Tak’ winced and slowly moved his aching and stinging body, taking in the countryside and companions around him. His leather armor - his simple, but immaculate leather armor, studded with an odd assortment of bone and stone chunks now sports a large charred hole - courtesy of the lightning from the now-departed twins. Carefully Tak’ unbuckles the piece of burnt armor - peeling it from his burnt skin.

His chest, covered with an array of abstract tattoos now also features a large burn - nasty and painful to be sure, but at least not life-threatening. "I think the Twins have left their own mark on me," Tak’ said in an attempt at humor, his chuckle cut off by a gasp of pain, "but I will wear this scar with pride." Tak’ adds, his voice strong with determination and pride, "as a symbol of what I have already given to my kin."

"Aye as I will always have 'is teeth marks to forever remind me of the lizard beast!" Rayne says, a little less enthusiastically than the halfling.

Almost alarmingly, Tak’ discovers the patch of purple skin attached to his shoulder - forgotten in the heat of battle. Prodding experimentally, Tak’ discovers that it is not completely melded with his skin - and indeed could probably be removed. Looking at the alien, glistening patch of skin Tak’ shakes his head ruefully, "another symbol. A gift from my ancestors - indeed I will have much to tell and to show to my kinsmen when I return to my village!"

Turning away from the group for a short while, Tak’ reaches into the mindscape, hoping to ensure that he was capable of at least walking without causing himself an inordinate amount of pain. The familiar reservoir of mental strength was still there - although recent times has seen it called upon often, and stretched to its limit. Although, Tak’ mused, he was learning (albeit slowly) how to conserve his strength, and how better to apply his mastery of the Way.

MINDSCAPE
Tak’ pulled himself back to the Forest Ridge - a stream babbled close by, birds sang chaotic melodies and the forest was calm with only a cool breeze to disturb Tak’Nak’Raq as he sat cross-legged, to mend the wounds to his body. Tak’ acted carefully, knowing himself to be sorely injured, and his ability limited. Focusing on the spear wounds to his leg, and the cruel burn on his chest Tak’ set about shedding dead cells, and growing new ones to replace them.

In the real world, Tak’ sat motionless, a slight smile on his face as he spent time in the lands of his ancestors. The burnt tissue on his chest started to recede slightly - replaced with livid scar tissue, and the deep wound on his leg stopped bleeding, and even closed a little.

Coming back to the real world, Tak’ stretched - still feeling pain, but more in control of himself and feeling much better.

Aryus collapses on the forest floor, exhausted and half dead. Inside the damp dark city of the ancients, he relied on nothing by his will and the strength of the wind spirits within him. It had kept him going throughout the final battle and gave him the last push of energy for him to jump through Mendi's portal and emerge once more in the safety of the forest.

The windmage looked tired and worn with stress. The radiance that had illuminated his youthful face had faded away to gray dullness. Dirt and mud covered his face; blood and cuts crisscrossed his body. His bright cerulean cloak was in tatters, stained with the crimson blood from his veins. The only thing left intact on him was his holy symbol and his great wooden bow. Laying his weapons aside, Aryus unstraps his waterskin and sips its cool contents. The water was bitter and warm, spoiled after so many days of travel, but water was still water and it did wonders to a battle worn body.

Around him, his companions also collapsed. The toll of battle could down the strongest mul and weaken the largest giant. Seeing Elric try out his new short sword, Aryus walks up to the half-elf "Mind if I see that weapon of yours?"

Elric hands him the finely crafted sword. Aryus felt the cold hard metal pressed in a perfect grip around his hand. Swinging the blade around in the air, Aryus tested out the weapon's balance. "A fine weapon, from ancient times without a doubt. Crafted by those who came before us, those who still knew these ways."

Feeling some sort of connection with the strange worm, Rayne moves in for a closer look. Being careful not to expose the worm to the hurtful sun, Rayne peaks at the creature. Turning to the elf, she asks in almost a whisper "he looks lonely Mendi, may I keep him?" Looking to the mul, Mendi sees a child-like innocence he's never noticed before - or maybe it wasn't there before.

"Lonely? You must be kidding! This thing waited for Kalak knows how many years in a dark cell! And it is a utensil rather than a living thing, it seems. As for claiming it, that is something we have to discuss."

"Ask Gaigin if you want to keep it. Besides, this is a tool, you should keep that in mind." mumbles the elf.

"Yes, it's been in there forever! That is why it would be lonely - and it is not a tool, it is a living creature! I merely wished to care for it. Ye all may decide to do with it as you will - seems a custom for those on Athas to decide the fates of other living things!" With that the mul turns hotly away from the elf and walks away.

"Wait, wait, don't go. I couldn't care less if I gave it to you as long as it is OK with Gaigin. Keep the worm," grumbles the elf who was more in need of rest than an argument over the utensil. The mul still mad at Mendi for having referred to the living creature as a tool, takes the worm carefully shielding it away from the sun with her large body.

"Does anyone have a spare pouch?"

"He, he... " Mendi's eyes lighten and the pain in his shoulder is temporarily forgotten. "Here you are, my dear, that's one quarter ceramic!" Mendi rummages through his big leather bag. Rayne glances a few bone and obsidian utensils, some baubles, and a some leathery things. Mendi grasps one and gives it to Rayne, the right hand outstretched in the Mul's direction, palm up.

"I do not have any money elf. Keep yer pouch." Still angry, the mull once again turns and walks away from the trader.

Elric looks up from his study of Tempest, his concentration broken as he rolls back with a roar of laughter. "The trials and tribulations of traveling with traders, truly 'tis amazing" Sitting back up Elric digs into one of his many pouches, producing the requested ceramic he tosses it to Mendi.

"Ah, well, one has to make a living", says Mendi.

The elf trader promptly catches the coin. He sighs, obviously taken back, struggles for words, changes his mind and finally asks: "Have it, then, you'll pay Elric later, but... I thought you were a caravan guard like me, Rayne, so how come you don't have any money?"

The mul is about to answer when the pterran trader slowly walks over to the where she and elf are having their small discussion. His lizak hide armor stained red in many parts from his past experience, the pterran looks like an emissary of death coming to claim them all. He opens up his teeth-filled snout and in his usual coarse voice speaks to them, "Wait, Rayne, do not turn away just yet. You have as much claim to the living item as any of us. I think Mendi is just getting his business-manners confused."

Ptellac grips Koreth's spear for support and leans heavily on the black shaft. "Perhaps Rayne should charge you for the protection she has been affording you and Tak should charge us all for his guidance through this jungle."

The pterran grins at the elf and smiles warmly at the mul who just turned around. "Mendi, I know you have been doing your share of the work as well and it is thanks to your abilities and others that we are here now. The point is that we are a group and you and Rayne, although late-comers both, have been accepted as members into the group. I think you should keep your trading for customers which we are certainly not."

He looks at the strange items and at Elric with his new-found sword. "As far as items and treasure are concerned, they belong to the group until it departs; that is the simple policy. Now it may be that Tak has better use of the life-dagger than I can make out of it and Elric will certainly use the metal short sword for the whole group better than I could but... I believe Tak has said it once but perhaps you were not here to partake in his wisdom. The items which are gained between us belong to all and when the time comes that Gaigin's Pack goes different ways, then the items will be split up amongst those that survive the ordeal."

Ptellac looks over to where the halfling is and adds just loud enough for him to hear as well, "Some even say that we own nothing but I will let him explain himself if he wishes to do so. I am a trader but I will not trade now."

Tak’, engaged in some simple exercise movements away from the fire, moves his body through some graceful routines. The halfling smiles when he hears Ptellac, stretches his tattooed arms in front of him, and then walks back to the campsite - ready to join the discussion

The green scaled warrior coughs up from all this speaking and blood is seen in his clawed hand as he wipes off his chin. "I have spoken enough, I must rest as must we all. We will take this up later on if need be."

Elric cuts in again and states, "True all things acquired are for the good of the Pak as it should be. However, the pouch was gained by Mendi before he joined the Pak. Even still he was only asking for a trade, Much as he and Ptellac traded items in the past. Of little matter that he ask for ceramics this time. He had the pouch; it should be for to Rayne to decide if she needs the pouch more or the ceramics. Or Rayne could seek from others in the Pak who have pouches they no longer need or are willing to part with for no trade. As it stands I had no need of the ceramic so I passed it to Mendi so Rayne might have the pouch, as I could not spare a pouch."

"Well, thank you Elric", says the trader, who subconsciously pockets the ceramic piece. The trader stands up, wincing when his shoulder lances him again and walks toward the tall Mul, dragging his feet as exhaustion and wounds bear heavily on him. The tall elf shrugs, moaning in the process has his wound reminds him that he wasn't quick enough this time. Mendi looks Rayne once more, and adds: "Rayne, as I asked you before, how come you don't have any money? What of that caravan you were with? Weren't you a guard?"

Before Rayne can answer, the little hunter saunters over, "I appreciate yer words of wisdom good Ptellac. I am not looking to "claim" this poor creature, I just thought I could look after it. If anyone feels otherwise then I will not." The mul still acts protectively with the worm and the elf could care less at this point.

Tak’ politely waits until there is an opening in the conversation before beginning, starting with a short disclaimer, "please do not take what I say to be a slight against you or your ways. It is only what I believe, and what I have to share."

"We do not come into this world owning anything, and we cannot take anything with us into the next world." Tak’ ruffles his hand through his long black mane of hair, extracting a tangled twig as he speaks, "our time spent here in Gaeas’ womb should not be spent accumulating items for the self - only spent working to enrich the Gaea and the whole."

Tak’ draws a line in the dirt with one of his curved Sloth-tooth daggers, putting a small circle on the middle of the line. "Our lives are short," Tak’ says, pointing to the small circle, "but Gaea lives on after us and before us; as our lives are made better by the inheritance of our ancestors; all our sons and daughters will also inherit our efforts," Tak’ indicates the two ends of the line, the past and the future, times which we do not live in - but are influenced and shaped by us.

"Among the halfling villages all property is communal - if anyone desires something they merely ask for it, and if their need is great, and the entire village will benefit they are granted the use of it. The analogy is good here I think - for in Gaigin’s Pack our fates are all intertwined, and we are here voluntarily - not paid or forced." Tak’ looks around passionately, his child-like face at once both stern and righteous, "we are as family and kin, with the welfare of each of us as important as our own."

Tak’ gestures to Rayne, continuing, "the glow-worm we have recovered is not an unfeeling piece of rock or bone, it lives as Rayne has said - life is sacred and special. The worm requires care and compassion for it to continue living." Tak’ inclines his head to the mul, "Rayne has such compassion and care - I believe she should look after the worm."

"The other items are of mystery, but also important historically. I ask each of you - if you desire their possession, to look after them knowing that the secrets they hold are lost to my people - and are something that I wish to return to them if I am given the opportunity."

The mul thanks Mendi for giving her the pouch and carefully transfers the worm into it, tucking it away under her tattered cloak for further protection from the light. She tears a piece of her cloak off and puts it in the pouch to provide some cushioning for the worm.

Gaigin sits cross-legged on the ground, panting heavily. Obviously glad to be out of the building and back under the great, angry-red sun that he knows so well. Trying his best to ignore the odd, living items that Mendi pulls from his bag, Gaigin instead grabs a spare waterskin and, lifting himself from the ground with some difficulty, wanders over to where Elric swings his new-found sword.

"S'a good blade ye got yerself there, Warlock. The finest I've ever seen, to be sure. A blade like that deserves a name, I'd say. Among Kalak's elite Templar-guard, the habit was to name a fine blade after the first creature slain by it, but somehow 'Blob-Killer' lacks a certain something. Perhaps a name to represent something of yer past would fit, or something of yer future." Gaigin grins, "Of course, with a blade like that ye'll be a target for every cut-throat, mercenary, thief, swindler, bard, beggar, and bandit who sees it, and no few Templars, Freemen, and Noblemen besides...so perhaps it'd be best not to name it with the future in mind." with a joking laugh, Gaigin claps Elric on the shoulder and listens at the half-elf.

"A name indeed, though I think it already has one. This blade was forged with a purpose. Look here at the engraving." Elric brings the sword up and places it flat across his hands, the metal blade shimmering mirror-like in the harsh sun. The blade is heavier in width than Elric’s bone short swords as well as slightly longer. The blade tapers from the width in the middle to a deadly point. The crossbar comes straight out from the hilt and is covered in runes and symbols. The cross bar turns up towards the blade and out forming a superb guard for the wielder’s hand. The sword's handle appears to be wrapped in metal rope that ends in an elongated pyramid. The pyramid come to a point as well and is covered in runes. As their eyes move along the blade, the design draws their attention to the center of the hilt. In the center of the hilt is imbedded a deep blue sapphire. A miniature twin to the sapphire sun in the map room.

"All the runes relate to a storm it seems. Look here," Pointing to the runes on the hilt "this is the rune for lightning. The stone in the center with what we know from the map room would represent the sun. Even the bellowing of the blade itself would lend to the representation of a storm cloud. The pyramid at the base shows focus of power, the counter weight to the blade as well as the counter to the representation of a chaotic storm. The sword taken as a whole shows the chaos mastered, the wielder would in essence hold in his hand the storms fury. That then should be its name! I shall call it Tempest, the storms fury."

Elric steps back from Gaigin taking the sword in hand. He focuses his tired mind and beaten body. This will be a hard test of himself but such a blade deserves nothing less. With a quick leap back to clear enough room between his companions and himself, Elric sends the blade speeding through a flashing attack routine. The blade, lighter even than his bone swords reacts to the slightest pressure from Elric. The routine sends the sword first in a series of low sweeping cuts. Then with a twist and thrust for his powerful legs, the warlock leaps up into the air bringing the blade in a blurring over hand slash. The arc of the sword sweeps down then, suddenly up in a viscous thrust. Elric brings forth all his skills as he leaps and twist, slashes and thrust with the sword. He continues through a number of routines; the effort at finally showing as his breath comes in raged gasps and his movements begin to slow. In a last act of sheer will, Elric snaps the blade before him in salute. His voice comes forth in a powerful shout, controlled by Elric’s will and years of mage training "Tempest, the Storms Fury is reborn!"

Gaigin wanders slowly back to camp. Sitting back down, idly scratching at his rash, which is more aggravating under the hot sun then it was under the roof of living-stone, Gaigin takes a sip of water and sighs.

"We should move one before it grows dark, I'm hardly in any shape to move, and I'm not the only one by half, but resting on ground that's shaken twice today already is asking for trouble, and I'll not leave my head 'tween the Dragon's jaws if I can help it. I suggest we move back to the Forest's Edge to make camp. Shade and water are better found there, and who knows what new dangers lie on the path ahead."

Tak’ inclines his head to Gaigin. "I respect your decision. I will set off now to find a campsite - one with access to water to soothe our throats and shade for us to rest under. I would advise for us to rest at least one full cycle of the sun - we are lacking in ability to defend ourselves, as well as heal ourselves."

'Your words are wise, as usual, friend Tak. I am feeling weak, but I'll come with you, I'm used to finding water and we certainly could use a water source," says the elf trader.

"Perhaps later," Tak’ says wryly to Chit-Zik and Rayne, "if I am feeling more a predator, and not a battered prey, we will also find us a meal."

Smiling Rayne shakes her head, "Thank you for the invite friend Tak, but I will stay at watch in the early morn. You two have the honors - or maybe there are others who wish to hunt this time?"

"This," Chit-Zik starts, looking back in the direction from which the pack had just been. "Has been the strangest experience of my life. Nothing my past clutches have brought me to could prepare me for this day. Something I never imagined saying, we are lucky to be breathing this horrible, wet air."

Looking through his companions, the thri-kreen can't help but have the sorrow and guilt of their condition reflected in his eyes.

"We need to find a safe place to camp. I must rest and meditate, and we all must heal. I think we should find a place and spend a few days there," says the mul.

"I agree, let's rest, and resume the trip once we are recovered. I feel weak as a young crodlu..." Mendi winced while standing, looking toward Koreth, Gaigin and Tak to answer.

"I disagree. Hunters move, prey stays, We should rest one day then move on. This place we are in is unsafe. The sooner we are out, the better the pack will be. We also can't travel without some rest. I think we should rest for one day."

"Aye, the experience was one I'd never want to repeat, and it seems a blessing to be able to move freely under the burning sun again. But the lot of us are wounded quite badly Chit. The sun is still up and this day is not done. I think that we need to rest for the rest of today and another day as well for the others to gather their strength. We still have a long journey to go and many of our companions cannot handle as much as ye and I can." Seeing the thri-kreen thinking through what she is saying, Rayne continues trying to sooth the restless Kreen, "Maybe you could get in some really good huntin' once we get your arm mended. You could spend the better part of tomorrow finding food we can take with us when we start out again, and maybe searching out some water to fill our skins with? But I do agree with you that THIS place is dangerous. I say we move now and find a place to camp that is far away from this place!"

With that, the Mul's energy seem to almost drain completely away, and she sits down looking rather weak - an unusual sight. Her skin seems to go slightly pale, and her wounds are more evident. Every movement causes pain.

FINDING CAMPSITE

Tak’ moved slowly, aware acutely of his own limitations and the fact his companions were not capable of walking a long distance to a place to rest. Picking his way with intuitive grace and stealth, the slight halfling makes his way towards the edge of the mighty forest which under whose boughs he had grown from a child to an adult. The nimble elf followed close making as little sound as the halfling hunter but his eyes wandered restlessly at the still strange sights that the terrain offered.

Scouting out the edges of the forest, Tak’ knew what he was looking for - a place with an open area, but also with shelter from the elements - and possibly the predators of the forest. Almost immediately, the halfling found what he was looking for: A mighty tree, many times his head in diameter was growing on the outskirts of the forest. The boughs and leaves provided ample shelter from the sun, and the undergrowth was not thick underfoot as it was deeper in the forest. Not only would the tree provide the companions shelter - but it also acted a solid wall.

Making a cursory check of the area, the halfling noted no signs of dangerous plants of animals. Smelling the affirming earth and life of the forest, Tak’ took a deep breath and then made his way quickly back to his companions, bringing them back to the forest they had departed only a few hours ago. Mendi brought up the rear and soon the whole group was on its way to the campsite.

Rayne tries to remain alert as Gaigin's Pack travels to find a good spot to rest. As they travel, she turns to Gaigin, "Well ye seem to be doing somewhat better - not seeing much of that "master templar" garbage - it is nice to meet ye Gaigin. I just thought I'd introduce meself while we're not in battle!" She reaches and clasps Gaigin's hand in a friendly warrior's clasp and manages to muster a smirk but it lacks the usual glimmer in her eyes.

Gaigin clasps the Mul's hand and nods, though his eyes betray some confusion.

"Aye, good to meet you too." Gaigin grins, "One day you'll have to tell me just what you mean by 'master templar garbage.' I don't remember much about my blackouts, but I'm sure they make some story."

"When I came upon the group, they had said they lost their leader to a sickness. They were in the midst of tryin' to pick a new one, and things were close to fallin' apart. They seemed to come to their senses soon enough though and we were on our way when ye finally stumbled upon us. Ye were delirious with fever and kept ranting on about how ye was the "Master Templar Gaigin" and I was yer mistress and the rest were slaves. It was funny at times and made the trip through the forest interesting, but frankly I've had me fill of templars and masters and slaves to do a lifetime so I'm glad yer back to yer old self - or so I'm told."

CAMP

Sunset met the end of another long day. The glowing sun sank beneath the western horizon as the companions set up camp on a small hill at the edge of the great forest. Aryus sat quietly and gave his typical evening prayer to the winds. He gazed to the west and saw a great white plain stretch for thousands of paces in endless directions. It covered all the land that he could see beyond this great forest. Must be the legendary Hinterlands, a place Tyrian travelers have not set foot upon for perhaps a millennia.

Tired and worn out, Aryus checked his wounds and made sure that the bleeding had stopped. He then leaned himself against a great tree and dozed off into a deep restful sleep.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Rayne slowly gets up and excuses herself as she moves toward the outer ring of the campsite for some meditation.

Before Rayne gets to her meditative rest, Mendi stopped her. "This is a bad idea, stay within the camp perimeter, we have been surprised before." The elf looked really tired, and added softly, "I also could use some meditation... come back to the main part of the camp!"

"I am fine here, I am still within the perimeter, I just wish to be undisturbed." The mul pauses, not wishing to have any division in the group but still upset from their earlier conversation. "Thank you for your concern Mendi." She adds before she returns to her meditation.

Mendi shrugged and then sat heavily against his bag, and looked around: "I will now meditate to recover my mental strength. I trust you to protect us..." The elf then falls in a meditative state in which his mind wandered in an imaginary oasis.

Once her place of meditation is resolved, Rayne seats herself a little away from the group and begins to meditate. Falling deep within herself she begins to re-fill her well of energy she uses to charge her mental powers. With each bit of energy that pours back into her reserves, Rayne begins to feel more rested and refreshed. When Rayne finally awakens, she begins to stretch and her wounds protest causing her to let out a squeak of surprise. "Almost fergot about ye all .. well, better do something about that." Rayne expends a part of her new found energy to travel to Marteu's tent for some mending and comfort. When she is feeling herself again, she looks over her companions. Trying to assess who is in need of the most care, Rayne approaches Ptellac and offers her healing powers. The pterran is much relieved as his scales start to look a little less brittle and even glisten with renewed vigor in the light of the twin moons.

Once again feeling mentally exhausted, but almost physically whole, Rayne settles in for a rest until it is her watch - feeling much more comfortable with her new found friends. Once it is dark, Rayne pulls the strings on the pouch to open it and gently lifts the glowing worm form its hiding place. The glow of the worm is enough to light the campfire with and Rayne covers him apprehensively. She takes out the worm and looks at it more carefully and finds that the animal's body seems to be issue forth light in two distinct places. She touches those parts in a certain way and finds out that she can "turn off" the glowing parts. (DM note: each part has enough light as a torch with double range if both are "lit").

Rayne keeps the worm away from the fire in case is harmful to its translucent body. "Does anyone know what this thing eats?" Using her water-skin, the mul pours a small drop onto her hand near the worm hoping it will drink. The worm snuggles close to the mul and drinks from her hand. Rayne then tries giving it some of the dried rations that she is sharing with her companions and is delighted as the worm also takes to the food with a ravenous appetite.

Gaigin's legs collapse as they reach their camp-site, the big warrior is exhausted beyond endurance, and suffering from a renewed attack of fierce itching from his rashes. Hoping his fever does not return as well, Gaigin pauses only to take a few mouthfuls of water, barely able to lift the skin with his remaining strength, before wrapping the tattered, stained remnants of his robe around him and lying down. After muttering something about speaking more in the morning, Gaigin falls into a fast, oblivious sleep.

When night came, the companions set up a great fire that caused the tranquil night to come life. Sparks flew off into many directions, and the great flames danced in a mesmerizing rhythm. Many tales were shared around this great fire. Some were legends and rumors from distant lands, others were adventures that each has had in his or her own life time. Some were bitter experiences of loss, others joyful occasions of reunion.

A story did come up to Aryus' mind, the story of his past and a story of his northlands home. Feeling very tired, Aryus was unsure if he wished to give this long tale. His companions were tired and needed much rest and healing before tomorrow's journey. Still this might be the last time that they could have such a peaceful night, before they treaded off into the great western lands... The wind mage decides to rest up and let others rest as well, perhaps tomorrow with something more than dried rations, the companions were in a better mood for a long tale.

A fire was going, night was soon to fall and the members of the party were generally inactive - content to take a moment of rest after a period where these mortal bodies were pushed to excruciating limits.

Tak’ turns to Mendi once quiet settles down, pointing to the strange plant that was taken out of the ruins. "The halfling which spoke to me called this plant a ‘detoxifier’, and in my tongue this is something which turns what is poison into something harmless. I am thinking that if we were to pour the water we consume onto this thing, and drink the remainder we will not be catching any illness from that liquid," Tak’ shrugs, "although if you have any better ideas?"

"I think I see what you mean, friend Tak. Some of my teachers at the School of Thought were able to purify diseases with the mind, and they told me that sometimes, bodies, water and meat alike are tainted with very small things that will make you ill. Such a plant would be quite precious, considering the fact that more than one water source is poisoned!" Mendi shivered, remembering a whole caravan poisoned by foul water while crossing the Ivory Plain. "Ah, friend Tak, I am really tired, and I must rest!"

After making a circuit of the party, lending his healing skills to whoever requires them. The kreen and the pterran were the ones that were worst off but Tak could not help a whole deal. Still any healing that would make them sleep or rest better this night was well worth it.

The tattooed halfling then called out to Elric and Chit-Zik, signaling that they come with him - to discuss the tactics they mentioned earlier.

Aside from the other companions, in a clearing large enough to allow sparring (although with the state of these three individuals anything greater than a light workout could prove fatal!). Tak’ inclined his head to the two of his companions as his customs dictated - his streak of white hair eerily pronounced in the night.

"We three are different beings, an insectoid kreen from the deserts, a half-man from the cities, and a halfling from the forests. We all use different weapons, and fight in different styles. But," Tak’ continues, "this is not a bad thing. It is likely anyone we face will not be experienced in fighting against so diverse a trio."

"What I suggest we do is run through our standard and basic attacks, as to familiarize ourselves with each other - so I do not fall haphazardly into the backstroke of Elric’s newfound steel blade, and Chit-Zik does not accidentally knock either of us over with one of his leaps." Tak’ jokes - but it is obvious that he has an important point to make. "Later - perhaps even today if we have time - we can work on techniques to fuse our diverse skills together and make us more effective when in melee."

Everyone was tired and hurt so no sparring drills were actually done at the time. Perhaps tomorrow, the practical side of the lesson would be carried out.

Afterwards, as the three make their way back to the main campsite, Tak’ taps Elric on the waist, indicating that he wishes to talk to the young half-elf. "Elric," Tak’ starts, obviously uncomfortable with the subject matter he wishes to discuss, "the ruins we have just left. They are something profoundly important to my people. I would not want them to be ransacked by treasure-hunters - for the ultimate treasure they yield is knowledge and history for my kin.

"I ask you this. And know that I do not ask of others lightly." Tak’ takes a deep breath and then continues, "do not mark that place on the map you make for the Council of Tyr, but keep the location in your head. Once we have finished make a copy, and include the location of the ruins - I will take this map with me back to my people, and we will try to unearth the wonders of our past." Waiting for a response, Tak’ bites his lip anxiously, looking and hoping that Elric appreciates what he is speaking of.

Elric bows his head slightly in thought, his face uncharacteristically somber. "I agree with your sentiment, though I think even more must be done. Simply removing the site from the map will be insufficient. Those caravans who follow will walk in our footsteps, passing the area. If your people come to restore the ruins their efforts will reveal their presence." Looking up into the surrounding forest "My memory serves me well friend Tak and as I recall this area is susceptible to harsh earthquakes and deadly storms. We should seek a safer route for the caravans to follow, possibly further south. Since we will be here for another day, I think that if we were to hunt to the south we may be able to find another route as well as some good hunting." His normal grin returning to his face, Elric offer Tak a brief wink, "Should we prepare to hunt to the south in the morning?"

Tak’ nods sagely, only a sparkle in his eyes as evidence that he appreciates Elric’s subterfuge, "Indeed, I have seen erdlu tracks to the south." Tak’ rubs his chin in mock contemplation, "and where erdlu walk, they walk safely."

Tak’ bows to Elric, "I thank you for your wisdom you have given me - beyond your years" Tak’ says with a smile. With that he walks off with Elric back the campsite

Your actions…

OUT OF CHARACTER

HEALTH STATUS

Remember the scale:

Healthy (H) 100% hitpoints remaining

Slightly Wounded (SiW) 75% to 100% hitpoints remaining

Wounded (W) 50% to 75% hitpoints remaining

Seriously Wounded (SeW) 25% to 50% hitpoints remaining

Mortally Wounded (MW) 0% to 25% hitpoints remaining

Ayrus (W)

Chit (SeW)

Elric (W)

Gaigin (SeW)

Gaigin will recover full hitpoints gradually in 4 days time notwithstanding any magical healing

Koreth (W),

Mendi (W),

Rayne (SiW),

Tak (W),

Ptellac (SeW)

Just one word people EXCELLENT.

Since we are up and going here, I hate to cut you people off. I promise another "quiet" day. Let's have post for the whole day including nighttime activities.

I will start the new adventure early in the morning of the next post. Those of you (Matt, John, Polonius, Trevor) who have gone up levels, please get those changes made before I start out.

Questions, comments, and suggestions please.

L8r,

Fabian