Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site rabbit.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!floyd!harpo!eagle!allegra!alice!rabbit!jj From: jj@rabbit.UUCP Newsgroups: net.games.pbm Subject: TFQ--Move the Sixth Message-ID: <2399@rabbit.UUCP> Date: Tue, 17-Jan-84 16:45:33 EST Article-I.D.: rabbit.2399 Posted: Tue Jan 17 16:45:33 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 18-Jan-84 07:40:59 EST Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill Lines: 166 Act Six, TFQ. The aftermath of the day after they left the King's castle. ================================= As we left things, one of the deleterious strangers was dead by the fire. (Apparanty BY fire, as well as by the fire.) Fjosjne was unconcious, and near the fire. The third stranger was dead (or so it looked) near the doorstep, and the fourth gone for parts unknown at a rapid pace. ========= As soon as Ayudante (and Izugami, who is returning from the window upstairs) sees that the unknown stranger has died from the effects (or so it seems, at least) of the fire, he (with the returning Izzy's help) pulls Fjosjne's body farther away from the fire, and makes sure that he's still intact. After a conversation between Slider, Gavalin, and Ayudante, Slider and Gavalin (both being very careful to miss the top step) go outside and pull in the stranger outside, along with his possessions. Trylla and Izugami check out the stranger, who is indeed dead of an arrowshot through the heart (Izzy mutters something about "Gee! That worked better than I would have ever imagined!)". Ayudante, with some help, pulls the stranger's body into a sitting position and positions it across from Fjosjne's snoring body. He and Trylla then clean the body, and patch it to look like it's still alive, if somewhat busted up. Ayudante then checks Fjosjne, asks Izugami how long he will likely be out (the answer is "hours, probably") and in the earnest but pedantic way of Sages, says: "I am only a humble Sage, so perhaps I speak from ignorance. It seems to me, though, that we nearly lost our lives just now, and that in large measure we caused our own problems. We are unorganized (not surprising since we've only been together a few days) and impetuous. I submit for your consideration that we need better discipline in melee, and we need some clear lines of responsibility for who makes what decisions. Note that I am not trying to turn us into a military unit. I am not trying to squash initiative or original thought. I am suggesting that ONE person be given the task of Party Leader. This person have the following characteristics: a) General familiarity with the physical, mental, emotional, and magical abilities and limitations of each of us, as well as theoretical knowledge of our capabilities (potential and real). b) An ability to communicate tersely and precisely c) An ability to analyze a situation and quickly make decisions (whether the decisions are right or wrong). d) Open-mindedness e) An ability to keep his/her mouth shut In addition, the Leader should not be someone who is scouting, or in the front rank. The Leader should be in the second rank, with an eye on everything that's going on. The Leader would be responsible for coordinating melee activity ("Gavalin, Izugami needs help!"), parleying, appointing a secondary Leader to act in the absence of the Leader, establishing party goals ("We're going to find Such-and-Such first, and THEN set up camp."), and in general be a decision maker. Along these lines, I think that we can assign specific tasks to specific individuals. For instance, interrogating prisoners is probably best done by myself or Izugami, although of course everyone should feel free to make comments or suggest lines of inquiry to the questioners. We should all independently come up with the tasks that we feel can be assigned, and submit these suggestions to whomever is the Leader. The Leader should make the final assignments. Finally, if you folks are still with me, I have my nomination for Leader. It seems most appropriate for Trylla to Lead. Thank you for your attention." Bjarney responds: (in a somewhat paraphrased manner) "Bjarney agrees completely with Ayudante about the need for some party organization. The leadership tasks outlined are sound; each member of the party should help by outlining the appropriate tasks for shims character. Bjarney thinks that his charisma, lore knowledge and linguistic skills are suited for ``first contact'' parleying with possibly hostile creatures; his maneuvering abilities and the ability to use silence are useful in scouting (although he suspects the Rogues and Ranger might be as good or better in these areas). While we're at it, how about a marching (riding) order? I suggest: front ^ Gavalin | Slider Trylla Lendell Ayudante Balinor Izugami Bjarney while Balinor is recovering. Switch Izzy and Balinor when the latter is near full-strength.]" Slider responds, "Your points a-e seem reasonable at first glance. The problem with a) however is the fact that the leader would not really have total knowledge of what each person is capable of. The only real solution for this is for each player to tell the leader what they can/want to do. First I have some questions for the party: Are these bodys of human origin? If not, what race are they? What did they have to say when the first one was talking? What language were they speaking in? I would like to search the bodies to see if they are carrying anything that we may find useful --maps, letters etc. After all this, I suggest we dispose of the bodies. Perhaps we should arrange a guard schedule, and get some sleep if all our wounded are tended to. " Finally, Gavalin comments that he thinks (as do several other of the party) that they should "beat feet" at dawn, and also carry some light source with them. Bjarney smiles quietly and shows the party a bullseye lantern and mirror. Izzy says that he wouldn't mind interrogating people, and that he has a few herbs that might help out a bit. Ayudante asks Bjarney to be a bit more careful with the funny languages, and to refrain from doing things that the party can't understand. The conversation then degenerates into a discussion of how to organize the party. ========= The results of the party organization will (hint, hint) be discussed next week. Next week's move should be devoted to organizing the party along the lines that Ayundante suggests. The players are encouraged to mail among themselves, and to sent me copies of all their correspondence. The next move, which is due on SUNDAY, should have everyone's version of the organization, and their place in it. The move should also cover the activities for the rest of the night. -- TEDDY BEARS ARE PEOPLE, TOO! (allegra,harpo,ulysses)!rabbit!jj