"The Brithan Incident"
-or-
What To Do With Mal and Maxwell

We have included the following series of letters between members of the Bearers for their unique insight into what is usually a private matter within adventuring groups seeking fame. When asked why the Bearers took so long to form attachments to their Group Pattern, they usually reply that they spent several seasons searching for the Name that belonged to them, one that they would know the moment they heard it. These letters hint at a different reason; the party just could not trust itself enough to create a Group Pattern for several months. As they slowly came to trust each other, a Group Pattern began to form from their unified actions. Once this came to pass, the party quickly sought to take advantage of their hard-earned identity.
It is interesting to note the eventual fates of those that were listed among the doubtful candidates in these letters. Maxwell returned to the party and joined the group pattern after several months away fighting the K'tenshin in Scavia . Mal left the Bearers not long after this as a result of an argument after the party discovered that her mate was Horror-marked. Midnight Blue, who is briefly mentioned as a questionable member, partially destroyed the original party pattern while possessed by Horror and was subsequently executed by King Neden. Scholars and astral theorists still debate the bizzare instance of a pattern destroyed by possession. One major theory is inexplicable Passion interference, perhaps related to the Shis'r'tal quest.

---Vardin Silvertongue (Windling Historian)

Sanjuro,

I wish to express some dismay about Maxwell's actions of late. It seems only you and I put our duty above all else. Evidence of this is our recent incident with the Brithans in the forest, and how he reacted to our choosing the most pragmatic course of action.

The Beastmaster can't be blamed, I believe he is capable of growing very fond of animals very quickly, and I think that is what happened on this occasion. I'm sure he also had confidence in his abilities to dominate the beast, and have it leave us alone. I'm not sure he realized that we could not take the chance. When you can fly away, you have a different concept of danger.

Maxwell, on the other hand, proved to be a coward, a weakling, and a detriment to the group. His refusal to aid in the combat with the first Brithan, then his accusations towards you when you dispatched it were unbecoming. Later, when struck with a glancing blow, he played dead, again refusing to directly help the group. When I saw him fall, I had assumed he took a strong blow, but I was nearly three times as injured when we first met Sonorius, while Maxwell stood there laughing. It was only you, who came in later, who came to my aid.

Travelling with Maxwell has become a burden. I realize that you and he have some history together, but is it worth all the trouble he causes?

Alas, may the Passions guide us,

Briana

Briana,

I hope we are able to continue our search for Rokk, and not have the situation become vice-versa. Questions must be answered before we sail one ships length further down the Serpent River.

Even our security ranks are a question mark. Any number of the crew could be saboteurs or spies. This ambush certainly shows that alterior forces are at work. I am now convinced that my pressing for a cargo watch seems justified. I know my paranoia may have confused you, but please take my word from many years of experience. It was the right thing to do.

Initially, I was fond of the beastmaster, Mal. So impressed that I considered discussing the possibility of his replacing Tural. Now, I have mixed feelings. As a woodswoman, you understand nature and accept its sometimes vicious and always primitive nature. Beastmasters get attached to this primitive force and forget its dangerous power. Perhaps small windling beastmasters on large bats don't mind sending creatures away, but what about all the other Name-giver races?

If this continues, I will be forced to say something. I am, by no means, leader of this group. I make no claim. However, I WILL NOT let us lose focus or unnecessarily risk ourselves. Mal must understand that if she is to work with us, she must defer to our decisions until she proves herself to be trustworthy and able to put duty ahead of her own emotional ties. I don't hunt, and I don't like killing animals, but my life was not the only one at risk.

I know you disagreed with me about the wyverns back in Viln. Please understand where I was coming from. Those wyverns had been used once already to attack us. Their devastation is part of what caused Rokk to desperately attack the Corinthian. Furthermore, there were sailors who were risking their lives by bringing us there. As far as I was concerned, it was our responsibility to ourselves and to the sailors to make sure they were not a threat again. It didn't work out that way, but the Corinthian could just as easily released them. Here's something to ponder as you reorient your discipline - it is better to deal with the what ifs before than it is to ponder them after.

Briana, you and I have shed blood together. Among you, Akasha, Garnel and I, we leave our fates with absolute trust. I would like to include Blue, but nethermancers have agendas we cannot comprehend. Don't misunderstand me, I trust Blue very much but there is a boundry there I would not like to test willingly. If Mal asks for admission into our group, we will come to a conclusion together. Unlike Tural, we will make sure he understands exactly what we expect of him. Which brings me to Maxwell Highcliffe.

For a month now, I have done some serious soul-searching. As I see the selfless acts of bravery done by you, Garnel and even Rokk Krinn (the Ork of Legend), I find more direction and more purpose in my life. When I see Maxwell, I see another part of my life. In those days, I was more carefree and self-indulgent. Those days are over.

Still, Maxwell remains. His goals, as far as I know, have been to advance his knowledge and gain fame. As you have noted, I now find myself asking at what cost will that fame be achieved? Will his legend be made on the blood and tears of our sacrifices? I don't know, but each passing day makes me wonder.

Despite this, I am loathe to act upon my doubts. As a wizard, he has proven useful. His research and information helped us defeat the Corinthian, and has helped us understand our items of magic. On the other hand, he procured a magic-item from the Ristular cave without telling any of us. In this time of war, Barsaive adepts that we can trust will be rare. Can we risk losing Maxwell's knowledge? At this point, I don't think so. I think, though, that we must move quicker to silence his disruptions and distractions. Furthermore, we must closely regulate what we find. I fear the loss of any more items to his foolish greed. Until he regains my trust and respect, I intend to treat his input and opinions with a suspicious eye. It seems you already do.

In these dark, dangerous times, trusted companions are more valuable than orichalcum. A true friend has no price for betrayal. After this short time, I believe you could be one of those friends. Look forward, Briana, and know that if trouble should arise, I will be there to fight with you.

Sanjuro

To Sanjuro and Briana:

Well since I did not get to see the situation as it unfolded I cannot give support or criticism for the actions taken by the group. However, the slaughter of an obviously defenseless (compared to the awesome power of even a small portion of this party, like myself for instance) I think was a bit of an overreaction on the part of some of our members.

Regarding the windling Mal, I would like to add that his actions proved to be both courageous and sympathetic. If this is any indication of his character I would welcome his addition to the party.

Of course, this is all second hand, I mean second spirit knowledge, and I will wait until I hear the account from the people present.

Blue

Friend Blue,

No creature that lives in the wild is defenseless. Some of the smallest insects have toxins that would render the strongest troll helpless in a matter of seconds. Predators rely on a survival instinct to kill or be killed. We were in dangerous territory, doing a dangerous job with a time limit and lives at stake.

It is not sympathetic when the party is responsible for other non-adepts.

It is not sympathetic when there is another creature attempting to sneak up behind the party. Many creatures have hunting patterns where one draws the prey's attention while the other sneaks up for the kill.

It is not sympathetic when one of the crew was severely injured, and we had to return through the same path.

It is not sympathetic when the two most dangerous types of animals are wounded ones and ones whose mate has been attacked or killed.

Mal acted as a beastmaster would, but in this case, those actions would have brought about future risk to ourselves and the crew we were protecting.

I must reiterate the importance that these creatures were by no means defenseless or our actions rash. We were not wasteful game hunters, we were defending the crew and the cargo we pledged to protect. Crafty Therans or powerful Horrors are not only our enemies. The elements, nature and the creatures that populate it can be just as lethal. Never underestimate the power of nature. Briana, who has lived in nature for seventy years, agrees with the course of action we took. Look to her for answers if you question my sincerity. I assure you, though, that at all times, my concerns were our duty to the captain and our responsibility to protect the crew.

Sanjuro.

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Last Updated 05/19/98 by John/Paul

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