GM Netherpongo's Champion's Chalice I (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Goodrich

The adventure begins in Sargava:

The sweet scent of pipe smoke vies for dominance with the salty morning breeze blowing through the wide harbor window in Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh’s small office. Bidding everyone to sit on one of two large brown couches, he pats his belly and settles in to the chair behind his desk. “Welcome, Pathfinders, and thank you for coming on such short notice. I have some fine work for you. As you may be aware, the Sargava Chalice is set to begin tomorrow morning, and you have been chosen to represent the Pathfinder Society in the competition. “For those of you unfamiliar with our customs here in Eleder, the Sargava Chalice is an annual overland foot race held just outside of Eleder. The course, which changes every year, crosses some of the wildest territory in Sargava, from the Laughing Jungle to the Bandu Hills and everything in between. To further complicate matters, there is a survival element to the race. Participants are allowed to bring only a set of nonmagical clothing with them—no weapons, no tools, no magic items. If you are to win the race, you’ll need to find ways to feed yourselves in the wilderness and craft makeshift weapons to defend yourselves from wild animals. “I assure you, we’re not putting you through all this trouble for our own amusement! You see, the race is named after the prize, a finely wrought golden chalice that was discovered during Eleder’s construction. Ordinarily, the winners simply get their names engraved on this chalice, but we’ve made a special arrangement with the Sargavan government to take possession of the chalice for a year should we win the race. Our studies indicate that this chalice dates to the time of the ancient cyclops empire of GholGan and that it serves as a key to unlocking ruins long sealed by magic. “For this reason, it is imperative that the Pathfinder Society wins the Sargava Chalice this year. You have some time before the opening ceremony tonight—you may wish to familiarize yourselves with the terrain of Sargava’s interior. My library next door contains a great many books on the subject; you are free to peruse it as you wish. Aside from that, you are free to perform any errands you have around town, though again I must remind you; you will not be allowed to bring anything with you when you start the race. I would caution you against trying to cheat in this matter. The officials are cracking down rather hard this year, and I wouldn’t want to smear the Society’s reputation or jeopardize our chances at retrieving the cup as our prize.”

A stout young woman wearing a serious expression and tattered-looking but well-made robes over a leather-like armor seemingly made of thousands of leaves laminated together, Nalina listens to Finze's description of the race.

"I've had much experience surviving in the wilderness. I can keep the others alive, as long as they are not foolish and respect the natural world around them. Are there rules against using inborn magical abilities? My abilities, unlike that of weakling wizards or prostrating clerics, requires nothing but my own flesh."

Interesting premise! The only real effect that losing her gear will have on Nalina will be the loss of the ability to use Wolverine shape (from her bestial rags), some armor class when not in animal form (from losing her leaf armor), and a bit of Wisdom loss from not wearing her headband (which is unfortunate, but not the worst thing ever). I'll put together a new spoiler above her stats in her profile taking the loss of these effects into account.

A Shoanti man with broad shoulders and tribal tattoos stands motionless in the room and listens.

When he starts speaking with a thick accent and deep voice the satisfaction to be able to compete is clearly evident

"A test of blood and sweat ... I will enjoys this mission. You should be happy to have me with you - the gods blessed me with primal energies that no one can take away from me."

Nalina looks Crowe over and nods her approval. "You look like you'll hold your own just fine. If the rest of our colleagues are anything like you, we will surely have little trouble. I must admit to lamenting the loss of that hammer of yours, however. It looks like a beauty. May I examine it?"

"I have to admit that few women have ever wanted to examine my earth breaker. But you seem to be able to hold your own as well. I could deem you worthy to touch this weapon that was forged in the Cinderlands and has served my people for three generations."

His facial features change to a very serious expression and he continues "But you look like a Chelaxian and were it not for the bond we share due to our membership in the society ... you would be an enemy to my people."

Crowe flexes his muscles and moves a step away from Nalina.

Nalina looks defiant. "I am no devil-worshipper. I was born in Ustalav, and likely saw horrors you could not imagine. But to each his own. We will be partners on this mission, whether you decide to be friendly or not is of no consequence." She turns her back on Crowe, crosses her arms and waits for the other Pathfinders to arrive.

"Hmmmm ... you pink faced people look very similar to me. But I know when a mistake is a mistake ... you do not seem to be in bed with the Korvosans.".

He walks towards Nalina and silently says "Turn around warrior." He is holding the earth breaker in his open, outreached palms.

She turns, nodding to Crowe, and inspects his mighty earthbreaker, giving it a test swing. It is only slightly awkward in her grip, and she returns it to him. "A worthy weapon, to be sure. Perhaps we can fashion you something similar in the wilderness, though it will be vastly inferior, no doubt. I prefer to use these." Her forearms grow orange-and-black fur quickly, and long-wicked claws extend from each finger. She then grins mischievously, her canines extending slightly in her mouth.

The tall half-Elf in the corner frowns after the briefing...he sighs...

"While I prefer my bow, I can fight with my hands...and I can craft bows and arrows to some extent...this mission...will be different...

Excuse my manners...I am Ingrge..."

Turning to the Venture-Captain, he says, "What kinds of threats are we likely to face?"

He bows and sits down...

I'll update my statline to reflect no armor...at least I can use my Wisdom bonuses to my AC and CMD now...

"Thank you woman ... hmmm .... what is your name? I am Crowe."

After Ingrges introduction:

"Ingrge, you seem to be even better suited for the tracking that will surely be part of the challenge!
And you are right, we should ask the VC some more questions and not be too sure we will win this challenge. So VC ... who are our competitors?"

"Now I am the one needing to apologize. I am Nalina." She bows to Crowe, then to Ingrges. How do you pronounce that, BTW?

A serious but kind looking Vudrian enters into the room. She is graceful. She bows before the group I am Rivani and I am happy that we will be working together

The next to enter the briefing room is a young blonde-haired woman, her hair flowing over her shoulders and light blue cloak. Around her neck she wears a simple but elegantly gold-trimmed wooden symbol of a screeching hawk and on her back is strapped a bow and a quiver of arrows.

Bursting in in a rush, she casts a breathtaking sight as she enters. The morning sunlight through the harbor window casts a shadow upon the floor that appears to have wide angelic wings that she doesn't actually possess on her physical body. Her eyes sparkle like diamonds and her voice rings true like the strum of a harp as she smiles to the rest of the group. "So sorry I'm late. I was out for a morning stroll and a prayer and got distracted by the breathtaking views of the harbor. Well met all! I am Pethwen. It's a pleasure to meet you, isn't it just a wonderful morning?"

Catching up on the specifics of the briefing, the young cleric asks. "This race sounds like it will be exhilarating, thank you so much for choosing me to part of this group. Can I just ask, though. When you say no magical items, are we still allowed to prepare any spells before we head out?"

There is a high-pitched screeching sound from outside as a small hawk flies in and lands on the ledge outside the window. "Oh yes, and what about Fara? Is she allowed to come too?"

Finze Bellaugh rolls forward in his seat after all of the Pathfinders are assembled. "Now that everyone is here, I'll answer some of the questions you've had."

"First, about threats you can expect from the race: the race will take you into some very wild parts of Sargava. You’re sure to encounter some terrifying and savage beasts, perhaps even dinosaurs or vermin of extraordinary size. Aside from the fauna, you may also have to deal with your competitors. While infighting isn’t technically permitted, once you’re out of sight of the judges, all bets are off. I’ll have none of that from you, of course! Defend yourselves if need be, but there will be no Pathfinder bushwhacking on my watch."

"As far as who your competitors are, we don't actually know yet. The teams will officially announce their participation at tonight's opening ceremony. Usually, about a half-dozen teams show up. The Trail Hounds are likely running again this year, though since they were all but wiped out last year, they're the Trail Hounds in name only. I've also heard that a band of Song'o halflings are planning on joining the race. In addition to the teams, you can expect a number of individual runners to show up," he shakes his head for a moment. "Those are considered suicidal by most folk. A lot of them don't make it back."

"You are allowed to prepare spells and the like. Keep in mind that if you need any sort of components or focuses, you won't be able to bring them with you. You might be able to scavenge something up in the wilds, but that will be on you. As far as your companion...Fara you said? The rules for the race are less than clear in some places. It will help that you're asking in advance, however. I'll speak with the tournament organizers and get your friend cleared."

I do need all of our spellcasters to go over the spells they have memorized or otherwise intend to cast. Be sure you know which of your spells require any sort of component that aren't your mouth or hands. Or whatever it is that occult casters do.

In preparation for the race, Nalina goes to a changing room or other private area and strips off her armor and her magical robes, then fashions herself some simple cloth wrapping out of a tattered nonmagical cape to afford her some modesty while giving her as much freedom of movement as possible. When finished, she returns with all of her possessions in a satchel ready to give to the venture captain for safe-keeping. Her simple wrapped clothing has a few built-in belt-style loops and pouches to store items or weapons that the group fashions while in the wilderness, and she wears supple leather sandals on her feet for the sake of speed and silence.

Are loops and small empty pouches permittable? Or would we need to make those from things we find in the wilderness as well? And will we be given any tools like a simple carving knife or something?

Venture-Captain Bellaugh cocks an eyebrow at Nalina when she returns from the dressing room. "That's very proactive of you, Pathfinder. You'll find out at the opening ceremony that the race organizers will have you change again when you are there. Your racing outfits will be provided."

Then, after thinking a moment, he continues: "I suppose this does allow you to leave your belongings with the lodge rather than turning them over to the race officials, however."

No tools. You'll effectively start out with a monk's outfit and nothing else.

Crowe listens intently and after a while asks:

”How did this other group die last year? And what about these halflings that will also run? Any more information on methods to craft weapons? I am no expert smith. “

Pethwen considers what spells she can prepare that will not require the use of her holy symbol or other uncommon or expensive components. She doesn't relish the thought of being without her divine focus, or her bow for that matter, but she is always up for a challenge and this will certainly be that.

"This library of yours, I'd love to spend some there tonight to learn what the course might entail...oh, and this a one day event or does it last overnight?"

Are there any knowledge rolls required to gain any further knowledge from the aforementioned books?

"You have the story slightly backwards, Crowe, though I can see why you are asking your question the way you did given my earlier explanation. The Trail Hounds won last year's race, though only one of them survived: a man named Philt. He'll be at the opening ceremony. Rumor has it that he won only by butchering the rest of the contestants, but the race officials weren't able to prove anything, so his name went on the cup."

"The Song'o are a tribe of reclusive halflings that live in the Laughing Jungle. They tend to be very skittish around outsiders. If they are in town right now, we can assume that they intend to race."

"Your best resource for learning how to craft any weapons or armor in the field would be to peruse the lodge's library. You are more than welcome to do so," Bellaugh states. "I'll need you to be at the ceremony tonight, however, and you won't have time to investigate the library afterward. They'll be taking you to the starting line tonight after you change into your racing outfits. The race begins in the morning."

"We don't know what the terrain will be like specifically, as the course of the race changes from year to year. The race usually crosses the M'neri Plains at some point and either starts or ends in the Laughing Jungle or the Bandu Hills. I do know they've shortened the course this year, but I would still expect to spend multiple days out in the field."

You can make a Knowledge (Geography) or Knowledge (Nature) check to use the library to gain information about the area of the Sargava Chalice & common hazards. Separately, you can make a Diplomacy or Knowledge (Local) check to gather information about the race. Use your best skill for each check rather than rolling on both skills for each though, please.

In the next hours Crowe tries to gather some information on crafting weapons and the race.

Kn nature: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Nalina nods at the venture captain, though she looks a bit crestfallen at hearing that her well-planned wrappings will have to be surrendered as well. "Yes, I'd prefer my belongings to be kept here at the lodge. It took me long enough to start trusting the Society, I have no interest in putting my trust in any other strangers at this time."

She then heads to the library to study some techniques for creating weapons or other items with no prior tools. She knows that it nothing else, she can use her claws to whittle away and create wooden tools, but it will be time-consuming.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Going to use my GM stars reroll on that, because I have a feeling it will be very important to learn some specific tactics before we leave.
reroll: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 = 17 Better, but not amazing. Let's hope it gets me some info.

Ingrge bows to the Venture-Captain. "Thank you for your insight sir...by your leave, I shall retire to the library to bone up on this challenge. Will also ask around town for rumors or other intel..."

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

As the group visits the lodge's library, an elf peeks his head around one of the shelves. "Are you guys looking for the stuff on the Laughing Jungle and the Song'o tribe? I've piled up all the books I can find on it over here!" he says as the rest of him pops out holding about ten books in his long, thin arms.

Bare-chested and wearing a pair of black hakama with a pair of geta with his long, silver hair tied back simply, the elf walks over to a table and drops them down with a thud. "I'm Jiro. I joined the Bold Strider company a few years ago, but they haven't given me much to do. I'm supposed to meet with a potential set of Pathfinders for a mission to the..." he says, clearly quite talkative. "Wait, are you guys the ones going to the Laughing Jungle?" he asks, hope shines from his eyes as his right hand drifts to the rapier hanging from his red belt.

"If you are, I've already started looking up the information!" he says as he grabs the nearest book Dick Steves' Pocket Sargava and flips it open.

Kn. Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Pointing at a bunch of stuff, he gets over-excited and nearly knocks over the pile of books as he grabs for another tome: Victors of the Sargava Chalice and What They Drink From It When They Win.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Knowing that he was scheduled to participate in the Sargava Chalice, Jiro pulls out his spellbook and a scroll after meeting with his new comrades. "Time for you to take a short trip, buddy." he says as he places his hand on the scroll and activates it.

The scroll erupts in flames and bathes Jiro's hand in a golden light. Jiro grabs the book and slots it into the nearest shelf of the library, but the book disappears rather than staying on the wooden shelf.

Spellbook is in the ether! Spells prepared for the Chalice are: Refine Improvised Weapon, Shield and Magic Missile.

The knowledge results, spoilered in case someone still wants to roll. There aren't any higher results though.

Jiro learned all of them!

After flipping through the tomes, Jiro shares what he has learned. "It looks like we will mostly need to worry about rains and flooding. We can capture some water with bamboo in order to replicate waterskins and this book has several pictures of plants, fungi and insects that we can eat." he summarizes.

+2 to checks to Gather Supplies.

"There are lots of deposits of volcanic stone." Jiro continues as he flips through several more pages towards the back of the tome. "Plus this stone, coupled with the hard woods and vines in the jungle will help us to craft these types of weapons." he says as he points to descriptions of native weapons and tools of the Sargavan tribes.

+2 to checks to Craft or Modify Tools.

Grabbing another book, Jiro flips it open to an illustration of the legendary pirate Captain Ramsey. The ugly mug laughs at you as it details how most of the reasons for the Chalice's existence is the Sargavan government's gambling practices. "But, it also says that cheating has been quashed recently and you can be disqualified! Let's not cheat, guys!" he adds with a smile and thumbs up.

"Well done, my enthusiastic friend. This information will be invaluable to us."

Dangit, didn't need to use my reroll. Oh well. LOL

Pethwen, happy to leave the more bookish of the group to study at the library, decides to take up the suggestion to get herself a tattoo of the holy symbol of Ketyphys on her palm. She had never considered it before but now that she has, she finds herself very excited. To have the symbol of the hawk and crescent as part of her and not just an item she wears brings a smile to her face.

Hearing what the group report back, she prepares the following spells for the day.

Happy for any suggestions for alternate spells or to fill in the empty slots in advance.

Crowe does not look very happy after the summary was provided.

"I have a spell that I can cast due to the will of the elements ... but I need powdered iron for that ... of course that is hard to find out there - do you have solutions?

And ... I will dearly miss my earth breaker ... but we will be able to craft other weapons in the wilderness ... I hope. Who of you is able to craft weapons?"

"I have heard that most arcane spell components can be approximated by natural items. We will obviously make a it a priority, once sufficient food and water is gathered, to find components for your spells."

After reading the Campaign Info tab, I'm less terrified and more excited about this race. This should be real fun!

Jiro takes a sweeping bow as he narrowly misses knocking a pile of books from a nearby chair with the end of his rapier. "It is my pleasure, madam!" he says with a flourish. "It should be nearing time for the officials to check us. Gotta strip down!" he yells as he takes the rapier from his belt and slots it through a backpack sitting nearby.

With a generous lug, he hoists it up and hands it to the staff at the Lodge. "Take care of this will you!" he says, leaving himself only dressed in his hakama and geta. "I assume the clothing change will happen later!" he says, much to the satisfaction of everyone else that the elf isn't stripping down in the library beyond what he has done so far.

As Crowe hands over his earthbreaker, Jiro looks at it and shrugs. "I might... be able to make something like that... maybe?" he offers with a sheepish smile.

Jiro is ready for the Chalice!

"You all seem to be a good choice for this mission. I will prove my worth to you in battle!"

She casts like a sorcerer so the spells she knows are the spells that she knows. I don't think her spells need components just emotional focuses which she provides unless other things get in the way.

It sounds like everyone is ready to go, so I'll move us along.

As night falls, you arrive at the Filling Cup for the opening ceremony for the Sargava Chalice. As you enter, you find the common room of the tavern crowded with a likely mix of racers and onlookers. You quickly locate Venture-Captain Bellaugh, who is already seated at a table in a corner of the bar and he gestures for you to join him there.

As the appointed hour arrives, Baron Utilinus is announced as the Grand Custodian of Sargava before he presents the crowd with the titular Sargava Chalice to much applause. The Baron motions for the crowd to quiet as he begins his speech.

"Be you stout and spirited adventurers? Dare you face your greatest challenge yet? Tomorrow begins the Sargava Chalice, the most dangerous footrace south of the Inner Sea! Who among you will rise to the task? Step forward, brave souls, and speak your names! Tell us why you are worthy to write your name on this cup!"

The scenario permits the party to jump in and introduce themselves at any time. In the interests of time, however, I'm going to have each of the other teams announce themselves first. If you guys retroactively decide to respond after one of the other teams, you can.

As the Baron's speech ends, a fierce-looking woman steps forward. Like the rest of her team, she is dressed in buccaneer style with embroidered jackets lined with gold and tricorns topped with fur. "I am Cornella Yorke, and I speak for the Trail Hounds – Rupert, Archibald, Neville and Drummond! We are the roughest, toughest, meanest band of rascals you'll find between here and Bloodcove, and we fear neither beast nor jungle! Our band has trained with Philt himself, winner of last year's Chalice, and we're eager to test our mettle. We'll prove we've earned the right to bear the name of champions!" - queue cheering by the crowd

The next team to step forward is composed of a trio of young Chelaxians (the ethnicity, not the nation) in stylish clothing. "I speak for the Ashen Leaves – Lucca, Pharom and Orela. We are the sons and daughters of those who built this proud nation, and we carry on their tradition of excellence to this day. As the noble blood of Sargava flows through our veins, I swear that our esteemed names will soon decorate that cup. The Ashen Leaves stand for victory! Who among you stands with us!" - queue cheering by the crowd

A tavern quiets considerably as a dark-skinned halfling stands on his table and addresses the crowd on behalf of his team of five. The halfling speaks in heavily accented Taldane, "Ebanasi, who are Tensa'i, Ramagh, Deffa, Fora and Berro. We are not honorless pirates nor coddled nobles. We are small but cunning. We are stealthy and swift. We are the bravest and strongest of our tribe. We will win, because we must win. We are Ebanasi, and we will no longer be forgotten." The crowd rustles uneasily at the halfling's cryptic words as he returns to his seat. There are a few cheers, but mostly it seems like the gathered people of Sargava don't know what to make of his words or the presence of the Song'o halflings in the race.

A fourth team rises to introduce themselves, consisting exclusively of the native Zenj. Their leader addresses the assembled crowd defiantly. "We are the Resistance, and we represent the subjugated Mwangi peoples of Sargava. For too long our Chelish opporessors have conducted this charade of a contest as a means of patting themselves on the back and distracting from the hardships they impose upon the rightful people of this glorious land. We will win the Sargava Chalice for our people, but the first step in taking the nation itself from the interlopers!" Other ethnic Mwangi in the crowd smile broadly and applaud the unexpected entrants, while Baron Utilinus and his Chelish entourage exchange furtive glances and urge other, solitary racers to take the floor and distract the assembled audience from the display.

Other solitary racers introduce themselves as well.

Again, you can insert your reactions wherever you would like in the middle of all that. I didn't want to take a week or more to get through it. I do need someone to represent for the Pathfinders. You might want to discuss who should speak for the group in the discussion thread. If you are feeling really ambitious, you could even work on a speech of some sort together. Your GM would be tickled pink if you came up with a team name besides "the Pathfinders" but it isn't necessary to do so. The speaker will need to make a one check for the party: you can choose to talk up your team as Pathfinders with a Bluff, Diplomacy or Perform (oratory) check. Alternately, you can trash talk a specific team by making an Intimidate check. I'll take the first one to roll, so you might want to discuss among yourselves who will act.

I've added pictures of each of the team leaders to our maps document. We still need minis for most of the party there. Let me know in Discussion if you are having any problems with that.

Ingrge remains nonplussed upon hearing the speeches of the other teams...he has never been impressed with braggadocio...words are cheap...not a speaker, he calmly awaits the words of their spokesperson...

I think Pethwen is both the best speaker and has the highest Diplomacy mods...

Agreed, Pethwen can speak for us, or perhaps Crowe if he'd like.

Pethwen seeks quiet guidance from her god then stands up, a beaming smile on her face. her diamond-like eyes sparkling with natural glee. As she stands next to a window, the moonlight from outside falls on her hair, causing it to shimmer like fine threads of silver. She speaks up with a voice that fills the hall like it were coming from a choir of voices singing a beautiful hymn. "I am Pethwen Linasar and I speak on behalf of my friends and comrades Nalina, Crowe, Rivani, Ingrge and Jiro. We are the Pathfinders!" [Insert other name here if someone comes up with something else. Pethwen would probably put forward something like 'The Moon Runners' or the 'Moon Hawks' but that's just her].

"Firstly we would like to acknowledge our worthy competitors in this glorious challenge, for the greatness of a competition is judged not by the prize but by the quality of those who compete! We see not just toughness, excellence passed down by blood, cunning and stealth, or the passion of a just cause, but worthy opponents! Worthy opponents who make this a race worth running and of course a race worth winning! Yes, we race to win, we race for the prize, but the prize is not just the Chalice.The Chalice is but a symbol, a symbol of the honour of fair competition and the joy of testing yourself against the best, and testing yourself. We race because we want to, we race because we can, we race because to do so is to honour ourselves, our Society and yes even our gods!" Her beautiful voice seems to almost have its own musical accompaniment as she finishes her impassioned speech, before sitting back down and reaching out to touch the hands of her fellow team members.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 1 = 32

Crowe is silent during most of the speeches.

When the Baron first starts to speak he shakes his head and spits on the floor "Bloody Chelaxians."

When the dandy Ashen Leaves present themselves he starts laughing "Ha ha ha ... I will punch them to bloody piles if I have the opportunity!"

When the native Zenj appear Crowe looks with deep sadness into the eyes of the Mwangi contestants. With a silent voice he says to you all "What the Chelaxians did in Varisia to my Shoanti people is repeated here in Sargava as well! I want to warn you that my anger is controlled by the gods and the elements and that I might stand with the Zenj if they are attacked by anyone with Chelexian blood."

Nalina gives Crowe a sharp look when he insults the Ashen Leaves, but does not speak up. When he voices his solidarity with the Mwangi, she nods in agreement. "No native peoples deserve such treatment."

The psychic will simply listen and observe

This reminds me of the Wacky Races or the Cannonball Run :)

Jiro looks to the group of people and takes in each of the introductions as he sees that Pethwen introduces them as 'The Pathfinders'. He winces. Then he recalls that he was listed last in the lineup. Why am I last!? he yells internally.

"Nah, we are Pathfinders, I think she meant to say!" he says jovially. "We haven't discussed a team name. Those are important! We need a team huddle!"

Huddling up with the yet-to-be-named team, Jiro looks around and says with a straight face. "Looking at you, Pethwen, I'm thinking you like Moon Runners. That's good, but is it really the best we got?" he says as he looks around to the unenthused group of adventurers.

"Obviously, my boss would push for Bold Striders. Then he would likely try to recruit each of you in. We have a severe staffing problem as of late..." he says, pondering the issue.

'How about we call it halfsies..." he says, cautioning with his hands to keep anyone from interrupting. "Woah, woah, woah. The Bold (wait for it!) Lunar Striders."

Looking around, pleased with himself. "Eh? What do you think?"

---

After the group agrees to the Bold Lunar Striders, Jiro claps his hands together. "Break!"

"Alright, we got it. You lot are officially up against the best team in this race. Pethwen is too nice and camaraderie is fine and all, but we are going to take this Chalice to the bank. And by the bank, I mean the bar at the Flaxseed Lodge and the bartender, Ace, is going to fill this badboy with Elvish wine so we can get our drink on!" he says as he looks to his buddies for excitement.

"Also, we do not have... uhh... such grand motives as you lot, so it's kind of hard to make as rousing of a speech. So, gimme some credit." he says with a wink before slapping Crowe on the back.

Nalina rolls her eyes at Jiro's excitement over naming the team. "A name is unimportant. Our actions are what matter. You may name the team whatever you like." I actually like the name a lot. :)

While in the huddle, Jiro looks at Nalina in astonishment. "A name means everything, my dear! Can you imagine if the Pathfinders were called Road Diviners?" he says, committing to the first thing in his mind. "No that's a terrible example. That is an excellent name." he says with a frown.

"Lane Locators? Not that bad... It does have alliteration, however." he says with an approving nod of the head.

"Route Raiders... Esplanade Explorers... Dammit, these are all way better." he says, snarling his lips.

"Either way, my point still holds! I am just too good at names to be able to come up with a bad one." he says confidently.

Ingrge shrugs. "Names mean nothing...bragging even less... we will either win...or we won't..."

"Bold Lunar Striders!" Pethwen smiles. "Yes, I like it, although I do agree it is not what one calls oneself but what what does that means more in life. Let us drink to our team and what lies ahead.", she raises her glass in a toast. "...and may our cups be as full of wine at the end of the challenge and our hearts full of pride for the great race that we will have run!"

Jiro is taken aback at Ingrge's words. "Names don't matter?!" he says exasperatedly. "Names carry gravitas! A weight of character! If names didn't matter, then I could call you Lemongrass Gogulope or Hummingbird Saltalamacchia." he says, throwing his hands up.

As Pethwen, joins in support, he nods his head. "Ol' Longbranch Pennywhistle here is in agreement, which make it two for the grandiose name of the Bold Lunar Striders and two abstentions by Lemongrass..." he says, motioning to Ingrge. "And Vault of Secrets over here." nodding his head towards Nalina.

Looking expectantly at Crowe and Rivani, Jiro adds "Any thoughts?"

Crowe looks at all of you and shakes his head "No, I do not have any suggestions."

"You may call me what you wish...it does not change who I am..."

Ingrge sighs. "Jiro, my enthusiastic friend...just because I find no excitement in a name, let me not stanch your zeal...name us as you please if that is what inspires you to do your best in this race..."

"Well said, Ingrge!" Pethwen joins in. "Bold Lunar Striders it is...but the main is thing we are a team!"