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Organizers Note: For those categories in which a tie occurred, but all nominees only had one vote each, no winner or runner(s) up was declared. It's a long read so settle in. "Well folks here we are at last. After several delays due to scheduling conflicts, technical difficulties, and our inability to find an MC the night has finally arrived." "Everyone's out enjoying the get together, including all the big names in Heroica RPG. You're all in for a special treat tonight." "They are indeed, so how about we head inside, things should be starting real soon." "Good evening ladies, gents, creatures..." "You can't say that, Lind." "But Throlar, wha-?" "People don't like it, it sounds discriminatory." "But there's nothing wrong with it!" "You still can't say it." "*sigh* Very well. Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, beings of a generally ambiguous nature..." "Now you sound like you're trying to not say hermaphrodites. Or genderless, or something like that anyway. Not that there are any here that I can see. Correct me if I'm wrong." "We really need to update the Embassy..." "Why don't I start?" "Floor ceded." "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the second Quasi-Annual..." *Quasimodian Audience Member* "You can't say that! It's..." "Why do I even care anymore? Good evening, everyone and welcome to the second of the Randomly Generated-Annual Henrys Awards, where we all stand up here and hope that our good friend farmer MacDonald forgot to stalk his good tomatoes this year." "Stalk, as in...hunt? You know, as in they didn't get hunted down in the Fields, so all you have is good tomatoes to throw...at us..." "You're falling faster than a Scroll of Stone cast on a roc." "Fine, you take a turn." "Gladly, *Ahem!* Standing here, in front of this crowd, on this stage, on this chunk of rock that is continually traversing what I assure you are completely lifeless solar seas that swathe this verdant world..." "Look at him, all he needs is a pair of sunglasses and a glowstick." "...despite what others may say." "I was only talking to myself." "We, as the inhabitants of this world, have a task, nay, a duty to preform, to champion the cause of the week and helpless, to aid those in need, to seek out and destroy evil wherever it may be, in a word; to be heroes. But what are heroes you may ask? I will tell you, heroes are..." *Ten minutes later* "... And as the years trod slowly by, and we come to and from the Hall, we face the ever present question..." *Audience Member* "You mean, 'when are you going to shut up?'" "Sir! Such language!" "Errm, Lind, I think we'd better move on a bit." "But I haven't even started my dissertation on the nature of pylons yet.." "Sooo, We've really had a lot of great players lately." "Oh, to a certainty." "We've got the statistic geniuses..." "I still have no idea how Arthur lucked into both the Shadeaux Cape and the Tin Armor. Seriously, nice work there man." "The great roleplayers - Lord Bloomingham, Skrall, Nerwen, Heckz, Vindsval, Eric, good old Arthur again, the list goes on and on." "Pretty much the entire old crowd in general." "There are those we're sorry to miss, like Cronk." "I never met him." "Worse for you then. And of course we have some nice up-and-coming heroes too." "..." "I was expecting you to plug yourself there." "EVERYTHING. I DO AND HAVE DONE. WILL. Make sense. SOMEDAY." "Right, Mr. Shatner voice." "IT WILL." "*ahem* The weird." "Seriously - nice original idea with the symbiote stomach thing, Ezeran." "Reminds me of the Goa'uld." "Really?" "I don't know, kinda similar. Anyhow, nice tweak to your character." "Seconded." "And the disliked, you know, us." "Hey - the most important thing is the safety of the world. You can't beat that for importance. But yeah, we probably should take a course in inter-heroing relations." "Understand, we do know what it's like for you." "Like having to deal with Throlar's staunch refusal to bow to other people's opinion over his morals." "Like having to listen to Lind's endless talking." "Hey... Like having to quest with Throlar in R'kilf." "Like having to listen to a drunk Munchkin running about the Hall like a fifteen-year-old idiot babbling whatever comes into his mind." "You know, you have incredibly low standards for humor." "Okay, that's it. Elf ears, one thing, dwarf jokes are another." "Keep reaching for your humor, buddy." "Rrraaahhh!!!!" *Throlar and Lind are pulled off the stage in a whirlwind of blows and punches.* Two irritable looking women are pushed onstage as they slowly meander to the podium, both of them talking in hushed voices. "They want us to host? Just because we're minstrels?" "Pfft, at least the stuff backstage is free." The hosts make it to the podium as Karie moves to the mic. "Hello Heroica, feuding houses, and all you out there in internet land! My name is Karie Alderflask-Cour-" "And I'm Nerwen Calmacil!" "And we're your new hosts for the second Not-Annual Henry's Awards! A lot's happened in the years since the last one, including more quests, more antics, and more of me!" "We've seen the rise of the Wolfgang, the introduction and deaths of many prominent characters, and the rise of faction elements to the game. Multiple villains have been defeated (the Regret twice), people finally saw merit with siding with Ulric Wolfkin, and Arthur quit Heroica, although probably not for long. In honour of this, we will be playing an expertly crafted highlight reel showcasing the events that have.... *Producer* "...?! #%@&$! ...!" "...apparently we won't be showing a highlight reel because the producers mistook how many zeros were in the budget. Again. Instead, we've been asked to entertain you." "Don't get too excited folks, it's not that kind of entertainment." "You know it's hard for women in Heroica, the dozen of us, and I'm not just talking hard like Hoke's head or Atramor' abs or mmm, Eric'... , *Producer* "...?! #%@&$! ...!" "...ahem, sorry. And though there's been lots of new members, hello Calamity, Jinnifer and Annienal, any suggestion that they come second to heroes like Guts, Hybros, or even yourself Karie, should be laughed at." "But the same goes for our men. Considering how many teenage male human rogues we have in our hall, it's hard to stand out in a large crowd." "But our newer companions are not mere palette swaps. Oh, sorry there Leofwein. Huh? Alexandre? Oh. it's hard to see past these lights. Anyway, whether you're a bigfig like Skrall or Vindisval or short like Matthias or Grimwald, we've got a lot of people running around Heroica Hall, and the following awards are dedicated to the folks who stand out among a sea of particularly stand out people. Usually." "Well, let's get on with it. Here are the awards for the PC Category!" "Ahh, the thrill of acting...there is truly nothing quite like it. Of course, as any actor can tell you, every good character has a basis in truth--the trials and struggles of everyday existence, from child to elder, each day in front of the next. Each one of us has our own story to tell, whether pauper, prince, or king...but, as some stories are better than others, so too are some storytellers more skilled in transcribing their tales. This award celebrates those best at building such stories day by day--some tellers of two tales, others a master of the one they've chosen. But this year's winner tells two tales so different, they can hardly be recognized to spring from the same hand--and yet, both share a depth and reality that go far beyond the norm. Without further ado, this year's Henry for Best Role-player goes to..." Best Role-player Winner: Boomingham/Bobby (Zepher) with 3 votes Runners-up: Hybros/Jinnipher (JimB), Vindsval (Asphalt), Skrall/Boris (WBD), Karie/Annienal (Kintober) with 2 votes "Strategy is a neccesity in battle. There is no denying that. Whether the scale is on a full on siege on a castle or a drunken bar fight, if you don't have a strategy, you're done for. I've been in more than a few battles, and I've met more than a few strategists. One in particular stands out in my mind, and although he did some... questionable things, he deserves the award. The award for "Best Strategist" goes to..." Best Strategist Winner: Arthur (Flipz) with 9 votes Runner(s)-up: Atramor/Miderun (CallMePie) with 3 votes "Hello my fine ladies and you dashing gentlemen, you're all looking as dapper as ever. It has always been my passion to be this city's resident fashion expert and I must say that over these past years we have seen some... "interesting" trends. From custom cloaks, to racially insulting hats, you heroes certainly know how to make an impression. Some of you, no matter the weather, no matter the location, no matter the job, due such a marvelous job in keeping up the image of your fine organization, while others... well let's just say you're efficient. Now I'm here to present the award for best designed PC figure, you're lucky I'm not competing, but let's get on with it. We've got several nominations ranging from that ravaged hulking hero missing an arm to that ruffian of the high seas. Without further ado the winner is..." Best PC Figure Winner: Vindsal (Aspahlt), Purpearl (Purpearljellyblob), Kheyli (K-Nut) with 3 votes Runner(s)-up: Atramor (CallMePie) with 2 votes "I've been the matron of the Heroica Saloon for a long time. Probably too long, at this rate, hmph. And I've seen all sorts of people walk in and out of the doors of that hall. Spiderpeople, symbionts, undead, yetis, zealots, mages... I've learned how to tell if someone is interesting, original, trouble, or just plain boring from a mile away. You can usually tell by the bar tab and what they order, too. Fact of the matter is, I've seen hundreds of interesting and original characters in my life. Had to smack a couple around with my broom, too! And that makes me qualified to announce the award for "Most Original Character"..." Most Original Character Winner: Vindsal (Asphalt) with 7 votes Runner(s)-up: Heckz (Cutcobra) with 3 votes "Hey folks. Back at it against at the second not-even-almost-annual Henry's, huh? Well, this award goes out to the baddest of the badmegablockses, those who know when to hold them, when to fold them, when to shank a guy, and when to flee dramatically into the breaking dawn with a giant explosion framed in the background. Now, these sly rogues know what it means to be a true badass. One is a heavy drinker with some killer blades, loves ships, and has no patience for higher authorities..." "....and the other two aren't me, but they get an award for it? Damn thing must be rigged...well, their names are..." Most Badass Character Winner: Guts (Scubacarrot) with 6 votes Runner(s)-up: Atramor (CallMePie) with 4 votes "Efwew few yeawf fhewe-" Knife-Tongue coughs. "-fhewe awe awawf-" Knife-Tongue coughs loudly, and clears his throat. "Ah, there we are. The wonders of magic." "I was enlisted to distribute these questionably canon awards to a pair of fellow of infinite jest and whose comical antics and evidently entertaining quirks have touched, poked, or perhaps afflicted the largest volume of heroes that have determined that they should be recognized for their sheer absurdity. Why I of all people was chosen to issue these rewards remains incomprehensible but alas, I am no position to question the strange policies of the gods overseeing this odd event. But I digress and doubtless the crowd grows tired of my meandering point." "The first of these heroes is a man with a most disturbed fascination with himself and suffers hair gel fume-induced delusions of grandeur involving himself and the fancies of any and all women he encounters with even a semblance of beauty. The second is a half-elf that once found himself the travelling companion of a flaming skull that thus fostered an unhealthy social ambiance that he struggles to come to terms with while also seeking in vain the affections of those around him. Truly is Heroica the home to the greatest of champions. These two fellows are..." Most Humorous Character Winner: Heckz (Cutcobra) with 11 votes Runner(s)-up: Warlen (The Chosen Minifigure) with 3 votes "Name's Anwyl. Most of you heroes must know me - I'm the only smithy in Eubric who can give you authentic Darven-made weaponry. And yes, I am a dwarf. Just tall for my kind. see the beard? Not here to talk about that, though. I have to say - possible thanks to yours truly, heh heh - that some of you are armed to the teeth. A force of destruction in battle, able to handle any situation, just like any good hero should be. There's a couple who stand out in my mind, though, that have such good, well slected gear, I'd wager there isn't an enemy they can't beat. Now, if only he had a toupee in his inventory, haw! The winner for "Most Optimized Character" is..." Most Optimized Character Winner: Guts (Scubacarrot) with 11 votes Runner(s)-up: Atramor (CallMePie) with 2 votes "Greetings to viewers and spectators alike! I am the Dragonlord, one of the six Veterans of Heroica. Of course, I was not among the original six to establish our organization; that would be the noble warriors who put an end to the war in Ennon. There were veterans before myself, and there will be veterans after - our organzaition has lasted for more than two hundred years, and what a two hundred years it has been. I imagine some of you in the crowd have had their lives touched or made better by the hand of Heroica. That is why we are here. When you need an act of heroism, we are at your service. And for our organziation to persevere, we will require new heroes, new veterans, to join the cause and take lead. You have voted amongst yourselves about who you think is the future of our organization, and you have picked two very noble candidates, with only one vote setting them apart. Without further ado, the "Most Likely Character To Become A Veteran" is..." Most Likely Character to become a Veteran Winner: Hoke (UsernameMDM) with 4 votes Runner(s)-up: Nerwen (Chromeknight) with 3 votes "There are dangers in Olegaia, and the heroes of Heroica have dealt with a great many of them. But they have also shown themselves to be kind, and pure, and capable of not only defeating evil but fostering good. And what, in this world, is a greater good than love. Compassion between two individuals. Love comes in many shapes, many forms. Sometimes we are even reluctant to admit that we feel it, especially if we've got the old hardened heart of veteran warriors. But it does, in the end, touch us all. And it is, in the end, what we remember. So it is my great pleasure to announce the greatest love stories of Heroica and her heroes..." Best Relationship (Romantic, PC's or NPC's) Winner: Eric (Khorne) & Periwinkle (Sandy), Karie (Kintober) & Mason (Endgame), Tarn (Zepher) & Ella (Zepher) with 3 votes Runner(s)-up: Heckz (Cutcobra) & Heckz (Cutcobra), Nessa (herrJJ) & Karie (Kintober) "Dad! I'm fine! The dress is bad enough! Sometimes, Dad..." The Ace Assassin quickly adjusts her hair, then rushes out into place as if nothing had happened. "*Ahem.* Well. They're telling me I need to talk about relationships? Antagonistic ones?" Diana smirks. "Yeah, I know a little about those. On my first Quest, there was this pair of Mages, a Rogue, and a Ranger--that last one turned out alright, though, once he got his head on straight. The point is, sometimes the most powerful relationships, the kind people remember the most, are the ones between people at each others' throats. Or arms, as the case may be--these winners are pretty hardcore. Some may technically be my enemies, but they back up what they believe in, no matter who they have to fight--even if it's each other. I can respect that. Their ends justify their means, and in this case it means a nice shiny trophy; the Henry for Best Antagonistic Relationship goes to..." Best Relationship (Antagonistic, PC's or NPC's) Winner: Karie (Kintober) & Mason (Endgame) & Boomingham (Zepher) with 4 votes Runner(s)-up: Throlar (Lord Duvors) & Eric (Khorne) with 3 votes "Howdy all! The great warrior Russel Ruffers reporting in! And I'm accompanied, as always, by my great steed and ally the incomparable Sir Pigley. Say hello, Pigley!" "Hello." "He's shy in front of crowds, though heavens know he loves the theatre! Remember that time you acted in a play, Pigley?" "I do. It was a great achievement." "It was! Though Pigley and I see the world in a different way, we're still the fastest of friends. We've been here and there, fought dogs and the undead together! And we're better off for it. Nothing makes friends like facing off against the worst of odds and knowing that you're best of pals has your back. Not that Russel Ruffers would lose to anyone... but it's always nice to have Pigley along. And you heroes know that too. Through thick and thin, you're all the best of friends, even when you bicker and blow each other up with bombs. So, the best friends of Heroica are..." Best Relationship (Platonic, PC's, or NPC's) Winner: Nyx (Pandora) & Boomingham (Zepher) with 3 votes Runner(s)-up: Guts (Scubacarrot) & Hybros (JimB), Annienal (Kintober) & Vindsval (Asphalt) with 2 votes] "HELLO! MY NAME IS SORSHA AND I HAVE THE HONOUR OF ANNOUNCING THE WINNER FOR-" *Audience Member* "Don't shout into the mic!" "UMMM... I HAVE THE HONOUR OF ANNOUNCING THE WINNER FOR THE MOST MEMORABLE-" A halfling man walked onstage, grumbling as he did so. He grabbed the mic from the podium and stormed offstage with it. Sorsha watched for a moment before returning to her speech, her booming voice filling up the hall. "OKAY, I HAVE THE HONOUR OF ANNOUNCING THE WINNER FOR THE MOST MEMORABLE PARTY. I'M NOT REALLY ONE FOR SPEECHES, BUT I CAN SAY THAT HALF OF THE QUESTS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED WOULDN'T BE AS INTERESTING IF IT WEREN'T FOR HEROES COMING TOGETHER IN TIMES OF NEED, OR, UM, SOMETIMES A LACK OF COMING TOGETHER AND STUFF, AND THIS AWARD IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT! IT WAS A UNANIMOUS LANDSLIDE AS TO WHICH PARTY WAS THE MOST DYNAMIC AND ENTERTAINING TO FOLLOW, WHICH KIND OF SHOWS SOMETHING ABOUT HOW DYNAMIC THIS GROUP WAS. THE WINNER FOR MOST MEMORABLE PARTY IS..." Most Memorable Party Winner: Quest 100 with 8 votes Runner(s)-up: None "Hola, heroes. Good to see you all again. You all know me! Johnny Everyman." Johnny points to himself. "Scholar, lover, you know the drill. Anyway, seems they hired me to tell y'all what you did that was hilarious. See, I think most everything you heroes do is hilarious. We're always having laughs, me and you, you and that other hero, someone at your expense. Anywho, I think heroes are a pretty funny bunch. But, you know, some of you are funnier than others. So, here we go..." Most Humorous Moment Winner: Nose Incident in Quest 121 with 3 votes Runner(s)-up: Vindsval putting Lind in the corner in the Hall and Karie Seducing the Rogues in Quest 93 with 2 votes "Roll film!" *Sigh* well here we are again folks, it's a miracle we even ended up doing another one of these things. I don't know what all the hype is about, it's been a rather tragic few years if you think about it. I mean, Eubric is on the verge of total chaos, we've seen coups, tragic deaths, suffering, torture, treachery, and all out continental wars. *Sobs* I've been asked to present the award for the most tragic moment over the past few years, from the death of a little girl, to the senseless slaughter of hundreds in a war, to the loss of a dear friend in a most distressing fashion, you heroes have had to go through a lot. *Sigh* well let's get to the winners, through really what sort of "winners" are they?" Saddest Moment Winner: Jules' Death in Quest 129 with 4 votes Runner(s)-up: Ending of Quest 116 with 3 votes "I guess we have a clip to show for that." "I'll start by stating the obvious: life is full of memorable moments. I've had many. Some were great. Some... Well, they simple weren't. Remembering the good and the bad is how you build yourself up as a person and carry on. But that's not what I'm here to talk about. There are better spoken and more experienced people to talk about the happy and the sad. There are moments that leave you utterly dumbfounded and confused. They occur, it takes a few minutes to sink in, and even then your mind is still kind of reeling. Not good, not bad, and just to sum it up in a couple of syllables... "Huh? What?" Yes, I'm talking about those all-too-memorable and far too baffling "WTF" moments. Heroes getting sex changes by accident, parasites emerging out of someone's neck, meeting an older brother that you somehow had even though you were under the impression all of your family was dead, unstoppable forces barging in during the middle of a battle... They make you stop, think, and double take. They are worthy of rewards, if only because of how much our mind refuses to come to grips with them at the time. The most "WTF Moment" award goes to..." Most WTF Moment Winner: Ending of Quest 129 with 2 votes Runner(s)-up: None "Roll the tape!" <Hello heroes. It is my genuine pleasure to see you all again! Do not think that Sir Earl Poletad has forgotten about you. Who could ever forget the brave heroes of Heroica? No one! You have swayed lives, from that a small frog to those of a whole nation. When the history books are written, you will be in them, each and every one of you. Brave warriors, cunning brains, kind hearts. All of your deeds are heroic to me. But those that will be remembered the most are..." Most Memorable Moment - Poletad Winner: Ending of Baltarok Trilogy with 6 votes Runner(s)-up: Ending of Quest 100 with 2 votes "Apparently we have a full blown trailer to show for you folks!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The pit orchestra swells as two familiar hosts walk back onstage, still beaming their plastered on smiles to the crowd. Karie laughs uncomfortably as she approaches the mic. "That brings us to our half time show, and since our previous hosts are currently still involved in a bout of fisticuffs, we've been given the honour of pulling this next segment out of our as-" "As we were saying before, Heroica wouldn't be the same without its cast of characters, each vying for time to shine and the space blurt an elaborate backstory to their fellow questmates in a rambling wall of text. But we wouldn't get that chance unless there were people behind the scenes, pulling all the strings and setting up battles and puzzles, handing out loot and expy like Double Rainbow and books on Harlotry. Which reminds me, we haven't seen Alexis lately, wonder who's next to pick up that class? As long as it's not Pretzel eh?" "Agreed. But not all experiences and loot is good. Let's not forget the legendary Healing Staffs and how they managed to completely ruin the lives of QMs everywhere, and nothing else. Well, except undead. Speaking of, how exactly do Sorrow and Boris manage to heal themselves if they're undead? Wouldn't that hurt them more?" "Apparently they're the right sort of undead. So, these next awards are all about those QMs and everything they do to help make this game what it is. So take it away..." What a wonderful world we live in. Many grand cities, many grand sights, I, the great Guffington have seen quite a bit of it after all. But it wouldn't be possible without the ingenuity and imagination of the most fantastical of mortals. The best of the best, so when it comes to the great artists who have given life to this place we call home, what better way to express our gratitude than to declare them creators of the Best Scenery and Photography..." Best Scenery/Photography Winner: Sandy with 14 votes Runner(s)-up: WBD with 4 votes Ummm... so they told me I was supposed to talk about "NPC design" I think it has something to do with all the great cultures and people in Olegia I guess. So I haven't had much travel experience, but I've got to imagine there's some pretty weird and strange folks out there. I mean dragons are pretty cool... well are dragons people? Oh and those blue folks from out east, talk about class. Well that's probably enough about that, how about we see who the winners are?" Best NPC Figure Winner: Council of the Blue Hand with 2 votes Runner(s)-up: None "Doesn't matter what it is, whether it's a quest or an automaton, to get something working properly. Mechanics aren't an easy thing to design. So when someone comes up with something truly new, unique, and workable, it should be given the respect it deserves. That's why the reward for "Best game Mechanic" is going to go to...." Best Game Mechanic Winner: Mobs (WBD) with 11 votes Runner(s)-up: Grid Battle in Quest 112 (BrickDoctor) with 2 votes A crash is heard on the roof as ceiling tiles and rafters fall from above and onto the stage. Two draconic heads poke down from the holes in the roof. "Apologies in advance for the ceiling. I never really grasped how small human dwellings were until today..." "But we have other revealations for you today than that of my brother's. My borther and I prided ourselves on our skills in battle. My borther is among the best hunters to live, and I am among history's most infamous conquerors." "Our wings have carried us into a thousand battles, and carried us out victorious a thousand more. And yet, it was to your organization - a group of rag-tag, idealogically opposed humanoids - that brought the both of us down. Human tenacity is something to be commended." "Needless to say, we are no foreigners to the battlefield, and neither are you. There is one battle in your recent history that we are pleased to announce has won the award of Best Battle. A strong force of heroes pitted aainst a stronger force of enemies - villains and allies alike joining the fray, before the heroes slaughter the last of their foes and make an explosive exit..." "The award for best battle goes to..." Best Battle Winner: Final battle of Quest 129 (CallMePie) with 5 votes Runner(s)-up: Rat Slog Battle of Quest 68 (Zepher) with 2 votes Dain Almight attempts to take the stage, but finds it swarmed with clean-up crews and decides to make his announcement from off to the side. "What you heroes do in quests and battles is a bit similar to what I do as alchemist. Do something wrong or use the wrong thing, and it'll blow up in your face. Literally, in my case. And that is why you need the right item for the task! You heroes and your bag of holding are so throughly stuffed with items by now - some are btter than others, of course. Now, the question is... Which item is considered the best? The answers lie in this envelope! Let use see... The rsults for the award of "Best Item" are..." Dain opens the envelope in his hands, looks at the piece of paper within, before a look of confusion passes over his face. "Uh. It's completely blank. Is this a clerical error? It isn't? Oh... Ahem. Well then." Best Item Winner: None Runner(s)-up: None Marching in from off stage came a red headed man, his hair immaculately neat, the overpowering odour of his cologne filling the first few rows of seats. He finished grooming his moustache and goatee as he confidently stood in front of the podium, smiling confidently, the microphone clasped under his arm. "*ahem* Good evening ladies and gentleman! For those of you who are unaware, my name is Lieutenant Paolo of the Watch!" The lieutenant gives a hearty and welcoming salute to the audience. "I have been given the privilege of bestowing this years award for the Best Friendly NPC award to one lucky individual. Heroes drive a quest forward, and their actions dictate the direction of an adventure, but they wouldn't get very far if there weren't individuals who helped push said heroes in the right direction. These individuals, or "Friendly NPCs" as some like to call them, sometimes don't even have much screen time, but still have the ability to impact heroes with their own decisions, actions, and personalities; and the following award is dedicated to the créme of the crop, the Friendly NPC who was the most engaging, interesting, or all around likeable. Ladies and gentleman, without a moments delay, the winner for Best Friendly NPC is..." Best Friendly NPC Winner: Illidria (CallMePie) with 3 votes Runner(s)-up: Punii (Endgame), Guffington (Zepher), Sandman (Endgame) with 2 votes "Hello, heroes! I regret to tell you that I must take my leave from this city for the time being, but I couldn't resist the chance of making a guest appearance here at the Henrys. Consider yourselves honored, heh heh... Heroica has run into their fair share of opposition in these past four years. Chaotic witches, corrupted admirals, fiendish golems, conspirators, conqeurors, crustaceans, and mind-flayers, just to name a few examples. All stood in the way of heroes. Some failed and met their end. Others lived to tell the tale, as some of you may remember! What is a hero without a villain? Homeless, most likely, but also meaningless. And we have a fair share of great vilains on the ballot. As for runner ups... We have that wretched Ulric, an ebony dragon who I had the displeasure of facing once before - we called it a draw after we nearly ripped each other to shreds - and myself. Which villain has risen above the elite and is considered the Best Villanois NPC Heroica has ever faced? I hardly think I need to build more suspence. The Best Villanous NPC is..." Best Villainous NPC Winner: Melville (CallMePie) with 3 votes Runner(s)-up: Baba (Sandy), Ulric (Sandy), Vorpalis (Endgame) with 2 votes "Commander -- I mean, heroes, our intelligence sources indicate that previously unknown entities often attempt to undermine Heroica field operations. We believe that these Voices in the Sky harbor some sympathies for...misguiding...the heroes and are intent on surprising you with new technology and artifacts at moments critical to your quests. Early reports indicate that this is pretty awesome to watch from the sidelines. We have isolated the sources of the best of these, the winners of the Henry award for Best Plot Twist..." Best Plot Twist Winner: Ending of Quest 118 (Flipz), Ending of Quest 120 (Sandy) with 2 votes Runner(s)-up: None "Remember, heroes, we will be watching." The pages of black book turn all by their own, and a black hand emerges, pulls the microphone a bit closer, and speaks. "So. Here's how the quest process works. Someone encounters a trouble. They write up a notice, pin it on the questboard, and give the heroes some time to sober up and sign up. After that, the heroes go on all sorts of fantastic and whimsical and deadly adventures. But who is it that helps record all of them down? Well, myself and Byblos. And I gotta say, probably my favorite part of the job. Y'know why? I love stories. I'm a book, for Ennoc's sake, could you expect anything different? So when the heroes come back and tell me all the daring adventures and interesting people they've met, I'm practically enthralled. I have a few personal favorites out of the bunch. But it was you voting, not me, although I must say you all have excellent taste in literature based on the results. The runner-up is a tale of forbidden love, right and wrong, betrayal, vigilantism, and weird worm looking things. The story that tops it? A foreign land, a myriad of characters, and all of the freedom the world has to offer... The award for Best Single Quest goes to..." Best Single Quest - Bookmark Winner: Quest 130 (Sandy) with 5 votes Runner(s)-up: Quest 70 (Endgame) with 3 votes "Greetings - I'm Byblos, the librarian for Heroica. As my... I suppose he's an assitant - Bookmark stated, it is our responsbility to record the adventures of the champions of Heroica. And I would agree that it is among my favorite duties. Bookmark typically just records them and views them as singular stories, though - when a lot of times, this isn't the case. Olegaia is a vast world, and many of its stories are intertwined. It is my job to arrange and achive the records of what we have been told. Sometimes I delve into them and read them all the way though - to see how we have affected history and how the people and heroes have changed. They're all fascinating arcs, really. And I must agree that the one voted to first place truly is a fantastic trilogy. The reward for the "Best Story Arc" goes to..." Best Story Arc - Byblos Winner: Baltarok Trilogy (Zepher, CallMePie, WBD) with 6 votes Runner(s)-up: Wolfgang Arc (Sandy) with 2 votes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 minutes of Lind and Throlar staring angrily at each other "This is pointless." "You're right." "The past is the past, and that can't be changed, especially if we dwell on past mistakes." "Changing and growing and improving is something that has been part of this game for years." "And that's why we're here tonight, to celebrate how much this this game, and you wonderful people, have improved over the years, and how much we hope you'll improve over the years to come." "So here's to you, and all the years that have passed, and to the hope that this little game of ours will continue for many more years, *cough* Despite what Sandy says. *cough*" "I might have something for that..." "Lind, now is not the time to talk about Heroica GAtS" Nerwen and Karie return to the stage. "Hello boys, glad to see you two straightened things out, but we really have a show to finish." "Well we figured we might close things down." "Oh sweetie, Karie and I did not just spend these past few hours putting this show together on the fly and not do the finale. Now how about you and Throlar go have a seat down front?" "But..." The pair receive an icy glare from the two minstrels and decide it's better to comply. *To the tune of Les Misérables's "One Day More"* "One quest more, Another quest another destiny. This never-ending road to become OP These guys who seem to know my past Will surely learn the truth at last! One quest more." "I was broke before I joined Where would I be without my hubby? "One quest more." "Why are certain groups always rejoined? What happened to good company?" "One quest more!" "One more quest till my next job class, It'll make me so OP! I will join the high tiered heroes. They'll rejoice so jovially! "One quest to a brand new weapon!" "Raise those expectations high!" "Find a buddy to vote for king!" "Go destroy a powerful ring!" "There's some new loot for the victors!" "There's some new gold to be won!" "Do you hear the heroes sing?" "My place is here! I fight, with you!" "One quest more!" "Throw a potion here, Catch them as they fall! Never know your luck, when there's a PvP!" "Tomorrow we'll be far away Unless the Sign Ups are delayed! "Tomorrow we'll discover what our wily Quest Master has in store. One more job One more day One quest more!" "Good night, Eubric!" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On behalf of the Henrys Planning Committee: Thank you, thank you, thank you. A lot of work went into this event to make it better and even more memorable than last time. There are so many people to thank, from those of you who wrote speeches, to those who organized, to those who offered needed criticism, to everyone who voted, to Sandy, and of course to all of you who have made this game possible over the years. The Henrys will hopefully become an annual event to cut back on the humongous number of quests we had to go through. For those of you who won an award we have a special reward for you down below that can be added to one of your characters inventory. Thanks again and may the next few years be even better than the past ones. - WBD, Zepher, Flipz, & Endgame Henry Award - (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound)