[net.games.pbm] TFQ--Move the Sixth

jj@rabbit.UUCP (01/18/84)

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