From alt.pub.dragons-inn Thu Feb 10 07:36:14 1994 Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!olivea!sgigate.sgi.com!sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.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: REPOST [Roaming] Recovery Date: 9 Feb 1994 20:56:27 GMT Organization: Gustavus Adolphus College Lines: 80 Distribution: world Message-ID: <2jbilrINNmmv@news.gac.edu> Reply-To: mcutter@nic.gac.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: perdita.gac.edu From the journals of Thaddius Farsinger, of the Roamer Companions: "12 June 1993, World: Nexus, Location: Approximately 10 miles west of my battle." "It has been two days since I fell in battle with the ogres. My last memory is being attacked from behind. I was to weak to defend myself, and was defeated. But Death has not made her final claim of me after all. A singularly strange being is responsible for my delivery. Perhaps it would be best if I simply recount the conversation that occurred when I regained consciousness. "I awoke to find myself in a makeshift litter. There was a small fire burning with a small figure crouched over it. A faint smell was present; one that was familiar. "The cloaked figure saw my awakening. 'Good,' it croaked, moving closer. 'Elfs is awake. Here, drinks brew I has prepared. Help makes elfs strong again.' He handed me me a small skin. Cautious, I sniffed then sipped it. It tasted wonderful. The little figure nodded in satisfaction and leaned back. Firelight lit the depths of its hood. "I am ashamed to say, my reaction was less than exemplary. 'Goblin!' I shouted, trying to scramble to my feet. Still weak, I fell back to the ground. I cast about desperately for some means of defense, then stopped to the sound of high-pitched laughter. "'Haha,' crowed the goblin. 'Elfs is scared of Pheu! Hehehehe....' He trailed off to silence. "Listen, elfs. If Pheu wanted you dead, I would have killeds you in your sleep. Instead, I risk hide to helps you. Come, finish brew. I know you like.' With that he turned back to the fire. "I made my way back to the litter. Sitting upright now, I reclaimed the flask and finished the skin. 'My thanks...Pheu?' I finished uncertainly. 'I am in your debt. My name is Thaddius.' "'Me Pheu, Pheu the Mighty!' said the Pheu. "Glad you awake, elfs. We not stay here much longer. Ogres and lots other dark ones around. Need travel soon.' He started digging into a haunch roasting on the fire. Reaching into his pack, Pheu pulled out a larger skin. 'Ale?' he asked. "I nodded assent. The goblin refilled my skin, then took a swig from his. I sat down near him. In all my Roamings, I had never met such a goblin. I decided to indulge my curiosity. "'What manner of creature are you, Pheu?' I asked. "The goblin thumped himself on his chest and threw back his shoulders with pride. 'Me a ranger,' he stated with the utmost pride. "I attempted to hide my sudden smile. It is common knowledge that the goblinoid races lack the affinity with nature necessary to become rangers. I changed tacks. 'What do you DO?' I said. "The goblin looked at me as if I had spoken High Delvish. 'Pheu do what rangers do,' he replied. "'And that is?' I inquired leading. "'Range!' the goblin replied. He started muttering to himself. 'Elfs not so smart. Me wonders why others so scared of elfses. Not even know what ranger is... Pheu's tirade faded off as he settled into his bedroll. I followed his example, pulling the blanket about me and fading off to sleep. "Today was more of the same. I found myself able to walk unaided. Going through my remaining gear, Pheu and I discovered that all I really needed was a weapon. My sling was intact, and my supplies remained. Acting upon this, the goblin fashioned me a club of sorts from the remains of my staff. "As we settle down for the second night, my mind wanders. Tomorrow we depart downriver for a town called Farreach. It will take about three days time to get there. Meanwhile, I shall have interesting company, at the very least." -Thaddius Farsinger "Never judge by appearances alone." ****************************************************************************** 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! ******************************************************************************