Elohwyn:
"My friends, I have spent some time in prayer and reflection and wish to share the following thoughts: I have always thought of our little group as just that, a group. When Orlanth gathered his companions to quest to the underworld and save the world, they worked together as a group. Each was a unique individual and brought his or her own strengths and weaknesses, but all were essential. Without the strength of Orlanth, the Wisdom of Lhankor Mhy, the cunning of Issaries, the blessings of Chalana Arroy, they would have failed. Even the betrayal of Eurmal was necessary for their ultimate achievement and the saving of the world. All bore scars and wounds, some physical, some not. All contributed their unique skills to succeed.
"I feel that we do the same. Caernak contributes his close ties to Zola Fel and his strength in battle. Pachala brings his passion and valor, plus his expertise in the wastes and knowledge of the things of chaos. Arcus brings the steadfastness and courage of Yelmalio (plus those cute dimples). I do not know Dorgon, but as you trust him, I am confident that he brings his own talents. I, of course, contribute the blessings of Vinga and a not inconsiderable skill in battle. Which brings us to Tison. Besides the knowledge and arcane powers of Lhankor Mhy, Tison brings us his skill in trading and money management. I have always valued Tison for his ability to trade and generate money. I also always appreciated the way in which he contributed the fruits of his trading to the group.
"Through our travels, I've watched Tison trade here and there, making a profit at each turning. I've always been impressed at how he never missed an opportunity to turn a profit. I'm happy that he's had the opportunity to make all of this money, because he has spent it all for the benefit of the group. It is well that he has done so. Because, for example, if I had all of that money I would have given most to the support of the followers of Vinga, and spent the rest on celebration. Tison, however, sagely used his money on purchases which benefited the group.
"Recently you boys went on an adventure which was apparently wildly profitable. Perhaps it is not surprising that conflict over the profits has arisen. Each of us focuses on how we could use the money to best benefit, and becomes blinded to the benefits that others see. This is natural. Perhaps a more structured way of thinking of the money would benefit us. I do believe that we should form a party treasury of funds which are used for general purpose expenditures such as healing, antidotes, and the like. I think Tison should be the keeper of this treasury, since he is the best with money.
"It is very tempting for me to advocate that all money's gathered though our group activities be considered part of that fund. However I will not cheat Vinga of her due. I suggest that half of all moneys brought in by group activities be contributed to this general fund. The rest to be distributed evenly amongst the participants in the specific venture in question. The general fund shall be used to purchase medical supplies, specialized equipment and other items as deemed necessary by the participants in a venture. They shall also be used to heal or otherwise cure people injured on ventures. This money shall be kept by Tison, who will do his best, I am sure, to invest it appropiately and increase it by benefit of his talents in that regard.
"Magic items of general benefit found upon adventures (such as the healing spirit) shall also be contributed to this party group. Those shall be carried as seems appropriate by the group on any given venture. Found magic items of individual benefit shall be distributed by dice as we have been doing. Tison is correct that attempting to track individual values is a futile effort. Rather I think we should just keep a simple tally, and skew the distribution toward those with less tallies.
"Should the group treasury grow so larger than we forsee as being necessary, we shall distribute it evenly amongst the group. Should the treasury not meet our needs for a venture, we shall each contribute equally towards reimbursing it. (Not that I will have any money, but we will work that out as necessary.)"
Those are my thoughts.
Elohwyn 3 Swords,
Red Lady,
Daughter of Vinga