Heroica RPG - Quest #136: The Sorcerer's Stone

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak looks down at the dead weresnake,

"And I thought you smelt bad before..."

He then turns to the heroes,

"There's no way out of this, lads, we have to fight. After this, we deal with the stones once and for all."

[samurai-turtle]

"He's not your son" says Na'im bluntly "And you would do well to remember that before you start prioritising your own happiness over the lives of hundreds Elnath Van Cleef." nonetheless Naim walks over slowly to Toren and attempts to heal him

Germ skilfully discharged his throwing knife at the rope and releases the bind on Toren. Toren free falls and quickly falls flat onto the mud. A swirled blur swiftly moves over Toren and every muscle in his body tensed. The party is unable to ascertain if Toren is alive or not given the huge distance between Toren and the party.

A blade of cold steel suddenly slices through the weresnake's head and down the body, splitting it into halves.

"Manned up and finally grown a sack of your own, weresnake, unlike the sackless, coward Fenarian Prince." he asked incredulously. General Oswain's eyes then twitched at the party, "Which one of you criminals is next?"

"What a disgrace! Fenarians and Heroes now hide behind a lowly maiden as a meat shield? How weak! One of my captains can take all of you down alright!" General Oswain exerts his aura, and the ground shakes, frightened.

Na'im, Why are you taking your time? Keep me covered. Germ rushed to Toren to retrieve him.

Hey, I wanted to kill that "snake".

Funny I did not think we were playing "Hide & Go Seek". How about we lay "Tag" instead? And you can be "It".

What are we doing? I am find "running" or "fighting".

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Thats a naieve way if looking at things miss Polly. If the trouble we have been through to catch them is any indicator, then these weresnakes are exceptionally cunning and stealthy, and it would not surprise me if they were able to evade both the Fenari and the Star elves even if they had the blue Nerkastone in their scaly hands. Come on now, you and I both know are just making up excuses for us to save Toren now."

"He's not your son" says Na'im bluntly "And you would do well to remember that before you start prioritising your own happiness over the lives of hundreds Elnath Van Cleef."

"If you have someone that you can call family, you would be different. If I were to adopt a son and daughter right now, I would choose Toren and Polly over everyone else. Ever since I came across the Blue Nekrastone, it is hard to find someone that you can trust a hundred percent and I can say I am blessed to have found two. Now that Toren is safe and that weresnake got what he deserves, I feel like I have been saying this many times, the Blue Nekrastone and Shadir's seal needs to be returned."

"We already have hundred of elves' blood on our hands when we tried to break out Eckmar, it is time to prioritise my own happiness to prevent more bloodshed and we all know we cannot eight of us cannot defeat an elf army of that size and calibre." Elnath points to the horizon and the Star Elf army extends beyond that. Leading at the front are Rosarte-Quayle and Ehrmantrout, riding high on their horses.

"Oh dear, Heroes. Crimes of genocide. I wonder what is it in you to side with the Fenarians? Have it occurred to you that these Fenarians might be making use of you all these while, they help you track down the Brown Nekrastone and end up taking it for themselves? Or are they possibly eyeing for our Blue Nekrastone as well?"

"Just because they speak softly and reason with you? You must be blind."

nonetheless Naim walks over slowly to Toren and attempts to heal him

Na'im, Why are you taking your time? Keep me covered. Germ rushed to Toren to retrieve him.

Na'im and Germ approach Toren, but the swirled blur that hovers over Toren prevents the Heroes from getting anywhere near.

Oswain caught sight of this, and pulls the reins on the beast as hard as he could. The beast rockets towards Na'im and Germ, as Oswain raises his twin blade over his head, ready to strike. However, Oswain's eyes seem to be focused at something behind Na'im and Germ, but as the two Heroes thought their lives are imminently over, they shut their eyes tight and held their breath, preparing themselves for impending death. One second passed, and nothing happens. As the Heroes open their eyes, they find themselves wholly intact and standing right infront of them, Eckmar, now hoisting The Manipulator against the charging Oswain. The beast and Oswain weighs heavily on Eckmar and soon the fenarian general is brought down to his knees from Oswain's sheer raw power.

"How many innocent lives are you going to take, Oswain?"

"Open your eyes, Eckmar. You have gotten really weak and you are an embarrassment."

"Rosarte-Quayle, Ehrmantrout, on guard! She is here and the rest must be nearby! Leave no one with scales and anyone that sides with them alive!"

Na'im blinks in surprise as General Oswain's men close in on them "That is General Oswain the man we fled halfway across Spelesia to escape?" Na'im sizes up the general "Look closely...He has that air about him...well fed, pampered. This man has lived his whole life within the comfort of the dome, drip fed on Star elf proporganda and now...now he cannot wait to unleash his vengance upon Fenario, given all the horror stories he has been told about the Fenari. We cannot let him intimidate us."

"I don't have much of a stake in this with either side," Kiray starts, "but right now the city we're under attack. Oswain has been a bit of pain in the rear. The best thing would be to take all the Nekrastones away, but right now, let's stop this murderous elf."

"Yes, I have been blessed by the Queen and the Gods, and I shall enact punishment at those who dare to steal from the Star Elves and the Guardians. Fenarians and Heroes collude in Spesialia, and now I shall wreck havoc in Fenario. Simply, do to others what others will do to you."

"You crossed our borders, now get out of here!" Eckmar and Oswain seem to be locked between swords and lances, but Eckmar seems to be getting overwhelmed by Oswain, already sweating on the ground.

"I am tasked to retrieve the two nekrastones, do not even think you can lay your hands on any one of them." Oswain raises his head at Lord Fenari,

"The golden boy who never looks down. Still as haughty as ever." Lord Fenari hums intermittently.

Oswain then narrows his eyes at Lord Fenari then exerts more force at Eckmar,

"Angmar, the only foe I never underestimate. Eckmar, stand in my way again between the Brown Nekrastone and I and I will shatter that shield and that armour of yours! Now move aside, Eckmar!"

How would the Heroes respond?

The Party

Miderun (CallMePie), The Woman Who Killed Sean Cole *Party Leader*

18 year old Female Orc Barbarian

Level 16.5 *Attacks cause Enamored*

Power: 29 (13+16)

Power Bonus: 6 (3 in back row)

Health: 21/23 (8+15)

Gold: 458

Equipment: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, 1/6 chance of dealing the infected-effect, causing an enemy to lose health equal to 1/3 of their level rounded down at the end of each round, club), Seductive Perfume (Holder deals the enamored-effect, accessory, suitable for women), Lesser Orc Gauntlets: +6 power on the front row, +3 on the back, handwear, suitable only to orcs)

Inventory:

Weapons: Bonaparte Cutlass (WP: 9, doubled if the user has reputation among the Bonapartes), Club (WP:5, Club), Serstyral (WP: 3, axe), War Axe (WP: 9, suitable for suitable for barbarians, alchemists, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Lucustoid Axe (WP: 3), Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, 1/6 chance of dealing the slowed-effect, throwing weapon), Axe (WP:5)

Artifacts: Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear, suitable for anyone), High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women.), Loincloth of the Ancient (SP: 3, Absorbs Earth, footwear), Vest of Faded Trials (SP:8, 1/2 chance of granting reinforced effect at the start of every battle, Immune to Fragile; Suitable for Knights, Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, Regulators, Vindicators; bodywear and headwear), Twizty's Mystery Box (Traps a fraction of the demon's soul in the box; Deals 666 Dark damage OR Poisoned +6, Bleeding +6 OR Cursed effect to opponent, determined by a dice roll. Usable every 6 rounds in a quest. Accessory)

Gems: Opal

Consumables: Mermaid Scale (Increase SP by 1 for the duration of one battle; consumable), Phoenix Essence, 3 Potion, Mead, Grand Potion, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target), Grand Tonic, 7 Venom, Smoke Bomb, Health Core, Orcish Grog (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects to greenskins, but encouraged- and jinxed-effects to others for one battle, consumable.), 4 Gold Bar (A bar of gold, value: 50 gold)

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Deputy Party Leader*

24 year old Female Human Black Knight

Level 19.5 *Immune to Light, Darkness**Deals Bleeding +2, Double damage to Demonic Foes**Half Damage from Free Hits*

Power: 35 (10+19+6)

Power Bonus: 6

Defense: 21 (10+11)

Health: 23/37 (10+18+9)

Gold: 267

Equipment: Smith’s Katana (WP:10, Darkness elemental, Deals Bleeding +2), Orcish Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Never Blessed Armor (SP: 10, Immune to Darkness, Light, and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Demons, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers), Spesialian Spiked Pauldrons (Damage from Free Hits is halved; accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons and Shields: Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Two Fanged Orcish Shield (SP: 7, Immune to Darkness, Shield Bash Replaces Meditate), Spesialian Shield (SP:6, Immune to Blinded, Shield), Greatsword (WP: 5), Wolfhead Aegis (SP:5, enemies that hit the user become afraid, suitable for anyone with Wolfgang reputation; shield.)

Artifacts: Snug Armor (SP: 5, Cannot be De-Equipped, Suitable to all classes that use shields, body wear), Fishy Scale Mail (SP: 6, wearer absorbs water-elemental damage as health, immune to Fire; suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers, and regulators, body wear), Never Blessed Helmet (SP: 8, Immunity to Blinded, Doomed and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Holy Enemies, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers),

Gems: Diamond, Emerald

Consumables: 3 Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Nostrum, Ambrosia, Mead, Smelling Salts, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), Smoke Bomb, 4 Bone, Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Mead, Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Dragon Scale, 4 Fire Bomb, 4 Venom, Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Noxious Venom, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target), Grating Stone, Grand Potion, Dirt Bomb, Floral Bomb, Ice Bomb, Water Bomb

Tools: Bedroll, 2 Shovel

Bobby "Young" Bucks Jr. (Zepher), Champion of Azazot

19 year old Male Human Rogue

Level 14 *Immune to Cursed**Attacks cause Enamored**Doubles Gold stolen*

Power: 31 (14+11+3-13*+16)

Defense: 3

Health: 23/25 (13+7+2*-13*+16)

Ether: 3 (-13*+16)

Gold: 159

Equipment: Hue and Saturation whip (WP:11; causes Enamored), Nondescript Cape (SP: 3; protects from Cursed effect; suitable for rogues; backwear), Zoot's Mask of Transmorgrifier (WP+3, Power +16, Health +16, Ether +16, doubles amount of Gold stolen, allows wearer assume disguise to any known races in Olegaia to swindle gain their trust, cannot be disequiped, accessory)

Inventory: Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear.), Nice Boots (SP: 1, Footwear: Immune to Earth and Darkness), Fine-tuned Flute (WP:15, user is nimble; instrument), Dagger (WP:5, Dagger), 2 Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Mugger's Mask (Head-wear, wearer cannot have gold stolen from them), Spesialian Helmet (SP:2, SP:4 if wearer’s Star Elf, Health +2, Power +2, Suitable for anyone; headwear), Raw Horsehide, 5 Potion, 3 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Health Core, 2 Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Shovel, Pickaxe, Sapphire, Pixie Dust, Skeleton Decoy, Health Core, Totally Dope Hair Gel (Power +3 when consumed.), Amethyst

Na'im Thamir (Enceladus), Scourge of Azazot

2,314 year old Male Fenarian Cleric

Level 10.5 *1/2 chance to double damage/healing output on successful attack**+3 health at the end of each round*

Power: 13 (10+3)

Health: 18/18 (9+9)

SP: 2

Ether: 18/19 (9+5+5)

Gold: 0 (90 gold to Bobby)

Equipment: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:8, 1/2 chance to double damage/healing output on successful attack; Broomstick), Badge of the Smokemaster (Max. Ether +5; User can spend 5 ether in each battle to make the whole party flee; suitable to classes with ether; accessory), F.I.B. Malleable Mask (SP: 2, Regenerates 3 health at end of every round; soul-bound to Na'im, accessory)

Inventory: Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear.), Fenarian Fedora (Max. health +5, Max. ether + 5; suitable for Fenarians; headwear.), Scroll of Sealing (Enables casting the sealed-effect to the target, making them unable to use a special skill for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, 2 Tonic, Grand Tonic, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness (Enables casting the blinded-effect to the target, making them unable to use a physical attack for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether; Loaned from Germ), Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Skeleton Decoy, 3 Hexed Idol (Causes the Hexed-effect to one humanoid enemy, making it act against an ally instead of the heroes for one turn. Breaks after one use.)

The Demon Germ (Samuraiturtle)

??? years old Male Half Demon Rogue

Level 12 *Immune to Darkness*

Power: 22 (12+8+2)

Defense: 3 (1+2)

Health: 18/20 (7+11+2)

Gold: 143

Equipped: Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Spesialian Helmet SP:2, SP:4 if wearer’s Star Elf, Health +2, Power +2, Suitable for anyone; headwear), Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone)

Weapons: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP:3), Shuriken (WP:5), Charred Longsword (WP:10 1/6 chance of breaking whenever used, longsword), Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Kobold Dagger (WP: 4, dagger)

Gear / Armor: Red Shield (SP: 8)

Gems / Scrolls: -

Consumables: Level-Up Mushroom, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Deadly Venom, 3 Remedy, Noxious Venom, Smelling Salts, Skeleton Decoy, Human Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from humanoid enemies during one battle unless he is the last hero standing; consumable.)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Others: Gold Ring (worth 15 gold, or can be given to someone else to make them Enamored with the giver), Gold Bar (A bar of gold. Value: 50 gold)

Decamon Cards: Will-o'-Wisp (Fiery 1); Carrion Squirrel (Dark 1) ; Glow Worm (Luminous 1)

Quest Items: Prison Master Key (A key to open any locked doors in the prison, Quest item)

Mhinak (Goliath)

40 Year Old Male Dwarf Ranger

Level 8 *Aligned with The Guardians*

Power: 20 (8+8+4)

SP: 4

Health: 13/17 (7+6+4)

Ether: 4

Gold: 229

Equipment: Red Handcannon (WP: 8), Anniversary Medal (Power +4, SP +4, Max. Health +4, Max. Ether +4. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year; accessory.)

Inventory: Wooden Hand Cannon (WP: 3), Gauntlets of the Legionnaire (Power:+5, Immune to Petrified, handwear), Dwarven Portable Catapult (WP:10, double damage to enemies visibly larger than the user; throwing weapon), Insignia of The Guardians (Grants the Diplomacy job trait, suitable for Mhinak only; accessory), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, no longer flameproof; bodywear, suitable for anyone; Loaned from Kiray), 2 Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, and Telescope [Left Eye], Merman Stylish Gel (Deals Enamoured effect to female gender; consumable), Skeleton Decoy, Saucepan (Allows user to regain 5 health outside of battle 5 separate times. Can be used by multiple people. 4/5 uses left)

Inki The Panther Warrior *Takes suggestions from Mhinak*

1 Year Old Panther Cub

Level 5

Health: 18/25

Rolls:

1-3: Deals Damage 3x level

4-6: Nothing Happens

Note: Inki does not take damage from free hits and does not level up.

Polly Darton *Takes suggestions from party*

25 years old Female Human Barbarian

Level 16

Power: 22 (15+7)

Defence: 3

Health: 21/23 (8+15)

Equipment: Sword of Fire and Light (WP: 7, Fire-Light Elemental, Greatsword) (Loaned from Kiray), Cape of the Uq (SP:3, +2 Health, backwear, loaned from Na'im)

Inventory: Potion (Loaned from Na'im), Pixie Dust (Loaned from Na'im), , Red Shoulder Cape (SP:3; backwear)

Elnath Van Cleef, The Prospector *Takes suggestions from party*

99 years old male Human Sorcerer

Level 22 *Doubles the amount of gold stolen*

Power: 32 (22+10)

Defence: 5

Health: 31/32 (7+21+4)

Ether: 20/22 (+22)

Gold: 1010

Equipment: Golden Staff (WP: 10; staff), Cloak of the Silk Road (SP:5, doubles the amount of gold stolen, backwear)

Inventory: 2 Phoenix essence, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion, Telescope, Magnifying glass, Scroll of Arc Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Ruby (Loaned from Germ), Amethyst (Loaned from Miderun), Opal (Loaned from Na'im)

Quest Items: Shadir Oswain's Noble Seal (Quest item), Blue Nekrastone (Quest item)

Eckmar Grimsley *Controlled by QM, may be open to suggestions*

4358 years old male Fenarian Dragoon *Immune to Hexed, Fragile, Poisoned, Bleeding, Asleep, Fast Asleep**Immune to Darkness**Hastened**Slowed*

Level 100

Power: 103

Health: 138/140

SP: 60

Equipment: The Manipulator (WP:3 SP:50, user is slowed, suitable for level 90+; lance and shield), Defender of the Arena (SP:10, Immune to Hexed, Fragile, Poisoned and Bleeding. Immune to Darkness, suitable for those that survived The Arena; bodywear), The Wakener (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep; footwear), Silk Scarf of Bathmora (Wearer is Hastened, suitable for Fenarians; accessory)

Inventory: The Peacekeeper (WP:20, Deals stunned and weakened effect, suitable for level 90+; halberd), 2 Phoenix Incense, 3 Health cores

[Yzalirk]

Somewhat motivated by Elnath's speech, Mhinaks responds,

"Don't get all mushy on us, laddie. I respect yer decision, whatever it may be. I believe we should just handover the things to Latte since the seal seems to be of his kin and the stone, well... why not? No matter our decision, people are going to get hurt. Latte also mentioned protecting the Guardians. I no longer wish to run."

[CMP]

"You would give the rock to these murderous invaders?" snapped Miderun to Elnath and Mhinak. "We freed two of their captives and they have done nothing but aid us, the Nalmyr are holding two of us hostage and have oppressed the Fenarians for thousands of years!" She turned to glare at Oswain, her weapon at the ready to join Eckmar in battle in case she was refused. "Call off the attack, or the Fenarians get all the stones! Are you willing to sacrifice your army for these rocks?! I am beginning to wonder why we do not smash them under our heels!"

[KotZ]

"I am beginning to wonder why we do not smash them under our heels!"

"I thought we should have been the first thing we should have done," Kiray mumbles to herself. She moves over to Eckmar, ready to fight at his side.

[Enceladus]

"If you have someone that you can call family, you would be different. If I were to adopt a son and daughter right now, I would choose Toren and Polly over everyone else. Ever since I came across the Blue Nekrastone, it is hard to find someone that you can trust a hundred percent and I can say I am blessed to have found two. Now that Toren is safe and that weresnake got what he deserves, I feel like I have been saying this many times, the Blue Nekrastone and Shadir's seal needs to be returned."

"We already have hundred of elves' blood on our hands when we tried to break out Eckmar, it is time to prioritise my own happiness to prevent more bloodshed and we all know we cannot eight of us cannot defeat an elf army of that size and calibre." Elnath points to the horizon and the Star Elf army extends beyond that. Leading at the front are Rosarte-Quayle and Ehrmantrout, riding high on their horses.

"Flee if you will master Van Cleef with your family-I will not blame you, for I would do the same in your position, but the Fenari...I may not wholly like them and we have oft wronged each other in the past, but still they are the closest thing I have left to a family, and I cannot abandon them to the grip of the General ,and I will stand by them even if the rest of you flee. Part of me feels mad for standing agaisnt the general like this, but the other half feels as if this is completly right ...if this is what having a family is like Master Van Cleef-a true family that loves and cares for you, then...then, it is is everything you said and more still!" Na'im laughs somewhat madly

"Oh dear, Heroes. Crimes of genocide. I wonder what is it in you to side with the Fenarians? Have it occurred to you that these Fenarians might be making use of you all these while, they help you track down the Brown Nekrastone and end up taking it for themselves? Or are they possibly eyeing for our Blue Nekrastone as well?"

"Just because they speak softly and reason with you? You must be blind."

"If you truly think we are foolish enough to be swayed with honeyed tounges and sugared words, then why would you not have applied the same tactic yourselves, instead of attacking our party with all your strength at the first hint of suspicion? Look where it has got you-hundreds of your kin, and two of your fellow lieutenants are dead, all thanks to opening hostilities on your part-do you see any Fenarains slain by our hand?" Na'im deamands, steadfastdly refusing to look at Polly "Perhaps you could have had us as your allies, for many of us came to Spelesia with an open mind, but that chance was lost the moment we stepped ashore."

Naim turns to his old friend "Well, here we are again master Mihnak-another choice, another dilemma. Now is the time to redeem yourself in our eyes-do not abandon us once more!"

"Yes, I have been blessed by the Queen and the Gods, and I shall enact punishment at those who dare to steal from the Star Elves and the Guardians. Fenarians and Heroes collude in Spesialia, and now I shall wreck havoc in Fenario. Simply, do to others what others will do to you."

"You crossed our borders, now get out of here!" Eckmar and Oswain seem to be locked between swords and lances, but Eckmar seems to be getting overwhelmed by Oswain, already sweating on the ground.

"I am tasked to retrieve the two nekrastones, do not even think you can lay your hands on any one of them." Oswain raises his head at Lord Fenari,

"Your god did not come for your lieutenant El-Aquiest, and Legovia will not come to save you this time either. You are no blessed paragon of Legovia. You are just another deluded war monger who has been let free for too long, and needs to be stopped." says Na'im, suddenly feeling very small compared to the general and his beast but nonetheless he moves to stand with Kiray and Miderun alongside Eckmar

The red angels voice sounds loud and clear inside Naims head Good. The war monger is an Enemy of the house of Fenari and must die. His blood will be the first step to washing clean the sins of Fenario, and restoring the integrity of my sacred house of Fenari Na'im says nothing and concentrates on staring down the general

[samurai-turtle]

Oswain caught sight of this, and pulls the reins on the beast as hard as he could. The beast rockets towards Na'im and Germ, as Oswain raises his twin blade over his head, ready to strike. However, Oswain's eyes seem to be focused at something behind Na'im and Germ, but as the two Heroes thought their lives are imminently over, they shut their eyes tight and held their breath, preparing themselves for impending death. One second passed, and nothing happens. As the Heroes open their eyes, they find themselves wholly intact and standing right infront of them, Eckmar, now hoisting The Manipulator against the charging Oswain. The beast and Oswain weighs heavily on Eckmar and soon the fenarian general is brought down to his knees from Oswain's sheer raw power.

"How many innocent lives are you going to take, Oswain?"

"Open your eyes, Eckmar. You have gotten really weak and you are an embarrassment."

"Yes, I have been blessed by the Queen and the Gods, and I shall enact punishment at those who dare to steal from the Star Elves and the Guardians. Fenarians and Heroes collude in Spesialia, and now I shall wreck havoc in Fenario. Simply, do to others what others will do to you."

"I am tasked to retrieve the two nekrastones, do not even think you can lay your hands on any one of them." Oswain raises his head at Lord Fenari,

"Angmar, the only foe I never underestimate. Eckmar, stand in my way again between the Brown Nekrastone and I and I will shatter that shield and that armour of yours! Now move aside, Eckmar!"

How would the Heroes respond?

More or less dumbfounded at what is going on he did not say any thing at first...

Echmar, why are you helping me? Or, are you helping Na'im?

After hearing Oswain's speeche(s) his eyes narrowed and then flashed his fangs. I think you are the embarrassment!

She turned to glare at Oswain, her weapon at the ready to join Eckmar in battle in case she was refused. "Call off the attack, or the Fenarians get all the stones!

If we are going to fight them, it might be a good idea let me use that "Wicked Javelin" & "Bonaparte Cutlass".

Bobby, If you are not planing to use any of your "Throwing Weapons", maybe I should hold on them for the moment.

[Yzalirk]

"Na'im, whatever happens, I'm here. Let Elnath make the decision, he has both the stone and the seal. I respect whatever his decision is. People will continue to get hurt if he still has the items. This is our final stand."

"Lord Fenari, I'm curious to know, if you get the stones, what will become of the Guardians?"

[Zepher]

Bobby's head continues to sing dark screeches as more figures ebb in flow in his vision. Here now are the Star Elves. Despicable. Everything that Bobby doesn't like - bullies, that's the best word for it.

He draws his whip as everyone else argues.

"Just because they speak softly and reason with you? You must be blind."

"It's like loads better than attacking us," hisses Bobby. "Germ, Imma keep my weapons, yo. I want to stick one of them in Oswain's neck." He looks at the general. "You got nothing to stand on, bro. You're an invading force, and it doesn't look good, you dig? Usually I'd say maybe we should make peace or whatevs but that doesn't seem to be your MO so if you can't chill with us I guess you're just gonna have to die."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Somewhat motivated by Elnath's speech, Mhinaks responds,

"Don't get all mushy on us, laddie. I respect yer decision, whatever it may be. I believe we should just handover the things to Latte since the seal seems to be of his kin and the stone, well... why not? No matter our decision, people are going to get hurt. Latte also mentioned protecting the Guardians. I no longer wish to run."

"If we don't decide who to give soon, our people are going to get hurt. We are no match."

"Aren't we meeting the Queen of Spesialia tomorrow?" Polly adds.

"I never thought highly of dwarves in my entire life." Latte nods silently as he tugs the beast's stomach briefly and it thrusts Eckmar away in one measured push. Eckmar tumbles towards the Heroes, panting furiously.

"You would give the rock to these murderous invaders?" snapped Miderun to Elnath and Mhinak. "We freed two of their captives and they have done nothing but aid us, the Nalmyr are holding two of us hostage and have oppressed the Fenarians for thousands of years!" She turned to glare at Oswain, her weapon at the ready to join Eckmar in battle in case she was refused. "Call off the attack, or the Fenarians get all the stones! Are you willing to sacrifice your army for these rocks?! I am beginning to wonder why we do not smash them under our heels!"

"I thought we should have been the first thing we should have done," Kiray mumbles to herself. She moves over to Eckmar, ready to fight at his side.

"It's like loads better than attacking us," hisses Bobby. "Germ, Imma keep my weapons, yo. I want to stick one of them in Oswain's neck." He looks at the general. "You got nothing to stand on, bro. You're an invading force, and it doesn't look good, you dig? Usually I'd say maybe we should make peace or whatevs but that doesn't seem to be your MO so if you can't chill with us I guess you're just gonna have to die."

Oswain spits at Miderun, his gaze continually fixed at the blur around Toren.

"Your simple minded race were oppressed by the equally abhorable humans because you were weaker than weak. Angmar Fenari and his allies were greedy and violated our laws and their actions disrupted the very fabric of our society. They lost fair and square, and they deserved to be punished by our laws. Throughout history, time and time again, they have tried to retialiate, but they lost every time. Because they have sinned and do not have the blessings of the Gods. Sin is the Fenarian's ultimate downfall. If you imagine that Fenarians share the same sentiments as you just because their tune resonates with your medicre past, you are being a short sighted fool."

"If you truly think we are foolish enough to be swayed with honeyed tounges and sugared words, then why would you not have applied the same tactic yourselves, instead of attacking our party with all your strength at the first hint of suspicion? Look where it has got you-hundreds of your kin, and two of your fellow lieutenants are dead, all thanks to opening hostilities on your part-do you see any Fenarains slain by our hand?" Na'im deamands, steadfastdly refusing to look at Polly "Perhaps you could have had us as your allies, for many of us came to Spelesia with an open mind, but that chance was lost the moment we stepped ashore."

"Which one is worse, fake friend or honest enemy?"

"Your god did not come for your lieutenant El-Aquiest, and Legovia will not come to save you this time either. You are no blessed paragon of Legovia. You are just another deluded war monger who has been let free for too long, and needs to be stopped." says Na'im, suddenly feeling very small compared to the general and his beast but nonetheless he moves to stand with Kiray and Miderun alongside Eckmar

"El-Alquist got what he deserves by dabbling with forbidden magic. I exist to protect Spesialia, and that is Legovia's will for me, that is the sole purpose for which I was born. Every twitch of my muscle, every action I take, is for the greater good of Spesialia. I have been blessed by Legovia with the knowledge and skills to allow me to carry out my duties as her loyal and faithful servant. You cannot go against someone who has a diety by his side. I have never lost, and never will. Heroes slaughtered my people in Valhullu, your coward Prince ordered an invasion. Do not think you can get away from that."

"Flee if you will master Van Cleef with your family-I will not blame you, for I would do the same in your position, but the Fenari...I may not wholly like them and we have oft wronged each other in the past, but still they are the closest thing I have left to a family, and I cannot abandon them to the grip of the General ,and I will stand by them even if the rest of you flee. Part of me feels mad for standing agaisnt the general like this, but the other half feels as if this is completly right ...if this is what having a family is like Master Van Cleef-a true family that loves and cares for you, then...then, it is is everything you said and more still!" Na'im laughs somewhat madly

"I brought all of you here, I intended to see all of you back in Eubric."

Echmar, why are you helping me? Or, are you helping Na'im?

"It is unfair to have outsiders involved, but consider this as repayment for saving my life."

"Na'im, whatever happens, I'm here. Let Elnath make the decision, he has both the stone and the seal. I respect whatever his decision is. People will continue to get hurt if he still has the items. This is our final stand."

"Lord Fenari, I'm curious to know, if you get the stones, what will become of the Guardians?"

"Oh no. I wouldn't even think about it." Lord Fenari waves his hands. Mhinak is unable to decipher the true meaning behind Lord Fenari's words.

HOOOOOM! DARRROOOOM HOOOOM!!!!

Everyone's eardrum shatters as they realise that the forests, and the remaining shrubs located all over the land are moving closer and closer to the border, as if the entire land has picked itself up and moved in one wave, gnashing and thrawling the wastelands. The forests soon camouflages the entire star elf army and four familiar figures emerge. The Guardians. General Oswain signals his army to back off, but within attacking range, as the Guardians approach. Zeulord grabs a boulder and hurls it at Lord Fenari's royal army, narrowly missing them, almost as though a sign of the Star Elves Guardians dominance over the Fenarians.

"Of course, this land belongs to the Guardians! Do whatever you fancy!" Lord Fenari orders his royal army to hold, as though he is waiting for something to happen.

"INDEED. WE ARE STEWARTS OF THIS LAND, AND EVERY DROP OF BLOOD THAT IS SHED ON THIS LAND AFFECTS US, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER." Zeulord's voice resonates. "THE ELVES ARE A PROUD RACE AND THEY HAVE HONOURED EVERY WORD WITH US. THEY PROTECTED AND FOUGHT ALONGSIDE US IN THE GREAT WAR, AND NOW IT IS OUR TURN TO RETURN THE FAVOUR. IF YOU INTEND TO WAGE WAR AGAINST THE STAR ELVES, WE WILL BE YOUR ENEMY."

"WE ARE HERE FOR OTHER REASONS AS WELL, WE LOST THE BROWN NEKRASTONE AND WE ARE HERE TO RETRIEVE IT NOW."

Zeulord turns to Mhinak and Inki,

"LIFE IS NOT WITHOUT DIFFICULTIES, BUT THE ONE WITH FORESIGHT SHALL ALWAYS PREVAIL."

"I UNDERESTIMATED YOU, MHINAK. I NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD DO IT BUT YOU DID IT. YOU HAVE DONE WELL. AND FOR YOU INKI, YOU ARE A TRUE WARRIOR." Marx folds his arms in satisfaction.

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak speaks to the Guardians.

"I get that a lot, Marx." Mhinak grins. "I promised that you would get the Brown Nekrastone back, despite all the obstacles we had to overcome. Star Elf General, Latte Oswain, was one of them. He was prepared to strike me and my friends down despite the fact I told him I was on a mission from you. Some other Star Elves rescued us and since then, Latte has been tracking us. We went to a Star Elf prison to find many prisoners, some of which even were my kin. We helped many escape and found Eckmar. Now... now we're here." Mhinak sighs. "I understand you all are allies of the Star Elves. I believe you should leave the Fenarians alone, this is a conflict between the them and the Star Elves. I just wish there was a way the three of you could live together in peace or at least neutrality."

Mhinak then turns to the other heroes.

"If we are to make final decisions, we should give the Brown Nekrastone to the Guardians, they deserve it over the Star Elves and the Fenarians. Krimwood's fate depends on our decision today. Without that stone, Krimwood will slowly wither away and die along with all those who live there. By giving the Guardians the stone, they will begin to mend all the harm that has been done to it."

He then turns to Lord Fenari.

"I promised the Guardians that I would help them get the Brown Nekrastone back and I intend for that to happen. I know you don't like them because they are allies of the Star Elves. They see you as filth, people who wish to desecrate their home. Prove them wrong, help them restore Krimwood. This would be the beginning of fixing relations with the Guardians."

[samurai-turtle]

"Germ, Imma keep my weapons, yo. I want to stick one of them in Oswain's neck."

That sounds good as any place to put them.

"Aren't we meeting the Queen of Spesialia tomorrow?" Polly adds.

I thought we had more time?

"I never thought highly of dwarves in my entire life."

Oswain spits at Miderun, his gaze continually fixed at the blur around Toren.

They lost fair and square, and they deserved to be punished by our laws. Throughout history, time and time again, they have tried to retialiate, but they lost every time. Because they have sinned and do not have the blessings of the Gods. Sin is the Fenarian's ultimate downfall.

I exist to protect Spesialia, and that is Legovia's will for me, that is the sole purpose for which I was born. Every twitch of my muscle, every action I take, is for the greater good of Spesialia. I have been blessed by Legovia with the knowledge and skills to allow me to carry out my duties as her loyal and faithful servant. You cannot go against someone who has a diety by his side. I have never lost, and never will. Heroes slaughtered my people in Valhullu, your coward Prince ordered an invasion. Do not think you can get away from that."

What a surprise.

Germ takes out his Magnifying Glass to take a quick look at this "Blur" around Toren.

For how long are they going to be punished for, Forever.

Why has not one of us cut out this racist pricks tongue out yet? Here is a tip for you "dude", those thought should never come out of your head.

THEY PROTECTED AND FOUGHT ALONGSIDE US IN THE GREAT WAR,

IF YOU INTEND TO WAGE WAR AGAINST THE STAR ELVES, WE WILL BE YOUR ENEMY."

"WE ARE HERE FOR OTHER REASONS AS WELL, WE LOST THE BROWN NEKRASTONE AND WE ARE HERE TO RETRIEVE IT NOW."

Great War? Almost curious to hear more.

Whoa Whoa Whoa, maybe we just do not like this "D Bag" General here.

Well where is the Brown Nekrastone?

"Of course, this land belongs to the Guardians! Do whatever you fancy!" Lord Fenari orders his royal army to hold, as though he is waiting for something to happen.

Since the "forest guardians" are here, you should try to start some sort of "peace treaty" with them. Or agree to talk with them about it later.

Mhinak then turns to the other heroes.

"If we are to make final decisions, we should give the Brown Nekrastone to the Guardians, they deserve it over the Star Elves and the Fenarians. Krimwood's fate depends on our decision today. Without that stone, Krimwood will slowly wither away and die along with all those who live there. By giving the Guardians the stone, they will begin to mend all the harm that has been done to it."

At this point I kind of do not care, to who gets what.

[Zepher]

"Give them the stone. They're the only peaceful dudes in the whole place."

[CMP]

"Your simple minded race were oppressed by the equally abhorable humans because you were weaker than weak. Angmar Fenari and his allies were greedy and violated our laws and their actions disrupted the very fabric of our society. They lost fair and square, and they deserved to be punished by our laws. Throughout history, time and time again, they have tried to retialiate, but they lost every time. Because they have sinned and do not have the blessings of the Gods. Sin is the Fenarian's ultimate downfall. If you imagine that Fenarians share the same sentiments as you just because their tune resonates with your medicre past, you are being a short sighted fool."

"Di krah dal roko bolm dyruulo azh dras caz krahst. Push me further and you will know the God that blesses the orocund."

"El-Alquist got what he deserves by dabbling with forbidden magic. I exist to protect Spesialia, and that is Legovia's will for me, that is the sole purpose for which I was born. Every twitch of my muscle, every action I take, is for the greater good of Spesialia. I have been blessed by Legovia with the knowledge and skills to allow me to carry out my duties as her loyal and faithful servant. You cannot go against someone who has a diety by his side. I have never lost, and never will. Heroes slaughtered my people in Valhullu, your coward Prince ordered an invasion. Do not think you can get away from that."

"Valhullu was a prison, and we freed the people you were torturing. Adaun has been dealt with and is no longer a threat. You are the only one who seeks war here."

"WE ARE HERE FOR OTHER REASONS AS WELL, WE LOST THE BROWN NEKRASTONE AND WE ARE HERE TO RETRIEVE IT NOW."

"The Star Elves care more about killing Fenarians than getting back your stone," remarked Miderun to the giant tree, glaring at Oswain. "They let the snakes escape. We had intended to help Mhinak get it back for you, but then the Star Elves began to attack Fenario's border. We would help you retrieve it, but you must stop the Star Elves from attacking, they are the oppressors here," she insisted. "We came here to make peace, surely you would seek the same?"

[Enceladus]

Despite his agoraphobia from years spent underground, Na’im, suddenly yearns for the open spaces of the plains as the trees start to encircle them

Mhinak then turns to the other heroes.

"If we are to make final decisions, we should give the Brown Nekrastone to the Guardians, they deserve it over the Star Elves and the Fenarians. Krimwood's fate depends on our decision today. Without that stone, Krimwood will slowly wither away and die along with all those who live there. By giving the Guardians the stone, they will begin to mend all the harm that has been done to it."

"The krimwood is just one wood in the grand scheme of things-the guardians can take the stone all they like if that is what they so desire-there are bigger things at stake here." Na’im says, not taking his eyes off Oswain’s army. "But it is not as if we pocess the actual stone-the weresnakes do, and if the guardians want it, they shall have to go fetch it themselves, unless they have a reward in mind."

"INDEED. WE ARE STEWARTS OF THIS LAND, AND EVERY DROP OF BLOOD THAT IS SHED ON THIS LAND AFFECTS US, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER." Zeulord's voice resonates. "THE ELVES ARE A PROUD RACE AND THEY HAVE HONOURED EVERY WORD WITH US. THEY PROTECTED AND FOUGHT ALONGSIDE US IN THE GREAT WAR, AND NOW IT IS OUR TURN TO RETURN THE FAVOUR. IF YOU INTEND TO WAGE WAR AGAINST THE STAR ELVES, WE WILL BE YOUR ENEMY."

"What do you think the star elves actually think of you?" asks Na’im, his eyes still trained on Oswain and his army "You failed them once, by letting the weresnakes escape with your precious Nerkastone right under your noses, and then you failed them yet again by having lady Bain Ga escape despite a force of woodland creatures guarding her. Methinks the star elves are coming to see you for what you really are without the Nerkastone to help you-for now they have finally realised don’t need your help to defeat the Fenarians. And once the Fenarians are wiped off the face of Olegia? Why they will turn to your precious krimwood next, and your all your pretences of independence and neutrality will be lost under the star elve’s new empire. Without the brown Nerkastone, you have lost your only means of leverage over the star elves-don't you see? They don't need your help any more. Why do you still support them?"

"Your simple minded race were oppressed by the equally abhorable humans because you were weaker than weak. Angmar Fenari and his allies were greedy and violated our laws and their actions disrupted the very fabric of our society. They lost fair and square, and they deserved to be punished by our laws. Throughout history, time and time again, they have tried to retialiate, but they lost every time. Because they have sinned and do not have the blessings of the Gods. Sin is the Fenarian's ultimate downfall. If you imagine that Fenarians share the same sentiments as you just because their tune resonates with your medicre past, you are being a short sighted fool."

"El-Alquist got what he deserves by dabbling with forbidden magic. I exist to protect Spesialia, and that is Legovia's will for me, that is the sole purpose for which I was born. Every twitch of my muscle, every action I take, is for the greater good of Spesialia. I have been blessed by Legovia with the knowledge and skills to allow me to carry out my duties as her loyal and faithful servant. You cannot go against someone who has a diety by his side. I have never lost, and never will. Heroes slaughtered my people in Valhullu, your coward Prince ordered an invasion. Do not think you can get away from that."

"The war never really ended General and at times I wonder if it ever will. If there one thing I will say about Fenarians it is that they are tenacity is only matched by that of dwarfs and they never give up-it must come from spending centuries hidden underground I suppose."

Fenario sinned yes but never quite enough to lose me, their patron, the red angel. I chose you Na’im Thamir hero of Heroica as my vessel of justice, to save my people. They may have lost sight of their true deity on many an occasion, but I have never abandoned them rumbles the voice of the red angel in Na'ims head, in response to Oswain's words

"You and I both know this war can never truly end until one side eradicates the other. Fenari and Alpeith-we are both too proud and driven to accept anything less than a complete victory. Besides." adds Na'im, in a voice little more than a whisper "You are not the only one with a deity at their side general." and for just a moment his face seems lit up with a red glow

"The Star Elves care more about killing Fenarians than getting back your stone," remarked Miderun to the giant tree, glaring at Oswain. "They let the snakes escape. We had intended to help Mhinak get it back for you, but then the Star Elves began to attack Fenario's border. We would help you retrieve it, but you must stop the Star Elves from attacking, they are the oppressors here," she insisted. "We came here to make peace, surely you would seek the same?"

"There can be no peace lady Miderun." Na’im says heavily "I know you may mean well, but you would be doing Spelesia a disservice if you did. War twists many a good man beyond recognition, that much is commonly known…but what happens when these men return home? I am not talking about your improvised and desperate foot soldiers, I am talking about the Generals and politicians, those who believe long into times of peace, that they are still at war, and will apply the tactics of war with just a much ruthlessness as they would on the battlefield. You will get so much infighting between them-and it was infighting might I add that caused this war in the first place, political infighting between the Alpeith and the Fenari-that it will tear Spelesia apart. The wars of men may last a century at most, but here we are talking about those who have not seen peace for millennia, so much so that war has become a fact of life. Can you imagine war on this scale, where there are not two convenient armed camps like we have here, but four, six, twenty score? It would make the bloodshed we have now, look like a trickle of water compared to a tidal wave."

"And that is not even thinking about the social effects of calling for peace. Like it or not both our cultures are built around war-I would go as far as saying it shapes our identity: Fenario, traditionally the underdogs, champions of the marginalised and oppressed across Olegia and the Star elves; proud and upstanding and disciplined warriors. Without war we have nothing. Our economies will falter without demand for weapons and supplies, and those minority groups Fenario originally sheltered will desert it when they see what it will become. War is the only way my friends-name one person here, not in our company who will support your half-hearted notions of peace."

[KotZ]

"The Star Elves care more about killing Fenarians than getting back your stone," remarked Miderun to the giant tree, glaring at Oswain. "They let the snakes escape. We had intended to help Mhinak get it back for you, but then the Star Elves began to attack Fenario's border. We would help you retrieve it, but you must stop the Star Elves from attacking, they are the oppressors here," she insisted. "We came here to make peace, surely you would seek the same?"

"I read somewhere that if you desire peace, you must prepare for war." Kiray rocks back and forth on her feet. "Somehow I don't think most people prepared for war today."

[Yzalirk]

"Well said, Miderun, I don't think anyone could have said it better." Mhinak then gives a nod of approval.

Mhinak talks loud enough so that everyone can hear and hopefully get the point across.

"Na'im, there can be peace between the Guardians, the Star Elves, and the Fenarians. They need to give it a chance. This hatred between each side has been going on for far too long. Before my time, my kin were split into different clans because of different beliefs. War raged underground for many generations between the clans. Many of my kin had been dying and for what? Eventually, they had formed alliances through diplomacy because each clan had different things and skills. Of course there are still conflicts between the clans today but for the most part, they live in harmony. All I'm trying to get at is that this can happen here if General Oswain, Lord Fenari, and the Guardians set aside their differences and work to make Spesialia great again and not divided and war-torn."

Mhinak addresses General Oswain, Lord Fenari, and the Guardians.

"What say you? Shall you set aside your differences and end the bloodshed between your people? Shall you try to make peace between each other?"

[Enceladus]

"Na'im, there can be peace between the Guardians, the Star Elves, and the Fenarians. They need to give it a chance. This hatred between each side has been going on for far too long. Before my time, my kin were split into different clans because of different beliefs. War raged underground for many generations between the clans. Many of my kin had been dying and for what? Eventually, they had formed alliances through diplomacy because each clan had different things and skills. Of course there are still conflicts between the clans today but for the most part, they live in harmony. All I'm trying to get at is that this can happen here if General Oswain, Lord Fenari, and the Guardians set aside their differences and work to make Spesialia great again and not divided and war-torn."

Mhinak addresses General Oswain, Lord Fenari, and the Guardians.

"What say you? Shall you set aside your differences and end the bloodshed between your people? Shall you try to make peace between each other?"

"But my race are not your race master Mihnak. There is a reason the elves were never supposed to go to war with one another. We ourselves are too powerful and our lifespans too long, that any war that broke out between us would be nigh impossible to quell before it devastated our homelands. Your war may have lasted centuries, but our's has lasted millennia, and many of those who instigated the conflict are still around today. You would think if there was the slightest chance peace could be initiated it would have been done years ago. Now, contrary to popular belief, hero or not, your arrival is not suddenly going to make star elves and Fenarians sue for peace-you have no right to tell them to lay down their weapons and cooperate, and they in return have no reason to listen to you."

"I am only being realistic here, Master Mihnak" Na’im says mildly

Edited January 27, 2016 by Enceladus

[Yzalirk]

"As long as we have our bargaining chips, they will." Mhinak says eerily.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Note: I've been extremely busy, update coming tomorrow.

[Enceladus]

OOC: No problem PJB-glad to see you're still around!

[Purpearljellyblob]

~~ INTERLUDE ~~

At the temple of Zoot, somewhere in the caves of the Lost Path...

"Your Highness, Prince Adaun. We are both alive. That goes to say we have been both blessed." Wyeth picks up the glowing Lamp of Mirai and raises over his hood, "Almighty Zoot! The portal is open! Grant us an audience!"

The lamp of Mirai rattles violently, and explodes, momentarily blinding Wyeth and Prince Adaun,

"ADAUN FENARI, SON OF ANGMAR FENARI. KNEEL AND SUBMIT YOURSELF BEFORE THE GREAT ZOOT AND I CAN ASSURE YOU RICHES AND POWER BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION."

"Power... I seek more power..." Prince Adaun lifts himself up from the rubble, his eyes glowing with conviction.

"WHAT A PITY. THE RIGHT HAND HAS FAILED. BUT WE HAVE NO LACK OF TALENTS. THE SOUL OF GRIGORLIS THE DRAGON, THE ONE WHO WILL BE SEVEN IS IN PLACE AND YOU SHALL REPLACE ECKMAR AS THE HARBINGER OF THE ARMAGEDDON, AND TAKE OVER OLEGAIA AND ENSLAVE ALL OF THE LAND. YOU SHALL HAVE UNLIMITED POWER, FELL BEASTS, DEMONS AT YOUR DISPOSAL AND ALL SHALL HEED YOUR BIDDING. BUT DO NOT DIE, FOR I WILL TAKE YOUR SOUL AND YOUR SOUL-LINKED SISTER'S IF YOU PROVE TO BE INCOMPETENT."

"For power, I will not disappoint."

Zoot flicks his finger and transfers power to the Prince. Prince Adaun instantly transforms, floating into midair, radiating with pure, raw power.

Prince Adaun looks at his new look and spreads both his palms, somersaulting in midair and then landing at an instant on the ground, sending shockwaves throughout the collapsed cave. Prince Adaun kneels before Zoot, still relishing from the smell of his newfound power.

"An honour."

"I FORMALLY WELCOME YOU TO THE REALM OF AZAZOT. FOLLOW ME, I HAVE SOMEONE I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET."

In a flash of silver, green and red, Prince Adaun and Wyeth walks through the portal and it closes instantly, engulfing the lamp and the temple with it. The cave then collapses onto itself completely.

~~ END OF INTERLUDE ~~

Mhinak speaks to the Guardians.

"I get that a lot, Marx." Mhinak grins. "I promised that you would get the Brown Nekrastone back, despite all the obstacles we had to overcome. Star Elf General, Latte Oswain, was one of them. He was prepared to strike me and my friends down despite the fact I told him I was on a mission from you. Some other Star Elves rescued us and since then, Latte has been tracking us. We went to a Star Elf prison to find many prisoners, some of which even were my kin. We helped many escape and found Eckmar. Now... now we're here." Mhinak sighs. "I understand you all are allies of the Star Elves. I believe you should leave the Fenarians alone, this is a conflict between the them and the Star Elves. I just wish there was a way the three of you could live together in peace or at least neutrality."

Well where is the Brown Nekrastone?

Marx draws his greatsword and points it at the blur around Toren,

"CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR TASK IS COMPLETE, MHINAK, YOU HAVE LED US TO THE BROWN NEKRASTONE. WE WILL NOT FORGET WHAT YOU'VE DONE FOR US. NOW LET US PASS."

He then turns to Lord Fenari.

"I promised the Guardians that I would help them get the Brown Nekrastone back and I intend for that to happen. I know you don't like them because they are allies of the Star Elves. They see you as filth, people who wish to desecrate their home. Prove them wrong, help them restore Krimwood. This would be the beginning of fixing relations with the Guardians."

Since the "forest guardians" are here, you should try to start some sort of "peace treaty" with them. Or agree to talk with them about it later.

"Restoring Krimwood is actually detrimental to our people. The forests provide a natural barrier and camouflage for the elves, it would be a uphill task to keep an eye on their movements. In other words, I will be putting my subordinates in danger if I allow them to roam in the forests. That I will not approve."

Germ takes out his Magnifying Glass to take a quick look at this "Blur" around Toren.

Germ notices five silhouettes with elongated legless bodies and tails hovering around Toren.

Great War? Almost curious to hear more.

Zeulord the Treemaster briefly recounts the Great War and Germ finds the story somewhat familiar.

"Di krah dal roko bolm dyruulo azh dras caz krahst. Push me further and you will know the God that blesses the orocund."

"Valhullu was a prison, and we freed the people you were torturing. Adaun has been dealt with and is no longer a threat. You are the only one who seeks war here."

"Does your God approve senseless suicide? Know who you are up against, orc, your words mean nothing."

"Careful who you are pointing fingers at, greenskin. The Fenarians plant many spies around our land. And Angmar Fenari's mind is more cunning than you would imagine. We are merely doing our job, to keep trespassers and his spies off our land."

"The Star Elves care more about killing Fenarians than getting back your stone," remarked Miderun to the giant tree, glaring at Oswain. "They let the snakes escape. We had intended to help Mhinak get it back for you, but then the Star Elves began to attack Fenario's border. We would help you retrieve it, but you must stop the Star Elves from attacking, they are the oppressors here," she insisted. "We came here to make peace, surely you would seek the same?"

"I BELIEVE I SAID THIS TO YOUR COMPANIONS. WE DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE ELVES. WE ARE HERE FOR THE BROWN NEKRASTONE, HOWEVER, IF OUR ALLIES ARE IN DANGER, WE WILL NOT HOLD BACK."

"But it is not as if we pocess the actual stone-the weresnakes do, and if the guardians want it, they shall have to go fetch it themselves, unless they have a reward in mind."

"Angmar! Do not think we don't know why you are hanging around." Turning to Na'im, "The Brown Nekrastone belongs to the Guardians, do not ever think that you can call dips on it. Now call your companions to stand aside!"

"What do you think the star elves actually think of you?" asks Na’im, his eyes still trained on Oswain and his army "You failed them once, by letting the weresnakes escape with your precious Nerkastone right under your noses, and then you failed them yet again by having lady Bain Ga escape despite a force of woodland creatures guarding her. Methinks the star elves are coming to see you for what you really are without the Nerkastone to help you-for now they have finally realised don’t need your help to defeat the Fenarians. And once the Fenarians are wiped off the face of Olegia? Why they will turn to your precious krimwood next, and your all your pretences of independence and neutrality will be lost under the star elve’s new empire. Without the brown Nerkastone, you have lost your only means of leverage over the star elves-don't you see? They don't need your help any more. Why do you still support them?"

Zeulord laughs,

"YOU WISH YOUR FINE WORDS WOULD SHATTER OUR ALLIANCE WITH THE ELVES."

"The war never really ended General and at times I wonder if it ever will. If there one thing I will say about Fenarians it is that they are tenacity is only matched by that of dwarfs and they never give up-it must come from spending centuries hidden underground I suppose."

"You and I both know this war can never truly end until one side eradicates the other. Fenari and Alpeith-we are both too proud and driven to accept anything less than a complete victory. Besides." adds Na'im, in a voice little more than a whisper "You are not the only one with a deity at their side general." and for just a moment his face seems lit up with a red glow

"You can continue to live in denial, fenarian. The Star Elves has always been victorious. The Fenari has sinned, no deities will associate themselves with sinners."

Mhinak addresses General Oswain, Lord Fenari, and the Guardians.

"What say you? Shall you set aside your differences and end the bloodshed between your people? Shall you try to make peace between each other?"

"AS I SAID."

"There will be no peace unless the Fenari criminals accept their punishment and assume their place in this world, underground."

"Hah! How backward are the elves, times have changed, golden boy, you have been harping on the same boring laws for ages! There is no way I am able to agree on such outdated laws!"

"But my race are not your race master Mihnak. There is a reason the elves were never supposed to go to war with one another. We ourselves are too powerful and our lifespans too long, that any war that broke out between us would be nigh impossible to quell before it devastated our homelands. Your war may have lasted centuries, but our's has lasted millennia, and many of those who instigated the conflict are still around today. You would think if there was the slightest chance peace could be initiated it would have been done years ago. Now, contrary to popular belief, hero or not, your arrival is not suddenly going to make star elves and Fenarians sue for peace-you have no right to tell them to lay down their weapons and cooperate, and they in return have no reason to listen to you."

"I am only being realistic here, Master Mihnak" Na’im says mildly

"How wise." Lord Fenari continues to eye at the blur around Toren.

[samurai-turtle]

Germ notices five silhouettes with elongated legless bodies and tails hovering around Toren.

I am tired of listening to you idiots talk in a bunch of circles. As he continues to check out this "thing(s)" with his "magnifying glass" in a hope to better identity it. He tells tells Miderun: Let me know when these BEEP Heads decides to beat the $#!+ out of each other.

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak steps aside for Marx.

"I'm quite curious, exactly what have the Fenarians done to sin, Latte? I read only small bits of history about them but I don't seem to remember all the details. Surely you can shed some light on this matter, after all, you experienced it first hand."

"Lord Fenari, perhaps if you try to make peace, Krimwood would be less harm to you and yer people. I understand that you do not wish to put your people in harm but I simply cannot allow for Krimwood to be destroyed. I also don't wish to see the extermination of yer people either. Work with me here."

"Same goes with you, General. I also do understand that you see the Fenarians as sinners, even traitors, but try to work for peace. The Fenarians are people too, even if you don't want to believe it. They share similar problems as yer people. You seem to be the only one who doesn't want to try at peace, or at least working for neutrality."

Edited January 29, 2016 by Goliath