The caravan party finishes bandaging wounds, gathering souvenirs and getting over their shock of discovering Rath's reaving. The adrenaline rush worn off, the party falls strangely silent. Which is just as well. The route becomes rather difficult. The wounded ox is pulling short a bit. Faliol's memory serves him well, however, for the experienced hand remembers a campsite not far from where they are.
It would be impossible to find were it not for a tall spire of a hill that pokes up through the canopy. The wagons trundle up a small river valley, perhaps a mile off the path, but worth it for safety. After crossing a coupe of fords, the wagons pass through a narrow gorge to a small well-protected valley. There is fresh water here. The nearby spire is crowned with a circle of glacial boulders, the perfect spot for a lookout. Nothing can enter the valley without being spotted. Nuyok assures the party knowingly that there are no bandits lying in wait. They are growing to appreciate his spirit sight.
Some of the party water and care for the pack animals, while others organize a small hunting party. Although hunting in the wilds can be dangerous in the extreme, Cas and those whom she asks to accompany her are fortunate in finding a small forest pig. The animal is quickly butchered on the spot and the hunters return to camp with enough meat to share with all.
Finally given a chance to relax, the crew shares a repast. There is a sense of comradery that comes after combat, and tongues move a bit more freely than they have been. In the crackling light of the cookfire, a conversation begins...

This thread is to answer the concerns that some have had about talks and discussions and introductions among the party. The nature of an RPG compresses time and action and all we really experience is an abstract. I assure the party that they are safe here. Use this thread to conduct discussions, introduce yourselves, ask questions and so forth. In a day or two, I may advance the action, but I will keep this thread open. We can assume the discussions all took place this night. If the thread gets too big, I'll create a new campsite.
The area the map describes is as follows. Lighter values of green are lower, darker values are higher. Near the center of the map is a ring of grey rocks. This is the top of the guard hill. A lookout cannot hear normal conversation from this point, but a shout will carry easily (no PER Roll needed). The red dot is the cook fire and lies in the middle of a sheltered valley. The big stream must be crossed twice to get there (indicated by the yellow arrow path). The black dots above the cook fire are the carts and the pack animals. We can assume the are unharnessed, but tethered and grazing.
Line of sight is very short here as in much of the forest. For instance, the light of the fire can be seen through the trees from the lookout, but no details are visible through the dense foliage. even the light areas are filled with trees. The camp area is under dense canopy, like everywhere else in Nunavut. The Lizard Road lies about a mile off the top of the map. Those of you who have never travelled this way cannot understand why it is called a road, since it is not paved, and you frequently have to hack through underbrush. Those of you who have travelled through Nunavut before realize that you could never get a cart through another part of the jungle. This is truly the easiest route.
The cookfire area is nestled between the boles of four great trees (not indicated). Each of the trunks is over eight feet across. The pig is roasting on a stick, after those who prefer raw meat have taken their share. To everyone's delight, Beka has a full set of cookware and pans.

Some time, not long after the meal is finished, Riccoco speaks, loud enough to be heard by all present. (For convenience sake, let's say one of the NPC is on Watch.)

"Riccoco had his doubts, all of you. But, this one must say, he be rather pleased with this lots abilities." Nodding towards Faliol and then Cas, he continues, "The foxes have followed the path and kept us moving. Travelling the Lizard Road is a more difficult path then the Sabre."

Pausing to take a drink from his Drinkskin, "That ruckus with the Spike-dogs could have been worse if not for our warriors." Here, Ricco gives Celeste a meaningful look and then sweeps his gaze past Rath, not lingering on the Riven.

"Merchant Beka you seem to have done a fine job putting this caravan together, Vagrant and Handle, is it? They've both handled themselves well, too." Now, peering towards Nuyok, Riccoco takes a deep breath before continuing, "Master Nuyok, Riccoco will admit to having his reservations considering you, but, you did well agianst the Spiners. This 'coon salutes the lot of you."

[EDITED on Fri October 25, 2002 @8:23 AM (CDT)]

.oO(As it is better to know more than less about one's traveling companions (to be sure there are no enemy spies in the midst, to know their capabilities in case of further dangerous situations, etc.), Nuyok decides it is time for a more formal introduction.)

Nodding in response to Riccoco, and speaking softly and in an unassuming manner, Nuyok says "For those who have not formally met me, I am Master Nuyok, and I am sure you have seen that I am capable with both sword and spirit sight. Like Riccoco, I had my reservations, but as with others, I have business in Adala, so fortune makes for some strange bedfellows."

"Like Riccoco, I too have seen my doubts about the members of this caravan vanish. Under stress, the real beast or human or riven shows through. Today, I witnessed bravery and competence. I will sleep soundly tonight knowing that I am in good company."

Stirring the fire with a stick, I continue.

"Someone needs to bring this up and the sooner we discuss it the better. Riccoco, Cas, Celeste, and I were at the docks this morning, before we met the rest of you at Merchant Hamilton's establishment. The watch is looking for a man in a cloak with a lumina pin. They said he was wanted for murder."

Looking directly at Nuyok's eyes..."If you wonder why we are a little nervous around you, Master Nuyok, it is because you closely fit the description given by the watch for the murderer. Now, Jareek and I are gypsies. We get blamed for everything by town watches. We know what it is like to be accused of a crime you did not commit. But sometimes they actually are chasing a guilty man. Hence our nervousness."

Returning to my seat by the fire, "So, Master Nuyok, is there anything you can tell us?"

When Nuyok answers, I will be observing him VERY carefully for any tell-tale signs of lying.

Perception, 12-
3d6: 6, 5, 4 (STUN: 15, BODY: 4) Fri October 25, 2002 @10:09 AM (CDT)

INT roll, 12-
3d6: 3, 5, 4 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Fri October 25, 2002 @10:09 AM (CDT)

Unlucky in lust AND dice?!?

Swiveliing to fix Nuyok with a piercing gaze, everyone's favorite raccoon awaits Nuyok's answer.

Per 15-
3d6: 11 Fri October 25, 2002 @10:33 AM (CDT)

Int 13-
3d6: 9 Fri October 25, 2002 @10:33 AM (CDT)

OOC: The dice are karma for callin me Rico! *wink*

OOC: Nuyok engages his powers of concealing deceit

After a brief, yet uncomfortable pause, Nuyok speaks in a measured tone, though one tinged with a bit of spite, and says "Do you accuse me of murder? And what if I were the killer? Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. [pause] I am guilty of many things, but I have been accused of far worse, by unseen enemies. What do you know of this murder?"

Nuyok will attempt to ascertain whether the questioning appears to be from someone who might know more than they are letting on due to their involvement, or if it is of a more general nature.

PER, 13-
3d6: 6, 3, 1 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Fri October 25, 2002 @2:11 PM (EDT)
Streetwise, 11- (if complementary)
3d6: 2, 2, 5 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Fri October 25, 2002 @2:11 PM (EDT)
Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 1, 1, 3 (STUN: 5, BODY: 1) Fri October 25, 2002 @2:11 PM (EDT)

Cas walks up with a bright smile. She has produced her current carving project for the evening. She quickly joins into the conversation.

"I don't know whether you committed a murder or not but there is one thing I will accuse you of that you are truly guilty," Cas plops herself down onto the ground, "You are a terrible storyteller and liar. If my advice may sink your years Sei always used to tell me 'Know your story well in advance or else you'll be a victim of half told lies.' This advice is true. Perhaps you just need practice telling stories is all."

Cas proceeds to carve away on her project.

Growing noticeably restless, Nuyok growls "Now I am accused of being a murderer and a liar?! Do tell, what is it that I have lied about? I'll admit I'm no storyteller, so if my words did not entertain you, well, that's a whole different matter, and not my intent."

Vagrant seems to shift uncomfortably as Nuyok is questioned. To occupy himself he seems to be adjusting the new rags that bind his hands. After that he produces a small item from under his rags. The thing seems to be at least in part made of metal. Vagrant seems to be waving it in various directions and looking into the sky. If he notices that he is being specifically watched he will return it to his pocket.

PER Roll 11-
3d6: 4, 3, 1 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Fri October 25, 2002 @2:10 PM (CDT)

Cas apologizes, "I accuse you of no murder. All I will say is that when you spoke with the brass man it only made you seem more suspicious than less. And I also beg to differ, anyone call tell an entertaining story. We just haven't given you the chance to do so yet."

Cas continues to carve away at her figurine, now focusing on the fine details of the face and body.

"Riccoco be knowin' the ways of misunderstandin's, Adept. He ain't no killer, though. Tallon Watch capable of a mistake or two, too. You haven't made me think any different, though. Tell it straight, are you the guy the Watch was looking for?"

Nuyok responds "Suffice it to say, if the watch sought me, then they sought not the killer, but if the watch sought the killer, then it was not I who was sought. For now, that is all I have to say on the matter, accept it as you will."

I pass more food around as the cnversation begins to be heated.

.oO(maybe if they filltheir gullets with food they will shut up.)

After the talk calms a bit , I move over and sit next to Nuyok and start to eat, I lean towards him,

OOC: Perception 14- to see who all is paying attention, concealment 14-, to hide my lips behind food and spoon and stealth 14-, to speak in whisper.

3d6: 5, 1, 5 (STUN: 11, BODY: 2) Sat October 26, 2002 @5:09 AM (PDT)
3d6: 1, 5, 6 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Sat October 26, 2002 @5:09 AM (PDT)
3d6: 1, 4, 6 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Sat October 26, 2002 @5:09 AM (PDT)

" I's kinda hopin' maybe you did scrag some get, make you seem more human. Not like I would be out here if I wan't bein' chased by the guard miself"

Nuyok responds "My past is far from clean, and some time ago, the incident may have been due to me, but not this time." Letting off the pressure of the questioning, Nuyok chuckles, "I can't see why the guards would be after one such as you, since you seem to be such a fine upstanding citizen."

I let out a long, exasperated sigh.

.oO(Not thinking too clearly, are you? First the Cassandra catastrophe and now the Adept accusation. What to do for an encore? Maybe a midnight swim?)

"Look, I only brought this up to clear the air. In my opinion, your actions thus far lead me to believe that you are NOT a murderer. If I really thought you were a murderer, I would share my suspicions only with Jareek, Trader Kent, and those that have previously discussed this situation with me. We would likely have continued this whole trip as two separate groups - those that suspect you and those that don't know enough to suspect you."

"This is a significant obstacle impeding our ability to function as a team. If someone is worried that the Adept is going to slit their throat while they sleep, they will likely not be focusing on the real dangers on the road to Adala. Someone always looking over their shoulder will likely miss the gator directly in front. I merely sought to lessen the distance between our two groups, not enhance it. Maybe I should have kept this to myself..."

Faliol walks off to set up his two man tent.

.oO(Maybe if I tie my muzzle shut...)

Riccoco watches as members of the group become exasperated and leave. Finally, he says, "Only a question to the guilty be thought an accusation." He doesn't stand and leave. "Most would be thinkin' an innocent would scoff at the notion of a murderin'. So, why be the Adept skirtin' the question like a Riven does a..." Catching himself, Riccoco peers around towards the look-out site and quiets again, his leathery padded hands fiddling with the ties of his vest.

Responding to Faliol and Riccoco, Nuyok says "Perhaps I mistook your words. The other day was a difficult time due to unseen enemies, and I do not know the reach of these enemies - it could even reach into the very jungle itself, if you get my meaning. I just need to be sure it does not. I killed no one, but it may be because of me that someone was killed."

OOC: You may get the idea from the last line that the "someone" was someone Nuyok respected or cared about, etc.

Riccoco looks from his vest ties at Nuyok, his eyes narrowing, "Riccoco be seeming to have unnamed enemies. From the look of things on the way back to the Dock, he bethinkin' he ain' alone."

With this, he peers around the campfire at Handle and Beka, "Those Dobe's the Brassman went off after. Either of you Hoomans know who they be workin' for? One of 'em made a good try at enden' ol' Riccoco's line last night..."

Cas comes tumbling back down from the look out point at this point in time, "So anything exciting happen here while I was gone?"

Jareek looks up at Cas from where he and Faliol are tapping tent pegs into the soft loam of the jungle floor.
"Well lass, ye've missed a right pretty speech from Celeste, as well as Miss Beka. She's got some wee beast ridin' in her pouch by the way.
"Heloo, wee beast!
"Where was I? Oh yes, then Nuyok said he weren't no killer, which any frox could see plain as the, as the... wossname on yer face."
Jareek sways a bit as he surveys the tent. The pegs on his side are a bit cock-eyed.
"Anyhooo, It's a aboot time fer this old scout to get some sheep."
He drops to his knees and crawls into the tent. "Night to ye all. Remember to poke anyone who snores. Could save your life."
The tent flap closes and a moment later his armor chucks out.
.
.
.
"Sleep! Sleep, not sheep."

.oO(This tent was made for two small humans or one plump Jareek.)

.oO(!!!!!)

"Demon Kings!! Where you were aiming THAT hindleg is a mystery unless you intended to mash my muzzle!!

"mumble, mumble, yelp, mumble"

The tent begins to rock back and forth as the traditional jockeying for position continues...

"There are NO rocks under your side of the tent, I made sure before setting it up!"

mumble, yip, mumble

"Fine, you take this side and I will sleep over there. By the Stones you are difficult!"

The tent is in danger of collapse as two grown foxes somehow switch position.

Suddenly a red paw thrusts open the flaps...

"Pops, you are letting the bugs in...."

Another red paw can be seen impatiently lowering the flaps...

Angry mumbling resumes...

The flaps are opened again.

"Jareek, it is not too hot in here with the flaps down. Besides, I bought this tent!"

The flaps are closed.

Resentful mumbling can be heard. Finally, when all seems to have quieted down...a loud fart rips the silence.

The flaps are opened and I tumble out, "Fine! I will sleep under the cart! I rather be eaten by bugs than be suffocated, battered, and annoyed unto death..."

I walk over to the cart and crawl under.

.oO(Tomorrow night, HE will sleep under this cart!!!)

OOC: Too bad Celeste is too far away to hear this exchange.....she could use a good laugh : )

Coming back from the hill...

A guy named Vance

.oO(STUPID ROTTEN had to be a male...)

who usually takes my fathers caravans into the wilds

.oO(Stones forbid a girl go into the wilds)

usually hires four Dobie brothers to guard for him. I don't know if they were the same ones but they were watching us it seems.

By the way, this caravan was originally supposed to be going to Karkul

.oO(Where they wouldn't even make enough profit to cover the trip.)

and it wasn't even provisioned for that. And..., a few of the bolts of silk looked like they were about to be stolen. Ones that were loaded...I don't get it. Anyone have a clue?

[EDITED on Tue October 29, 2002 @7:12 PM (PST)]

Riccoco's head snaps over towards Beka's voice, "Vance, eh? Merchant Vance, then?" The 'coon pauses, glancing over towards the wagon. "You have looked over the goods, then? Riccoco be thinkin' there more to all this than we few know... The Dobies were stealing Night Folk for slaves... What if...?" Ricco stands and motions for Beka to join him as he trundles towards the wagon.

OOC: I didn't catch that I was supposed to go with you to the wagon, sorry.

I follow...

Reaching the wagon, Riccoco motions inside, "You be sayin' this Merchant Vance works for your father, then? Riccoco be thinkin' he be doin' bad business with the Night Folk. Maybe even kidnappin' them..."

Looking at the packages in earnest, "The Dobie be sayin' somethin..." The old coon twirls his whiskers, obviously deep in thought, "Did ol Riccoco hear you straight afore? Vance be takin' this wagon to Karkul? What be happenin' to the Night Folk slaves?" Ricco's big eyes turn towards the packages...

Spirit Sense isn't really useful in this situation.

OOC: Yeah, but I just like using it

Rath begins to speak in a low calm voice that is almost eerie for it's calmness "I have heard enough. Look at all of you, so worried that someone here might be one thing or another. Look at me, before I took off my shirt you all thought I was a normal guy. You took me for my actions, I was helpful and kind to all of you. The second I take off my shirt and you see I'm...different, all of a sudden I'm something evil." Rath stares hard at Riccoco, "You can't even look at me in the eyes Riccoco. You judge me by the way I look, and now you judge Nuyok for some rumors. Well let me tell you this, all of you, anyone who has a problem with Nuyok has a problem with me. I don't care what he has done in the past, wether he killed no one or fourty people. If he has killed, it was probably because they were like you Riccoco and judged him by what he looked like or what he was instead of judging him by his actions." Rath stands up from the campfire, "I believe it's my turn to stand lookout," as he walks away he meets Celeste's eyes hoping she understands he wasn't talking about everyone. As he stands up and makes his way to "Lookout Point", Rath smashes his fist into a smaller tree almost bringing it down.

Cas snickers, "You heard the guy. Now if you don't mind me, I'm going to make sure the big lug doesn't fall asleep on the job." She sprints off up the hill, "Hey Rath! Wait up for this aging fox will you."

OOC: I'm not sure if we should be using post visibility for conversations or what.

OOC: I'm using visibility I don't know if it matters or not, but Keith can always turn it back on (I think) if that's the way he'd rather it. Easier to keep it limited and change it, then try to have people un-read something."So you've come to laugh at the freak have you? What can I possibly have that you want Vixen?"

Simply said, "Did it hurt?"

Rath gives Cas a puzzled look, "The Spine-Dogs? No I've had worse lots of times in the pits..." He stops short as realization dawns. "Oh that.." Rath's eyes go blank as if seeing through time back to that terrible day, "There are no words to descibe it, I don't remember a lot of it, I think my mind has blanked it out. What I do remember though is pain. My father taught me that the body can only take so much pain before the mind shuts down that feeling, you know, so you don't feel the pain anymore. He says that's why the warriors of our tribe are so fearsome. They don't fear pain, because they know it will only be so bad. Well I am one up on them, I don't fear pain because no matter what happens to me nothing will be as bad as the pain of a Reaver.

Cas lowers her head a bit, "Oh..." It seems that she is disappointed in the answer.

She kicks a stone on the ground a little bit, "Darku had a sister who was changed by a Reaver. He always wondered if it hurt. He was such a strong and cheerful fox but thinking of his sister always brought out the saddness."

"I was going to tell the story earlier today but we were too busy for anyone to listen. But that time that Darku fought the chimera all on his own... he thought that it might have been his sister. After he fought the chimera he was never the same."

Cas brightens up, "I'm sure you have heard enough saddening tales. I can tell you a better story like that time that Liacor, Sei, and I fought a giant bear."

"No? Well I have a thousand stories to tell if you want."

Cas works on her second carving in the faint lights of the night. It is clear almost from the start that this figurine is also a fox of some kind.

Cas gets up from carving, "I'm going to go harrass the old 'coon now. You want me to send somebody up in my place?"

It's up to you guys. I really don't have any preferences for general conversation. If you want me to turn the visibility back on, I will.

OOC: I wouldn't mind you turning on the visibility, it's some pretty good role-playing if I do say so myself, and might give some insight why Rath is such a whiner, good god is he getting on anyone else's nerves

Celeste has sat quietly through all of this interchange, choosing to listen to the others first, and sometimes wondering how much she should reveal about herself. Clearly in the beginning, as a 'barbarian', she was looked upon with some reservation. And clearly, other than being an 'outlander' to some, and a 'hooman' to others, she feels she has been accepted, because her actions proved she was more than any pre-conceived notion of what 'barbarian/hooman' means. She is glad this group appears to have no knowledge of Red Tide, but perhaps it is time for that ignorance to end.

OOC: I believe Rath and Handle are the only ones who have heard this term, and not a lot of explanation was given.

As Rath stalks off into the dark, followed by Cas, Celeste stands and surveys the members of the caravan. "What just happened here? One moment we were brothers in combat and victory...there is no one here who did not give his or her all this day. I will admit to you all, that before today, I too, had mistrust for many of the 'types' of persons here....all my life I had been taught to never trust other than my own tribe....'Riven' were 'bad' and to be.....avoided....'Adepts' were 'wizards' and not to be trusted... creatures such as the man of brass were tools of the wizards, and 'cities' such as Tallon were no place to live, with people crowded into too small spaces. Only the beasts were not considered badly....but were considered 'simple' not worth the trouble to be wary of. But we are all singley ourselves. Last night Faliol, Cas and Ricocco, included me with their group...beasts who I find are not 'simple' at all....Beka hired me to be a guard for this caravan....a 'city person' hired me. And Nuyok, an Adept and an accused murderer, has helped us all, because of his abilities, we are all alive instead of inside some spinedogs belly ...Rath....I offered him my friendship last night before I knew he was riven....I admit I was shocked by what I saw, but all the happenings of the last day have only proved to me that what Rath said is right....let us judge each other by our actions....if one of us betrays this company....then is the time to decide about that person......Rath is Rath, he is not 'all riven'....I offered him my friendship and I will nottake it back because he is riven...Nuyok is not 'all wizards' ... I.....I am not all 'Red Tide' and for that I am glad. I am not old and wise, and I am not educated by some peoples notions...but I am capable of learning to think for myself, and I think all of you are as well...." Celeste, not used to speaking so emphatically or in front of a group of people, suddenly realizes how long she has gone on, stops for a moment, then holds her hands out palms skyward, some may have observed this before....she continues, pausing to take a deep breath and looking at each of them around the fire..."I would be proud to call each of you my friend, brother or sister... part of my 'tribe' ".....Celeste waits for their reactions.
Conversation Roll: 12-
3d6: 6, 4, 4 (STUN: 14, BODY: 4) Fri October 25, 2002 @8:09 PM (PDT)
Maybe a Presence Roll: 12- to help?
3d6: 5, 6, 6 (STUN: 17, BODY: 5) Fri October 25, 2002 @8:12 PM (PDT)
OOC: Okay, who loaded the barbarian up on caffeine again?

OOC: Not intended to 'chastise' anyone, Celeste is just overwhelmed by the changes the last 18 (?) hours or so have made in her own way of thinking...she likes it....one more way to make her different from her father)

[EDITED on Fri October 25, 2002 @8:12 PM (PDT)]

OOC: Okay, a 14 and a 17,....you're all laughing at the barbarian now, aren't you.....Keith, we need to get some new virtual dice....these are affixed with 'boars hair'......

Again, like I said earlier, don't worry about things like Conversation, Seduction, and most other Presence based skills when dealing from character to character. That's the meat of role play. The group can respond to your post and your writing skills, not your roll.

OOC: ...No not that, that's gross. Being look out. Perception 12-
3d6: 9 Mon October 28, 2002 @8:49 AM (EST)


[EDITED on Mon October 28, 2002 @11:28 AM (EST)]

OOC: Where does this post go? What is Rath caling gross?

OOC: I forgot to add the OOC tag. Doing your duty can mean going potty, in the title...Never mind it sounded funny in my head.

OOC: I knew what you meant, but maybe that's just a barbarian expression"

I think that for what you guys want to use them for, a Conversation Roll is better. But never mind. Since you are all PCs, I am going to let you roleplay lying, inquistiveness, evasion, disclosure and all those other verbal fencing weapons. NPCs are the ones more likely to have conversation, seduction and so on determined by dice.

You all are doing a good job of settting mood when you speak, though.

OOC: I still dont' talk much unleass specificaly approached. I tell people i was born and raised inTalon and have never been out of the city. I know alittle fighting but am not really a fighter, I learned some healing and can cook.

Feeling a bit out of place, not sure what to make of Rath and knowing that others sem much more able than myself in this strange place, I go about cooking the meal for everyone, trying to be useful and getting used to the new pots and cookware as well as a campfire instead of a stove. I try my best to make a decent and tasty meal of what we have, taking my time and not hurrying it.
cooking 11-, +extra time bonus
3d6: 4, 3, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Sat October 26, 2002 @4:58 AM (PDT)

"I'm used to a hearth to cook in not a camp fire, I hope everything is good."

Oops, see next post.

[EDITED on Sun October 27, 2002 @6:27 PM (PST)]

.oO(What? Murderer? Adepts don't do that...)
"Well, I realize that anyone hanging around the trading post at 2:00 in the morning might not be an upstanding citizen. I myself am taking this caravan to Adala for my father, Merchant Hamilton. You all had seperate reasons for coming with me.

.oO(Adepts could do that but they wouldn't get blood on them would they?)

Never the less, we are together. Now that we are in the wilds, we need to stay together. Especially if I've hired you!

.oO(They never do that, that's why we need them so much!)

Anyway, welcome to my caravan. As I've said, I'm taking it to Adala for my father. Truth to tell, he doesn't know that I'm taking it for him but he will soon. Still, I'm good to my word, and will stand by all my bargains.

.oO(Absolutely no way an Adept can be a murderer! And that's my final thought on the matter!)

He doesn't believe a "girl sould be in the wilds. He's wrong, I've been here many times before and I'm just as good a merchant as he is.

.oO(Better maybe, he's too soft to go out on the road himself.)

I hired an Adept to keep Reavers away. If you would rather run in to a Reaver, be my guest and go along before the caravan! Rath can tell you how much fun that is.

On that note, Rath and I have been working together for some time now. We watch each others backs. We're both very good at taking care of each other.

As am I. Shouts a small voice from her pouch.

He's riven, in case you didn't notice. I'm a girl, I hired beasts for the same wages as humans, I hired a barbarian from an unknown tribe, a kid who was hanging around,

By the way, this dinner is GREAT!

and an Adept. Welcome to my caravan.

Beka walks off in the direction Rath took talking to her pouch along the way..."...yes, they did need to know, I AM a girl. No, you didn't help...oh alright, you were a terrific help and I couldn't have done it without you..."

[EDITED on Sun October 27, 2002 @6:26 PM (PST)]