The Frontier #109

Upon learning of the threat of the yaun-ti and the mysterious elf woman, Steph decides to return to camp and rest.

Night arrives a few hours later. A light rain falls on the ruins off and on.

Revor aids in standing watch. He explains to Armon that he can only be summoned once every seven days and then for a time up to six hours.

Suddenly, the elf woman is noticed in the doorway.

"Do not be afraid", she says. "I mean you no harm. You may call me Silvarn."

If allowed, she enters and proceeds to warm herself by the fire.

"Your little band has impressed me. I have come to make you an offer. I stand guard over something very valuable in these ruins. Both the yaun-ti and the lizard men, and their master, seek it. If you would aid me in this task, then I shall reward you as best I can. Will you assist me?"

SUBJ: Padraig (R) FROM: GM Shifty 09/20/91 S#: 44134

After all the fighting, Pad sacked out and tried to get some sleep. If

there was enough time before the mystery woman showed, he'll have started relearning spells. His new spell list will be:

Magic Missile x3, Detect Magic, Feather Fall.

Web, Invisibility x2, Mirror Image, Detect Invisible.

Fireball x2, Lightning Bolt, Fly, Dispel Magic.

Shout, Wall of Fire, Polymorph Self, Polymorph Others.

Cloudkill, Wall of Force, Teleport, Cone of Cold.

When the elf shows up again and says her piece, Pad's first question is, "Who or what is their master?"

SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 09/20/91 S#: 15417

The bard yawns and seems rather unconcerned with the general progression of things as he plays with a dagger. He does, however, take the time to respond to Revor.

"Only once a week? Too bad. Guess I'll keep you around as long as

possible, then, just in case."

SUBJ: Fiben Bolger FROM: FatalCharm 09/21/91 S#: 820273

After searching the dead Lizardmen, Fiben spits on the ground in disgust that they have nothing of value. But he does pick up one of the interesting but barbaric bone and teeth necklaces and says to Stephanie, "Ya don't mind if I keep this little piece of junk do ya?".

If she has no objections, then he puts it around his neck as a souvenir of his first confrontation with the Seekers. He just likes it, that's all.

Back at base, IF there is time, I ask if anyone would let me look at their 1st level spell books. (If Pad or Claud agree to, there is no need to type them all out. I have the lists from post #101).

When the Supposed Elf woman appears, I shuffle closer to Claud and whisper, "If she trust us to help her, she should first trust us with more

information about herself. Like WHAT is she, and HOW does she do what she

does?".

SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 09/21/91 S#: 17108

"If you really want it, Fiben, then it is yours."

I sorta of shake my head as I walk off and mutter "gross" under my breath.

Once back that the home base, I remove my armor and relax. When the rains come, I go outside and use the shower to try and clean myself. That task complete, I change into a scarlet colored blouse, brown trousers and black high boots. Lightning hangs at my side.

Laying my bed roll out in a quiet corner of the building, I lay back and relax.

Lightning flies into my hands when the woman appears. I move towards her, but lower my blade. When the opportunity presents itself, I'll add

to the conversation:

"Answer our questions and we will consider your kind offer."

SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 09/21/91 S#: 42674

You have not had enough time to recover spells yet.

"I understand you desire to know what is going on." Silvarn then turns in the direction of Steph, Pad and Claud. "You are the leaders of this group? Do you wish to converse in private? This is somewhat of a sensitive matter and not for the weak of heart."

Silvarn awaits the leaders response.

SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Tora 09/21/91 S#: 10381

As Pad asks his question, another question comes to my mind and I speak it, "If you have guarded the object for so long, what can we do to assist you in guarding the object?"

When the elven lady suggests that our spokes people go off to be told te story, "I don't know about the rest of us, but if it is to terrible to tell us all, then we aren't the ones you want. I like to hear the facts, when possible, straight from the source. Nothing against the people you have chosen as our leaders, but facts get twisted in the second or future telling usually."

SUBJ: Bernice FROM: Merri2 09/22/91 S#: 15905

Backing up to last week...

Bernice greets Claudius warmly, 'It's good to be back with everyone. Couldn't leave you to fend for yourselves, ya know. Beside's that ol' house gets kinda drafty in cold weather. I was just rattling around in it....' The little thief talks on and on, obviously glad to be back.

When the rest of the party returns, Bernice runs to Steph, wrapping he arms around Steph's legs. 'Oh, it's so good to see you. I've been so worried. What's been happening? I've missed you. Heard anything from Val? Gosh, it's good to see you!'

Still talking to Steph, she spies Rooster. She stops talking and stares for a few minutes, shocked. She pulls Steph close and says in a whisper

'What... I mean WHO is that? Steph? What...When?' Bernie takes a minute to compose herself. 'Introduce me? Please?'

The elf woman appears and Bernice involuntarily takes a step back. In spite of her adventuring she is still awed by unfamiliar magic. She stays

quiet during the discussion, preferring to leave the questions to the party leaders, mostly Steph.

SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 09/22/91 S#: 30590

Slightly relieved to be back at a place of safety, I relax and eat. When the opportunity presents itself, I'll rememorize my Magic Missile.

When Bernice shows up, I'll introduce myself. 'Hello, I'm Tania, a priest and mage.' Bernice sees a half-elf lady in light green clothing.

When the elf woman shows up, I'll stand in the background preferring to listen rather then add my voice to the conversation.

SUBJ: Mercy (R) FROM: Mastiff1 09/22/91 S#: 460529

Mercy walks back to camp quietly. When he gets there he goes to a quite corner, removes his armor, and prays silently.

When the elf woman arrives, Mercy will grab his morning star and be ready incase this some trick. Mercy speaks up when the elven woman comments about weak of heart. "If you consider us weak of heart, that how will we be able to help you guard whatever it is you? Would not our hearts falter, when needed?"

SUBJ: Carnery FROM: Cirius 09/22/91 S#: 521661

The druid keeps quiet, as always, and keeps his eyes open for any trouble, as always. However, those who watch, will see him become more and more nervous, as he paces around.

SUBJ: Fiben (R) FROM: FatalCharm 09/22/91 S#: 850694

One more thing...

Fiben, while trying to not attract attention, reaches down and scoops up a handful of dirt from the floor. If Silvarn should pull one of her

vanishing acts in front of us again, Fiben will immediately after throw the dust where she/it was standing in order to see if Silvarn has vanished from the area, or only vanished from sight. (become invisible). If the dust sticks to her so she is only invisible, Fiben will immediately duck in case she is miffed about the dirt and strikes out.

:D

SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 09/22/91 S#: 26703

A slight smile comes to my face when Bernice notices Rooster. Putting on my best face, I escort Bernice over.

"Ah-hum.... Roster, this is Bernice. A long time Seeker."

That done, I slowly creep away and let the halflings converse.

After Silvarn arrives...

"I don't know what you are speaking of, but anything that you would say to me or Claudius, you may say to all of us. We keep no secrets."

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 09/23/91 S#: 113643

"I am not this group's leader, those two are. I just like knowing what I'm jumping into before hand."

SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 09/23/91 S#: 113811

"I meant no offense in my words", Silvarn says. "I was not aware how your group was run. Very well, I shall explain as best I can."

"I am doing my best to guard something very precious in another building in these ruins. A couatl shall be giving birth anytime now. My enemies have already slain the male couatl. I am but one defender against the horde of lizard men and yaun-ti. More importantly, the leader of these evil creatures is a red dragon. It is a fairly young dragon, but it can be bothersome."

After letting this sink in, Silvarn adds "Will you assist me in this task?"

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 09/24/91 S#: 114053

"Hmmmm, a dragon? Fresh dragon blood might be useful, as would certain other pieces of it. If it is not yet in its prime, I would think we could

reasonably attempt to take it down."

SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 09/24/91 S#: 114416

"Good idea, Pad. Let's cut straight to the source and eliminate the dragon...or at least hurt him bad enough to give him second thoughts on messing with those he shouldn't. Then again, is there a possibility of simply relocating the couatl? I mean, we do have a teleporter available...and I'm sure that someone has a levitation spell that would make it comfortable enough during the trip."

SUBJ: Claudius. (R) FROM: GM Falcon 09/24/91 S#: 114593

Claudius smiles at Bernice when she greets him.

MUCH later, he opens his books to Fiben freely.

And after that, he will talk to the elf. First, he will scowl slightly at Zynara, but when (Mastiff) speaks he realizes that they speak the truth.

Thus, he nods acceptance when Steph speaks.

Once she's through, he lowers his head in concentration. "We have had dealings with dragons before...", Claudius murmurs, "..foul creatures. From what I've learned (I assume by this point Pad has told us that yaun-ti are not nice guys) I think this is a just fight.. and one we can win. Unless anyone has any objections...", he glances at the rest of the party, "..I move we accept."

He will take a cleric aside at some point and ask him/her to get a good

Detect Evil spell running. (*I* know couatls (wotever) are supposed to be

good, but Claud doesn't ;))

SUBJ: Rooster 1 (R) FROM: ShadowFoxx 09/24/91 S#: 831226

After dutifully dispatching the Scaley One, Rooster watches curiously as Fiben scarfs up the necklace...

Carefully watching Steph's reaction (Gross?... ;> )... Rooster, struck by

sudden inspiration... :>, will stroke on over to the casualties & choose the two nicest remaining necklaces...

Giving a wink to Fiben as he comes back, Rooster will don one & stuff the

other into his pouch...

Telling Fiben with a grin & a glittering eye...

"GOOD Thankin', thar, FurBall...

"Now we done gots US a Symbol... WE the Scouts... th' P'int 'f th's hyar

partic'lar Spear... Forced Recon... down 'n dirty 'n th' weeds... :>

::playfully growls & pounds Fiben in the midriff::

"We makes us a tol'able good pair, FurBall, yew up t' makin' 't a Solemn Bond?... Thank raht ser'us 'bout 't some..."...

Later, when Steph brings over Bernice... ::sigh:: ... Rooster is momentarily at a loss for words... he'd been surreptitiously watching her since they'd gotten back...

When confronted by this "vision" up close, his mouth hangs slightly open &

his beady eye can't help moving do-o-o-wn & u-u-u-p...

Finally coming out of it, he snatches his pinned-up-front wide brimmed Hat off his head, hitches up his britches quickly (sucking in his stomach... :> ) & stammers out a greeting...

"um... er... Why... ah... Howdy, Miz Bernice..."

Taking her hand gently, he bows clumsily, then straightens quickly...

"Yew'll hav'ta 'scuse mah manners, Ah'm afeared, Miz Bernice... but 't's bin a Long Tahm... a Va-ary Long Tahm, sin' AH've had th' honor 'f makin' th' acquain'tenz 'f one sich'z yorese'f...

"Ah done heered all 'bout yew a'ready fum th' Ma'am & Claud... 'n raht proud Ah'm t' b' meetin' 'n havin' th' opp'tun'ty t' b' workin' wif yew't

las'... kin yew wait hyar jus' a bit?..."...

Rooster will then scamper over & snag Fiben & drag him back bodily to be

introduced to Bernice...

"Miz Bernice, th's hyar's mah Pardner, FurBall... say Howdy t' Miz Bernice, Boy!..."

SUBJ: Rooster 2 FROM: ShadowFoxx 09/24/91 S#: 834538

Then Rooster will stand around grinning from ear to ear inanely for the moment - all's right with HIS world... ;>

When Silvarn pops in, Rooster just watches impassively, occasionally

glancing toward Fiben or Bernice...

He has no objection to helping the mysterious apparitional Elf... to him she seems something of a supernatural force... he already thinks of her as

more of a benign spirit than an actual being... he's NOT afraid, just

cautious... one can't be too careful with such...

As for Dragons, Couatl, Yuan-Tis, LizardMen... ::yawn:: ... seen one... seen 'em all... as far as Rooster is concerned... from what he's heard they're ALL just Rep-Tiles of one sort or another... :> ... wherever the Seekers want to go, Rooster will be there to Scout ahead for them...

SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 09/25/91 S#: 17446

I nod as Claudius speaks.

"The Seekers will aid you in this task, Silvarn. What is a couatl? I have never heard of such a creature."

On the subject of the dragon...

"I vividly recall our encounter with the green dragon. It will be a tremendous battle, but I feel we can triumph. Lightning is what is called a Frost Brand. It makes it wielder resistance to fire. I won't be as affected by the dragons fiery breath. We should have little trouble in

driving it away."

"Now, how do we go about this?"

SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 09/25/91 S#: 19220

I feel the blood drain from my face and I turn pale when the red dragon is mentioned. 'A duh... a duh..' is about all I can get out. The next thing I know, the others are speaking about taking out this dragon! What have I gotten myself into?

I just sit down, somewhat stunned, and wait for what happens next.

SUBJ: Fiben (R) FROM: FatalCharm 09/25/91 S#: 19232

(ok, long post coming up. First to back track a little again)..

When Rooster pounds Fiben in the Midriff, Fiben whips out his long sword and points it at Roosters chest.

"What?! Me make a Solemn Bond with a little halfpint who speaks with a mouth full of pebbles?!"

Then Fiben's mouth twists into one of those wicked grins that only a fellow Rogue would understand, spits on his own hand to clean it and then draws his sword carefully across the palm of his own hand, to draw a couple drops of blood. Extending his hand, "A Solemn Bond doesn't always mean much. Dare ye be blood brothers with an Elf?"

Oh in regards to "Speaking with pebbles" what was that about "Forced Recon"? Is that what we'll call ourselves? If so, I LOVE it. ::grin::

When Rooster tries to drag Fiben to meet Bernice...

"In case you didn't notice back in the city, I'm very shy around women.

spent my life with my parents and a Relative or two. Oh sheesh, ok..." When I approach, Bernice sees me as an Elf of average elf-height, with LONG jet black hair but blue eyes, I am wearing a dark blue Tunic with silver colored trim, a black vest with dark grey trim, and a black cloak.

"Pleasure to meet you Miss." Fiben stands back a little to let Rooster

chat with her, but relaxes a little when he sees by the glint in her eyes that she too must be a master of shadows. (a thief). Us Rogues just know

each other.

Fiben thanks Claudius heartily for the great privilege of being allowed to look at his spell book. He offers his hand to Claud, making sure it's not the hand he sliced a little bit ago.

Then he settles on the floor in the corner to study.

(Entrance Silvarn, continued...)

Once the party starts talking of helping her, Fiben drops the handful of dust he had and decides there is nothing more for him to say, as the

leaders are handling business. He then goes back to his corner to continue

studying the spell book, hoping they talk long enough to let him finish

learning some spells.

Due to the shortage of time, Fiben is only attempting to learn 3 more right now: Detect Magic, Magic Missile, Protection From Evil. Bringing his

total to 7.

He also asks around as to whether anyone has a spell like Stoneskin but closer to his own abilities to cast. (In other words, he's looking for the

1st level spell 'Armor')

Fiben also mutters to himself, "Some jungle. Full of Dragons and reptiles. And I was looking for monkeys. hmph." Sadly, "I'll never replace poor Natasha now."

Every now and then when someone mentions 'dragons' or 'fiery breath' Fiben glances up and shudders, but remains silent. Unusually silent.

SUBJ: Claudius.. FROM: GM Falcon 09/26/91 S#: 21549

(Well, if we assume standard norms, then..)

Claudius gives Fiben a rather odd look when the latter offers his left hand to shake. He shrugs off the minor matter, and grips his hand.

Back a bit (or is it forward), Claudius speaks to the Silvarn: "Would it be possible for us to see this lair? If it's suitably defensible, we might be able to arrange a nasty surprise or two for your lizardman friends, given time."

If she accepts, Claud will turn, and with a loud voice (and grin) shout:

"HEY, Forced Recon! You gonna scout?"

The Frontier #110

"I agree that moving the mother out of this dangerous area would be the wise thing to do, however she refuses to leave her home. Expecting mothers can be unreasonable at times."

"A couatl is a rare and almost legendary creature. They are a powerful force for good. A couatl's natural form is that of a winged serpent. The feathers on the wings are the color of the rainbow. It is one of the most beautiful creatures in the known worlds."

"Baby couatls are born alive, much like human babies. This coupled with the fact a female only gives birth once every hundred years or so makes this a unique event."

"I must confess that I am surprised that you wish to battle the dragon. I was having more trouble with his servants since there are many of them. However, that would be an acceptable course of action."

"The couatl is laired in a temple in the center of the ruins. It is a square, step-pyramid. There are 3 upper levels and 4 levels of catacombs underneath. The mother is hidden on the lowest level of the catacombs."

"There are a total of four entrances leading down to the catacombs from the ground level of the temple."

"I must take my leave now. I hate to leave her alone for long periods of time. Come to the temple in the morning. Feel free to explore the upper levels. I shall meet you there later."

Silvarn turns and walks away.

The night passes without incident.

(Post new spell lists!)

Next morning after breakfast, the Seekers make for the temple Silvarn described. Her directions are accurate and you locate the temple in twenty minutes.

The temple is 3 stories high. The upper level is only 30 feet square, the middle level 70 square feet and the ground level 110 square feet.

There are four entrances to the ground level, a doorway (the doors long since rotted away) in the center of each wall.

The upper level makes an excellent observation post as the temple is the highest building in this part of the ruins.

Towards late morning, Silvarn arrives from the lower catacombs.

"It will be only a matter of hours before she give birth. My task here is almost over. Have you considered your plans for defense?"

SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 09/26/91 S#: 31994

Now what?

Don't forget to include new spell lists.

Fiben has learned Detect Magic, Magic Missile and Protection from Evil.

SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 09/26/91 S#: 35509

While keeping one ear on the conversation at the front door, I grab my spell book and go over to Fiben. 'Excuse, master scout Fiben, but overhead you desire to learn Armor. That spells happens to be among the few that I do know. You may try to learn it if you wish.'

Spells I have: Read Magic, Armor, Magic Missile, Shield, Comprehend Languages, Feather Fall, Gaze Reflection, Identify, Color Spray and Protection from Evil.

I am slightly flabbergasted when Silvarn considers the lizard and snake men to be more dangerous then a dragon! Who is this woman?

I'll rememorize Magic Missile to complete my spells. Priest spells remain the same since I have yet to cast them.

When we arrive at the Temple, I'll follow the orders of our fearless leaders. At least they seem to know what they are doing! ;D

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 09/26/91 S#: 37714

"Well, my personal plan for defense is to go take out that dragon and spread a little terror through its minions. What do the rest of you think?"

Having been informed of the presence of a red dragon, Pad changes his spells for the next day accordingly.

1st List: 3x MMissile, Detect Magic, Feather Fall

2nd List: Web, 2x Invis, Mirror Image, Detect Invis

3rd List: 3x Lightning Bolt, Haste, Fly

4th List: Fireshield, Improved Invis, Poly Others, Poly Self

5th List: 2x Cone of Cold, Wall of Force, Teleport

SUBJ: Dani... FROM: Thwap 09/27/91 S#: 51883

Noticing a particularly brightly feathered bird (one o' those large tropical bird types) amongst the other animals in the surrounding forest, Dani becomes incredibly curious about them and becomes determined to return to this place in the future to look into them more. 'Such a beauty it is.. Indeed Mystra has captured a rainbow and given it to this bird..' he mumbles to himself, then notices that he's wandered a bit far from the group and proceeds to head back. Once there, he'll suddenly perk up.. his eyes sparkling with excitement.. But besides some quick chatting with Tania during the night about nightmares of Dragons, he keeps to himself. In the morning, he goes about praying for his spells..

(Mad: He'll be changing a CLW spell for an Animal Friendship. :) The rest are the same.. )

The next morning, he'll awake early.. and, saying that he'll be back in awhile.. Proceeds out into the ruins again, searching for his bird.. (If he doesn't spot it within an hour, he'll head back t'camp.. If he DOES, he'll proceed to attempt befriending the bird.. Either way, he'll be back at camp prior to Pad finishing rememorizing his spells..)

Also.. ;) Should anyone but Tania request to accompany him.. He'll respectfully decline, saying that he must prepare for something alone. Of course, Tania's welcome along.. And he'll even go out of his way to ask her to accompany him (if her curiosity doesn't get the better of her before hand. :D )

SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 09/28/91 S#: 56936

"Well, we could always split up... leave a few folks here to make sure no minions come in the back door while the rest go after the dragon. I mean, dragons never struck me as stupid... or as likely to do the work themselves. Besides, with Pad tossing...whatever it is he tosses, I don't see splitting up making that much of a difference."

SUBJ: Zynara (R) FROM: Tora 09/28/91 S#: 59601

Zynara sits quietly and listens. She tends to ignore everyone as she thinks about what is said. When she sleeps, it is a dream filled night as she continues to think things through.

In the morning, she keeps Sheba rapped around her as she focuses on learning her spells for the day When she is done, she goes and asks Pad if he can answer a quick question. If he can, "The Stoneskin you have cast upon us, will it protect us against the breath of the dragon?"

***********

Spells

1st: Enlarge *3, Reduce, Unseen Servant

2nd: Melf's Acid Arrow *3

3rd: Flame Arrow, Haste, Slow

Plans for defense: Enlarge spells first on fighters before combat if possible. If not a slow spell or Reduce on the dragon. If luck is with us, I will try to get the haste spell on us.

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 09/28/91 S#: 60175

Answering Zyn's question, "No, Stoneskin will only protect against physical attacks; swords, claws, and the like."

To Dani, "I'd advise against going out in the woods alone. There are still Yuan-ti and lizardmen out there. We did not account for them all yesterday. Time enough to do whatever you want to do AFTER we've finished the battle."

If he refuses to listen to reason, there's not much Pad can do. The Invisibility has worn off Sean from yesterday, and Pad isn't sending him out without one.

SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 09/29/91 S#: 4710

Sure enough, Tania is more then interested in Dani's quest! ;D

However...'Pad and them are right, Dani. It would be foolish to go out by ourselves. There is too much danger with all the lizard-types running about. Perhaps later?'

SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Schar 09/29/91 S#: 49840

"Now we need to figure out who goes after the dragon and who will stand guard back here. Me and Pad are going for sure. I'll take volunteers for the attack against the dragon. There will be no shame in staying behind."

Once we figure out who is going, I'll then converse with this group and try to figure out how we should go about attacking.

SUBJ: Dani.. :) FROM: Thwap 09/29/91 S#: 30095

Looking first to Pad, then Tania as she repeats Pad's warning, Dani shrugs and turns to leave again, then hesitates..

"It's morning.. Lizards rarely roam in the mornings, their blood is slow and they are sluggish. It's probably the safest time of all for this particular prayer.. Coming, Tania?"

He then turns once again and walks out.. :)

SUBJ: Claudius.. (R) FROM: Crandor 10/01/91 S#: 29287

"I better stay behind.", Claud announces, "A few people should stay and guard the nest. Rooster, you're with me. Anyone else?"

Spells:

3 Magic Missile, Color Spray, Alarm

Web, 2 Flaming Sphere

2 Lightning Bolt

Tactics: Alarm the entrance. Tell all PCs the password 'Dragon' (Just in case anyone runs through screaming about what is chasing them ;))

In the case of alarm, immediately Web the door, without pause to determine friend from foe. I can always apologize to Silvarn or an ally later.

If proven hostile (by visual ID), then flaming sphere the web, and hostile.. and leave the sphere there. :ick:

If the dragon stops by to chat at some point, that's what lightning bolts are for. :)

If lizardmen break thru the web (or I already used it), then color spray, and either flaming sphere or magic missile depending on numbers. I won't use L- bolts unless I absolutely have to.

SUBJ: Bernice (R) FROM: Merri2 10/01/91 S#: 25642

A description for newer players. Bernice is an average height halfling, a tad on the plump side, even for her race. She wears old cloaks on adventures, but expensive cloaks in gaudy colors 'at home'. She a wears a tarnished clasp no matter what cloak she has on. (Ask her about it if you want a long story.) She seems a little stiff in her new (to her) leather armor. To be polite, she is less than attractive. Nothing specific except for her large crooked teeth. (Hope that doesn't change your reaction Rooster) ;)

When Steph asks for volunteers, Bernice thinks for a minute, and then decides to go. She tells Stephanie 'I can't let you go off without me. What if something happened. Why...' Then she hears that Rooster will be staying behind.

'Um...Steph? Maybe they need someone with experience to stay behind, huh? I mean, you've got him,' she points to Pad 'and, well...I've ALREADY fought a dragon. Time to let someone else have a chance, don't you think?'

Bernice will stay behind and thrill Rooster with her tale of how she brought down the green dragon so long ago. Never mind that none of her shakily aimed arrows ever hit. Or that she fainted. This will be one of Bernice's usual imaginative stories.

SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 10/01/91 S#: 34381

"Pardon me while I interject my opinion. We can protect the couatl or take the fight to enemy. Trying to do both may leave us unable to do either. I'll assume that you've been expressing faith in my abilities to carry this fight, but there's no way Steph and I can do it alone. Dragons are especially resistant to magic. A lot of my spells might do nothing at all. And I can't do squat in melee against a dragon."

"Personally, I believe the best way to defend the nest is to go give them something else to worry about. The elf lady was holding the fort here before we came, and her first reaction was to try and get rid of us. I think she can handle the defense by herself, especially if we are out there taking the heat off her."

SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 10/02/91 S#: 841797

"I'll go with you Steph. It will be interesting to see what a dragon looks like, besides I think you may need me."

Spell List: Clw(*3), Bless, Resist Fire