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Date Posted: 12:56:12 04/20/02 Sat
Author: Velor Farwalker, Lord of the Stewards
Subject: Scavenger hunt story - start to finish

Velor sat on the porch of his villa watching the fiery reds, oranges and yellows of the setting sun mingle with the blues and greens of the shimmering waters. A lonely albatross circled in lonely spirals through the display, a rare sight this close to land. It’s wide swept, pure white wings shone like a firefly in the dark, as the sun glanced of silky smooth feathers.

The albatross circled ever lower. In fact, as Velor watched, it’s easy flight straightened and gathered increasing speed, as the mighty bird banked and started to descend on a course that appeared to be heading straight for him.

In a matter of minutes, the bird had streaked across the peninsula and as it approached land, instead of becoming clearer to Velor’s vision, it blurred and changed and finally, as it appeared the now glowing ball of white light would crash into the seashore, a new shape appeared from the brightness, and the form of his High Priestess walked out of the now fading light.

“Hail great Lady”, the Lord of the Stewards greeted with a wry grin.

“You don’t seem surprised to see me arrive in this fashion Velor?”

“Amazed, yes, High Priestess. Surprised – I don’t know if anything surprises me anymore. Dana has shown me that all things are possible.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that Velor, as our Lady has a task for you”, Talur announced.

“I am here to serve. What task am I to perform?”

“As Lord of the Stewards, you oversee the Rangers worldly possessions. Many of your Ranger brothers and sisters have little knowledge of the worldly goods that their brethren must work with to follow the Way they have chosen. To you falls the task of enlightening them as to the hardships each other must endure before they can grow to their full potential as a Danaan Ranger.

Dana has not prescribed the manner in which this must be done, as she chose you as Lord of the Stewards and knows you will carry out your duties in the most appropriate manner.”

“I am blessed by Dana’s confidence in me High Priestess”, Velor said, “I hope I will not let Dana down.”

“You will do what is right Velor, Dana has seen this and knows you will serve well.”

“Thankyou my Lady, I am her and your humble servant.”

Lady Talur looked up suddenly, as if listening to a distant sound. “I must go Velor, our Lady calls again. She has much work for me to do these days that keeps me away from you all. I leave the care of the guild in the hands of you and your fellow Way leaders for now. I will be here at need, but you must all take your place and guide our family in Dana’s teachings. Farewell for now. Dana’s blessing go with you.”
A growing brightness once again surrounded the High Priestess and within moments, the outstretched wings of that lonely bird were sending speeding high into the sky, back across the peninsula to the Rangers home, or further on to Dana’s sanctuary, to hear our goddesses words.


“So Velor”, Cantor questioned, “Have you thought how to carry out Dana’s mission for you?”

“I dunno Cantor, how can I teach everyone what everyone else does? I’m just a poor Bard with a knack for finding things, and I read a lot” Velor replied dejectedly.

“Maybe that’s your answer Velor. You’ve come to understand much of the world by your searching and studying, and that is why you were elected to run the Stewards way. Do you say you know nothing of the warrior or mage path, or that of my own Ranger skills?”

“Well, no, in theory I know what is required for them but…”

“But nothing, use your skills and help others seek that which you already have learnt”

“Very well Cantor, you may have given me an idea. Our father once told me when I was very young. ‘Velor’, he said, ‘Many are the professions in this world. Do not profess to judge your fellow man of his chosen path in life until you have walked a mile in his boots.’”

Velor started to smile.

“I believe our brothers and sisters would begin to understand each other if they walked a mile in each other shoes. I shall task them with spending 7 days exploring another’s profession and trade. Each day they shall seek those things that are required to practice each other’s art, in the manner of that art. “

“They shall search the land for all manner of items and return them to me, so that they know what trials each other must go through before they meet each other to explore and hunt. I shall call it a Scavenger Hunt, for they may not present any of their worldly goods to me that they own, they must seek as others seek, long and hard to find what they need. I will even reward their efforts with 20, 000 gold pieces to the winner, and 10,000 gold to second place, for their tasks shall be long and hard, and they may need all they can get ere they finish. I shall put out the call.”


Cantor walked back into the Villa after another day exploring with his beloved animals. For all his gruff exterior, he always treated his charges with the utmost care and attention. “So Velor, after 3 days, how goes the scavenger hunt – is it turning out as you had planned?”

“Alas Cantor, my plans are going awry. The Lady of the Stag is showing much passion, cunning and tenacity in fulfilling her part in the hunt. And one outside the Rangers, Lady Caewyn’s friend Max has also joined in to ‘encourage’ our Stag Leader to spur on her efforts to be the first place. Alas the other 5 who responded to the call are being beset by troubles. Our High Priestess has not returned from her commune with our Goddess, the Avatar is beset with delays in ensuring the Guard are prepared to defend us, our Huntsmaster is deep within may dark dungeons following leads to find that which has been stolen, and the others are surrounded by evil forces which they cannot escape. I fear I have failed in my duty.”

“Worry not Velor, for you have done all you can. Our goddess will see what has beset the hunters and know you have done well. Besides, as they same, Britain wasn’t built in a day. Did Talur say it had to be done now?”

“Well, no, she specified no time-limit or manner.”

“Well then, just keep doing what you’re doing. You’ll get there one day.”

“Thanks Cantor, since when did you become the philosopher in this family?”, Velor queried with a smile.

“Good question, must be your bad influence!” Cantor returned with a half scowl/half smile.

“Oh well, I had best get to preparing the next day’s quest. Goodnight Cantor.”

“Goodnight Velor.”


The Danaan Rangers gathered outside of their headquarters for their weekly Hunt. They stood in the lush green grass outside the tower steps, preparing to seek the stolen Candle of Love. Velor stood upon the steps and called for attention.

“Greetings Brothers and Sisters. After a week of trials and tribulations, the scavenger hunt is now complete. It was an exercise in understanding you fellow Ranges lifestyles, and also was designed to show you that you cannot be an island, you must rely on co-operation from others to succeed in this world, I hope some have received knowledge or enlightenment as Dana wished us too.”

“It was a closely fought battle between our Lady of the Stag, Lady Caewyn, and her close friend Max. On several occasions, only minutes separated them completing their tasks. It is with great honour that I announce the winner of the competition to be …. Lady Caewyn.”

The Rangers broke into applause as Velor presented Caewyn with her winners prize.

“And second place”, Velor announced, “Goes to her worthy opponent Max. Here is your prize.”

“Thankyou Velor”, Max said, “for allowing me to partake in your Scavenger Hunt. It was an honour and a pleasure to be included, and I did indeed learn several things, as well as have an enjoyable time. As I am not a member of your guild, I do not wish to take that which should be given to your members, so I wish to donate my second prize of 10,000 gold to The Danaan Rangers.”

“Truly have you been a worthy opponent and your donation is greatfully accepted. You shall always be a friend and receive welcome from the Rangers. All take note that Max is a Rangers friend and I bid you help her in any need she has.”

“And that concludes the event, I hope all had an enjoyable time and I look forward to your participation in further Range events.

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