...What kind of rag-tag bunch of half-baked adventures is this? Couldn't Merls have done better? He supposed to be a first-rate, world-reknowned magician, not to mention my advisor, the King's personal advisor!
Oh great... here he goes.
A man dressed in royal gowns and a amulet around his neck, Merls announces, "Here ye! Here ye! I would like to present to the royal majesty, King Starland, the master adventurers that have been accumulated for the quest to capture the Jewel of Starland stolen from the family coffers centuries ago."
"First, skilled in the arcane arts passed down from master magician to master magician is Zarl, the magacian." proclaims Merls. An older man in a brown robe with arthritic hands bows his head.
Merls continues, "Next is a monk from mystical lands east. He uses his hands and feet as weapons. Ninja Shi." Oriental in dress and face, a man bows low.
"With eyes like a hawk and hands rock steady, Shane is an archery master known throughout the land for his god-like ability." acclaims Merls. A plain looking man with a glint in his eye nods.
Merls continues, "So many claim to be devout, but this man exudes it. This priest's connection with the One God is blessed. Priest Hartin." Eagerly bowing, another man in robes comes forth.
"Last, but not least. A man blessed in armed combat, so blessed that you blessed him yourself with the title 'Sir.' Sir Gentry." Merls finishes. A man in armor proudly bows.
"This adventure will not be without peril." Merls explains. "You five were especially chosen for your abilities on this quest. Cyclops, the one-eyed giant lives on the island that you will be adventuring to. Albeit, fierce in battle, one shot from afar from Master Shane's bow, will fell him. A thieves forest lies between start and finish, but I am sure that Ninja Shi can navigate it safely. Enlisting help from the Holy City for the mission can be done by the holiest of the holy, Priest Hartin. Evil warriors guard the dungeon were the jewel lies. Sir Gentry can dispatch of them. Any magicks that lie around the final treasure can be dispatched by Zarl.
"As you see, you all have your places, but alas, only two can go. The boat trip is dangerous, and the natives of the island are fiercely territorial, so we must sneak you in on a very small boat that looks like a fishing boat. Very ingenuous really."
Merls approaches me, "Not to hurry your majesty, but the time is short, the boat to carry the two adventurers is leaving soon. Please make your choice as to which two should go."