Heroica RPG - Quest #105: Eternal Reaper

[Kintobor]

Karie, having been passed a sapphire, lends it to Jeaux.

"I've got no use for this at the moment, so best you hang onto it, and please don't lose it!"

Looking at the imposing edifice, Karie shudders.

"Some part of me wants to make a joke about the Regret overcompensating for something, but at the same time..."

"The Regret is already making us go out of our minds..."

Karie consoles Masson, patting him on the back and holding him with her arm. She avoids Johon in fear of sparking something.

"Anyone need a heal? I'm more than capable at what I do."

She turns to Lawrence, expecting a remark.

[Endgame]

Masson returns the gesture, before looking at his beloved.

"You said you needed to tell me something."

It wasn't a question.

"Erdathcath, you've *wheeze* seen this place, too...?"

Edited August 8, 2014 by Endgame

[The_Customizer]

"I.. I don't.. know. It seems familiar, like I have seen it before, almost from a nightmare, but I'm not sure..."

[Emjajoas]

Em clicks his teeth, looking worriedly at Erdy and Johon.

He sighs. "You can't explain any further?"

[Endgame]

QM Note: An update will be posted in a couple of hours, max. Just want to give Zepher a chance to post.

Edited August 8, 2014 by Endgame

[Zepher]

Boomingham puts his sword back in its sheath. "So that's where this monster progg lives, huh? And he's got some treasure that we need to take off his hands." Boomingham heals himself. "The Regret. What a name. Barely gave it any thought up until now, but it's one Hel of a title, I'll tell you that. What a nasty chap. The Regret. The Regret." Boomingham licks his lips. "Ah well, onwards and upwards. Let's take this place down."

[Endgame]

"Karie, just... Tell me what you need to say as soon as you can, okay? We're heading to the isaldn, by the looks of things."

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

Level 31.25 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Pierces SP From Front Row* *SP Ignored From Back Row*

Power: 50

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 10

Health: 38/54

Ether: 30/30

Gold: 808

Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding (-5) and Poisoned (-10); great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves, Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle)*Pseudo's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)*

Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Sleeping Effect), Sabre (WP:6, Longsword), Darksteel Greatsword (WP: 10, Blinded Effect, Greatsword), Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence

• Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear) Cloak of Blood Magick (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic weaken the enemy, bodywear suitable for Mages, Necromancers, Chi Monks)

• Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst

• Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing,

• Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), 3x Mead, x2 Nostrum, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, Hair of the Dog

• Bedroll

*Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70)

**Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70)

Karie Alderflask-Cour

23? years old human female

Level 25.66 Witch

Defence: 2

Health: 41/41 (7+24+8+2)

Ether: 30/31 (1+24+4+2)

Gold: 680

Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1; coils around the users arm when outside of battle, whip), Catsuit (Wearer becomes nimble and has a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE, and Free Hits, suitable to women only; body wear), Ethereal Cloak (SP: +2, Max. Ether: +4, back wear), Paper Doll (immunity to hexed, accessory)

Inventory:

*Weapons:

Spring Staff (WP: 12, healing someone else through this staff also heals the user by the same amount; water elemental staff), Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10, fire elemental staff), Sexy (WP: 8, disregards SP, longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, deals poisoned by 10 effect, breaks after 3 uses)

*Minstrel Weapons: Angelic Trumpet (WP: 5, user is blessed, instrument), Vagrant's Guitar (WP: 5, user is lucky)

*Artefacts:

Glittering Dress (The user's job traits are replaced with those of a Harlot: Promiscuity, Flee, and Money Maker; suitable for women only, body wear), Medal of Valour (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience in battle. Accessory), Skull Mask (SP: 1, wearer can pose as undead, headwear), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Changes user's appearance into an elf, accessory), Witch's Talisman (Makes the witch's poisonous attacks cause poisoned by 10-effect instead of poisoned by 1, suitable for witches; accessory)

*Minstrel Artefacts: Encore Plectrum (If the same battle song is sung more than one round in a row, the song's ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable for minstrels; accessory)

*Gems: Ruby (Fire)

*Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Newtity

*Battle Songs: True Love's Serenade (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round, cost 10 ether; Battle Song)

*Consumables:

Potion, Grand Potion x3, Tonic, Grand Tonic x5, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Nostrum x3, Mulled Wine, 9 Venoms, Pumpkin Bomb (causes poisoned by 1, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used), Neutralizer x2, Tasty Pretzel (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened, and encouraged-effects upon consumption), 5 Herbal Infusions (Removes negative effects and causes Blessed and Transcended effects), Grating Stone

*Tools: Telescope, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

*Sheep: Baaffy (Pet Sheep, whenever unleashed, puts random enemy fast asleep, unlimited use)

Quest Items/Roleplay Item: Masson's Journal Entry 11, Map of Brendenton, Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal, Blue Syndicate Uniform, Kayla's Mask, Ulric's Letter

Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554)

Automaton male, Evoker

Level 19 *Blessed* *Transcended* *Immune to Sealing, Bleeding, and Confused*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 2

Health: 27/27

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 758

Equipment: Divine Cannonade (WP:13; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; Poison 7 and Cursed; Phoenix Essence; handcannon), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5), Automaton Armor (SP:2, immune to bleeding and confused; suitable to automata only; bodywear)

Inventory: Enchanted Bracelet (protects from sealing; accessory), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 items per round; accessory), Professor's Kit (successful attacks on Mechanical enemies have a 1/3 of turning them to the hero’s side for the next three rounds as a tamed monsters, accessory), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Topaz, Diamond, Amethyst, Soma, Tonic, Grand Tonic x2, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence x2, Remedy x2, Venom x2, Volatile Venom x4, Jinxy Juice, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Experienced Turdwing (Deals the confused and poisoned by 1 effects on an opponent when used, fly familiar), Ruby, Sapphire

Summons: Nilrem (Paladin Armor, Lightning Armor, Demon Armor)

Em (emjajoas) *Immune to electricity*

Unknown age human male Warden

Level 18

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 25

Health: 36/37

Gold: 86

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Vigilant (SP 12, halved damage from elemental attacks, immune to electricity, shield), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +3, SP +3, Max. Health +3, Max. Ether +3. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year)

Inventory:

Consumables: Smoke bomb, Nostrum, Potion x3, Remedy x2, Venom, Grand Potion x5, Mead x2, Ambrosia x2, Smelling Salts, Silver Ore

Weapons: Doppleganger (WP: 10, Retribution: The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on the target enemy on successful hits; longsword)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe

Equipment: Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Frost Helm (SP: 3, immune to ice, suitable for anyone), Eyepatch

Buffs: Permanent + 3 HP, +2 Power, and +1 Ether from Crystal Sovereign.

Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old,

Level 23 Druid *Party Leader!*

Power: 38

Health: 12/37

Ether: 26/26

Gold: 195

Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:16, Fire-elemental, permanent poisoned 7, cursed), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear, suitable for anyone), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), Machine's Heart (The hollowed out heart of Monolith, after being defeated, halves all damage from Earth, Electrical, and Mechanical type enemies; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

*Qlice (WP: 8, club, permanent Poison 4), Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, bow, provides hastened effect for one round each battle)

*Mage's muffler (protects from sealing; accessory, suitable for anyone), Helmet (+1 max. health; headwear, suitable for anyone), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified; accessory, suitable for anyone), Helmet (+1 max. health),

*Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope,

*Scroll of Weakening

*6 Potions, Grand Potion x2, 6 Mead, 4 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Saber teeth, Jinxy Juice x2, Grand Tonic x3, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Mythril Shard x2, Silver Ore, 3 Elixirs, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence x2, Agni Bomb, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether), Neutralizer, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Equilibrium Tonic, Remedy

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider

Level: 30.5

Power Bonus: +0 (0art+0perm)

Health: 44/44 (lvl30+cls7+7perm+0art)

Defense: 5 (5art+0Shield+0perm)

Ether: 0/0/30 (lvl30

Kept Effects: *Natural Respite* *Restoration**Immune to: Fragile* *1.5 stealing multiplier* *Hide of The Bleeding*

Temporary Effects:

Gold: 2718

Equipment:

Weapon: Muckraker (WP:+13, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators, *Water, Wood, Earth*, Causes *Weakened*)

Shield:

Artefact 1 (1+): Heavy Armour (suit: Bararians/Knights, SP:+5, *Immune to Fragile*)

Artefact 2 (10+): Hide of The Bleeding (suit: Anyone, +10HP +5ETH for every enemy user defeats)

Artefact 3 (20+): Sticky Gloves (suit: Rogues/Beast Warriors, 1.5 multiplier for stealing)

Artefact 4 (30+):Barbarian's Boots (suit: Barbarians/Chi Monks/Beast Warriors, *Restoration*)

Artefact 5 (40+):

Artefact 6 (50+):

Artifacts: Simple Helmet (suit: Anyone, HP:+1), Pseudo's hood (suit: Anyone, Ignores Undead immunity), Quiver of Poisoning (suit: Rangers/Beast Warriors/Infiltrators/Winged Warriors, Causes *Poisoned by 1* using bows/crossbows), Blessed Amulet (suit: Anyone, *Immune to cursed*), Dog Statuette (Rover) (suit: Anyone, SP:+1), Counterstrike Gloves (suit: Anyone, deals damage equal to level when hit with free-hit), Sterile Gloves (Suit: Anyone, *Immune to Poisoned/Bleeding*), Bravado Boots (suit: Anyone, 1/6 chance of receiving *Lucky* at start of battle), Scarlet Hood (suit: Anyone, pwr:+4, *immune to stunned*)

Weapons: Sword of Decay (WP:+8, suit: Barbaians/Knights/Mages, Causes *Decayed by X-3 rounds* X=dmg dealt/4, Effect does not stack), Greatsword (WP:+3, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators), Focal Staff (WP:+5, suit: Clerics/Mages, Ability: Roll 3 at cost of 5 ether), Gladius (WP:+15, suit: Anyone, Darkness, 1/3 chance of causing *Fragile* on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP:+8, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Harlots, 1/2 chance of causing *sealed*), Lullaby Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *asleep*), Lovelorn Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enamored*), Scaridy Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *afraid*), Wand of Wrath (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enraged*), Shield (SP:+5, Suit: Knights/Dragoons/Regulators/Skirmishers)

Consumables: Potions (25), Grand Potions (18), Tonics (0), Grand Tonics (1), Health Cores (1), Phoenix Essences (2), Remedies (9), Mead (14), Smelling Salts (17), Nostrums 15), Venoms (10), Deadly Venoms (7), Smoke Bombs (1) , Fire Bombs (1), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (14), Bones (13), Skeleton Decoys (1), Ambrosia (2), Mulled Wine (1), (1)Trial Brews (1), Ectoplasms (1), Level-Up Mushrooms (1)

Elements: Aquamarine (2), Emerald (1), Garnet (1), Opal (1), Ruby (1), Sapphire (1), Topaz (1), Diamond (2), Amethyst (2)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1), Scroll of Frailty (1), Scroll of Weakening (1)

Tools: Shovels (1), Pick-axes (2), Magic Compasses (1), Water Canteens (2), Magniscopes (1)

Quest/RP/Misc. items: Blue Rose (Invasion of Luosh) (1), Fifty Shades of Bley (1), Mythril Shards (1)

"It's over."

Masson Cour, 26 years old, Level 50.2 Paragon

HP: 70/70

SP: 5

Power Bonus: 5

Gold: 50

Equipment: Zandatsu (WP: 12, Longsword, suitable to Masson only, each succesful hit lowers target's Level/SP by 1) Syndicate Cowl Deluxe (SP: 5, Headwear, suitable to Masson only), Syndicate Uniform (+5 power, Bodywear), Quickdraw Sheathe (1/6 chance of starting every battle Hastened, Backwear), Wedding Ring (Immune to Enamored, Suitable to Masson only, cannot be dequipped, Accesory)

Inventory: Spare Dagger (WP: 8), Remedy x3, Grand Potion x3

"I can't believe we *wheeze* did it..."

Punii, Level 20.33 Alchemist

HP: 14/36

SP: 3

Equipment: Yellow Carapace (SP: 3, Backwear, cannot be dequipped, suitable to Punii only... Unless you want to skin him alive?), Tiny Tail (WP: 7, cannot be dequipped, suitable to Punii only... Unless you want to amputate it?)

Inventory: Health Core, Ether Core, Grand Tonic x2, Nostrum, Military Grade Light Bomb , Bad Breath

Armstrong speaks.

"We have a small row boat. We'll use ti to bring you to shore - no way I'm dropping anchor so close to that island, and the water is too cold to swim through."

The party soon finds themselves in a rowboat treading through frigid water. It quickly begins to fill up with snow, the party's feet getting cold in the tiny wodding vessel. before long, they find themselves stepping off the rowboat into knee deep, icy water.

"Good luck, heroes, and best of wishes."

Armstrong and Bruce begin to row back to the Excelsus as fast as they could as the heroes were left to their mission...

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

[interlude]

Meanwhile, in the plains of Uland, in the early morning...

"...and so he just went ahead and ate her soul, just like that. Isn't that something? What these mortals will do to each other."

The Master of Regret laughs, and glances back upon hearing only silence.

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes. In the north. The one who has taken your name."

"Oh, let's not get all hung up on names, darling. He's got a long lists of titles, I've got a long list of titles, it's no wonder some of them overlap. Here, tell you what, call me the Remorse from now on, clear things up."

She smiles and shakes her head in reverent disbelief.

"It's not that. I just was wondering: shouldn't we be there?"

"What for?"

"Just in case we need to direct things one way or another, you know."

"Oh you witches worry too much. What will come will come. If he wins, if he survives, then so be it! And if not, then so be that. Either way, I'll be content. What happens must happen."

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

Time passes. The party forges into the snowy wasteland, a blizzard raging overhead, clouding the heroes' visions and chilling them to the core.

They press onward through the chilling storm, lost within the shadow of the collosal Citadel. They soon find themselves in the middle of a large gathering.

Several dozen spear men, clad head to toe in armor, stand silently behind their apparent leader.

"Well, you're a pretty eccentirc group compared to us. A warden, a maiden made of wood, a painted lady, a tiny worm, a barbarian of some sort, a paladin, a paragon, and... Are you folks being stalked by a mannequin?

The name is Knox Bohrd. I'm guessing you're here to take Facade's treasure?"

Edited August 8, 2014 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"Karie, just... Tell me what you need to say as soon as you can, okay? We're heading to the isaldn, by the looks of things."

Karie's words begin to fail her as she stands looking off into the distance. She didn't want to tell him. She knew how he'd react, yet did she really have a choice.

"Masson. I need you to be rational about what I'm about to tell you. This Regret, from what we heard while we were with Octavyn... he somehow managed to get the designs for... it. I asked Octavyn to tell you after our date at the theatre so it wouldn't be on your mind, but I guess he didn't tell you. I should've told you sooner. I shouldn't of disappeared for six months."

Karie awaits the worst.

Edited August 9, 2014 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

Masson's arms fall limp at his sides, staring incredoously at his wife.

"You mean... You knew that... The Harvester was in the hands of that maniac Regret? You've known that this entire time, you knew he had the schematics, and you...?"

Masson turns away, and clenchs his fists. His voice is raspy and laced with sudden despair.

"I am so sick and tired of hurting those who I want to protect, those I loved and do love... Every single time, I try to prevent it, and what happens?! They die! First my parents, than my aunt and uncle, and then my cousin, and now it's going to be us, isn't it...? I wanted to stop. I hate hurting people. I hate it. I hated putting on this mask, every day, having to go to the furthest dreams just to do what I thought was right... I hated it when I looked at you, the woman I loved, and saw nothing but fear in your eyes. I wanted to stop hurting you, but I guess I can't stop, am I, huh?

And now, The Harvester is probably waiting for us in the Citadel..."

"I don't suppose my squad is intruding on a "moment", are they?" Remarks Knox nonchalantly.

Edited August 9, 2014 by Endgame

[The_Customizer]

"Knox, is it? Well, seeing as how you are quite a dull fellow, let me explain. Our sole purpose is not the treasure that the Regret has here, no, our goal is simply to kill the Regret, and if that includes saving your rears as you make a speedy escape from the Citadel, then so be it. But I will only say this once, leave me and my party alone." Erdathcath slams the butt of her handcannon firmly on the ground, "If its not clear, leave us alone. Or things might get a bit messy."

[Endgame]

"You mistake me for something I'm not. We're just two forces crossing paths. I bear you no ill will... Not yet, anyway. I have something of a rule. Half an hour of being a pacifist to new faces, assuming they play nice. Now, tell me, Druid, are you? Don't force my hand here." Knox shrugs.

"Now then. You call him The Regret, back where we're from, we call him Facade. In terms of personality, he's quite the chameleon."

Edited August 9, 2014 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Masson's arms fall limp at his sides, staring incredoously at his wife.

"You mean... You knew that... The Harvester was in the hands of that maniac Regret? You've known that this entire time, you knew he had the schematics, and you...?"

Masson turns away, and clenchs his fists. His voice is raspy and laced with sudden despair.

"I am so sick and tired of hurting those who I want to protect, those I loved and do love... Every single time, I try to prevent it, and what happens?! They die! First my parents, than my aunt and uncle, and then my cousin, and now it's going to be us, isn't it...? I wanted to stop. I hate hurting people. I hate it. I hated putting on this mask, every day, having to go to the furthest dreams just to do what I thought was right... I hated it when I looked at you, the woman I loved, and saw nothing but fear in your eyes. I wanted to stop hurting you, but I guess I'm can't stop, am I, huh?

And now, The Harvester is probably waiting for us in the Citadel..."

Karie moves closer to her boyfriend, and away from the party. She could deal with Knox shortly. Consoling her husband was a more important priority. Her voice is tender and soft, herself clearly upset.

"Masson, don't say that. It was my mistake for not telling you in person, and I feel horrible for not telling you sooner.

Do you remember what you offered me, back when I first joined, and you kissed me for the first time? A family. Something I'd been missing for what felt like an eternity. This isn't your fault honey; you need to stop blaming yourself. I know we started off awkwardly, but dwelling in the past never helped anyone. It never really helped me..."

Karie's mind meanders back to Cliff. She wonders if he'd approve of her actions with Masson. What was she thinking, of course he would!

"Masson, I'm scared for what's to come when we enter the Citadel... but we're a couple now. We can face this together. I didn't marry you because of the person you aren't; I married you because I love who you are."

She holds out her hand, just like in the HQ. She looked at her husband in worry.

[Endgame]

"...Thanks, Karie. I think I needed that, in a way.

And we are a family now. I hope we can start making an even larger one soon, but that's... For another time." Did Masson want kids?

Masson takes a deep breath and reclaims his composure, addressing Knox.

"So you're here for purely monetary gain, then, Knox?"

"When you put it that way... I suppose. Facade - or The Regret, as you call him from wherever the hell wood people, humans, and robots live together - never messed with me, personally, but rumors like that spread. He apparently imitated a wounded beast near the princess of a nearby kingdom to infiltrate the castle, and proceeded to singlehandedly lay waste to it, and abduct and kill everyone inside. I suppose he was called Facade due to how effortlessly he can assume a different personality.

I figured if he did stuff like that, he must have some pretty good stuff tucked away in his castle. So, here we are.

...Seriously, am I going mad? There is some machine stalking you guys, right?"

Edited August 9, 2014 by Endgame

[joeshmoe554]

"Not stalking them no, accompanying them would be more accurate. If you mean us no harm and have no intention of obstructing our mission to destroy the regret, or facade as you call him, than I expect we will have no quarrel between us. I should warn you though, the leader of this island seems intent on destroying all who set foot here. He will likely try to harm you and your men if he hasn't done so already."

[The_Customizer]

"If you bear us no ill will, nor shall we. As for the machine you are referring to, no he is not stalking us, he is in fact, one of our party. As for the matter of gold or other treasures here, it would seem the Regret or Facade, has done his best in trying to gather as many people to the island as possible, and then kill them all. We already fought off and killed one of his monsters, one of 12 which now surround this island, as such, I do not believe most of those who come here seeking treasures will actually be able to escape. I would ask you to join us, but you can choose to take a separate path if you so desire, I do not deny that the route we are taking will no doubt lead to the death of some, or many of us, but we have been summoned here to do the required deed to end the rule and tyranny of the Regret."

[Endgame]

"Not stalking them no, accompanying them would be more accurate. If you mean us no harm and have no intention of obstructing our mission to destroy the regret, or facade as you call him, than I expect we will have no quarrel between us. I should warn you though, the leader of this island seems intent on destroying all who set foot here. He will likely try to harm you and your men if he hasn't done so already."

"You can... speak? How? Pulley system or something? Ugh, makes my head hurt...

Anyway, yeah. I'm aware that Regret or Facade or whatever he is is probably pretty intent on murder. That's why I plan on stabbing him, several times." Knox shrugs.

"If you bear us no ill will, nor shall we. As for the machine you are referring to, no he is not stalking us, he is in fact, one of our party. As for the matter of gold or other treasures here, it would seem the Regret or Facade, has done his best in trying to gather as many people to the island as possible, and then kill them all. We already fought off and killed one of his monsters, one of 12 which now surround this island, as such, I do not believe most of those who come here seeking treasures will actually be able to escape. I would ask you to join us, but you can choose to take a separate path if you so desire, I do not deny that the route we are taking will no doubt lead to the death of some, or many of us, but we have been summoned here to do the required deed to end the rule and tyranny of the Regret."

"Remember my rule: half an hour of being a pacifist, then the rules of warfare more or less kick in. And one of those rules are that you sometime have to remove competition. No hard feelings, just fact.

Now, bit of advice: There are eight of you, seemingly thousands of hunters here, and they're all swarming to the front gate. Know what else is there? Big, inky, tentacle demons. So, from one treasure hunter to another: Avoid the front door. You're a puny group, and you would get ripped to pieces.

My advice? Go home. There isn't enough of you. But if you really need to regroup, forge Northwards... There was this old, abandoned, village up there that we camped out in for a night. Go there, collect yourselves, find your boat, and leave before someone kills ya."

"Your adivce about the *wheeze* village is seems good, but we're not leaving. We're *cough* on a mission."

"Suit yourselves, then."

Edited August 9, 2014 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"...Thanks, Karie. I think I needed that, in a way.

And we are a family now. I hope we can start making an even larger one soon, but that's... For another time." Did Masson want kids?

"It's alright, I understand." As Masson went to confront Knox, Karie questioned Masson's remark. Youth... was she ready? Karie takes out her magnifying glass and scans the horizon for the Citadel, and the village.

[Endgame]

"Lady, those things help you see traps, not see far. You'll be pleased to see that there are no landmines under us... Probably."

He was correct: No traps were hidden in the snow.

And a magnifying glass was not needed to spot the Citadel. Although the village couldn't be seen without the proper tool, shrouded in the blanket of blizzard snow, the Citadel demonated the horizon. Even now, it towered over them, the heroes lost in it's shadow.

"Must be at least a eighty floors, huh? Impressive place. Looks like a mountain."

"Looks like *wheeze* a hundred floors to me..."

[Kintobor]

OOC: I feel like an idiot.

Looking like an idiot, Karie sheepishly pulls out her telescope and scans the area, looking at the base of the Citadel and the village.

[Endgame]

"There you go! That's the spirit, Painted Lady." Remarks Knox, his voice as collected - and somehow, endearingly sarcastic - as ever.

Karie first looks at the easier target, the Citadel. She looked at the base of the fortress, the walls starting with grey rock and quickly transitioning into the solid, black walls. It seemed like the Citadel was quite literally carved out from a mountain.

Next was the Village. It was alrmingly close to the Citadel, but yet, it seemed relatively unpopulated. karie's sight was hazy, snow covering both the village and the telescope lens, but the Witch could tell the place was a relic of a bygone era... Old, abandoned, and dilapidated. It may still offer some shelter from the biting cold, however...

[Zepher]

"You seem like an honorable man, Knox. The name is Lord Lawrence Boomingham, King of the Lost Kingdom, Slayer of the Bluehood, King of the Des-" a gust of icy air whips through and Boomingham skips to the end: "hero who is actually worth something, too. Way I see it, if this Facade is really as scary as he sounds, you'll not be wanting to weaken your forces fighting us. I'm not looking to help you, and not expecting any help the other way around, but I don't see why things have to come to blows quite yet. I say we both take a big old stab at the Citadel, and the best man or men or collection of oddities wins the treasure."

[Endgame]

"Same to you, Lord Lawrence Boomingham, man of many titles.

Oh, trust me, I don't plan on fighting you, assuming we part ways peacefully. You still have about twenty minutes before my pacifism rule runs out.

Fair enough, Boomingham! I must ask you, though, to heed my advice. I'd hate to see a man of your honor and prestige - follow army men, we are, by the looks of it - die because of one wrong choice."

[Zepher]

Boomingham smiles. "I won't be dying, and if I do, well, I probably wasn't strong enough to go on living, and if it weren't here I'd be dying somewhere soon enough." Boomingham salutes the Knox. "Best of luck." He turns to Erdy. "What's the call, Captain? To the Citadel, or stop by the village first?"

[Kintobor]

"I want to check out that village, personally."

Karie says nothing else. Looking Knox and his army over she couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"Where did you say you were from again, general?"

[Endgame]

Boomingham smiles. "I won't be dying, and if I do, well, I probably wasn't strong enough to go on living, and if it weren't here I'd be dying somewhere soon enough." Boomingham salutes the Knox. "Best of luck." He turns to Erdy. "What's the call, Captain? To the Citadel, or stop by the village first?"

Knox returns the salute.

"I want to check out that village, personally."

Karie says nothing else. Looking Knox and his army over she couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"Where did you say you were from again, general?"

"I never told you. Am I really that unapproachable that you have to pretend that I "told" you something to ask a question? Awww... And I thought I was amiable. Maybe it's the helmet?

Anyway: Charis. Couldn't tell by my accent, huh?"

Edited August 9, 2014 by Endgame