[freudianslip]

Hmmm.. interesting, I don't see a post asking to describe party configurations. Given that there is so much variety, I'll be surprised if anyone is seeking the Mavin with the exact same group of characters. Starting off in the sleepy town of Valeria, I, an Oomphaz Wizard named Zohd, managed to find several adventurers who wished to ally themselves with me.

(a little background can be fun.. join the role-playing!)

Must to my surprise, I also encountered two wizards from clan Oomphaz, Filligree and Laysis, sharing a lager while reminescing over the Garuia wars of 211. Once they learned of my fevered devotion to banishing evil, they consented to accompanying me, and made a blood-dagger pact to champion the cause of good. One was well versed in the art of Stone magic, capable of delivering a nasty shock to an unsuspecting foe! The other, like myself, practiced in the art of the mighty sun, seeking to sear her foes with flame.

We were then approached by a young, tall Lizzord bedecked in a fur tunic, his eyes shining with an inner intelligence and light I've not often encountered among that clan. He spoke with a mellow baritone, free of lisp, quite unusual for one of the forked tongue. He introduced himself as Vasago, and we heard his sad tale of betrayal at the hands of his friends, who sojourned far, seeking power, failing to recognize the strength in their own hearts. We could feel the burden hanging on him, like a rank miasma, and offered for him to join us in an ale. Hearing of our newly born dedication, he offered to join us. Given his apparent strength and devotion, we readily accepted him into our growing band.

Suddenly, Vasago's arm shot out, and we heard a squeal of pain from a passing Ratling. "Aiee, let go!!" the ratling squealed, rubbing his wounded wrist." "Give me a reason not to spit you on the point of my sword, my troubling friend?" intoned Vasago. The ratlings dark haunted eyes sought ours for reprieve, or understanding; finding our stoic countenances unbending, he began, in a reedy voice: "I am.. Jackass. An unfortunate name, but apparently the first word uttered by my mother upon spitting me into this world. Given my trifling appelation, I have been forced to steal and scurry, as no respectable shopkeep will hire one with such a name as I. Even though other clans shun me, I turn away from the cruelty, and find strength in my resolve to fight for truth, and beauty. Mock me if you will, Strike me down, Lizzord, but you shall not have my spirit." Vasago looked at Jackass for a minute, then smiled (if a Lizzord can be said to smile) and extended a hand. "Welcome. Join us." Jackass looked shocked for a moment, then smiled, and extended his tiny paw, dwarfed by the huge, scaly claws of Vasago.

Suddenly, a lithe, attractive young Whiskas swept by us, stopping in front of me. "I have heard your tales, your dreams, your ambitions drawn from an inner strength. I am known as Yizzy. It would do me great honor to join you in your quest for salvation.. or your quest for a savior."

Suddenly, Vasago stood, and clapped his hand on Yizzy's shoulders. "Then, we are 6!" he boomed. He leaned in toward us, and whispered "Let us meet at dawn, at this same table. Where our paths crossed, let it be a good omen for our fortune to come. Zohd, Yizzy, Jackass, Filligree, Laysis; we shall experience fear, and hatred, and dark dreams coming for us out of the mists. But we must not falter; evil and weakness are bedfellows, so we must always remain vigilant. If one of us weakened, so like the rusted chain, we shall break. Let us meet at dawn, to begin our sojourn to free these troubled lands."

I nodded, whispering hoarsely, trembling. "As it is spoken, so shall it be done."

-*-

Anyone else care to share the tale of how you met your friends? Please, join in!