not topple your pyramid. I wasn't aware that it was illegal to do so."

The Overcouncil members again turned to the old master who calmly continued, "I do not know the truth but can find out by going into the elf's mind." The elf visibly shuddered at the prospect but was far too involved to refuse. "Fine, if that is what it takes then be it. Go ahead old man, I won't impede you."

The old man turned to the mindscape, he saw both himself and the elf in shinning, transparent bodies alone in the middle of a vast plane. He sent out the subtle form of a humming bird to make contact with the elf who merely waited. In the meeting chamber, the old man looked quiet as if in peace while the elf's eyes blinked in rapid succession; his hands clasped and unclasped unconsciously. No one spoke a word and the hurrum beetles' song was heard louder than ever. In the mindscape, the bird slowly made its way and was about pose himself on the rogue when suddenly a thick wall of bramble sprang protecting the elf. Feathers exploded from the brambles as the bird was shredded to pieces as he was caught in the middle of the thorny barrier.

Back at the meeting chambers, the old man grunted in surprise and was physically shaken. He yelled, "Get him, he is guilty!" Two guards soon restrained the elf who did not put up any opposition, "Alright, alright, I admit it. But the deed is not worth the old man messing with my mind." The elf is quickly escorted out of the palace. His companions leave with him but their psionicist tells the Overcouncil a curious story before she goes, "He was not part of the original group. He approached us yesterday, asking to join and offering money on top of what Tyr would pay. We are sorry that this happened." The rest of the group congratulates the heroes for obtaining the job in fair trials.

Tak’ walked over to the group, seeking out the psionicist he had competed against. Inclining his head, and pressing his palms together, Tak’ gave a small bow. "Your courtesy alone is worthy of your honor, and you Will is not easily overcome. Honor to your clan."

Koreth nods his head at the decision of the council, hearing the wisdom of their words. He watched as the elf was escorted away with some satisfaction. Tak’ allows himself a small smile of satisfaction, and allowed only an amused gaze as the elf was escorted away.

Gaigin radiates satisfaction as the cheating elf is escorted from the chamber. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Gaigin turns to regard the Council. His face carefully neutral as he regards them, Rikus and Sadira, the Heroes of Tyr. Though in his heart, Gaigin knew that they probably saved his life, and the lives of every man, woman, and child in Tyr, that fateful day nearly 12 years ago when the Mul threw the halfling spear that ended Kalak's life. Still, he could not help resenting the pair for their part in leading the Rebellion that had put an end to his aspirations, his family's position, and very nearly his life.

Rikus steps in and states to everyone, "I guess we have our team! Congratulations!

Koreth approaches the council members bowing politely, "I am honored to represent the city of my birth in this expedition." He rises to his feet and nods to his companions, a smile playing across his lips. His defeat in the strength contest still stung, but the job was theirs.

"Well, we won your tests...though I fail to see how rope-tugging and block-building will be of much use in the Wastes or in the mountains. We were not told anything of this job, your Templar Messenger-Boys were more interested in extorting our life savings than in answering questions."

Suspicious by nature, Gaigin decides that now is the time to find the answers to things that had been bothering him since yesterday.

"That is one thing I do not understand. Why were the Templars so silent about a simple trail-blaze, unless you had something to hide? For that matter, why was the woman who saw us yesterday so close-mouthed about the whereabouts of the other Council Members? 'Diplomatic Mission' is about as cloudy an answer as could be managed."

"All will be answered in time," was all that Sadira said. The three members of the Overcouncil usher you back to the main hall where a curious person is there to greet. The "man" is dressed in hide armor but wears nothing on his legs nor on his three-toed feet. His body is covered in dark green scales, he has tail and also two appendages on his shoulder which look to be the remnants of wings. His face has a muzzle like a saurian lizard. His bifurcated tongue slips out between his teeth and casually licks his lips. A curious golden eye draws your attention as he begins to speak. "Greetings, my name is Ptellac Goldeye and I am from the Hinterland village of Lost Scale."

Sadira excuses herself from the room, "Ptellac will explain what needs to be done and any further questions will be answered by Rikus or Gar. Good luck to you all; I have other things to attend to." The pterran continues, "I came with an expedition from my village to establish a commerce with the city but met with disaster along the way. The Great earthquake erased the path we took to come over and we were ambushed by tarek raiders up near the forest. My companions and I were separated and I was the only one to make it to Tyr. They could still be wondering in the mountain range for all I know. I need you to escort me back across the Ringing mountain to my village."

Gar interrupts, "You will also make a detailed map of the route you take, you can check your map for accurateness when you come back. Tyr will make a deal with its resident merchant House Vordon and they will establish trade outposts and eventually forts along the route. You may, of course, keep anything and everything you find along the way. If it were possible to find any of the other lost pterrans, they should also be taken back to their village but do not go looking for them. They could be all dead for all we know. What questions do you at this moment without going into fees and such?"

Waiting for the proper time to pose his questions, Koreth folds his arms and scans the trappings of the golden tower. Once the time has come he speaks, "I have a few questions to ask if it would please the council to answer them. How many days might it take to reach this settlement?" He nods at the answer, his mind moving to the next question. "Are there any known dangers along the suggested route?" he asks, licking his lips unconsciously as the council answers. "What of the customs of the people? Is there anything we should know so as not to offend them?" Koreth scratches his chin as he thinks, "What must we do once we arrive?" He bows his head as they answer his last question, "My thanks for your patience."

Chit-Zik is anxious to get under way, and out of the city. He asks, "What prey can we find where we're going? He expects the trip will be rough on his companions, since he thinks they look like they spend a lot of time in cities.

Elric takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts after a long and stressful trial. "How long do we have to complete our task?"

Ptellac speaks again, "There is no time limit for the task but to give you an idea, this is what I know. Once we are on the other side of the forest, it will take 7 days of normal march to reach the village. From my past experience and talking to Rikus and other here, it should take us half a day to reach the Ringing mountains, anywhere from 2 to 4 days to cross them and anywhere from 2 to 3 days to cross the forest itself." The pterran curls back his lips showing a mouth filled of sharp teeth and chuckles, "That makes about from 12 to 15 days, a one way trip. We must bear in mind that our small halfling hunter walks slower and thus adds to our time but his knowledge of the forest may save us all." The pterran puts his hands on the table and you can see that his fingers end in wicked looking claws, "As for customs, we will have plenty of time to get better acquainted during the trip. I look forward to exchange stories with all of you; I would not worry about that now." Ptellac addresses the kreen directly and adds, "We count on your hunting skills to feed us on the way."

Gar, the dwarf, looks around at the curious faces and adds, "The amount of money to be given for this job is 50 silver pieces per person, I can give you half now and half when you get back. Tyr will also pay you 1 sp per person per week it takes you to get back; this is to take care of any supplies,. What do you say to that price?"

Nodding toward Koreth, Elric speaks his mind, "Again I will allow you to bargain on my behalf but I would like to see that we, as Gaigin’s Pack, be recognized publicly for completing the mission as a friend and aid of Tyr."

Ayrus calmly states, "Food for my hunger, water for my thirst, the wind for my soul. That is all I ask for and nothing more."

"Well. A considerable amount to be sure, but I can think of something more useful to take on this journey than silver. I will forego my share of the pay for an Axe-Blade made of Iron. The Iron from Tyr's mines is well known to make the hardest and sharpest blades. Surely you must have an axe head somewhere in the cities armory..."

Gaigin considers a moment, thinking of things they may need...turning away from the council Gaigin regards his companions.
"Seems we're faced with choices here. We could bring riding kanks, but I doubt they'd make it through the mountain passes. I suggest we bring a kank or two along for baggage, at least. We can leave them at the foot of the Mountains if need be, the supplies they would carry'd be depleted enough for us to manage them from there. A little food, as little as we can manage, if possible. Food'd weigh our packs, and we should have hunters enough to eat well. Water is, as it always bloody is in this heat, the main thing. I for one'll want three more like this" Gaigin heaves his large water skin. "at least."

It was Tak's turn to speak. "I, at least, will not work as a servant or a slave for coin. I work for my tribe, and Tyr is my tribe. Make sure that the children on the streets are fed for one year and a day, that they are looked after as young of the city, not excess goods to flood the streets with. If you will feed your own, Tak’Nak’Raq pledges to work with his body and mind towards your goals."

"My companions, the biggest asset we have on our journey is our minds and bodies. Let us be certain we are prepared fully, for at last check we all still bear wounds from our battle in the poor quarter."

"I will be able to guide you through the forests once we are over the mountains, and I have some knowledge of passes, although admittedly these passes all lead deep into the forest, which is perhaps not where we need to go."

Nodding with Gaigin, Tak’ says "You speak wise words. A few kanks should be enough, if stocked exclusively with water. We should also be prepared for the cold of winter nights, and the need for rope. The jagged stones that are the mountains range are unkind to those not prepared."

"I carry all that I need, and hunting by Chit-Zik and myself should allow us to eat, we only need carry several days travel food in case the pickings are slim."

The kreen clicks his mandibles, "I request a whetstone as payment."

Koreth addresses the members, "I think that highest of our priorities would be foodstuffs, enough for the journey and perhaps a week or two more would be desirable. We would also require water skins, say three per man should suffice. Kanks, with proper harnesses and saddles would serve us well as both mounts and pack animals. Give us nine, one for each of us to ride and three for supplies. Also, materials with which to draw up the map you desire and to keep it safe during the journey. The only other item I can think of that might aid us in our endeavor would be some manner in which to identify ourselves as Tyr's representatives." Koreth replies honestly to the question of needed supplies, examining the faces of each council member, looking for signs that he has asked too much of them.

Gar and Rikus both look at each other and address the group, "The money is all we have to give; no supplies or anything else. As far as the kanks go…, let's see. We could lend you kanks but they will only aid you until you get to the mountains. According to Ptellac's calculations, that is about half a day out of 14 days. I personally do not think it is good idea. As for your metal axe, Gaigin, it is not that easy. You may try and buy one if you have the money but even the best nobles don't always have metal weapons," Rikus nods towards Koreth. Gar then turns towards Tak, "Honor be to you, but that problem is not that easily solved. We in Tyr are trying to provide the poor with work. We, in the council, believe in the ancient proverb, 'Give a man food and he will eat for one day, teach him to hunt, he will never go hungry again'; we are trying to teach them to hunt."

Ptellac jumps in, "I will give you drawing materials and sheets of papyrus. I will also give a bone scroll case for safekeeping. I also have a couple of wax sticks to seal them."

The mul then adds, "That is what we have for you, half the silver pieces right now but no supplies. I suggest that Koreth escort you to the noble's quarters where you may buy whatever you need for the journey. Will Gaigin's pack accept the job?"

The companions look to each other and silently bow their heads. Koreth announces, "We will accept your generous offer."

Ptellac ads a final comments, "Good, I have a good feeling about this already. I still have to arrange a few things with the local merchant lords. I will meet you all at sunrise in two days at Tyr's west gate. I suggest you rest up and try to heal yourselves. Stay out of trouble while you buy the equipment." The pterran curls back his lip again and proceeds to shake the hands of everyone, "I need to get accustomed to your ways…"

Your actions.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Here is the situation as it stands right now.

Gaigin (SiW)

Koreth (SiW)

Elric (SiW)

Tak (SiW)

Chit (H)

Ayrus (SiW)

It is about noon right now. You have 1 and 1/2 days to get ready. Try and think of the following when you answer the turn.

• Shopping list
• What else you want do in Tyr before leaving
• Where you will stay
• When you go shopping, how much money you will take, where you will go: noble's market or elven market or other, what you will wear and have (armor and/or weapons)

L8r,

Fabian