Home | Literature Index | Movies & Broadway Index | Television Index | Music Index | Miscellaneous Index | Submit Your Own
Chapter 1 - So You're Starting a Quest
You've probably already found something you'd
like to look for, or maybe you've got something
you need to get rid of, or a heroic deed to perform,
or maybe even a combination. In any case, you've
got a task ahead of you and you're committed but
you're not sure you know the way.
That's exactly when a fellowship is needed most.
Although a fellowship can be simply described as
a group of beings who are willing to commit to
helping you accomplish your task, you'll soon find
out there's much more to it. A fellowship must
be strong and each member must be be firmly
committed to the goal.
So Start by clarifying your goal or goals. What exactly
do you want to accomplish? Be explicit, and write it
down. Remember to set SMART goals - Specific,
Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timely. Don't
just say you're going to do it and then wander off.
Hold a conference and discuss your options with the
wisest folk you know. Look for those with long years
of experience - thousands of years if you can find
them. You'll want to choose those who have a real
understanding of your task and know what must be done.
Chapter 2 - Choosing your Companions
Now that you've identified your quest, it's time
to consider the skills and strengths you'll need
to accomplish it and then choose the people who
have those skills to help you.
Your first inclination will be to get your friends
together and go. Don't give in to it!! This isn't
a walk in the woods - it's a quest. You must
choose wisely and carefully if you want your
quest to succeed. Don't just pick someone because
they're nearby, or to punish them for eavesdropping.
Note: Make sure you don't include a practical
joker in the crowd - there's no telling what kind
of trouble that can lead to.
Take at least one good cook along, and someone who
can tell stories, make up poems and songs can sure
help to pass the time around the campfire at night.
You'll also want to consider choosing those from
different races. Will strength be important? Why
not include a man in your group? What about good
eyesight, and great bowmanship, like an elf. And
if you want a sturdy companion who'll fight to the
death, you just can't go wrong with a dwarf. A
little magic goes a long way too, so consider adding
a Wizard to the group.
Just make sure you set some ground rules. Who will
lead? If there's a difference of opinion, or a tie
vote, who settles the tie? Who has veto powers?
Also decide how you'll handle tasks if one of the
fellowship is killed, wants to leave, or has a
minority opinion. Determine if you will all go the
entire way together, or if it's OK for the group to
split up at some point and follow different routes.
Chapter 3 - Planning is Important
Get yourself the best map you can and plan your
route carefully before you begin. Get lots of
advice from other travellers before you set out.
You don't want to end up delayed for days or
weeks because you've been surprised by something
and find out that you've chosen the wrong path.
There's no time on a quest for trial and error
- and arguments over the route can break
up the best fellowship fast! Decide right now
if you're going to go over the mountains or
under them.
Study the history of the land you'll be travelling
through. Learn the language if you have time. And
figure out which lands are hospitable and which aren't,
where you might find a good place to stay the night
or get a good meal, where the best inns and pubs are,
and where you'll have to camp out and take whatever
you can find.
Make sure you've got change for the tolls and
you know all the passwords you're going to need. You
don't want to stuck waiting around outside some door
trying to remember a password - write it down and take
it with you!
And don't forget to check the weather forecast. An
amazing number of quests fail just because of some
unexpected snowfalls or lightening storms.
Chapter 4 - Provisions
Make sure you've got lots of everything you'll need.
Make a list and check it twice - warm clothing, wet
weather gear, camping gear, first aid kit (and don't
forget the kingsfoil!) You may want to take along a
pack animal or two. Ponies are often a good choice
- they're smaller than horses, take less care and
tend to be sturdier.
Don't scrimp on the weapons! Most quests run into
a little opposition now and then. Make sure you've
got what you need to hold your own. And if you've
got a mail shirt, so much the better!
Chapter 5 - Train Hard
Of course you'll have to make sure that you start off
in the best of shape. Quests are difficult and really
drain your energy. Don't go to a party the night
before you start out - you don't want to be all hung
over on your first day. And it's best to delay your
start for a while if you've just recuperated from an
illness or a wound. Make sure you get lots of rest
and eat nutritious meals before you set out. Walk
a few miles every day to get yourself into good shape.