I don't have a problem with you joining, Tailspinner, and I'm sorry that you wish to withdraw, Rathan. Honestly, one or two more or one or two less probably won't make much difference. This really hasn't come up yet because so far everyone is posting promptly and helping move things along nicely, but should we get bogged down at some point, I'll most likely arbitrarily advance the game and rule that any PCs who missed out were spinning on their thumbs or something. Like I said, I don't look for that to happen, because frankly, I'm probably the most likely source of any "bogged-downness" that we experience.
TS -- you can play a cleric if you wish, of course, but don't feel obligated in any way. Play what you want.