THE DEAL IS CLOSED

It was an exciting time for Aryus. In two days, he may once again seek out the high mountains and feel the force of the liberating winds. His companions seemed enthusiastic as well, ready to embark on a seemingly "fun" (if it can be called that) task for the city of Tyr. Not go off and slay a monster, just an honest deed, at least he hoped it was.

Ptellac was an eccentric one too. Aryus nods at the pterran trader and introduces himself with a smile,"I'm Aryus, a pleasure to meet with you." Still it was the first time Aryus had seen a pterran. The northlands did not have members of this race. Aryus gazes at Ptellac with curiosity, and ... dare he say it, amusement?

As his companions negotiate the final details with Gar and Rikus, Aryus thought about the silver coins he would receive. What use would he have for them? Perhaps, Tak was right that it be better used donating it to what he calls "the tribe of Tyr". Or maybe not...

Taking the pterran's three-clawed hand, Tak' shakes it deftly, "Our customs are not all similar, Ptellac," he says with a smile. "I shall greet you as all halflings greet those who come with good intentions and hearts." Bowing his head slightly, Tak' addresses the bird with no feathers, "Honor to your clan Ptellac. Your journey across the mountains and forests to Tyr tells much of your will and strength."

"Since we will be only travelling across the sandy wastes for a short time, water will not be the great problem it often is beneath the harsh sun. If we all carry what we are comfortable with on a long journey, bearing in mind that we cross both mountains, forests and Gaea knows what else in the uncharted lands beyond."

Tak approaches Rikus, with a disappointed frown on his face, "Children should and cannot work, but they surely need to eat. I will take my coin and see their bellies full and not swollen. I shall also see what I can find that may help us in the various gathering-places of the city."

Chit-Zik was confused by the negotiations to say the least. He mostly just watched, seeing the conversation as a hunter and prey situation, and his pack was prey.

Still, in the end all parties seem satisfied. As the group gets ready to acquire equipment, he asks Tak, "Can you get me a whetstone or other tool for sharpening weapons? If that isn't a problem," he nods.

Chit-Zik turns to Tak. "If you don't need to go with them, can we try hunting together today? We should be ready for when the pack moves."

Nodding, Tak' said, "Readiness is a virtue often overlooked. While this day is almost done, I have to look after my tribe, I feel that we should scout and hunt on the outskirts of Tyr tomorrow. If we leave three hours before the sun breaks, we may be able to catch some prey as they return from grazing."

The kreen nods, "We will hunt in the morning then. I remember one time me and my clutch were-" He stops talking without warning and his antenna prick forward as though he were in combat, or hunting. He whips around, nearly slamming into Aryus. He suddenly leaps away behind the group. When he lands, he swings his head around from right to left, then runs around a corner disappearing from view. None of you noticed anything he was hunting.

Tak' looked around to his companions, to see who would accompany him on his walk through the city. "I hope we will be able to enjoy the bounty and honor of noble-Koreths dwelling tonight. I shall meet you all there before the sun has set."

In the council chamber, Aryus says to his companions, "We have two days before we leave this city, my friends. I'm sure you will all seek the merchants and markets to purchase goods for this trip. In my life, I've taken many trips and traveled great areas of land. For me, I've always loved to travel light, let the wind carry me and not be encumbered by weapons and equipment. But I realize that people are different from me, so I will offer you some advice concerning equipment. We probably will need ropes to climb the mountain, torches and oil for the night. Blankets and bedrolls to sleep on the hard rock, and travel packs for our food and water."

Aryus pauses a moment before continuing, "I will head for the markets too and perhaps purchase some of this equipment for myself. I suppose we will all purchase equipment individually?" Everyone nods in agreement.

Elric gets ready to go to the markets in search of some equipment and spell components for the long trip.

Gaigin nods to the council and turns back to the group. "Well, seems we got some time to prepare. I'm off to do a bit o' business afore we leave. I'm gonna assume we'll meet up at the Harek compound tonight..."

Koreth bows to the council, and turns to his companions. "I'm heading off to the nobles market, I'll see you all this evening at my estate."

REST OF THE AFTERNOON

Walking through the squalid part of the city to meet his beggar-tribe, Tak's keen sense of smell was once again assailed with the stinks of sewage, death, sweat - the three smells of poverty. The alleyway showed no sign of the bloody battle of only a day ago. Indeed the only thing that anyone would notice out of the ordinary was the degree of respect the folk of the alley paid the slight halfling, from old men to young children, all were quick to offer a smile and a word of thanks.

"Takky!" came the cry from above, as Little Kirre leapt down from a low rooftop, almost bowling over the surprised halfling. Soon, many more children followed, and Tak' struggled to his feet in the sea of poor ragged whelps. Reaching into his sack, Tak' produced a small erdlu-leather bag, giving a distinctive metallic 'clink', which caused the children to quiet down in expectation.

"Little Kirre, I will be leaving Tyr for a while, in service of the city. I shall be gone for about one moon-cycle, but shall return. Until I get back, the tribe shall eat well. I am told this coin can feed you, though I fail to see how metal can sustain anything but a vault." With that, Tak' hands the bag over to Little Kirre, whose eyes bugged out of his head at the sight of so much silver within.

"You must make sure the tribe eats and survives Little Kirre; the responsibility of a leader is much, but rewarding." The child-leader, overcome with wealth and lofty ideas, could only gulp and nod.

"Now, I am stranger to this city, and need to find several items. Where and how…" Tak' was cut off by Little Kirre, who had quickly regained his composure, changing his look of astonishment to one of mischief. "There are lots of neat things in the elven markets! You could almost buy everything there - I know how to bargain and get things for really cheap!"

Tak' goes shopping in the elven markets with Little Kirre who does all the haggling and pays. The halfling buys the needed items and Little Kirre draws more than one pair of curious eyes as his silvers do not unnoticed by many of the traders and curious on-lookers.

Aryus heads off by himself in the Tyrian streets. He visits the arena market and the tradesman's district, carrying all of his meager equipment. At the arena market, he goes to the Razor's Edge and purchases sharp z'tal feather scales at two per ceramic bit. Then, he heads for the Sweet Bread for lunch and purchases the sweet dry bread made with kank honey and fine grains for two bits for a bundle.

During the afternoon, Aryus heads to the tradesman's district to Grik's Weaponry. Normally having no interest for weapons, Aryus' viewpoint has somewhat changed. During the battle with street thugs, he noticed how powerless he was to defend himself when the thief approached him. "Sometimes even the winds fail, and I must defend myself with bare hands." Inside Grik's Weaponry, Aryus searches for a steel dagger. The only dagger available costs 20 silver pieces and it was made out of iron. Ayrus weighs his bag of silver and decides against the purchase. He does, however, buy 30 metal tipped arrows for 9 silvers.

After the weapons shop, Aryus wanders around the district for a little bit, curiously observing the Tyrians. During the evening, he heads for a drink at the Golden Inix Inn and also has dinner and listens to local rumors. The rumors overheard all deal with the Great Earthquake and the recent visitors to Tyr; he would get a first hand opportunity to talk to the pterran soon. He is curious about recent happenings around Tyr. After the tavern, Aryus heads back for Koreth's estate.

Gaigin walks off on his own to do a little hunting around, pausing only long enough to refill his waterskin and to tie his pouch of money around his neck with a piece of cord, concealing it inside his loose robes.

First, Gaigin heads to the Noble's Market, knowing it to be the only place to buy iron weapons. The elven market sells them as well, but iron there would assuredly be stolen goods. Reaching the market, Gaigin searches for a weapon's dealer able to sell him a long spear-point of sharp iron.

Gaigin quickly finds a weapon smith who is willing to part with his 6 inch long iron spear head for 10 silver pieces. Satisfied with his new acquisition, Gaigin slips into an out-of-the-way corner and replaces the head on his spear, securing it with bits of strong leather cord. Finally, Gaigin slips the weapon's cover back on and moves on. Next, Gaigin buys three more large waterskins, bringing his total to four. Muttering angrily over the outrageous price for the skins, good leather being expensive after the recent quakes. After catching a quick meal, Gaigin returns to the compound.

Koreth turns and strides out of the golden tower, placing his coins into a pouch and concealing it somewhere under his cloak. He walks confidently into the noble's market, adjusting the cloak on his shoulders. He puts his hand upon his pouch, making sure of its presence. He walks among the many stalls and emporiums, filled with brightly colored goods and all manner of people. He walks along confidently, looking over many pieces of clothing and other items.

Koreth has all his money, but keeps hand on his purse at all times until inside the emporiums. Wearing armor, carrying his bone bastard sword on his belt, he spots an emporium of a trade house he recognized, Dhurzeg. He had dealt with them before; they traded in sturdy goods produced by dwarven craftsmen. He walked in, and soon a dwarven trader approached him. "Good day sir. I am Ganis, how may I be of help to you?" the dwarf smiled and waited. "I have need of some goods, friend. I have traded with your house before and found them to be dealers in sturdy goods." Koreth spoke in accented dwarven. Ganis' eyes glinted at Koreth's words; he motioned him inside. "What is it that you would be looking for?" he asked, also in dwarven.

"I require several items, first off is four water skins..." he replied casually. The dwarf nodded, motioning him into their warehouse. Shelf after shelf lined the walls, filled with all manners of goods both mundane and exotic. They stopped before a large bin and Koreth pawed through several of the items inside before selecting four that he felt would suit his purposes. "These will do, now I have need for a blanket..." Ganis lead him to another nearby bin, filled with rolled up blankets. Koreth pulled out several before selecting a red blanket, obviously dwarven with its angular pattern. "A fire kit?" he asked and Gainis pulled out one from a bin behind him, "Will this do sir?" Koreth nodded.

"Next, a quiver made to hold spears..." Ganis lead him down the row and past several shelves, stopping before a bin. Koreth pulled out a nicely crafted quiver; a silk worm decorating its edges. "Ah, this will do nicely. Now, I need a rope of at least two hundred feet." The dwarf nodded, leading him to another shelf. Several lengths of rope hung coiled on pegs, Ganis pulled one of the ropes from its peg, allowing Koreth to inspect it. "It will do, do you have an Iron grapple?" Ganis' eyes opened wide at the request. "I am sorry, sir but the only iron we have is fashioned into weapons but I can provide for you a sturdy bone grapple. It is made from mekillot ribs carefully cured by dwarven craftsmen, sir. I can assure that it is almost as sturdy as iron; I would not lie to you." Koreth inspects the grapple and states, "It will have to do, it best hold my weight while I am dangling from a mountain, " the warrior chuckled. The trader produced a smirk on his face not sure whether what Koreth had said was a joke or not.

"I also have need of some clothing," Koreth continued. Ganis nodded and lead him to a large area with several items of clothing. Koreth looked the items over, selecting a finely woven light gray cloak, three tunics each of a different color, three pairs of leather breeches, a small pouch on a leather thong and a pair of sturdy boots. Ganis nodded, having another trader take the items elsewhere. "Anything else sir?" he asked. Koreth nodded, "I also require a long spear with a steel tip. Do you have such an item?" Ganis' brow wrinkled, "I will find out sir, please come with me." The dwarf led him back the front of the emporium, where Koreth's goods were piled up. Ganis whispered something to one of the other dwarves, who then scurried off. Ganis turned to Koreth, a smile upon his face. "Are there any other items that you require?"

"No, these will suffice." Koreth said "shall we settle on the price then?" Ganis nodded, moving over to a small desk. He pulled out a tally sheet and began scribing down several lines of script. Koreth waited for several moments as the dwarf scribed. An older dwarf, unusual for the fact that he did not shave his head came out from the warehouse. Two long gray braids of hair hung down from his head, held in ornate clasps of dwarven craftsmanship. He smiled at Koreth, a long spear held firmly in his hand. He held out the spear for Koreth to inspect. It had a long sturdy shaft of agafari wood died a dark brown, at one end was a broad steel head tied securely onto the shaft with a leather thong. In the center, was a thick leather wrap decorated with blue and green beads. At the far end of the spear, the wood was thicker to counteract the steelhead and carved with circular designs. Koreth carefully took the spear from the older dwarf's hands, testing its balance and grip. He handed it back, satisfied. "Well crafted, by dwarven hands no doubt." The older dwarf nodded, "It is a fine spear, and we will sell it to you if you will accept the price." Koreth nodded, "Let us settle accounts then,"

The older dwarf nodded, his hands still gripping the spear. Ganis scribed one last entry on his tally, using an abacus to total the lines. Ganis brought the tally to the older dwarf, who nodded at its figures. "These items total two hundred seventeen ceramics, and three bits." Koreth knew the price to be fair, and that dwarves did not like to waste time on bargaining, especially when dealing with expensive goods such as the spear. He pulled his pouch from under his cloak, spilling several of the silver coins into his hand. He counted them out slowly, making sure that it was enough. He handed the dwarf twenty-eight pieces of silver. "This should cover the price," Koreth said, as he handed the silver to Ganis. The dwarf moved to give him the change, but Koreth shook his head. "Keep it friend, you have provided me with Goods not easily found. It has been good doing business with you." He bowed low to the dwarven elder before taking his spear. The dwarf smiled, seeing a display of respect from what he at first thought to be a haughty human noble. He had respect for dwarven traditions, he would remember that....

Koreth gathered up his new items, putting them hastily into his pack. He nodded his head respectfully to Ganis before leaving, the dwarf smiled and watched as the strange human walked away. Koreth, his new spear heavy in his hand, walked from the nobles market to the Harek estate.

AT THE HAREK ESTATE

The guards came to attention as Koreth approached. "Ah, Ulin. The companions I brought yesterday are to be staying at the estate tonight and tomorrow as well. Let them pass without question to the guest house." The younger guard nodded at his orders, "Yes sir, it shall be done." Koreth nodded and passed inside. He made his way to the guesthouse, and into the room he had slept in last night. The bed had been made and the rest of the room put in order while he had been away. He dumped his gear upon the bed, not wanting to pack just yet. He moved into the main area of the guesthouse, pulling the rope. A young servant appeared; he did not recognize her but he smiled. She was attractive in a way, long strands of dark hair flowing down her shoulders. She dimpled at his attention. "Have the kitchen prepare a meal, my companions and I will wish to eat soon. I will also wish a bath drawn after I finish eating." She bowed, and left silently.

Koreth returned to his room, and packed up his gear carefully, remembering the ways Crel had taught him. A knock on his door informed him that dinner was waiting for him. He set aside his bundle, satisfied of his packing job. He moved into the main room, a small feast lying on the table there. He picked up one of the plates, noting that his other companions had not yet arrived. He piled up a hearty stack of food. He would need to eat well for what he planned. Koreth sat down on a pillow near a corner and its several plants. He set his plate down on the stone floor, picking a piece of fruit from his plate and taking a large bite. He ate, almost finishing his meal when all of his companions had arrived, their chores for the day finished.

When all of the companions except Chit are around, Koreth said, "I will not be around tomorrow, I have an urgent task to accomplish that I cannot be interrupted at. You are all free to stay here until we depart." Koreth finishes his meal, leaving the plate on the table; he opens one of the lower doors. A large wooden tub filled the room, a serving girl waiting with soaps and oils. He walked inside, and closed the door behind him. He quickly stripped off his clothing and left it in a pile, then slipped into the tub. The girl handed him a bar of soap and poured the contents of two small vials into the tub. She set aside the tray and began to wash his back....

The bath was refreshing, and he strode out of the room a new man. He moved to his room, closing the door behind him. Koreth moved his pack from the bed and closed all the curtains. He stripped down to his breeches and sat down at the end of his bed. His eyes closed and his breathing slowed. He began to enter into a meditative state, reaching for his Will and striving to flood his body with it. He lay down, his Will filling him and coursing through his body. His mind drifted slowly across a cool pool of endless water…

Chit finally returned to Koreth's family's estate. Seeing that everyone was already there making plans for tomorrow, he states, "It was a long chase, and a bloody battle. Never before have I fought such a powerful foe. It was fast, cunning, and deadly, but not only did I prevail; I took it alive." He opens one of his claws slightly and displays a small bird, not unlike a sparrow, with its feet caught between two of Zik's fingers.

The kreen smiles, "I hope the morning's hunting is as good."

Tak nods and smiles back. The hunter excuses himself, "Alas, I have not had time to recover from this morning's psionic contest which has drained me. I will do all I can to heal you all tomorrow after I come back from the hunt."

Ayrus goes to sleep early and excuses himself after having eaten in town.

Elric, strangely quiet these past few days, merely nods and goes to his quarters

Gaigin relaxes and admires his new spearhead. He had never thought to own an iron weapon, but he owned one now. Grinning to himself, Gaigin slips his small, obsidian razor and proceeds to shave his scalp and beard, careful to leave the thick ridge of hair intact.

FOLLOWING DAY

Aryus heads for the merchant's district and purchases some waterskins and food bags. During the afternoon, he wanders around the walls of Tyr, eager to feel the winds around the city one more time before he leaves. He once again gets up on the eastern wall of the city where the winds catch his cerulean cloak and the breeze caresses his exposed skin.

The next morning, Gaigin speaks to Elric since Tak and Chit are off hunting, Koreth said he would be unavailable and Ayrus had left earlier.

"Well, looks to be another bloody hot one, today. Still, should be a fine day for doing a little research. Would you care to join me? I'm plannin' on visiting the elven Market, see if I can't find out who that Gith-Spawned son of a elven whore who called himself an psionicist really is. Seems strange that someone would offer to pay a group to take him in. Unless I miss my guess, he'd be either a spy for a rival of the Trading house of Vordon, or one who wishes to know the route so he may later exploit it by raiding the caravans. Either way, we've no guarantee that he won't come after us, and I'll be damned if I don't find him first."

The half-elf nods in agreement but excuses himself, "I will rather hang around the estate since I have all the supplies needed for the expedition."

Slipping off his robe, Gaigin quickly pulls out various bits of armor, refusing to go into the elven market unprotected. A halberk of stiff inix-hide goes over his broad chest, dark green scales glinting in the morning sun. A pair of glossy black chitin shoulder plates, and matching grieves follows. Finally, a thick pair of studded bracers is slipped over each fore arm. Satisfied that all is secured tightly, Gaigin slips on the gray robe, which is no longer quite so loose, and secures his broad leather belt. Leaving behind all else but his wooden club, a single skin of water, and his canvas package, which is secured loosely to his back, within easy reach. With his preparations made, Gaigin heads off to the elven Market.

The place was bustling with activity and every hawker was out to make a deal. Many of them did not ask twice at the burly warrior with the sour look on his face. Gaigin visited various wine-houses and gambling halls, asking discretely after the elf and his companions, giving a reasonably detailed description. Unfortunately, no one seemed to have heard of his "psichokinetic" thief.

It was some time after high sun when Gaigin took a seat under a makeshift tent and ordered some food from the elven wench. She brought him a hot stew whose main component was kip meat from the many kip herds being tended by the dwarves outside the city. His inquiries did not meet with any success as was expected. The elves usually were never clean from shady deals and thus were usually close mouthed about other elves' affairs lest they become a target themselves. After gulping down the stew, the warrior sees an old caravan guard who had only a few days ago come in the city under his command. After the small talk is through, Gaigin inquiries about his old boss in House Stel. The other warrior frowned but answered frankly, "I heard the deal they gave you but ye did not miss anything. Them Urikites left town swiftly, all they left here were their local contacts. No one knows why, 'tis strange for a caravan to move without any goods but that's what happened. We are all out of work since they only took their Urikite regulars for guards, we figure they went back home…"

Gaigin thanked the man, a valiant warrior, and quickly left the place. His further inquires around the elven market gave him no more information. The elven thief was nowhere to be found; the warrior was also on the lookout for a pair of templars who cheated him out of some silver. At least he saw elves but templars where no where in sight in this place. He slowly walked back to the Harek compound; maybe his friends had better luck.

OUT HUNTING

Tak’ sniffed the air. It was early morning, very early, the blazing orb of heat and fire that seared Athas during the day was yet to rise. The lands around them were populated - but not heavily. Small farms dotted the countryside, but only a fool would think this verdant belt was civilized - the predators of Athas had no respect for boundaries.

Tak’ sniffed again. There, again he smelled it. This confirmed his hopes, and his tracking. A small group of wild erdlu had traveled across where he and the mantis-man Chit-Zik now stood. And erdlu, creatures of habit, were retracing their steps to reach water and shade.

Signaling with a almost-silent high-pitched whistle, he indicated that Chit-Zik should circle round with him so the erdlu could pass uninterrupted. Tak’ did not want to hunt erdlu, but rather what hunted the scaled birds. Tak’ and Chit-Zik were on a predator-hunt, hoping to catch and kill a beast which plagued this populated area of Tyr. They would both feed their pack, and help the people of Tyr.

Splitting up, the two heroes both silently shadowed the erdlu herd, Chit-Zik racing ahead and scouting, while the slower halfling had to make do with a more direct following. It was no problem. The halfling had honed his skills walking through dense forests without making a sound, while the ‘kreen had hunted since we was able to walk.

They had discussed tactics briefly, the two hunters having widely differing varieties of tactics - each suited to their respective races size and speed. This morning they had decided on the halfling technique ‘two claws of the mantis’, where their prey would be hit by one hunter from range, and then the hit from the opposite side by the other. Quickly, after the element of surprise had turned into confusion for the prey, both would close and engage up close.

Tak’ strong in the Way, was able to strike hard and fast with his mind, his bow and his spear. Chit-Zik, a ‘kreen of the tablelands had whirling chatchka, his powerful gythka, and vicious mandibles. Tak’ allowed himself a feral smile, the hunt was on. The only thing not known now was what sort of prey they faced...

Tak had spoken to a dwarven kip herder while leaving the outskirts of town. There had been rumors that a large lizard like creature had taken up the outskirts of Tyr as his hunting grounds. This lizard would prey on wild animals whenever possible but there had been some attacks on domestic herds as well. A dwarven herder and his kips had been attacked just last week. The other dwarves found a half-eaten carcass of their friend the next morning. Apparently, the old dwarve's tough hide was not to the beasts liking but it did not save the old fellow. From its present habits, the beast seemed to feed once every few days and then it would go into hiding waiting to strike again. This denoted an animal which calmed a few people down but it still was a carnivore and a dangerous one. The creature's three toed tracks did away with the notion that it could be one of the great mountain cats come down from the foothills.

Tak and Chit waited patiently taking no notice of the erdlu herd that was satiating its thirst in the small muddy pond. Both hunters were used to this game and Tak had been trained to stand motionless for days on ends. One of the hunting trials of his tribe was to keep guard outside of an Athasian sloth's lair for a full day; the idea was not to hunt it but rather to remain hidden. Tak formed part of the hunting party that finally took it down a few days later after all its members had stood guard for a full day. His two daggers are a reminder of that glorious hunt where his tribe celebrated for many days.

The days slowly dwindled and still there was no sign of the large lizard. Chit-Zik was even more patient than the halfling if that were possible. The mantis hunter did not need to sleep so time was accounted for differently than for warm-blooded mammals. The heroes had time to practice a crude communication system that would help them out in future ordeals. The kreen would silently convey simple orders by moving his antenna in certain ways and Tak would answer with his small appendages. Both heroes went back a few hours before sundown notwithstanding the kreen's plead to stay a while longer. Tak reminded him that the expedition was the main task at hand for the pack and that both their healing skills might still be needed before tomorrow's departure. The hunters came back empty handed but an experienced hunter knew that sometimes the prey was not captured. Tak knew it was the way of world.

Tak had volunteered to help out in the healing chores for the party since he himself had taken the opportunity while he was out waiting for prey and had "mended" his own body. Since Koreth had healed himself this past day using his Will and time had taken care of the minor scratches that Elric and Ayrus had suffered, the only member of the team in need of healing was Gaigin. The warrior was soon taken care off by Chit who quickly tended to his wounds. Everyone slept well that night, well fed, all healed, under a roof and in comfortable beds; the Dragon knew when that would happen again…

Expedition Day 1 - Year of the Desert's Fury of the 190th King's Age (Free Year 11)

The Harek Estate in the Northern Outskirts of Tyr

FIRST MORNING OF THE EXPEDITION

Koreth rises early, and puts on his armor and helm. He takes a cloth and fills it with several hardy food items, planning to eat them as they move out. He fills all his skins with water. He slings on his pack with his new spear poking out from it, secures his quiver and shield, straps on his sword and ties on his wrist razors. He makes sure his companions are ready, saying a quick goodbye to his mother and making his way to the gates where they will leave.

The sun had not yet appeared when the heroes started their long expedition. The mood was light and the companions all experienced the joy only brought about by purpose. They had to do something and they would do it together. Everyone was healed and well rested; the supplies were in and Tak and Chit had promised good hunting along the way. Both hunters had been the butt-end of the jokes last night when they came back empty-handed. Chit caught on right away but it took Tak sometime before he realized what was going on. Everyone shared a laugh when both hunters understood that their prowess was not being questioned.

The streets were deserted at this time of the morning. They would reach Tyr's west gate in a short time when the crimson sun would start to show its morning rays. They would meet Ptellac there and their long trek would begin. Everything was under control and they hoped to reach the foothills by the end of the day. Each of the companions was immersed in his own thoughts when a familiar voice cut the dawn's stillness. "That's them. A silver piece for each of their ears! Leave the bastard half-elf, he's mine!"

Without any previous warning, a series of "twangs" were heard in succession. Gaigin unconsciously raised his arms and an arrow was harmlessly deflected of his bone-studded bracers; the warrior took another arrow and this one buried itself in his upper thigh. Koreth was lucky to have one of the arrows whistle past his head; another one pierced his skin but did not do much damage as it connected with one of the leather strapping of his armor. The first arrow that went for Chit never pierced the kreen as it struck his hard chitin. The elven archer, however, had some experience with mantis warriors and placed his next arrow in one of the kreen's joints, an involuntary clack was issued from Chit's mandibles as black ichor slowly seeped from the arrow wound. Tak instantly pushed himself flat against the dirt wall as an arrow zipped by his small body. A second arrow grazed the hunter's thigh and blood was left as grim reminder of where it had touched him.

Apparently both half-elves were spared the first volley by the elf's command. Ayrus and Elric both looked about trying to find out where the attacks were coming from. Everyone saw two sets of warriors. There are five warriors about 60 feet ahead of you; each warrior has a bow and is about to fire another volley towards you. There four warriors on top of a 20 feet high roof; three of those warriors have bows and are reloading and another one, the familiar elf from the Golden Tower, is empty handed and looking straight at Elric.

[DM note: Elric only] All of a sudden, you eyes turn toward your mindscape. You see yourself as a glowing entity without any real shape but there is no doubt as to your identity. You are all alone in this dark, cold place; mist seems to obscure your vision. As the fog clears, you see the lanky elf whom you had challenged to a duel merely two days ago; he is transparent and glowing at the same time. His voice reverberates in your head, "Now let's see how tough you are, HALF-MAN." He gestures with his hands and releases a tiny bird. The bird takes flight and starts to grow in size; it takes the shape of a giant roc. It circles around you a couple of times and, suddenly, dives at you with an ear-splitting shriek…

Your actions.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Here is the situation as it stands right now.

Gaigin (SiW)

Koreth (SiW)

Elric (H)

Tak (SiW)

Chit (SiW)

Ayrus (H)

That was round 1 except for the conclusion of the psionic attack (I am waiting to see what defense Elric puts up).

The group of warriors that is on the street (5) is about 50 yards ahead of you. You will not reach to attack them in round 2. You can, however, get within range and be ready for melee for round 3.

The other group (3 + elf) are on top of a 20-feet high roof.

We will do this two rounds at a time so give me actions for two rounds please.

After this is over, I will need a packing list from everyone. I don't want to pull out the encumbering rules but let's try and be reasonable here. Just remember that every 50 feet of "silk" rope weighs 8 pounds. Koreth: you are taking five spears?; Tak: you are taking 6 blankets?. I will need a list of items and where they are being stored. I remind you that if it is not on this list, you don't have it.

Questions, comments, and suggestions please.

L8r,

Fabian

Here is a little sketch.

I I I I

I I I I

______ I I elf + 3 warriors I I__________

you are here 5 warriors

_______ _____________ ___________

I I I I

I I I I

I I I I