» Group #2

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 1
After spending three and three-quarters hours wandering through the maze of the Ministry with several cramped lift rides (at least one having been uncomfortably haunted by a grumpy and blood purist old ghost), you have been given your supplies and map stuffed into a grey knapsack. If you are the first group member, you have also been given the responsibility of caring for a Ministry owl and are told to keep it with you at all times - you don't need to worry about feeding it, as it can hunt for itself. Then, you are shown the door and instructed to meet with your group members at a designated spot. You are also issued a harsh reminder of the consequences of being a deserter before you're shoved out into the spring's early morning sunlight.

The adventure has begun.

You have been informed that your group members are:

Regan Pendergast, 21, Keeper for Puddlemere United, Upper Class
Elias Grimstone, 22, Broomstick Maker, Middle Class
Gabe Hatchitt, 19, Auror-in-Training
Tisiphone Carrow, 18, Maid to Asa Goyle, Lower Class

You introduce yourselves, review your maps, and then must come to a decision of which direction you need to start in.

Which part of Hogsmeade do you disembark from?
a. West Slums
b. East Slums
c. South Slums

OOC DIRECTIONS:
1.) Have your character introduce themselves. Mention in their post (doesn't have to spoken aloud) what else, if anything, they have brought with them. If it isn't mentioned here, then they won't have it later on in the trail unless it is found/made. Those who post first will be assumed to have spoken first.

2.) Assume all introductions have been made and then have them choose a direction/remain neutral. Points 1 and 2 should both be included in your character's first post.

3.) If the group comes to a decision before the round ends, you can have your group head in that direction. (Decisions will be made when all characters have had a turn to state their choice or the three days are up. Special instances are allowed and must be discussed with Lola.)

Round 2 begins May 19th

Regan wasn’t sure about this whole expansion thing. He wanted to play quidditch, and while he enjoyed his fair share of adventure, he wanted to play quidditch more. Thankfully, he had been placed in the same group as his best friend, Gabe, and they had each other. What was the worst about these things was the fact that Gabe would have to miss his wedding- well, post pone it, at least. Gabe had been head over heels for Maddie Root since he saved her from the prick that nearly killed her. Regan was amused, but the two seemed to compliment and bring out the best in each other. He smiled fondly as he travelled down to the designated meeting spot for the rest of his group.Perched on his shoulder was a grey owl, one that was given to him by the ministry. Awesome, now he had a bird to look after, as well. While it sort of meant that he would probably get first dibbs on using the owl, he wasn’t sure he wanted the responsibility of looking after another living creature. After all, within the year he would have another one to look after anyway. “Babies,” he mumbled, looking around. No one else was there yet.As members began to arrive, Regan introduced himself. “Regan Pendergast,” he said to the woman, and the man, but he grinned at Elias. He was a broomstick inventor, and Regan was a quidditch star. Good things could come of this meeting for them both. To Gabe, he issued a smile and clapped his best friend on the back. “This ought to be interesting, huh?” Regan cracked the first smile he had smiled all day. Not only did he not want to go on the adventure (for once in his life), he was already missing Aoife.Regan shifted his pack on his back and used his broom as a leaning stick, bristles pointed up. He had brought, along with the ministry stuff, a large canteen for water, his wand, his broom, a spare snitch in case anyone wanted to have a game, and some extra food just in case. When all introductions had been made, Regan looked at his group. “So we have three choices to make. Although I’m not really one to skip through the slums, I suggest we go with the South Slums. I’d think there would be more land down that way.” Regan raised an eyebrow, expecting all to just agree with him. OOC: Please note, if I cannot get on to post while away, I give Beanie (Gabe) permission to write Regan for me. She knows Regan well enough ;)

He knew he hadn't been too worried about the expedition when he'd read the letter that explained he'd been drafted, he was sure he wouldn't find it an impossible task, he even welcomed the thought of earning land and galleons; anything to improve his lot and his chances. But the day had come, and he was lost in his head, worrying endlessly... not for his own sake, but for Evangeline. Certainly, she likely wouldn't be nervous in the least, but Elias couldn't even help wondering exactly what she was doing as every moment passed. If only they had been placed in the same group... But they hadn't, and here was everyone else.

Elias forced himself to stop concerning himself by allowing turbulent thoughts to take him over, instead changing tact, pushing Evangeline - reluctantly - out of mind and visibly relaxing his shoulders and exhaling. Time for the adventure to begin. He was ready for this.

Finally hauling his pack of supplies over his shoulder and glancing over it to check that his broomstick was safely attached as well (he'd also stuffed a change of clothes and a few of the tools he used in his broom-making work in the bag, just in case they could be useful for making something on their way), Elias turned his gaze upon his group, noticing immediately that Regan Pendergast, as he had just introduced himself, had his broom at the ready as well. Well, he was a Quidditch player. Perhaps they could just all fly and get there a lot faster, Elias pondered. "And I'm Elias Grimstone, glad to meet you all..." He started cheerfully, double-checking he still had his wand rather than wasting time with appropriate hand-shaking. The sooner they got on the move, the better, he figured, as he couldn't claim to be the most patient of people. Regan there had already suggested a way to go, but before Elias could agree he peered down at his map once more, furrowing his brow as he considered it. In the end, though, he wasn't particularly keen to stand about debating so early on in the expedition, and couldn't find any obvious flaws in the idea, so he eventually nodded. He also glanced briefly at the other members of the group, wondering if they had objections. "I don't see why not... and if no one disagrees, we may as well set off straight away." He stated with an easy smile.

Gabe had planned on just bringing the supplies the Ministry had given them, but his mother had decided to give him a bag of floo powder and strict instructions to not get himself killed. He went to the ministry, was taken through a series of hallways in which he fantasized about being exhausted by auror training. Finally he was sent to meet his group, which consisted of him, Regan, a woman he didn't know, and a man he didn't know.

After Regan and the man - Elias, apparently - introduced themselves, Gabe followed. "I'm Gabe Hatchitt," he said simply, letting the and I don't want to be here be communicated by his eyebrows. Sure, he would like the money and land, but he also would have liked to get married when they intended to.

"Works for me," he said to Regan's plan. Even if he had been willing to look at the map and come up with an alternative, it was Regan, and Gabe was guaranteed to agree with Regan ninety-nine percent of the time. He glanced at the woman, expecting some sort of input even if the votes had mostly been cast.

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 2
You travel through the forest for the rest of the day. It's cool and shaded, but because it is so thick with trees, manuevering around them proves difficult. You do not come across any creeks or ponds, so are unable to refill your canteens with water. Finally in the late afternoon, you see mountains beginning to rise into the sky. The closer you get, the higher they become until you see that there are two different paths you can take. You could either try and climb the mountain, though it looks fairly steep and would not allow for the horse to be able to make it. The other option is to go to the West to go around the mountain, or at least until you find an easier place to climb. Since you have a quidditch player in your group, you also have the option of him flying upward to survey the path that might be the easiest. Night will fall soon, so you'll need to find a comfortable place to camp as well.

Which direction do you take?
a. Climb the mountain
b. Go around the mountain
c. Send Regan Pendergast up for a view

OOC DIRECTIONS
1.) Have your character vote which route they are to take.

Round 3 begins May 23rd

After surveying the mountains that loomed in front of them, Regan grinned. He flew professionally, and it would be a breeze for him to check out the mountains to see how easy it would be to climb them, or to possibly head west around them. His group was clearly lucky to have them in their midst. He suggested, "Let me fly up and see what's the best option. Anyone opposed?"

Tisi found it hard to be in a group of all men. She would much rather be in the safe lodgings of Wellingtonshire and be sleeping in the home of Asa Goyle. Grumpily padding along with the men, she was basing her survival off a rich Quidditch player, a broomstick inventor, and and an Auror-in-training in which the recent drop out probably had more common sense than all of them. Being cold and callous, Tisiphone Carrow was certainly not pleased to be a member of this expeditionary force. Huffing slightly, the girl followed without much verbal complaint. Regan Pendergast seemed all too cocky for Tisi's liking. Frowning, she listened to him before she finally decided to speak up.

Inhaling deeply, she opened her mouth. “I really don't care what you boys choose, but night is coming. Sending Pendergast here up and survey the area. I just know night's coming, we need to camp sooner rather than later.” Tisiphone spoke as clearly as she could. Articulating her opinions would prove to be challenge amongst the boys. Her body was tired; Tisi could only assume that the boys were just as fatigued as she. Sighing quite loudly, the eighteen year old quickly had a reason why. “I apologize boys,” she started. “I'm just dragged along for the ride.”

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 3
You decide to send your skilled quidditch player, Regan Pendergast, up into the air to survey the paths ahead of you. To the east he sees a mountain range which appears to be easier to climb, but covered in thick forest. Directly in front of your group and only a few miles upward, a mysterious rainbow hangs in the air. He also sees that the peaks of the steep mountain are covered in snow - which means fresh water for everyone. After Regan lands and relays what he has seen, you make camp for the night but must come to a decision by morning.

What do you do?
a. Go up the mountain to the rainbow
b. Go around the mountain to the east

OOC DIRECTIONS
1. Settle in the for the night
2. Make a decision

Round 4 begins May 26th

Sending Regan up had proved to be a good idea; giving them a bigger picutre of what could be done (though the process of deliberating for so long before stepping into action was rather unusual for Elias)... but now night was falling and there was obviously very little that could be done until the morning. "Thanks for that," He had nodded in gratitude to the Quidditch player once he'd relayed all he'd seen.
"I suppose everyone ought to have a chance to mull over our options while we get a camp of sorts set up - better sooner than later..." Elias declared, staring up absently at the encroaching darkness.

After a little while, he'd built up a fire; summoning some dry branches from the closest trees to the rocky incline they were facing and setting them alight with a simple wave of his wand. It would at least provide light and warmth during the darkest hours, and if anyone felt inclined to cook some meat or somesuch, they were welcome to. He trusted the others to make themselves useful, and then began setting out somewhere to sleep by levitating and rearranging some rocks into a bit of shelter, as well as trying - after a few attempts - to duplicate the thick blanket given to him in the standard supplies to lay one first on the cool surface, the other left to cover him later on. He, personally, wasn't all that reluctant about the less-than-refined manner of survival out in the open; this camping lark might prove rather fun, as long as he didn't run out of water and supplies. Aguamenti always worked, of course, but Elias had drunk rather a lot during the day what with all the exercise.

Once they'd had a while for practical activities, Elias looked back up at the faintly silhouetted mountains. He hardly thought he'd be able to sleep soundly because all he could think about was the mysterious rainbow Pendergast had mentioned. Of course, the other way might prove more practical, but he couldn't help his intrigue. If he had been alone, he certainly would have had no qualms about checking it out in the morning, but if everyone else was opposed he couldn't exactly drag them all along.

So he waited, and when an opportune moment came along that evening before people had drifted off to sleep, he put the question to his team members, sincerely wondering what answers he'd get from the guys and the unfathomable girl. "What are we going to do tomorrow, then? Any opinions? Round or up?" Up, please.

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 4
(Coin flip = up)
You have a peaceful night of sleep and then have to come to a decision. After some deliberation, your group chooses to go upward to investigate the rainbow. By mid morning, you find the arrive at the end of the rainbow. There is a small waterfall cascading across the rocks which means plenty of fresh water for your party. There is also a very large pot of gold that seems to be completely unguarded. As to the continuation of your journey, you can take the easier mountains to the East, or the more dificcult (yet decidedly more adventerous) and steep mountains to the west.

Do you:
a. try to take the gold
b. take the easier mountains
c. take the difficult mountains

OOC DIRECTIONS
1. Make a decision

Round 5 begins June 1st

Tisiphone Carrow glared at the men around her. “Do we really need the gold?” she inquired rather loudly. “I would almost prefer to keep going. You all seem well-off enough to not need it. I don't know what we'd need gold for anyway, but I vote taking the easier mountains. But, as you guys are the leaders of this little expedition, I will follow and use my services to whatever I can,” her response was truthful. Her opinion was delivered, and what the boys decided to do was up to them. Tisi knew what she wanted the boys to do; listen to her of course. Nevertheless, she would have to follow the majority. Of course, she also knew that boys were stupid and she would be dragged along and there was a possibility that there could be danger and they could feel sorry for not listening to her. Shrugging slightly, she waited for the boys.

EVENT ANNOUNCER - ROUND 5
Your group chooses to leave the gold be and take the easier looking mountains to the east. You travel uneventfully over the tree covered mountain for a week and a half. On June 1st, Gabe Hatchitt stumbles and falls backward down the mountain, hitting his head as he goes. He lies unconscious at the bottom of a large hill. Your group notifies the Ministry and he is promptly sent home to get medical care. Your group continues in the direction that they were headed, however it seems that your path has yet again split into two. Slightly to your southwest, you can continue to climb the easy mountains. To your south east, is a thin forest that appears, from your current position on the mountain, to recede into a grassy plain. Which direction do you choose to go?

OOC NOTES
Gabe did not post for 3 rounds and was injured and sent home.
Regan needs to post in round 6 or he will be injured and sent home.

Round 6 begins June 4th

Elias had been pleased they had investigated up by the rainbow, and had honestly been intrigued by the small pot of gold. When the young woman spoke up about anyone really needing the gold, Elias had thought rather privately about what good it could have done him. That much gold, well... if he still wanted to gain Evangeline's parents' approval - which he hadn't entirely given up on, despite the unlikeliness of the idea - any money that he could use to 'provide for' their daughter would have been welcomed, though it wasn't quite the same as having an upper-class upbringing. In the end, he had worked for every knut he'd ever gained, and something about the pot of gold's convenient placement kept him cautious enough not to disagree. It could have easily been a trap, and if they had been to take it, they may not reach it to the end of the Ministry's expedition.

Elias was getting used to the pace and hardship of weeks of travelling as the terrain remained relatively unchanging, he tried harder to ration his remaining food supplies, and had found the stretching silences long enough to even exhaust most topics of thought from his head. It did, however, come as a shock - a wake up call, almost - when Gabe Hatchitt got injured and they had had to send him home.

Eventually, there was the first bit of scenery that was not another mountain, and Elias nearly heaved a sigh of relief. "Do you see that? We ought to head south-east, I'd say," He pointed towards the forest, and the grassy plain. "We've found very little in the mountains so far," He qualified, shrugging, "Forest and plains would make as good a change as any." There'd probably be easier places to camp, too. But who knew what Miss Carrow and Regan would have to say?

Tisi nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I agree,” she replied with relief. “I vote that we go to the south-east as well. The smoother the terrain the faster we can move, right?” she suggested. Hopefully the group would be able to make good timing and get relatively far in a short amount of time. In theory of course. Hopefully her commentary made sense and it made her feel good that the boys were at least listening to her ideas. They had yet to truly butt heads over a decision, and Tisiphone hoped that it would quite a while yet before they could not make a decision.

Although he was still somewhat enjoying the trip, Regan couldn't help but be concerned by the fact that Gabe had gotten hurt. His best friend! It was a shock to him that Gabe of all people had gotten hurt. But, he couldn't dwell on it. He just needed to push forward and get through with this thing as quickly as possible. He knew that Maddie would contact him as soon as something of note happened with Gabe, good or bad."Good call, Elias," Regan said, nodding his approval of the boy's plan. It certainly would be better for them, since, as Elias had pointed out, the mountains hadn't done much for them since they'd started to trek through them.