OK, my response to this conversation is EXTREMELY different on this board than it is in land. I'll address the easy points first.
With respect to Lamothe, she was picked 4th or 5th depending on if you count Llavendar's team. Narissa was the first person to ask whether she'd be allowed and also asked for clarification on skill use. Foxedup had 2 chances to select her, but it did not cross his mind to do so. Point for Narissa for thinking outside the box here.
With respect to the talk about balance and fairness, their has never been a gemquest in my time, aside from Aldaron's, where once again coin was certainly involved. And in my opinion Avalon is never fair, nor balanced. Even in the 1 on 1 combat quest last year, Kodiak used Orc Town, Kureishi died, and Dunccan quit. Someone ALWAYS gets screwed depending on what perspective you take. This continues into general life in the land, whether it be the best fighters getting skills downgraded when people bitch too much, High Priests and Chosen Ones overusing power (something I've been accused of and may even be guilty of once or twice), people blatantly abusing DDW or PW to enact their will, and so on.
So, any expectation of a fair gemquest for all sides is unrealistic and naive. Yes, Salvador got screwed here. But Narissa made NO secret as to what her plan was. She flaunted it on every bug rune laid about in Center Square, a place where I know for a fact Salvador has a rune. She even said her price. Anyone could have beat her to the punch. And quite frankly, the fact that money was involved and our intentions were known made it all the more fair. What is more basic, more available, to everyone in Avalon than coin?
Did Salvador get screwed, yes. Did Narissa take advantage of his trust somewhat? Probably. Does Salvador have every right to be thoroughly pissed off in his role as Salvador? Sure. But, from the outset Loki said "Whoever wins the gem will need to demonstrate perfection in many forms". Ask yourself did Narissa do this? She came in second in the races behind Tukar, who abstained. Check. She inquired thoroughly before purchasing the third captain spot and developed a cunning strategy to ensure her better chance of succes. Check. She stole the sands at the very last second to win the second stage for her team and arranged a rather creative team for defence. Check. And she seems to be on her way to thoroughly whooping the remaining fighters left in her way during personal combat. Check.
So, yes, state how it ended up being beneficial for me and that these points mean nothing. But, I am no different than any of you, ending this whole affair gemless.
And really, something I would never say in land, but I will say it here. Narissa had EVERY right to screw over Salvador. He was a baron and a lifelong dedicated Thakrian that turned Parrian Bard to pursue his own PERSONAL goals. He made the choice to put himself ahead of Thakria. I guarantee if he had stayed Thakrian, or even returned after he gained the profession, Narissa would have made every attempt to help him get the gem. Narissa is Thakria's Princess, and Salvador gave up any protection as a citizen when he left Thakria. Narissa owes nothing to Salvador, and any expectation she would help him is again, naive. Yes, it's cold and crass, but it's the truth.
In short, don't hate the player, don't hate the game, hate yourself for not covering your ass.
