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

[Yzalirk]

"Everyone, stop digging! Don't do anything that affects the area, you'll upset it and I'd rather not become fertilizer today."

<Tell your friends that I know the difference between were-snakes and nagas! Nagas have tails and were-snakes don't!> Inki raises its chain, <Pale skin lady, one, your green friend (Miderun), two, your other humanoid friend (Kiray), three, and another lady with the were-snakes, four! She is fairer than your other humanoid friend (Kiray) and wears long flowing outer covering, I just assumed she has two legs, since I couldn't get under that thick cloak.> Inki snarls when it hears about Germ's proposition about eliminating the were-snakes, <Silly-putty! Not even our guardians can stop them from stealing the life-source that keeps this forest alive, and your friend is ten-times smaller in size! And if you do not already know, and I am not supposed to tell strangers anyway, the Treemaster's Heirloom is the Brown Nekrastone! That's all I know and if you want to see the pale-skinned lady on display, she is not far away from here! I can bring you there!>

"Inki, Miderun and Kiray have not been here and most certainly not with a Fenarian woman. Perhaps if we can get he down but somehow tie her up, we can speak with her to find out who her associates are. That'll give us a clue as to who she really is along with those people. And most importantly, where the Nekrastone is. And are the guardians those tall tree people? And who are they fighting? I can't make it out but they look like Star Elves with their shiny armor." Mhinak says. "Wait a second Inki, do you think the Star Elves may have taken the Brown Nekrastone and not the Fenarians?"

Mhinak turns to the party.

"Inki also mentioned that he knows the difference between Were-Snakes and Nagas but it looks like Were-Snakes are the problem, not Nagas. Keep your eyes open and do not do anything that you think or will harm the forest, we need to help it in return for help on our quest."

Edited July 9, 2015 by Goliath

[Enceladus]

Responding to Mhinak,

<Tell your friends that I know the difference between were-snakes and nagas! Nagas have tails and were-snakes don't!> Inki raises its chain, <Pale skin lady, one, your green friend (Miderun), two, your other humanoid friend (Kiray), three, and another lady with the were-snakes, four! She is fairer than your other humanoid friend (Kiray) and wears long flowing outer covering, I just assumed she has two legs, since I couldn't get under that thick cloak.> Inki snarls when it hears about Germ's proposition about eliminating the were-snakes, <Silly-putty! Not even our guardians can stop them from stealing the life-source that keeps this forest alive, and your friend is ten-times smaller in size! And if you do not already know, and I am not supposed to tell strangers anyway, the Treemaster's Heirloom is the Brown Nekrastone! That's all I know and if you want to see the pale-skinned lady on display, she is not far away from here! I can bring you there!>

Elnath speaks in a low voice,

"The forests used to be more vibrant than this. From what I had gathered, the Brown Nekrastone gives the power of regeneration, and without it, the forest has no life force. And I agree with Naîm, the powers of regeneration has its costs, perhaps mutating some of the resident creatures in the process, otherwise they are harmless unless provoked. I have heard stories. There was once where the forests extend far beyond where it is now, until the war between the Star Elves and Fenarians destroyed most of the fertile land. The forests were neutral in the conflict, but once The Guardian of the forest, also known as the Treemaster, found the Brown Nekrastone and attempted to regenerate the forests to its former glory, it attracted the Fenarians' attention. The Treemaster and the other guardians it had appointed defended against the Fenarians time and time again, until that fateful day, when the Fenarians sent a massive undead army at the forests and towards the Star Elves' capital. The Treemaster and the guardians couldn't hold off the undead, and were to the brink of defeat. Fortunately, the Star Elves came to their rescue and pushed the Fenarians back underground. Since then, an alliance was formed between the Guardians of the Forest and the Star Elves. The Guardians protected the Brown Nekrastone and the Star Elves patrol the borders of the forests." Turning to Kiray, "I do not think these creatures are dangerous unless we threaten their existence like those Fenarians did to them."

Inki growls,

<Mhinak! Tell your friends to stop digging! If not you will end up like that pale-skinned lady! I will show you what will happen to you if you continue to do what you do!> Inki leaps into the dense forests and leads the party into the forest. <There she is! So stop digging or you all will end up like her!>

"Help me" A soft muted voice coming through her hood.

<Mhinak! Tell your friends to stay back! Pale skin's awake! I will call for help!> Inki widens its jaw, preparing to make a loud growl...

What will the party do?

Na'im listens to Elnaths description with interest "Who can blame the Fenarians really? There is a incredible amount of wealth hidden round here, in the flora and under the soil. Ah, think of the uses it could be put to in the right hands!" Na'im says eagerly "But here it is locked up in a pach of trees!" Na'im shakes his head in disblief

Na'im smirks at the suspended Fenarian <why?> he says in impecable fenarain, and shakes his head <You'll have to do better than that my dear women!> how he loved having power over people-he hadn't had this fun in ages

"That feline is becoming mildly iritating master Mihnak. Please tell it to be quiet." says Na'im in an irritable tone "What exactly dose it think she is going to do? She is suspended twenty feet up in a tree for goodness sake!"

"Yo man, language is fluid, ya dig? Not everything's got an exact translation! Yo is like hi and also like a way of making what you're saying friendly, you know? You'd never say yo to someone you're not cool with- not friend with. And dog is like dude or pal or friend. Like 'what's up dog' is like 'my friend, what are you doing in your life at the moment'." Bobby nods in satisfaction of his own explanation, and then in a terrible Charisian accent: "But if you'd rather I speak like the richity rich rich all proper and prime, you may have your wish granted. I can use impeccable grammar, yo."

Na'im laughs though not unkindly "You are more intelligent than you look master Bobby, maybe I was wrong to put you down. But pray, who on Olegia came up with such a language in the first place? Well er..dog, with a bit of practise, we can have you speaking proper common in in time!" say Na'im excitedly, as if this would be a great acheivment

Edited July 9, 2015 by Enceladus

[samurai-turtle]

<Tell your friends that I know the difference between were-snakes and nagas! Nagas have tails and were-snakes don't!>

Inki snarls when it hears about Germ's proposition about eliminating the were-snakes, <Silly-putty! Not even our guardians can stop them from stealing the life-source that keeps this forest alive, and your friend is ten-times smaller in size!

Germ decides to shove around, and finds a bottle of venom.

Inki growls,

<Mhinak! Tell your friends to stop digging! If not you will end up like that pale-skinned lady! I will show you what will happen to you if you continue to do what you do!> Inki leaps into the dense forests and leads the party into the forest. <There she is! So stop digging or you all will end up like her!>

"Help me" A soft muted voice coming through her hood.

<Mhinak! Tell your friends to stay back! Pale skin's awake! I will call for help!> Inki widens its jaw, preparing to make a loud growl...

They all have scales. Besides they could be working together as far we can tell. And I can kick more @$$ than you could ever hope to "Cat".

Grabbing the venom knowing how useful it could be. But, the "cat's" attitude starting to annoy him. Still holding his shovel and thinking the next time I might use it to dig your grave "cat". But, responded: Mhinak, tell the "cat" I was just airing out the soil. Which should help it out in the long run.

Firmly grabs Inka on the top of the head. Hold on a second their. I want to hear what this "lady" was doing here.

[KotZ]

Kiray puts her shovel away and slowly inches up towards Inki, trying not to sneeze. "Mhinak, tell Inki I'm sorry and I'm not intending to defile her home."

Kiray looks at the suspended figure. Not wanting to take any chances, Kiray equips the sharp tip (-2 bleeding) to Smith's Katana.

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak watches how Na'im and Germ react to Inki with annoyance.

"Na'im, I'm sure you'd do the same. Inki and the other inhabitants of this forest see that woman up there as a threat. They're only taking precautions. They have no idea who she is or what she is capable of. Perhaps you can speak to her for us and find out who she is and what she's doing here?"

Mhinak then turns towards Germ and swats Germ's hand off Inki.

"Do not touch him, that'll surely anger him and anger the rest off the forest inhabitants. I have warned you and the rest of the party to be respectful, which you have seemed to have forgotten or don't care. If you anger the forest and other creatures come out to attack us, which I want no part of. I will not have your back if you put us all in danger."

Mhinak translates for Kiray to Inki.

"Kiray apologizes for digging and she didn't intend any disrespect, Inki."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Everyone, stop digging! Don't do anything that affects the area, you'll upset it and I'd rather not become fertilizer today."

"Without the Brown Nekrastone keeping it alive, the forest is indeed vulnerable. That is aside from enraging the Guardians, which I am more concerned about."

"Inki, Miderun and Kiray have not been here and most certainly not with a Fenarian woman. Perhaps if we can get he down but somehow tie her up, we can speak with her to find out who her associates are. That'll give us a clue as to who she really is along with those people. And most importantly, where the Nekrastone is. And are the guardians those tall tree people? And who are they fighting? I can't make it out but they look like Star Elves with their shiny armor." Mhinak says. "Wait a second Inki, do you think the Star Elves may have taken the Brown Nekrastone and not the Fenarians?"

Inki leaps back and forth anxiously at Mhinak's suggestion to free the Fenarian, <No! The Guardians will be upset if I let you do so! She was caught digging the ground and fiddling with her pockets like a couple of you did! Rest assured everything will be fine when the Guardians hand her over to the Star Elves for further punishment!> Inki's eyes widen, <Are you willing to help us retrieve the Brown Nekrastone from the were-snakes? Then you should meet the Treemaster and the other guardians! They are the ones who are in charge of retrieval! The Star Elves couldn't be the ones who took the Brown Nekrastone, they protect us from those pale-skins like this one on the tree!>

Mhinak turns to the party.

"Inki also mentioned that he knows the difference between Were-Snakes and Nagas but it looks like Were-Snakes are the problem, not Nagas. Keep your eyes open and do not do anything that you think or will harm the forest, we need to help it in return for help on our quest."

"No doubt the were-snakes are the ones causing the trouble, but I am sure that the brains behind this is the Naga."

Na'im listens to Elnaths description with interest "Who can blame the Fenarians really? There is a incredible amount of wealth hidden round here, in the flora and under the soil. Ah, think of the uses it could be put to in the right hands!" Na'im says eagerly "But here it is locked up in a pach of trees!" Na'im shakes his head in disblief.

Elnath shrugs,

"Fenarians were once Star Elves, who is it to decide whether to use or conserve?"

Na'im smirks at the suspended Fenarian <why?> he says in impecable fenarain, and shakes his head <You'll have to do better than that my dear women!> how he loved having power over people-he hadn't had this fun in ages

"That feline is becoming mildly iritating master Mihnak. Please tell it to be quiet." says Na'im in an irritable tone "What exactly dose it think she is going to do? She is suspended twenty feet up in a tree for goodness sake!"

The Fenarian directs her gaze at Naîm as he speaks in Fenarian tongue, and heaves a sigh of relief, and speaks, voice still muffled and weak,

"I assume our Supreme Leader and Lord, Angma Fenari entrusted you the mission to retrieve us from the wretched hands of the Star Elves. I know where the others are, we need to move quickly before the Star Elves and their consortium arrives. I am impressed, however, to disguise your party as wandering seafarers, but I have not seen you around as one of his trusted aides. Perhaps our wise leader has his own will in this."

Firmly grabs Inka on the top of the head. Hold on a second their. I want to hear what this "lady" was doing here.

Mhinak then turns towards Germ and swats Germ's hand off Inki.

"Do not touch him, that'll surely anger him and anger the rest off the forest inhabitants. I have warned you and the rest of the party to be respectful, which you have seemed to have forgotten or don't care. If you anger the forest and other creatures come out to attack us, which I want no part of. I will not have your back if you put us all in danger."

"Why is this four legged demon doing with you, Fenarian? They are the eyes and ears of the Star Elves, do not be fooled!"

Mhinak translates for Kiray to Inki.

"Kiray apologizes for digging and she didn't intend any disrespect, Inki."

<Apologies accepted!> Shaking its head and body vigorously as it breaks free from Germ.

Edited July 10, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[samurai-turtle]

Mhinak then turns towards Germ and swats Germ's hand off Inki.

"Do not touch him, that'll surely anger him and anger the rest off the forest inhabitants. I have warned you and the rest of the party to be respectful, which you have seemed to have forgotten or don't care. If you anger the forest and other creatures come out to attack us, which I want no part of. I will not have your back if you put us all in danger."

Shaking its head and body vigorously as it breaks free from Germ.

Hearing a low grow. His annoyance turns towards Mhinak. Are you saying you'll turn into a "Nalguz"? Because if you do I will not hesitate to attack you. And if you do not believe me just ask Kiray over their she will tell you how true it is. Besides I was just trying to get his attention I did not want him to call an army over here. You can tell him what ever you want because "I do not care" as you put it.

Na'im listens to Elnaths description with interest "Who can blame the Fenarians really? There is a incredible amount of wealth hidden round here, in the flora and under the soil. Ah, think of the uses it could be put to in the right hands!" Na'im says eagerly "But here it is locked up in a pach of trees!" Na'im shakes his head in disblief

You obviously do not know the value of trees. But then again these trees can not be that good if they need a "rock" to grow.

That is aside from enraging the Guardians, which I am more concerned about.

Don't worry I can deal with them any way that is needed.

Lets just get to finding the "reptiles". Then notice Bobby and decided to mess with him. Ain't that right Mr. Rashiknishalsrklrea ... Yo Joe I mean Bro.

[Yzalirk]

Hearing a low grow. His annoyance turns towards Mhinak. Are you saying you'll turn into a "Nalguz"? Because if you do I will not hesitate to attack you. And if you do not believe me just ask Kiray over their she will tell you how true it is. Besides I was just trying to get his attention I did not want him to call an army over here. You can tell him what ever you want because "I do not care" as you put it.

Mhinak sighs.

"I'm suggesting that we should avoid every opportunity that could cause friction between us and this forest. I'd prefer not to be hunted down by everything here. Just watch what you do and be respectful. Inki and the forest may take your actions in a disrespectful way."

[Zepher]

"Thanks dude!" says Bobby, beaming as Na'im praises him. "You're not half bad yourself!" He looks around at his party, trying to piece together what the current plan was. "I'm all for helping out these forest critters and beating up were-snakes if they took some stone from them, but it's not aight to leave this chick hanging. We gotta get her down first, then let's go get up in those snake-man's grills."

[Enceladus]

"Without the Brown Nekrastone keeping it alive, the forest is indeed vulnerable. That is aside from enraging the Guardians, which I am more concerned about."

Inki leaps back and forth anxiously at Mhinak's suggestion to free the Fenarian, <No! The Guardians will be upset if I let you do so! She was caught digging the ground and fiddling with her pockets like a couple of you did! Rest assured everything will be fine when the Guardians hand her over to the Star Elves for further punishment!> Inki's eyes widen, <Are you willing to help us retrieve the Brown Nekrastone from the were-snakes? Then you should meet the Treemaster and the other guardians! They are the ones who are in charge of retrieval! The Star Elves couldn't be the ones who took the Brown Nekrastone, they protect us from those pale-skins like this one on the tree!>

The Fenarian directs her gaze at Naîm as he speaks in Fenarian tongue, and heaves a sigh of relief, and speaks, voice still muffled and weak,

"I assume our Supreme Leader and Lord, Angma Fenari entrusted you the mission to retrieve us from the wretched hands of the Star Elves. I know where the others are, we need to move quickly before the Star Elves and their consortium arrives. I am impressed, however, to disguise your party as wandering seafarers, but I have not seen you around as one of his trusted aides. Perhaps our wise leader has his own will in this."

"Why is this four legged demon doing with you, Fenarian? They are the eyes and ears of the Star Elves, do not be fooled!"

Na'im rolls his eyes <Yes of course we know of the mutual friendship between the forest creatures and the star eves-but we are in deep cover here now miss...? On that note how did you get caught anyway?> Na'im turns to the others and says quietly ot the others os that he may not be overheard "Our lady friend here claims to come on the orders of the most esteemed Supreme Leader and Lord, Angma Fenari, adonis moraira, and surely if we are to retrieve any of the nerkasotones that are still held by th Fenarians it would be prudent to have alies within Fenarian society. Thus I say we should let her down for now, and possibly her compariots too if we can reach them"

"if the forest weakens so will lt's gaurdians" muses Na'im "It must be tough work looking after the forest in these difficult times my little friend" say Na'im addresing Inki

Hearing a low grow. His annoyance turns towards Mhinak. Are you saying you'll turn into a "Nalguz"? Because if you do I will not hesitate to attack you. And if you do not believe me just ask Kiray over their she will tell you how true it is. Besides I was just trying to get his attention I did not want him to call an army over here. You can tell him what ever you want because "I do not care" as you put it.

You obviously do not know the value of trees. But then again these trees can not be that good if they need a "rock" to grow.

"Nay master germ, I believe it is master Mihnak here who is having his loyalties tested" says Na'im, his voice dangerously soft as he gazes intently at Mihnak "If anyone will turn on the party and 'pull a Nalguz' as you put it will be him" Na'im waits to how Mihnak would react, a curious expression on his face

"Oh no, master Germ, after spending so long below ground I appreciate the shade and cover provided by the forest more than most, I should think. I am...better in open spaces than I was when I was first ejected form Fenario, but I remain not entirely...comfortble around them to say the least" Na'im shivers "But surely the sheer wealth of goods we are extracting form the ground and the regenerative powers of the brown Nerkastone are proof positive that this place could be destined for greater things than playing host to a few trees?"

[CMP]

Na'im rolls his eyes <Yes of course we know of the mutual friendship between the forest creatures and the star eves-but we are in deep cover here now miss...? On that note how did you get caught anyway?> Na'im turns to the others and says quietly ot the others os that he may not be overheard "Our lady friend here claims to come on the orders of the most esteemed Supreme Leader and Lord, Angma Fenari, adonis moraira, and surely if we are to retrieve any of the nerkasotones that are still held by th Fenarians it would be prudent to have alies within Fenarian society. Thus I say we should let her down for now, and possibly her compariots too if we can reach them"

Miderun lowered her voice as well. "So we fight the dryads to get her out, or we go with Inki to get the Brown Nekrastone from the naga...."

"Thanks dude!" says Bobby, beaming as Na'im praises him. "You're not half bad yourself!" He looks around at his party, trying to piece together what the current plan was. "I'm all for helping out these forest critters and beating up were-snakes if they took some stone from them, but it's not aight to leave this chick hanging. We gotta get her down first, then let's go get up in those snake-man's grills."

"I doubt they'd let us do both, Bobby."

"I think we ought to go after the Nekrastone. We don't know what this Arauznmyr woman can do for us. All I do know is that whoever has the Nekrastones has the real power here. If at the end of the day the Star Elves or the Arauznmyr has more than the other, one of them will end up destroying the other. We're not letting that happen."

Edited July 10, 2015 by CallMePie

[Yzalirk]

"Nay master germ, I believe it is master Mihnak here who is having his loyalties tested" says Na'im, his voice dangerously soft as he gazes intently at Mihnak "If anyone will turn on the party and 'pull a Nalguz' as you put it will be him" Na'im waits to how Mihnak would react, a curious expression on his face

Mhinak looks at Na'im as if disappointed.

"Believe what you want but I will not be help responsible for upsetting the forest, which your kin has been doing. Perhaps we were destined to help the forest while on our journey here. You can show that not all Fenarians are bad. You and Germ can't communicate with nature like I can so you'll have to trust me. I'm the one making sure we don't end up as snacks. Our safety is my concern. Now I'm with Miderun, let's quit lollygagging and find that stone."

He then directs his attention towards Inki.

"Inki, care to lead the way?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Lets just get to finding the "reptiles".

The fenarian's eye widens,

"Those scaly fools?" Letting out a muted laugh, "We have noticed their presence, they are swift and organised and hard to track down but they are not a threat to us. Their activities on the surface has only opened up more opportunities for us..."

Mhinak sighs.

"I'm suggesting that we should avoid every opportunity that could cause friction between us and this forest. I'd prefer not to be hunted down by everything here. Just watch what you do and be respectful. Inki and the forest may take your actions in a disrespectful way."

"If you do not already know, the moment you set foot into this forest, you are being watched. Let along crushing every vegetation under your feet, you've already caused massive intrusion. The Guardians are just one of Alphieth's lackeys that they control, and they do their bidding to the tee. The whole consortium of smug show no mercy and are vile in their words and actions. It won't be long before they arrive, and nothing good will come of it."

"Thanks dude!" says Bobby, beaming as Na'im praises him. "You're not half bad yourself!" He looks around at his party, trying to piece together what the current plan was. "I'm all for helping out these forest critters and beating up were-snakes if they took some stone from them, but it's not aight to leave this chick hanging. We gotta get her down first, then let's go get up in those snake-man's grills."

"Wise decision. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Those scaly fools have done all the hard work for us." The Fenarian smirks, "It wouldn't be long before they are hunted down by the Guardians and the Star Elves. We just need to get to those scaly-fools before they do..."

Na'im rolls his eyes <Yes of course we know of the mutual friendship between the forest creatures and the star eves-but we are in deep cover here now miss...? On that note how did you get caught anyway?>

"Ga. Bain Ga, the Gatherer. As you see, barely anything grows under the surface. Any fertile land left within these lands are beyond those magical barriers that the Alphieths have selfishly kept to themselves. Our people are starving and we sustain ourselves on whatever we can gather. And it is not all safe underground, we were constantly attacked by monsters that dwell underground. Women, younglings were captured and ransomed for our little food stores we have. There is war waged constantly underground and there is no end." Bain sighs, "We are left with no choice but to risk our lives and emerge to the surface to forage for food." Bain's eye reddens with anger, "Curse the Star Elves, curse Latte Oswain. Another selfish and smug lackey of the Alphieth. The Guardians of the forest are under his control, and he is the worst amongst the family of nobles. He got wind of our demise and expanded the Spesialian territories to keep us out, and imprisons any Fenarian trespassers. If you think that is the end, you think too highly of him. He holds them to the gallows and make unreasonable demands from us, such as food supplies, weapons, tools, anything that will enable us to farm and gather to sustain ourselves. Despite this, for the sake of our survival, Eckmar and I decided to risk it for our people, what is two lives compared to our extinction? Unfortunately, we were ambushed by the Guardians and it wouldn't be long before we were tortured.... "

"Oswain..." Fiddling with the seal, "If what you said is true, Lady Ga, why would be Guardians entrust us to find the lost Brown Nekrastone for them? When they have the aid of the Star Elves?" directing his question to the party.

"Do not trust anyone that are allies with the Star Elves. They are many."

"if the forest weakens so will lt's gaurdians" muses Na'im "It must be tough work looking after the forest in these difficult times my little friend" say Na'im addresing Inki

Inki gives a puzzled look at Naîm, not understanding a word he's saying.

"But surely the sheer wealth of goods we are extracting form the ground and the regenerative powers of the brown Nerkastone are proof positive that this place could be destined for greater things than playing host to a few trees?"

"How wise, Master ...?"

"I think we ought to go after the Nekrastone. We don't know what this Arauznmyr woman can do for us. All I do know is that whoever has the Nekrastones has the real power here. If at the end of the day the Star Elves or the Arauznmyr has more than the other, one of them will end up destroying the other. We're not letting that happen."

"Who are you calling -myr?" Bain's face reddens with rage, "Besides, it is more likely that the Alphieth will destroy us before we can even help it."

He then directs his attention towards Inki.

"Inki, care to lead the way?"

<If you want to meet the Guardians, I will lead you to them right now! And leave the pale-skin to us!> Letting out a loud growl that resonates into the forests, attracting the attention of the Dryads, that gathers around the cocoon, preventing the party to get close.

Bain gets incredibly agitated,

"Cut me loose and let's get out of this god-forsaken place, I will share the little I have with everyone. I can also track down the whereabouts of the Brown Nekrastone. You do not want to face the Guardians and the Star Elves, have you forgotten you have one of us amongst yourselves? Trust me, it is suicide."

Will the party follow Inki to meet the Guardians? Or will they engage the Dryads to save Bain Ga?

[CMP]

"Ga. Bain Ga, the Gatherer. As you see, barely anything grows under the surface. Any fertile land left within these lands are beyond those magical barriers that the Alphieths have selfishly kept to themselves. Our people are starving and we sustain ourselves on whatever we can gather. And it is not all safe underground, we were constantly attacked by monsters that dwell underground. Women, younglings were captured and ransomed for our little food stores we have. There is war waged constantly underground and there is no end." Bain sighs, "We are left with no choice but to risk our lives and emerge to the surface to forage for food." Bain's eye reddens with anger, "Curse the Star Elves, curse Latte Oswain. Another selfish and smug lackey of the Alphieth. The Guardians of the forest are under his control, and he is the worst amongst the family of nobles. He got wind of our demise and expanded the Spesialian territories to keep us out, and imprisons any Fenarian trespassers. If you think that is the end, you think too highly of him. He holds them to the gallows and make unreasonable demands from us, such as food supplies, weapons, tools, anything that will enable us to farm and gather to sustain ourselves. Despite this, for the sake of our survival, Eckmar and I decided to risk it for our people, what is two lives compared to our extinction?"

Miderun crossed her arms and said nothing, but unconsciously glanced to the southeast.

Bain gets incredibly agitated,

"Cut me loose and let's get out of this god-forsaken place, I will share the little I have with everyone. I can also track down the whereabouts of the Brown Nekrastone. You do not want to face the Guardians and the Star Elves, have you forgotten you have one of us amongst yourselves? Trust me, it is suicide."

Will the party follow Inki to meet the Guardians? Or will they engage the Dryads to save Bain Ga?

The young orc frowned and looked sideways at her party, then back up at Bain.

"We don't want your things. We want to make sure you and the Star Elves don't destroy eachother. If you can truly help us find the Nekrastone...I vote we free her."

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak paces back and fourth, thinking.

"I don't know lady, I really want to help you but we know nothing about you! Just because you offer to 'share' your goods with us doesn't make you trustworthy. And if we do get you down, you do realize the Dryads and possibly the guardians will in fact engage us and possibly Star Elves?"

Mhinak thinks of something.

"Inki, look, you and I both know the forest needs the Brown Nekrastone. The Fenarian, Bain, knows where it is. Perhaps we can work something out? I'm thinking that we let her down, constrict her so she can only walk with webs or vines, and she leads us to that stone. If she's lying, then let the Guardians deal with her. Either way, we're the winners in that situation. I know you don't want her to be released but it's a sacrifice that may need to be taken."

Mhinak then turns to the party.

"This is a tough decision, guys, and we should should be logical about this. If Inki, the Dryads, and the Guardians are open to that bargain I proposed, that's what I think we should do. Before we make any final decisions though, I would like to speak with these Guardians. I would like to hear from them. Maybe they have more useful information than Bain."

[KotZ]

"That's quite a story," Kiray states. "Like most stories of two opposing sides, there's probably truth to both and probably lies to both, and the actual story is somewhere in the middle."

She listens to Mhinak. "I agree. You're correct, if this Fenarian knows where the nekrastone is, we need that knowledge and the Guardians want it back. Until Bain proves what she is saying is true, we need to keep her on a short leash."

[samurai-turtle]

"Our lady friend here claims to come on the orders of the most esteemed Supreme Leader and Lord, Angma Fenari, adonis moraira, and surely if we are to retrieve any of the nerkasotones that are still held by th Fenarians it would be prudent to have alies within Fenarian society.

"Oh no, master Germ, after spending so long below ground I appreciate the shade and cover provided by the forest more than most, I should think. I am...better in open spaces than I was when I was first ejected form Fenario, but I remain not entirely...comfortble around them to say the least" Na'im shivers "But surely the sheer wealth of goods we are extracting form the ground and the regenerative powers of the brown Nerkastone are proof positive that this place could be destined for greater things than playing host to a few trees?"

"How wise, Master ...?"

Do you know this person or just of him?

Trees grow food dumb @$$#$.

All I do know is that whoever has the Nekrastones has the real power here. If at the end of the day the Star Elves or the Arauznmyr has more than the other, one of them will end up destroying the other.

Is that a bad thing? If you think about it, some one could come along and take care of the "winner" of their little war.

The fenarian's eye widens,

"Those scaly fools?" Letting out a muted laugh, "We have noticed their presence, they are swift and organised and hard to track down but they are not a threat to us. Their activities on the surface has only opened up more opportunities for us..."

"Wise decision. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Those scaly fools have done all the hard work for us." The Fenarian smirks, "It wouldn't be long before they are hunted down by the Guardians and the Star Elves. We just need to get to those scaly-fools before they do..."

"Oswain..." Fiddling with the seal, "If what you said is true, Lady Ga, why would be Guardians entrust us to find the lost Brown Nekrastone for them? When they have the aid of the Star Elves?" directing his question to the party.

Because the "Lizards" have something everyone wants. And I think you guys were not even keeping a good eye on them.

Because we are expendable to them. And why wast your resources when you can get someone else to wast their resources.

"We don't want your things.

Speak for yourself. I will take what ever "lame thing" she might have. But...

Mhinak thinks of something.

"Inki, look, you and I both know the forest needs the Brown Nekrastone. The Fenarian, Bain, knows where it is. Perhaps we can work something out? I'm thinking that we let her down, constrict her so she can only walk with webs or vines, and she leads us to that stone. If she's lying, then let the Guardians deal with her. Either way, we're the winners in that situation. I know you don't want her to be released but it's a sacrifice that may need to be taken."

Mhinak then turns to the party.

"This is a tough decision, guys, and we should should be logical about this. If Inki, the Dryads, and the Guardians are open to that bargain I proposed, that's what I think we should do. Before we make any final decisions though, I would like to speak with these Guardians. I would like to hear from them. Maybe they have more useful information than Bain."

Might as well try it. But first maybe you should get your "cat friend" to back down first.

[CMP]

Is that a bad thing? If you think about it, some one could come along and take care of the "winner" of their little war.

"These aren't bands of thugs we're talking about, the future of two races depends on these rocks. Ta dal myrcand, gov ei giv. We're not standing by and watching a double genocide, suulnoshuul."

[samurai-turtle]

Aren't they just "Mutated Elves"? Beside it seems like they want kill each other off. Maybe "someone" should come along and scare the crap out of them. It might just wise them up, a lot.

Oh, do you want to translate those curse words you said about me?

[CMP]

Aren't they just "Mutated Elves"? Beside it seems like they want kill each other off. Maybe "someone" should come along and scare the crap out of them. It might just wise them up, a lot.

Oh, do you want to translate those curse words you said about me?

"That's something like the plan. If we have the Nekrastones we can make sure they don't kill eachother."

"And no, those weren't curses." Miderun rolled her eyes a bit.

[Enceladus]

The fenarian's eye widens,

"Those scaly fools?" Letting out a muted laugh, "We have noticed their presence, they are swift and organised and hard to track down but they are not a threat to us. Their activities on the surface has only opened up more opportunities for us...Wise decision. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Those scaly fools have done all the hard work for us." The Fenarian smirks, "It wouldn't be long before they are hunted down by the Guardians and the Star Elves. We just need to get to those scaly-fools before they do...Ga. Bain Ga, the Gatherer. As you see, barely anything grows under the surface. Any fertile land left within these lands are beyond those magical barriers that the Alphieths have selfishly kept to themselves. Our people are starving and we sustain ourselves on whatever we can gather. And it is not all safe underground, we were constantly attacked by monsters that dwell underground. Women, younglings were captured and ransomed for our little food stores we have. There is war waged constantly underground and there is no end." Bain sighs, "We are left with no choice but to risk our lives and emerge to the surface to forage for food." Bain's eye reddens with anger, "Curse the Star Elves, curse Latte Oswain. Another selfish and smug lackey of the Alphieth. The Guardians of the forest are under his control, and he is the worst amongst the family of nobles. He got wind of our demise and expanded the Spesialian territories to keep us out, and imprisons any Fenarian trespassers. If you think that is the end, you think too highly of him. He holds them to the gallows and make unreasonable demands from us, such as food supplies, weapons, tools, anything that will enable us to farm and gather to sustain ourselves. Despite this, for the sake of our survival, Eckmar and I decided to risk it for our people, what is two lives compared to our extinction? Unfortunately, we were ambushed by the Guardians and it wouldn't be long before we were tortured.... "

"Oswain..." Fiddling with the seal, "If what you said is true, Lady Ga, why would be Guardians entrust us to find the lost Brown Nekrastone for them? When they have the aid of the Star Elves?" directing his question to the party.

"How wise, Master ...?"

<If you want to meet the Guardians, I will lead you to them right now! And leave the pale-skin to us!> Letting out a loud growl that resonates into the forests, attracting the attention of the Dryads, that gathers around the cocoon, preventing the party to get close.

Bain gets incredibly agitated,

"Cut me loose and let's get out of this god-forsaken place, I will share the little I have with everyone. I can also track down the whereabouts of the Brown Nekrastone. You do not want to face the Guardians and the Star Elves, have you forgotten you have one of us amongst yourselves? Trust me, it is suicide."

<Na'im Thamir at your service. And fear not I have a plan Lady Bain> Na'im says in fenarian, holding up the Badge of the smokemaster so she can see it

Na'im nods "I agre with Lady Miderun-If anyone here thinks the star elves will take kindly to another fenarian in there midst then they are mistaken! I tell you. I shall be strung up and tortured just like Lady Bain here (which I would rather avoid, If I am to be quite honest). Please, let us just get Bain down and begone!" " Na'im says nervously, glancing at Miderun for conformation

"It seems to me that the star elves also have eyes on the nerkastone, but the treemaster and his minions do not want them to gain it, for fear of reigniting the war between the star elves and the Fenari-thus, he wants us to retireve the Nerkastone because he believes we will not use it for our own ends." says Na'im matter of factly as if it were all very obvious

"People are very rarely like how you imagine them to be master Van Cleef" says Na'im sagely

Mhinak then turns to the party.

"This is a tough decision, guys, and we should should be logical about this. If Inki, the Dryads, and the Guardians are open to that bargain I proposed, that's what I think we should do. Before we make any final decisions though, I would like to speak with these Guardians. I would like to hear from them. Maybe they have more useful information than Bain."

"There is no time master Mihank. If the gaurdians and the star elves get here, and we still wish to free Bain, who is to say shall be able to fight them off and still escape." says Na'im sadly shaking his head "It is as they say now or never-the time has come to choose whether you shall stand together with your friends and alies from heroica, or with a group of hostlie elves you know nothing of Maser Mihnak!"

[/font][/color]

Do you know this person or just of him?

Trees grow food dumb @$$#$.

Na'im looks shocked "Why of course! You shall not find a fenarian anywhere who dose not know of their comon lord and ruler! Tis true though, that he is more of an isolationist than he used to be, and has little contact with the citizens of Fenario nowdays. Oh, and you should watch your language master Germ-it is quite vulgar" adds Na'im wrinkling his nose as if germ's words physically repulsed him

"There are more important things out there than food master Germ." says Na'im in a knowing voice "This place is alive with magic! Why would you need food if you had the power of the Nerkastone in your hand? And what does one forest mater if you can regenerate an entire continent?"

Edited January 23, 2016 by Enceladus

[Yzalirk]

"There is no time master Mihank. If the gaurdians and the star elves get here, and we still wish to free Bain, who is to say shall be able to fight them off and still escape." says Na'im sadly shaking his head "It is as they say now or never-the time has come to choose whether you shall stand together with your friends and alies from heroica, or with a group of hostlie elves you know nothing of Maser Mihnak!"

"I have time, with left expectancy of about 1,000 years. I'd like to see what the Guardians have to say. They have to understand we are also to help them recover the Brown Nekrastone. We must also return that seal, which belongs to the Star Elves! I can understand your hesitation but don't let a old hatred keep you astray from helping your native land. Just try to be open-minded, alright?"

Mhinak listens to the ocean crashing against the shore.

"Inki, by any chance are there any Merfolk in these parts that could breath underwater for long periods of time who could help look for our lost friend? His name is Toren and he was abducted by some Mermaids when our ship was attacked by a band of other Merfolk. He could also help us out on saving this forest. I'm not sure about everyone else but I would like to meet the Guardians and the Treemaster. Perhaps you could take me to meet with them?"

[CMP]

"I have time, with left expectancy of about 1,000 years. I'd like to see what the Guardians have to say. They have to understand we are also to help them recover the Brown Nekrastone. We must also return that seal, which belongs to the Star Elves! I can understand your hesitation but don't let a old hatred keep you astray from helping your native land. Just try to be open-minded, alright?"

"Why, so they can strike back at the Fenarians and completely wipe them out? I don't think either side needs the Nekrastones at this point."

[KotZ]

"Why, so they can strike back at the Fenarians and completely wipe them out? I don't think either side needs the Nekrastones at this point."

"It'd probably be best if we took them for ourselves," Kiray murmured to Miderun.

[Yzalirk]

"Why, so they can strike back at the Fenarians and completely wipe them out? I don't think either side needs the Nekrastones at this point."

"The Brown Nekrastone rightfully belongs to the forest, not the Fenerians or Star Elves. Perhaps we can convince the Treemaster that if the Star Elves keep the stone, they are threatening their life. It'll be hard but that seems to be the reality of this. Hopefully they understand."