Where should we hold oor Council?

[Yerkan of Elish]

I like the idea, Volatilus. But I also wonder at the specifics. My biggest question is what exactly does the hunt entail? To my mind, there are many kinds of hunts that might take place. There are hunts for animals and beasts in the wilderness, hunts for knowledge, hunts for adventure, and hunts for the sake of the hunt alone.

Our council will need to be able to deal with a wide variety of these "hunts" - to chase down this dragon, to learn about it, to continue to learn about this Facet and more. This is why I appreciate that you say we shall each individually display our usefulness to the pack. So then, how exactly shall we arrange this? My mind is open.

[Volatilus]

Perhaps the toughest in the eyes of the mighty. One must shed blood in the presence of the pack, share a weakness with the pack, or sacrifice something cherished to the pack. Any of these things actions will be acceptable, but it must be the final test of the three and not to be taken lightly as it will bind us as brethren.

Volatilus is prepared to undertake this test, but will not continue until all "council" members agree to his terms.

[Great Thrash]

And what oath would be taken?

[Volatilus]

My biggest question is what exactly does the hunt entail? .

The hunt itself can be anything of our choosing, just so long as none of us can accomplish it alone. I personally favor changing us into beasts that would suit our own personal strengths and work together to bring down a particular carnivore that has been harassing a tribe of devoted followers in my realm. But I will hold no grudge if this ill suits some or has the feel of selfishness about it. A mere example as my realm is rich with challenges suiting such a test.

[Yerkan of Elish]

Your suggestion is well, but might I make one of my own? Why don't we do some work here while we are at this hunt - that way it will benefit all of us and, being Steep indeed, will by no means be something we could have accomplished alone. I say that rather than fighting the carnivore in the land of Volatilus, we fight the one that is here in the gardens. Why don't we bring down the Spawn of Earnaness as our hunt?

The goal then is to get the threat out of the way, while at the same time forging the bonds of this council for the future.

However, if this is not an objective battle for all then it should not be our hunt. Only if we all agree that defeating the dragon now is the correct choice should we follow my suggestion. Otherwise, I yield to that of Volatilus, though I know of no creature better suiting my skills than the human whose form I have held all my life.

[Steepest Durin]

I would no' be scared to take down th' beast at oor gates. Is th' dragon still the biggest threat though? Do y'think?

[Yerkan of Elish]

No. In my mind it is not the greatest threat, by far. Nidhogg is coming; the "following forms" of the Spawn of Earnaness are coming; there are the trilobites which are probably scrying for something and the panther-paws here for the game, most of which seem fairly Steep (except maybe the trilobites, which I figure are related in some way to the panther-paws).

However, we might as well take down the threat that we actually understand. Nothing else has given us much information. Might be best to take down the dragon simply because it's not the greatest threat, but it is one of the better understood threats. And it probably has lots of knowledge for us to gather.

[Volatilus]

For every moment we let that dragon draw breath, we relay to Nidhogg as well as other foes that we are not only soft, but willing to sacrifice this garden as tribute or some other sickly weak compliance. Volatilus is neither! He rolls on his belly for nobody, even if to momentarily feint the sharpness of his teeth. This is a simple test of our strengths and that we let this one trample as much as he does will only bring a backlash sooner than later. What's left to be learned is the contents of the dragons innards after I tear out his throat!

I will stand by no longer, this will make for a fine hunt indeed! Join me, and I will see to it that the first condition of this "council" test be met!

[Steepest Durin]

Th' decision is good. Worry about words later. Action now.

[Yerkan of Elish]

Fair enough.