From alt.pub.dragons-inn Wed Feb 9 09:06:25 1994 Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!olivea!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!paperboy.amoco.com!hawkings!apctrc!msc.edu!news.gac.edu!news.gac.edu!usenet From: Thorr-kan, the White Minotaur, and Horde Father-Confessor Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [Roaming] Reconnaissance Date: 8 Feb 1994 17:54:23 GMT Organization: Gustavus Adolphus College Lines: 89 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2j8jkfINN2v8@news.gac.edu> Reply-To: mcutter@nic.gac.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: flash.gac.edu ADMIN: For your convenience, all dates have been translated into Terran Standard (USA version :-) From the journals of Thaddius Farsinger, of the Roamer Companions: "7 June 1993, World: Nexus, Location: Unknown. "Wherever the Imperial Governor dropped me, it certainly is an interesting place. The life here seems to the blending of many different worlds, some I am familiar with, others I have never seen. This presents a fantastic opportunity to continue my studies of Chan-Da'all and her teachings. "The flora is about normal for this altitude and terrain. There are several different types of broadleaf trees and a mix of needle-bearers. I have managed to identify several different songbirds, also. Nothing I did not expect. "It is the smaller plants that amaze me. I only know about one in ten. Incredible, especially considering how well such types cross dimensional boundaries. Wherever I am, it is certainly far from home. "I suppose it would be prudent of me to keep some records of this journey. My companions will be interested. At the very least, I want to leave a legacy for the Lady Ellen if I should fall. "Dawn of the Sixth found me on the banks of a moderately large river. {margin note: the Ceruputhon, I later learned.} Up in the mountains like this, I had no problem making my way along the bank. I spent a good 10 hours trekking along without incident, covering perhaps 25-30 miles. "Today was a little more exciting. I spotted several types of wildlife, including several dear and a black bear. Unfortunately, the deer were too skittish for my approach. But the bear and I observed each other for nearly half an hour while we went about the business of lunch. Luckily, the blueberry patch was large enough for both of us. Chan-Da'all truly smiled upon me today. "It is nightfall now. Something is amiss behind me. As I make my way further along the river, the land behind me falls silent. This may mean nothing, but the area I have now entered grows grimmer with each passing mile. Dead-falls and scrub brush abound. It becomes more and more difficult to follow the river bank. Today, I only managed about 12-14 miles in 10 hours. I will have to move inland tomorrow." ----- From the journals of Thaddius Farsinger, of the Roamer Companions: "9 June 1993, World: Nexus, Location: Still unknown. "I am in definite trouble. My unfamamiliarity with this land has led me astray. The land I wondered into has been cowed by some force, perhaps an occupation by dark creatures. Fortunately for me, I detect no dark magics or powers. Flesh and blood are my only concerns. "Hah! Looking at that last paragraph, one might think I have nothing to fear. One would be wrong. "Yesterday, I spent the entire morning trudging through brush and ravines. I made perhaps three miles in five hours. But my followers had no such problem. Obviously, they know this land and its ways. "The entire afternoon I spent attempting to make contact. A futile effort. My shadows are crafty. They evaded my efforts with ease. Again, their knowledge of the land aids them. There is little or no spirit left here; Chan-Da'all cannot speak to me. I am left to my own devices. "A futile effort, but not fruitless. My shadows are four in number. I decided to seek aid. To that end, I stopped early. Rest was needed before I issued the Call. "My Call pounded home the emptiness of here. Of all the creatures to respond, only one was fit. The rest were either injured, sick, or scared. I now had a hawk companion. He probably was hunting or leaving when he answered me. But I was heartened, nonetheless. When the time came, I would not face danger alone. "Today was spent in preparation. I have made myself as defensible as possible. The morning was spent in scouting, the afternoon, in repose. I know the lay of the land now. There are several area for me to hide, and two possible escape routes. I have found a good defensive spot and have rigged snares in the area. Tonight, I eat cold, and rest lightly. With luck, tomorrow will bring a confrontation and resolution." -Thaddius Farsinger "It's always darkest when you are alone, in the dark, and awaiting the enemy." ****************************************************************************** Sometimes, those you love most are the ones you have to leave behind. Matt Cutter, e-mail to mcutter@nic.gac.edu OR mcutter@vax2.gac.edu Gustavus couldn't afford my opinions if they wanted them! ******************************************************************************