Speluncean

Synopsis

* 5 members of the Spelucean society became trapped in a cave due to a mudslide

* An effort that resulted in the death of 10 men lead to the rescue of 4 of the 5 members of the cave exploration party on the 32nd day of their imprisonment. One member was not found alive due to circumstances that took place during the party’s imprisonment

* The exploration party was lead on the expedition and was lead through the prospect of food sources during imprisonment by Roget Whetmore

* Whetmore represented the exploration party when inquiring about food stores

* Initial food stores: 2 days worth

* Food stores on day 20: not enough to last the additional 10+ days the rescue crew needed to free the team

* Availability of alternative, traditional food stores in the cave: None

* Other non-traditional alternatives: Consume a member of the team

* Chairman of the Committee of Physicians – confirmed that consuming a member of the team would allow that team to survive at least 10 days longer

* Advisors on the process to identify the member of the team to be consumed – cast lots

* Committee of Physicians – none would comment on the process

* Judge or government official – none would comment on the process

* Priest or Minister – none would comment on the process

* Roger Whetmore did not survive imprisonment

* Lots were cast

* Whetmore wanted to wait another week before deciding to consume a member of the party

* Whetmore’s lot was cast by another member of the party and he did not object to the fairness of it

* He lost the lot and was consumed by the other members of the party

* The 4 surviving members of the exploration party were indicted for the murder of their colleague (Roger Whetmore), were convicted and sentenced to death by hanging in accordance with the Commonwealth statute NCSA (NS) 12-A: “Whoever shall willfully take the life...