Heroica RPG - Quest #31: Lions and Lambs

[Capt.JohnPaul]

OOC: Also I should have only 1 firebomb.

"Let's go to the capital."

Alexandre brings Skrall aside in a private talk.

"Skrall, I've been thinking about going to the capital AND finding Russel. Look at me." Alexandre indicates his simple tunic and leather clothes. "I don't look like a knight. Well, not without my armor anyways. But if we go back to the capital, maybe I could eavesdrop somewhere, and they wouldn't recognize me. I could do an undercover operation."

[Dharkan]

Isabella with a hesitant look on her face, holds Arthur's hand.

"Well I'm glad that we are done with this problem now. I didn't want to have any problems with you from the first hand, I'd like to have you as an ally, not an enemy."

smiled and continued to talk;

"If I might ask;" Isabella was a bit unsure if she should ask it but did it anyway. "Why were you acting like that? Was it something or someone possessing you? I'd like to listen and help you if I can."

[Brickdoctor]

Skrall, you see some tracks that could belong to a rogue lion. They, too, lead back in the direction of the middle of the city, before fading and getting mixed in with all the other tracks.

Party:

Skrall

, Level 17.5 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader*

*Favors Humanoid Enemies*

Power:

27

Health:

30/30

Defense:

0

Gold:

19

Inventory: Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back),

Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 10; +4 vs. Beasts)

, Potion, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Telescope, Amethyst (

Darkness

),

Luke

, Level 18 Sage (controlled by Waterbrick Down)

*Pacifist*

Power:

23

Health:

33/33

Ether:

13/25

Defense:

0

Gold:

0

Inventory:

Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5)

, Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (Light)

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

, Level 12 Mage (Flipz) *Party Second-in-Command*

Power:

19

Health:

13/17

Ether:

9/16

Defense:

1

Gold:

20

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7;

50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd

)

, Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Robe of Magi (SP:1)

, Potion(x2), Bedroll, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Opal (

Ice

)

Isabella del Toboso

, Level 10.5 Rogue (Dharkan)

Power:

17

Health:

16/16

Defense:

1

Gold:

277

Inventory:

Fauxthril Dagger (WP:7)

, Golden Dagger (WP:3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1;

untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle

)

, Venom, Potions (2), Bedroll, Fire Bombs (2)

Alexandre le Chevalier

, Level 12 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul)

*Slowed*

Power:

32

Health:

21/21

Defense:

7

Gold:

100

Inventory:

Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is

Slowed

)

, Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 6; ignores SP), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7)

, Potions (2), Fire Bomb, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb

Count Lewis Knyghton

, Level 13 Engineer (controlled by Flipz)

Power:

14

Health:

20/20

Defense:

0

Gold:

0

Inventory: Spatha (WP: 3),

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1)

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Ooc: Why am I slowed? I gave the Greatsword back to Skrall.

Alexandre pulls his hauberk over his head, and puts on his helmet. "We need to get back to the capitol. The rebels must have some sort of plan... a big one at that. It is the capitol. Let's go."

[Zepher]

The party follows a set of tracks, but soon the early morning mist starts to block the heroes' visions. The come to a small military wall, built very recently. They follow it, and eventually are greeted by some familiar faces.

"Skrall, is that ya! Haha! What are the chances, what are the chances. Is it good to see ya!"

Sir Poletad hops up in down in big exaggerated jumps, extremely excited to see his old friend. He croaks loudly a number of times, but Skrall is unable to understand him. However, Skrall finds himself slowly recalling the Language of the Frogs. Perhaps because he had practiced it so much beforehand. Or perhaps for Poletad and the QM's sake, because the QM loves writing for Poletad.

<Skrall! Mr. Skrall! What a pleasure it is to see you again! How is everyone? Did you bring Tesni, or Hoke? We could sure use them right now. Or Mr. Dyric, or of course Jess. Dastan is a crazy place to be, it sure is nice to see a friendly face! Mr. Harkenshire is nice and all, but he doesn't like to chat as much as you do! Will you be joining us, Master Skrall?>

"I'm assumin' that Poletad told ya what we're up to. Hunting Wren, nothing new, right? We think she may be in the area. We've been out of Drakencourt for nearly a week now, no sign of her, and then yesterday Poletad had a spotting. She was talking with some Lion Knight, I think. Felton has told me about them, he does all that reading and information gathering at pubs you know, said he heard that you fellows had run ins with them... and now I just saw that you have a few with ya. Alright, well, these fellows wore slightly different colors that your friends. We lost the trail, but maybe Skrall, you'll be able to pick it up? That is of course assumin' ya'll don't have anything more pressing to do. The other Heroica party, the one in Drakencourt, they're not too willing to help us out."

Edited June 5, 2012 by Zepher

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Alexandre looks confused, then to Skrall. "You know him? And this Poletad thing?" Alexandre leaves all the talking to Skrall. He's heard about these Wren Quests, but it was obvious others in the party were way more experienced and knowledgeable.

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall clapped Felton on the shoulder, "Ya seem a little more jovial than usual, old friend. What's this about Wren? Ya think she has somethin' to do with the rebellion? We've been after some rogue lion knights but their tracks seem to have led us to ya. The elf over there is Luke, a noble cleric and a pacifist, his compatriot is Count Knyghton a master of strategy, the rest of my party be Master Regulus, mage; Sir Chevalier, knight, and Isabella, rogue. We were hired to track down the leaders of the rebellion and put a stop to it. Strange to be workin' on stoppin' another rebellion isn't it? So what is up with these fortifications? Have ya seen anything of that young dragon from Ennon recently?"

Skrall turned to Sir Poletad and exchanged a greeting, <You'll have to exclude me, my dog is a little musty, since I became a punter. I'm afraid none of the mothers are mere. Harkenshire, he's a stranger isn't he?>

[Zepher]

OoC: Haddon is in the High Kingdoms. Also, you've just run into Hans, not Felton. Probs should have not assumed you'd remember, it's been a while.

"Well forgive me for being friendly," laughs Hans. "Life is full of surprises. Most of them ain't so good, so when a nice one is thrown your way, being happily surprised is the reaction you ought to have, ain't it! And this is a happy surprise. This is land full of traitors and confusion. A straight forward old pal is exactly what we need."

"I dunno what this wall is all about. Probably thanks to the war going on, ya know? There looks to be a skirmish a little while over, there are a few broken weapons and a few raised mounds, probably graves. As for Vipera, haven't heard heads or tails of her. Is she around the area? Maybe she'll drop by."

<She's popped into my head once or twice to say hello! Lovely Dragon she is, isn't she?!>

"Look, we could use your help. If these Lion Knights are Rogue, which is the looks of things, I dunno if Poletad and I could take 'em on all by ourselves. You know Wren is a force that's best left stopped, and these Lion Knights are the issue you're here to deal with. We've got a trail, it's led us this far, but we sure could use a Hunter now. Sounds like you're on her buddy's trail anyhow. So, how's about it? Want to lend an old pal a hand?"

Edited June 5, 2012 by Zepher

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Never could keep them straight, glad to have you back too just wait till we get to the battles then it will be my turn.

"It would seem our paths are leading us in the same direction, what says the rest of the Party?"

[Capt.JohnPaul]

OoC: Never could keep them straight, glad to have you back too just wait till we get to the battles then it will be my turn.

"It would seem our paths are leading us in the same direction, what says the rest of the Party?"

"I think we need to head to the capitol, and pick up any clues from the mysterious Rouge that headed there."

[Flipz]

OoC: Never could keep them straight, glad to have you back too just wait till we get to the battles then it will be my turn.

"It would seem our paths are leading us in the same direction, what says the rest of the Party?"

With a sudden, cold conviction, Arthur speaks up suddenly. "Wren must be found. I know the power of Chaos, and I know it cannot be let free. We must go after her."

Pulling Skrall aside, he adds, "Master Skrall, there are some things you...and the Wren Hunters...need to know about me. Things that are not meant for the ears of the innocent. But given that a known Chaos-user is in Dastan..." he pauses, swallows. "That Amethyst was not the cause of my...behavior. It's...complicated. I'm still not touching the blasted thing until I can properly insulate myself, but...you may be in greater danger than I thought."

"Count Knyghton, Lion Knight Engineer. I heard ya mention this Wren character talkin' ta a Lion Rebel? Did ya hear a name, by any chance?"

[Waterbrick Down]

"I believe the tracks are lost, Master Chevalier," Skrall looks around from the tracks they had been following previously.

"Hans, why did the other group of heroes refuse to help ya?"

[Flipz]

Arthur, meanwhile, tries to use his telescope to aid Skrall in his search.

"Master Skrall? Was I speaking too quietly before?"

[Waterbrick Down]

"Do ya think there's goin' to be a problem, some sort of relapse if we run into Wren?"

[Flipz]

"I...don't think so. But let me explain..."

"I think Wren's power is what started all this in motion. You remember that my homland houses a temple of Zoot, that my village elders were once practicioners of Chaos? My...my grandfather was one too. And my father, though he kept it to a mimimum, especially after I was born. Well, that sort of magick...doesn't play well with other spells like itself. There's a reason most Chaos users are rivals. Anyway...Wren's power is...probably wreaking havoc with my own. If she was trying to manipulate someone...it probably spilled over to me. After all...I've been steeped in Chaos since birth. Even though we rejected it, it doesn't just go away. And I have no clue what that means if we meet her." Arthur is clearly holding something back, but it's not clear exactly what or why.

Arthur resumes speaking normally. "One thing I do know: letting Wren run free is dangerous for everyone, especially me. If we can remove that threat, our mission here will have a much greater chance of success." Turning to Hans, he adds, "A real pleasure to meet you. I've read all about your past run-ins with Wren, and I must say I am a BIG fan of your work. Erm...this may be an odd request, but...do you have a pair of plain leather or silk gloves I could borrow? Even a cloth wrap would be a help."

[Zepher]

"Eh, the other group had other things to deal with. I understand that. Leave each man to their own business, that's what I say. No point arguing. Once someone gets a goal in mind, it isn't so easy to change that goal. Either oppose 'em if you've got to, or let them go on their merry way. The other group have got some political figures that need looking after. Ya know, Skrall, that me and politics don't mix. Before the Arena, back when I lived in a quiet village, I got orders and I followed them because I knew they were right. After the Arena, I had orders from myself to track down Wren, and again I knew they were right. I let Felton talk politics with the politics. He's good at it, I ain't. Confuses me to no ends. It always appears to me that everyone is gonna do what they're gonna do, and talking about it won't change that. Am I rambling? Point is, Felton tries to win others, I just quietly do my business, and we both let the other do what they ought to be doing. That's what a team is, ain't it?"

Hans blushes at Arthur's compliment. "If I could repay the favor, Regulus, was it? Well, if I knew who ya were, I'm sure I'd be a fan. The heroes of Heroica has across the board proved themselves time and time again. I've no reason to doubt you'll be any different. I'm sure I got a bandage or something lying around."

Poletad hops up, and drops an old rag in Arthur's hand.

"Ah, yes, I forgot I had that on me. That little frog remembers everything. It's a good thing ya picked him up when ya did, Skrall. He's proved to be as brave as anyone. And of course, he helps Felton and I keep our heads. Mostly me."

Skrall searches for tracks again, and finds that they have in fact resurfaced, heading off over the wall and towards a near-by pass between two more heavily forested hills.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Alright those tracks are headin' that way, hopefully is it will lead to the rebel leaders. Everybody suit up, make any preparations yer goin' to need. Arthur, I'm assumin' you'll be wantin' this back with those bandages now?" Skrall offers the Amathyst back to Arthur if he will accept it.

"Don't ya worry, I've had dealin's with the witch before I'll keep an eye on ya. I am lettin ya know though, if she does show up, she's mine, I've hunted far too long to lose her again."

<So, any ideas who Wren has been corking with mince she arrived?> Skrall asked Poletad.

Edited June 6, 2012 by Waterbrick Down

[Zepher]

<I certainly hope she hasn't been corking with anyone! The very image... oh... I think something may have been lost in translation, I apologize! Oh! Working! Never mind all that talk of corking... blah!>

<My friendly amphibian friends are wide-spread, and I hear news quickly! Amphibiannoc reaches to every corner of Olegia, and using his name can get nearly anyone to open up to you! Everyone is respectful of Paladins! I hear that Wren is working with a number of assassins in Drakencourt, namely a U'Kin named U'Vires, a hired killer named XX, and the leader of the Cultists, Sphinx, though reports of him have been spotty recently and the word is that he has gone missing! I also hear that she has been meeting with Lion Knights. Sir Lyons, one of Loren's right-hand men, is in Drakencourt or the surrounding area. I also hear news, recently, that troubles me greatly. It appears that one of the Emperors has been declared a traitor, though I can't figure out which one the tadpole was talking about... he was very excitable! One has gone on the run though, it would appear. Rolando?! Is that a name?>

OoC: I have to wait until tomorrow for pictures, and I want to at least give Dharken a chance to post! Keep talking, Hans and Poletad are two of my very favorite NPCs... especially Poletad. Gotta love that little guy.

[Flipz]

"Alright those tracks are headin' that way, hopefully is it will lead to the rebel leaders. Everybody suit up, make any preparations yer goin' to need. Arthur, I'm assumin' you'll be wantin' this back with those bandages now?" Skrall offers the Amathyst back to Arthur if he will accept it.

"Don't ya worry, I've had dealin's with the witch before I'll keep an eye on ya. I am lettin ya know though, if she does show up, she's mine, I've hunted far too long to lose her again."

<So, any ideas who Wren has been corking with mince she arrived?> Skrall asked Poletad.

"Yes, thank you, I'll take that back. Hopefully, the insulation will help with things." It certainly won't hurt. Darkness increases one's own darkness, no more, no less. The danger is not from the gem, it's from oneself. And if that is what's within me...

"I'm not going to try and ninja your kill. Gods know I can't stand it myself." Arthur moves closer to the two Wren Fighters so they can hear. "I'm worried that, because of my heritage--and a few other things that are...difficult to explain, at best--she may try to take me on one-on-one or something crazy like that. Chaos works in chaotic ways, and its users are impossible to predict. I want you to promise me--if I'm not acting like myself, don't hesitate to strike me down to prevent her from using me."

returning to his normal voice, he asks, "What of Emperor Alandri? Is he all right? And have you heard any word of the Pedestal in which the ancient Chimaera was formed? If one of the Emperors is a traitor, then it may have made its way into the Cult's hands, and we may have a mythical monstrosity on the loose."

[Zepher]

"Don't ya worry, Regulus, I've never had a trouble striking down those who needed striking down, no matter what side they were on."

Is the party ready to follow the tracks?

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Zeph, I don't know if you're keeping track of this, but just for the players' reference, this is the current party:

Party:

Skrall

, Level 17.5 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader*

*Favors Humanoid Enemies*

Power:

27

Health:

30/30

Defense:

0

Gold:

19

Inventory: Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back),

Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 10; +4 vs. Beasts)

, Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is

Slowed

), Potion, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy,

Luke

, Level 18 Sage (controlled by Waterbrick Down)

*Pacifist*

Power:

23

Health:

33/33

Ether:

13/25

Defense:

0

Gold:

0

Inventory:

Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5)

, Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (Light)

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

, Level 12 Mage (Flipz) *Party Second-in-Command*

Power:

19

Health:

13/17

Ether:

9/16

Defense:

1

Gold:

20

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7;

50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd

)

, Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Robe of Magi (SP:1)

, Potion(x2), Bedroll, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Opal (

Ice

), Telescope, Amethyst (

Darkness

)

Isabella del Toboso

, Level 10.5 Rogue (Dharkan)

Power:

17

Health:

16/16

Defense:

1

Gold:

277

Inventory:

Fauxthril Dagger (WP:7)

, Golden Dagger (WP:3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1;

untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle

)

, Venom, Potions (2), Bedroll, Fire Bombs (2)

Alexandre le Chevalier

, Level 12 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul)

Power:

18

Health:

21/21

Defense:

7

Gold:

100

Inventory:

Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 6; ignores SP),

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7)

, Potions (2), Fire Bomb, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb

Count Lewis Knyghton

, Level 13 Engineer (controlled by Flipz)

Power:

14

Health:

20/20

Defense:

0

Gold:

0

Inventory: Spatha (WP: 3),

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1)

[Flipz]

OOC: Pronunciation note: "Car" is a nickname, it's pronounced "Care".

As Arthur wrapped his hand in the bandage, he winced as the fabric slipped against his blistered palm. This Quest has been so different, he thought. So much happening at once, and so little time to... Arthur finished wrapping the palm, then tied the end around the bottom strip. Somehow, no matter how he tried to secure it, the end of the bandage hung loose, the short ribbon of material blowing softly in the rare breeze that had come out of nowhere. I can't fix it...but it's doing its job. Why try if if doesn't need to be fixed? He reaches into his robe and pulls out the Amethyst Skrall had returned to him. Though the effect was greatly diminished, Arthur could still feel its dark power pulsing, and could feel the darkness within him calling out for it. The greatest threat is the one you can't see--yourself. He makes to put the gem away, but stops momentarily. Why is that? Why must darkness be so difficult to control, bringing me to the edge of true evil? It's not inherent to the power itself--Cinna is one of the nicest people I know, and so is Althior, and both use Darkness often. Arthur notices a few droplets of smoky, black, etherial liquid on the surface of the gem, where he had grasped it for so long before. Why could I not control it, as my people once controlled the Chaos? He allowed his memories to take him back...

-------------

"Zut'tau'ri sore Tok'zu, Zuk'kara Navahiin. It is our most basic oath. And you have betrayed it!"

"And you are a traitor to the world's natural order, yet how long have I kept that secret for you?"

"That...it isn't my fault. It's not a choice, Car. Not like..."

"This?" The woman laughed. "Don't you see? We all so it. One way or another. We were birthed to Chaos, and raised in Chaos, and it permeates every step we take. All I chose to do was to acknowledge who I truly am--who we truly are."

"But this...Car bear, the Zut'tau'ri shun such things. We may not always succeed in our efforts, but the important thing is that we fight--"

"HA! Are you really going to deny to me the truth? I know you. Your curiosity, your thirst for knowledge. And I can see your innermost desires, your secret longing. You don't fear what I've become. You want it."

Arthur couldn't respond. While the mage struggled with his thoughts, the woman slides behind him, taking him into her embrace, as she had many times before. But this time, something was different. The caring, comforting touch gone, replaced by desire, maniplulation...yet something of the old was there, a strange connection and certainty, one that had always been there. One that had been magnified with her change...

Arthur pushed his way out of the embrace. The feelings were too confusing, exascerbating his own conflicted state. He turned to face her. "Car...don't do this. We can get help." Both of us. "I'm sure when he gets back, my father can--" The woman snorts derisively. That response, at least, had not changed. "Car, I...please don't make me go to the Elders. I...I love you." Tears streamed down his face as he realized the futility of his plea.

The woman turned her back to Arthur. A single tear dropped down her face, though she managed to keep it otherwise blank. "I don't need help. Not yours, not anyone else's. If anything, it's you who needs mine." She looks over her shoulder, the tear-stained half of her face still hidden. "I just want you. Join me."

"You won't give it up?"

"No."

"Even for me?"

The hesitation was palpable. "...No."

Arthur buried his face in his hands for a moment, then steeled himself. "Then you know what has to happen." He opens the door and, with one last look of regret at the woman he had once loved, he disappears into the night.

The woman's sorrowful gaze follows him. "Yes...I do." Gathering a few of Arthur's belongings, she reads from a scroll, and vanishes in a wisp of black smoke.

-------------

Arthur's attention returns to the present, and he sees Hans staring curiously at him. He responds to the Wren Hunter's unspoken question.

"Her name is Caroline."

Edited June 6, 2012 by Flipz

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"I"m ready to follow the tracks."

OOC: Flipz, were you saying that or thinking that? Could we hear you and respond to what you said?

[Zepher]

"Eh, ain't my business. Each of us has got their own demons. Long as it doesn't impair you when the time comes, you can reminisce all you like."

The party follows the tracks and passes between two hills. Skrall leads the way as the mist intensifies, and the sun reaches higher into the sky. Suddenly, the party stops, and is greeted by the face, voice, and manner of an old enemy.

"Hello, my dears. Skrall! Oh what a lovely surprise! Well, alright, not a surprise, I never could keep a secret from you, dear. I was so looking forward to meeting back up with you. Imagine my excitement when I heard you'd be here in Dastan with me! I literally squealed in delight, you can ask U'Vires, he was there. I'm not a liar!" The dark lady winks at her old friend. "And you've brought me even more friends! How wonderful!"

"I'm afraid I led you into a bit of an ambush. Sorry, dears. Don't try to run, you'll have to fight your way out. You'll be able to do it, of course, I need you lovelies alive, so I didn't bring enough Lion Knights to slaughter you, just slow you down. We needed to sneak some supplies past you, so a diversion was required. They were going to send XX, but when I heard you'd be here, I volunteered instead. Besides, things are getting a little steamy in Drakencourt for my taste. I hear Felton is going to try to kill Constance. Oh well. The Lion Knights won't move until my signal, by the way, so we've got some time to talk. I asked for some time to talk. They think I'm going to torture you or something. La de da, perish the thought."

"Anyway, I do have a message, or rather a request for you, my old dear. Sphinx is on the move, and he's going to summon the Chimera, the old enemy of our dearest friend Vipera. There's nothing you can do about it now. I can't even do anything at this point. The Chimera is coming. I need you to stop him for me, dear. There's only room for one god in this world, and I have one on the way. Any questions?"

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Alexandre whispers to Skrall, "Who's this chick in the black? You know her? Hmm... she seems quite respectable and nice."

Then she starts talking about ambushing us. "Oh."

"I'm ready Lady, let's compete, on the field of battle. Fight me!"