Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[Flipz]

Arthur moves to walk near Purpearl, offering out his Opal and Garnet. "If you'd like to borrow them," he says by way of explanation.

[JimBee]

Hybros holds the ember in his gloved hand, admiring it's glow while it was still cooled. The light gave away his expression of awe, whatever he had seen had been incredible. "I am... ready to go." He nods at Vipera, then the cavern's dragons. "I hope this is not the last time you will set eyes on us worms."

Loot:

Arthur: Ruby, 25 gold

Purpearl: Garnet. 25 gold

Hoke: 75 gold, Gold Bar

Hybros: 75 gold, Gold Bar

After leaving the cavern, Hybros uses his shovel to loosen some rocks, then down and produces an empty potion bottle from his bag of holding. He scoops up some of the reddish tan sand, caps the bottle, and hands it to Felix. "I owe you this. Trust me... eheh."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke pockets the loot and pats Hybros on the shoulder.

"Probably wouldn't be a bad idea if we found a place to restock some items before we head off for the next artefact."

[Zepher]

The Elder Dragon stares down Hybros as he makes his quip about worms.

"Huh...huh...huh..." he says and the heroes recognize a laugh. "I think...our paths...may cross...again."

"Here I was thinking that another adventure with heroes would have me finally falling in love with the muscular captain, but now the little imp is offering me presents." Lady Felix beams at Hybros cheekily and stows the vial in one of her many hidden satchels. "Thank you, Hybros."

Hybros, meanwhile, spies fifteen gold in the rubble he knocked down and quickly snatches it before any dragons can notice.

The Party

Arthur

Justus Regulus VII

Ziegfried

, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 40.2 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human

*Immune to

Hexed

,

Petrified

,

Minimized

,

Jinxed

,

Stunned

,

Slowed

,

Hastened

,

Blind

,

Confused

, and

Defense Reduction

* *Immune to Magic and Healing*

Power Bonus:

+3

Health:

36/66

Defense:

57

Gold:

2012

(Owed 128 gold by Boomingham)

Equipment:

Dauntlet Index

(WP: 20, doubled against humanoids,

Darkness

-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield),

Tin Armor

(SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear),

Tin Gloves

(Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear),

Shadeaux Cape

(SP:11, Immune to

Blind

,

Confused

, and

Defense Reduction

, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear),

Tin Greaves

(Immunity to

Stunned

-,

Slowed

-, and

Hastened

-effects; footwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone),

Inventory:

Weapons:

Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12,

Light

-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause

slowed

-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes

bleeding-by-5

effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants

Intimidation

; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies,

Lightning

- and

Wind

-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd,

stuns

on successful hits, Hollow [--]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire-Earth Elemental)

Artifacts:

Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear),

Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone)

(currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the

Jinxed

effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory),

Enchanted Bracelet (Protects from sealed-effect; accessory)

, Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors),

Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts:

Weatherfax Broom (WP:25; makes weather forecasts instant instead of being applied at the end of the round; suitable to weather mages; broomstick), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is

Jinxed

), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd),

Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5,

Light

-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4)

, Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear),

Spell Items

(unsuitable):

Opal (

Ice

), Garnet (

Earth

), Ruby (Fire)

Tools:

Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass,

Consumables:

Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 12x Mead, 8x Nostrum, Fenghuang Incense, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the

Poisoned-by-10

effect for the duration of the battle and the

Confused

effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Negative Nelly (Causes 30 damage and jinxed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), 2x Silver Ore, Trial Brew

Miirym

, 8-month-old Dragon hatchling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 40.2 Dragon

Power Bonus:

0

Power:

40

Health:

59/69

Element:

none

Ability: May pay 10 health for a 2/6 chance to make a party member Lucky.

Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon

(UsernameMDM)

Human Male Dragoon

Level 54

*Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1,

Dark

, Light,

Ice, Lightning

*

Power Bonus: 2, +4 WP

Defense: 41

Health: 72/92 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread)

Gold: 1438

Equipment

:

Zoot's Order

(WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only),

Steel Buckler

(SP:31, Darkness-elemental),

Sven's Heavy Armor

(SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile),

Hydra Skin

(SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear),

Warrior's Treads

(SP:2, Health +1),

Samurai Helmet

(WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors),

Medal of Glory

(Wearer gains triple experience, accessory)

Inventory

:

Weapons

-

Vintul

(WP: 16; greatsword),

Gladiator Trident

(WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear),

Wasabi Blade

(WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword),

Blade of Tranquility

(WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, Long-sword),

Glistening Halberd

WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance),

Blue Steel Shield

(SP:5, Immune to Blind),

Fang Dagger

(WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger),

Hollow Flagpole

(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance),

Great Axpeord

(WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear)

Artefacts

-

Sharkskin Gloves

(Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks),

Helm of Prestige

(SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons),

Sterile Gloves

(Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone),

Cultist Hat

(damage vs undead),

Sigil of the Cold Circle

- (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers),

Heavy Armo

r (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile),

Pugilist Gloves

(+2 to power, immune Weakened),

Electro Gear

(Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory),

Gems

- Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth)

Scrolls

- Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep

Tools

- Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb

Consumables

- 4x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 5x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Mulled Wine, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Bone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Used Summoning Amulet (Worth 25 gold), Gold Bar, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound)

Decamon Deck

- Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8)

Torc the Adult Brown Dragon

Female Dragon Adult

Level 54

Health: 59/84

Element: Fire

Ability: May pay 10 health for a 3/6 chance to make a party member Lucky.

Hybros

(played by JimButcher)

54-year-old male imp Marauder

*Permanently Hastened*

*Immune to

Cursed

,

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

Fragile

,

Weakened

,

Poisoned

,

Bleeding

and

all elements*

*Intimidation*

*Gains triple XP* *Party Leader*

Level:

39 1/4

Power Bonus:

+3

*

, +8 in front row

Defense:

0

Health:

15

/65

(7+38+15+5*)

Ether:

0/0

(+2*)

Gold:

1906

Equipment:

Mythrilized

Zoot's Reaper

(WP:30, permanently deals

Cursed

and

Poisoned:7

;

longsword, suitable to Hybros),

Sword of Ancestral Hatred

(WP:46.25,

darkness

-,

fire

-,

ice

-,

wind

-elemental, gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword)

,

Golden Armor

(user is permanently

Hastened

and

Cursed

,

fire

-,

water

-,

earth

-,

wind

-,

ice

-,

lightning

-,

wood

-,

darkness

-,

light

-elemental, immune to

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

Fragile

, and

Weakened

; bodywear),

The Black Hat

(grants

Intimidation

, immune to

darkness

and

Cursed;

headwear),

Medal of Glory

(Wearer gains triple experience; accessory),

Fighting Boots

(Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors),

Inventory:

•

Iustitia

(WP:12, causes

blinded

-effect

;

light

-elemental dagger), Heavy Flail (WP:5, deals

Fragile

on successful hits; mace), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike;

darkness

-elemental daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow [Phoenix Incense]; dagger),

Clock Cog (WP:14; throwing weapon),

Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all; throwing weapon)

,

Spinning Bolas (WP: 5 deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; throwing weapon), Skirmisher's Shield (SP:10; shield)

• Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear),

Metal Claw

(Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear),

Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear),

Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear)

,

Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from

Weakened

-effect; handwear),

Alchemist's Cheatsheet

(1/3 chance to make two of the same Mixture on rolls of Shield, accessory, suitable to Alchemists),

Lichen Armor (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted; suitable to classes with ether; bodywear), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; backwear), Sterile Gloves

(immune to

Poisoned

and

Bleeding

handwear),

Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth), Dastan Greatsword (WP: 10, +2 WP for all other Dastan Equipment), Dastan Armor (SP: 3 Bodywear, Immune to Earth and Fire, +2 SP for all other Dastan Equipment, Suitable for Knights, Regulators, Winged Warriors, Dragoons, and Vindicators), Gloves of the Dragon Mother (Handwear, Allows the Wearer to Handle the Dragon's Heart Flame),

• Garnet

•

20x Potion,

21x Grand Potion, 13x Health Core,

Diluted Arc Tonic,

Hyper Arc Tonic, 3

x Elixir, 2x

Arc Elixir,

10x Remedy, 3x Neutralizer,

2x Purging Water,

Tiger Balm,

3x Phoenix Incense, Fenghuang Essence (After being consumed, automatically revives the target with full health once when knocked out; cannot revive targets that are already knocked out),

2x Last Resort,

7x

Nostrum, 8x Mead,

Soma, 6x Mulled Wine,

2x Cloud of Celerity,

2x Bravado Brew, Smile of the Gods, Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the encouraged-, lucky-, reinforced-, and blinded- effects for the duration of one battle), 2x

Minimizing Dust,

Bad Breath,

2x Wyvern's Breath,

Gold Ring (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver),

4 Smoke Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs,

Demeter Bomb (100

wood

-elemental damage), Rudra Bomb (100

lightning

-elemental damage), Pumpkin Bomb (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used),

2x Fog Bomb,

Mystic Bomb,

Baffle Bomb, 2x

Bone,

Skeleton Decoy, 4x

Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy)

• Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe,

Crystal Ball (Worth 800 gold, 1600 in magic shops), Gold Bar

Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob)

180 Years Old Female Elven

Mystic Knight

Level 23.66

*Immune to

Earth

,

Fragile

*

Power Bonus:

4

Defense:

24

(15 + 4 + 5)

Health:

12/32

(Base 5 + 22 Levels + 7 Health Bonus - 2 Penalty #102)

Ether:

14/31

(Base 5 + 22 Levels + 4 Bonus #102)

Gold:

953

GP:

44

Equipment:

Zelphie's Staff (WP: 21, cannot be imbued with elements, damages undead), Arm Shield (SP:15, shield), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to

Fragile

,

suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators)

, Stingy Gloves (Prevents the wearer from having gold stolen,

hand wear), Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth)

Inventory:

Equipment:

Lullaby Wand (WP:8,

Sleep

effect), Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Chaotic Whip (WP: 5,

Darkness

Elemental), Thorny Rose (WP: 17,

wood

-elemental, deals the

Poisoned

by 3 effect, mace), Crescent Shield (SP: 7, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides

Nimble

Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Aventine's Tricorne (SP: 3, Immunity to

Fire

),

Dastan Greatsword (WP: 10, +2 WP for all other Dastan Equipment), Dastan Armor (SP: 3 Bodywear, Immune to Earth and Fire, +2 SP for all other Dastan Equipment, Suitable for Knights, Regulators, Winged Warriors, Dragoons, and Vindicators),

Enchanted Braclet (Protects from Sealed Effect,

hand wear),

Spell Items:

Ruby (

Fire

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Amethyst (

Darkness

), Sapphire (

Wind

), Diamond (

Light

), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Electrical Warding (1/2 chance to make the target immune to electric for the duration of one battle at the cost of 1 ether)

Consumables:

Potion, 8 Grand Tonics, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 4 Mead, Ambrosia, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether when consumed), 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Tinyshroom, 2 Level Up Mushroom, 3 Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Ice Bomb,

Nostrum

Decamon Deck:

Lucky Rabbit (Icy 1), Scarab (Rock 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5)

Tools:

Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Lady Felix

(Controlled by Hybros)

Level 28.66 Rogue *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* *Causes Bleeding -10* *Regains 20 health at top of Rounds that are multiples of 3*

Power: 28

Health: 1/35

Gold: ???

Equipment: Lady Felix's Very Precise Mace (WP: 14, Causes bleeding -10, Suitable to Lady Felix), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky)

Inventory: ???

Vipera

(Controlled by Hoke)

Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired

Has a 1/3 chance to grant Lucky

The heroes step outside and meet Captain Elba, who already has the ship ready. The board swiftly and take to the skies, Vipera flying alongside them for a short stretch.

<To Xu next? We have sisters there too, though not of the same breed.> Vipera lets the wind whip around her wings. <One day perhaps I shall journey there, but for now my place is in Dastan. This is not farewell, however. It seems impossible our paths will not cross again. So instead, when next we meet, my sisters, Lady Purpearl, Hybros, Arthur, and my Hoke.> With a dip in her head the wind buffets her downwards and she is lost as the ship rises above the clouds.

"Straight to Xu, Gerald?"

"Full steam ahead, Captain!"

[Flipz]

As the Heroes depart the cave, Miirym likewise finds a golden treasure, though hers appears to be a statue of some kind (OOC: Henry Award). Venting some kind of inner tension, she shreds the small statue to pieces, and somehow feels healthier +1 max HP for the experience.

OOC: My second Henry should be in Arthur's inventory, I haven't decided what to do with it yet.

The moment Vipera has departed, Miirym alights upon the deck, curling up and pretending to sleep. Arthur isn't fooled.

"You want to talk about it?"

"<Not particularly.>"

Arthur nods. "All right, then." Giving Miirym a comforting pat on the back, he heads toward the bow of the ship to keep watch. Miirym rolls her azure eyes at his concern, then smiles before settling down once more.

[Zepher]

U'Or wanders around the ship a little and comes to rest near the young dragon. He sits down and props himself against the side of the ship. Ever the professional he opens his briefcase and begins to shuffle through some papers, but it wouldn't take a dragon's intuition to tell that he is a little bit troubled.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Arthur moves to walk near Purpearl, offering out his Opal and Garnet. "If you'd like to borrow them," he says by way of explanation.

"I'm good." says Purpearl as she tosses the Garnet in her hand Hybros handed her a couple of moments ago.

U'Or wanders around the ship a little and comes to rest near the young dragon. He sits down and props himself against the side of the ship. Ever the professional he opens his briefcase and begins to shuffle through some papers, but it wouldn't take a dragon's intuition to tell that he is a little bit troubled.

Noticing something might be amiss, Purpearl moves and stations next to U'Or, "Are you alright? Do you want to talk about it?"

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke gives a wave as Vipera flies back to Dastan. He follows Torc to the bow of the ship, takes out his bedroll, and rests a bit. He rests his head against Torc while she curls around him like a giant cat.

[JimBee]

Hybros waves farewell to Vipera, and peers over the railing of the ship for once last glance at Dastan. The expansive continent was impressive, but its people were troubled. He hoped that they had made some impact on the country's future for the better.

Hoke pockets the loot and pats Hybros on the shoulder.

"Probably wouldn't be a bad idea if we found a place to restock some items before we head off for the next artefact."

Hybros nodded. "I am hoping Legonardo can direct us to such places. It has been a while since I was last in Xu, and I did not leave in the best of conditions, heheh... Who knows, perhaps Sham, Scheherezade's son, is still there selling his wares."

As Hoke finds a corner to sleep in, Hybros unpacks his own bedroll. "I think we could all do with some rest." With that, he laid down on the deck and stared up into the sky until his eyes grew heavy. He made a note to speak to Guffington about the witches come morning.

[UsernameMDM]

IF resting replenishes Hoke's & Torc's HP, can I get a few of those Grand Potions back?

[Zepher]

Noticing something might be amiss, Purpearl moves and stations next to U'Or, "Are you alright? Do you want to talk about it?"

"Oh..." U'Or smiles meekly at the elf. "I'm sorry for being a distraction, Lady Purpearl. It is just that I have not been home since I was too young to remember. I always knew that the Great Guffington had taken me to Eubric because he knew my life in Dastan would... be... not good. Not as good. But I... I never resented him for it, but I guess in some ways I had hoped that maybe he was wrong in some ways. But if this is an improved Dastan... my poor parents, my poor people, for all those years. And truly, what a man to deliver me from that, allow me to work in a mansion and have friends such as Elba and Daneeka and heroes and Madame Ladybug and Lady Felix..." The U'Kin leaks a few tears and his voice warbles. "He has truly earned his title." His voice is so wet now it can't help but be a little comical.

IF resting replenishes Hoke's & Torc's HP, can I get a few of those Grand Potions back?

No, sorry, a consumable used is a consumable used.

[Flipz]

OOC: Will I need to use Grand Potions on Miirym to restore her health, or is she able to rest during this journey even though I only have a bedroll for Arthur?

Arthur ambles over to Guffington. "So," he asks his employer, "what do you expect we'll find in Xu?"

[Zepher]

OoC: She can rest.

"I am afraid we may not be crossing paths with anyone from Eubric. I'm well aware that my dear friend Lady Ji Pei recently led a coup and left her inventor behind - I'm rather thankful to her for it actually, because Daneeka is now more in demand than ever." Guffington chuckles. "But we are traveling to a more remote area than the former Council chambers. The Brotherhood of Chi has a number of temples that pepper some of the tallest mountains in Xu. We are to make land at the Ancient Temple of the First Breath. It is a place of training, healing, and meditation. I believe you will enjoy it there."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Oh..." U'Or smiles meekly at the elf. "I'm sorry for being a distraction, Lady Purpearl. It is just that I have not been home since I was too young to remember. I always knew that the Great Guffington had taken me to Eubric because he knew my life in Dastan would... be... not good. Not as good. But I... I never resented him for it, but I guess in some ways I had hoped that maybe he was wrong in some ways. But if this is an improved Dastan... my poor parents, my poor people, for all those years. And truly, what a man to deliver me from that, allow me to work in a mansion and have friends such as Elba and Daneeka and heroes and Madame Ladybug and Lady Felix..." The U'Kin leaks a few tears and his voice warbles. "He has truly earned his title." His voice is so wet now it can't help but be a little comical.

Purpearl unrolls her bedroll as she consoles U'Or, "I hear what you are saying. I believe your parents would want to see you doing good and thriving well with the Great Guffington. You are in good hands, you are in good hands. Now have you been to Xu? I have heard many stories about that place, but never see it myself. I suppose this journey will certainly be enlightening at the very least."

[Zepher]

"I've never been there, but I am sure that it will indeed be enlightening," says U'Or as he stands up and bows slightly to Purpearl. "I will see you tomorrow."

The heroes drift off to a peaceful sleep, and arise the next morning. The sky is clear both above and below them, and they can see the receding parklands behind them as they fly across the Jade Sea. The water is smooth and a deep teal. They all peer over the edge with interest.

"Should make landfall by sunset," says Elba. "We've caught a pretty favorable wind. Quite a coincidence, huh?" He grins. "A good thrill to be moving this quickly. Might truly be able to beat that dragon of your's at this clip, Hoke."

The heroes would have a whole day to kill before they land in Xu. Below them stretches the sea, above them the open sky and the hot sun. What will they do to kill the time?

[JimBee]

Hybros rose from his rest and looked out over the bow to the morning sun.

"I am afraid we may not be crossing paths with anyone from Eubric. I'm well aware that my dear friend Lady Ji Pei recently led a coup and left her inventor behind - I'm rather thankful to her for it actually, because Daneeka is now more in demand than ever." Guffington chuckles. "But we are traveling to a more remote area than the former Council chambers. The Brotherhood of Chi has a number of temples that pepper some of the tallest mountains in Xu. We are to make land at the Ancient Temple of the First Breath. It is a place of training, healing, and meditation. I believe you will enjoy it there."

"Hm, well I am disappointed that we will not see Legonardo, but this temple does sound interesting." Hybros recalled his Chi Monk training.

He looked down at the Jade Sea, a familiar sight from the last time he rode in an airship. He stomach turned at the thought of returning to the land of his past failure, so he looked back towards the deck. "Guffington, erm... there is something else. I am getting the feeling that there is even more to this journey than you have already let on. I do trust that you have a plan, but I wonder if you knew about the rebellion in Dastan, or Natasha, or the dragon we would have to fight all ahead of time. This ember..." he held out the shimmering stone with a gloved hand. "It allowed me to see into the past. Way back into the past. In one of the visions were three witches, one of which I met when I found my people." He cast his eyes to the ground wondering for moment how to phrase his question. "Vipera said you may know about these witches, and if so, they must fit into whatever plan you have laid out for these artifacts. I know you too well to think that they are mere gifts, heheh."

[Zepher]

"Can't I have a little bit of mystery left? Don't you know that 'the Great' is often associated with magicians? How much fun would it be if I pulled back the curtain and showed you how everything works?" He smiles tiredly. "But I guess you're in on the act now. I'd consider Guts and yourself partially part of the manor. So, no, I had no idea about the rebellion. Princess Ella and Doc Daneeka have become something of pen pals, so I knew the political situation in Dastan was fragile, but I had no idea it'd gotten to that point. I did imagine some resistance from the dragons..."

"But I guess I'm talking around the point. The artifacts are indeed going to be used for one final feat, and one final favor to an old friend. We have a shared interest in ancient history. I am sure you recall the first time you met me, I was in a coma. Lord Hughes, Lord Chauncey and I were all researching ancient immortals called the Old Gods. at that time. The witches are their... we've never been able to recognize the exact relationship. Not colleagues, not servants, but they appear together in history often. Unfortunately a witch, a former associate of Heroica, killed one of the Old Gods."

"But if you are concerned with the witches, Lord Chauncey is the man to talk to. And we'll be seeing him shortly. He is ahead in Xu."

[UsernameMDM]

"Should make landfall by sunset," says Elba. "We've caught a pretty favorable wind. Quite a coincidence, huh?" He grins. "A good thrill to be moving this quickly. Might truly be able to beat that dragon of your's at this clip, Hoke."

Torc gives what could pass for a grin and leaps out into the blue.

"Looks like you're not the only one with a bit of pride Captain," Hoke says with a chuckle.

"Vipera said you may know about these witches, and if so, they must fit into whatever plan you have laid out for these artifacts."

"Witches? How I hate those. Luckily, I know how to deal with them," Hoke says as he walks up to the imp and Guffington.

"But I guess I'm talking around the point. The artifacts are indeed going to be used for one final feat, and one final favor to an old friend. We have a shared interest in ancient history. I am sure you recall the first time you met me, I was in a coma. Lord Hughes, Lord Chauncey and I were all researching ancient immortals called the Old Gods. at that time. The witches are their... we've never been able to recognize the exact relationship. Not colleagues, not servants, but they appear together in history often. Unfortunately a witch, a former associate of Heroica, killed one of the Old Gods."

Hoke shakes his head with a sharp scoff.

"When I heard you first talk about these artefacts and the other ones, I knew this was no basic treasure hunt to fill a treasury or study. If you intend to use these artefacts how I think you are, and mark my words now, I do believe we are going to have to kill your friend."

Hoke looks Guffington right in the eye.

"Old gods, witches and immortals. Sure does sound innocent without any chance of ill-fated side effects. A man who is supposed to be as intelligent as you and surrounded by more intelligence can't see this? Or do you refuse to?"

[Flipz]

"Can't I have a little bit of mystery left? Don't you know that 'the Great' is often associated with magicians? How much fun would it be if I pulled back the curtain and showed you how everything works?" He smiles tiredly. "But I guess you're in on the act now. I'd consider Guts and yourself partially part of the manor. So, no, I had no idea about the rebellion. Princess Ella and Doc Daneeka have become something of pen pals, so I knew the political situation in Dastan was fragile, but I had no idea it'd gotten to that point. I did imagine some resistance from the dragons..."

"But I guess I'm talking around the point. The artifacts are indeed going to be used for one final feat, and one final favor to an old friend. We have a shared interest in ancient history. I am sure you recall the first time you met me, I was in a coma. Lord Hughes, Lord Chauncey and I were all researching ancient immortals called the Old Gods. at that time. The witches are their... we've never been able to recognize the exact relationship. Not colleagues, not servants, but they appear together in history often. Unfortunately a witch, a former associate of Heroica, killed one of the Old Gods."

"But if you are concerned with the witches, Lord Chauncey is the man to talk to. And we'll be seeing him shortly. He is ahead in Xu."

Hoke shakes his head with a sharp scoff.

"When I heard you first talk about these artefacts and the other ones, I knew this was no basic treasure hunt to fill a treasury or study. If you intend to use these artefacts how I think you are, and mark my words now, I do believe we are going to have to kill your friend."

Hoke looks Guffington right in the eye.

"Old gods, witches and immortals. Sure does sound innocent without any chance of ill-fated side effects. A man who is supposed to be as intelligent as you and surrounded by more intelligence can't see this? Or do you refuse to?"

"Over my dead body," Arthur declares, perhaps a little more loudly than he'd intended. Even Miirym lifts her head to look at the argument unfolding between the Dragoons. "You and I both know that should have been me instead of Passion. Both of us were wandering apart from a party, both of us had ties to the Sprit Pools, and both of us had forsaken the Veterans' protection. Hel, the state of mind I was in that night, Wren could have convinced me of anything. I regret that. A lot. Passion was one of the truly good people who shouldn't have died that night, so if there's even the slightest hope he can be brought back, it's certainly worth the risk."

[UsernameMDM]

"Arthur, your level of sanity, or lack thereof, will never cease to amaze me."

Edited October 11, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Flipz]

"So, what, we're supposed to just sit back and do nothing while tyrants like Sven and bigots like Bellerai make their bids to control the world? We're supposed to sit back and do nothing when the opportunity presents itself to revive a tremendous force for good, a trusted ally and friend to Heroica who spent nearly all of his time and energy saving lives? Next you'll be telling me it was wrong to help Shanxian Ji Pei overthrow the oppressive Council of the Blue Hand, that I should have sat back and let the Council's guards slaughter her and make their own attempt to fight off her automatons. All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. I may not be entirely good, but I cannot just sit back and do nothing, not when I see the chance to correct a tremendous injustice before me. That's always been the way I've lived my life, and that's the example I want to provide for my d--for Miirym."

Miirym decides not to speak, but instead blinks her eyes slowly, making a mental note to speak with Arthur in private later.

[UsernameMDM]

"Lunatic is not a good example to set for anyone. Playing with ancient trinkets and powers to resurrect ancient gods. If a god was worth resurrecting, he should do it himself."

Hoke looks at those around him.

"Surely I am not the only that can think remotely rationally here?"

Edited October 12, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Flipz]

"Lunatic is not a good example to set for anyone. Playing with ancient trinkets and powers to resurrect ancient gods. If a god was worth resurrecting, he should do it himself."

Hoke looks at those around him.

"Surely I am not the only that can think remotely rationally here?"

"Help me out here, see if I'm understanding your philosophy right. You're saying that we shouldn't be helping people, they should just help themselves, and if they can't then to Hel with them? If that's the case, what's the point of Heroica--invincible thieves and killers for hire?"

[UsernameMDM]

"Help me out here, see if I'm understanding your philosophy right. You're saying that we shouldn't be helping people, they should just help themselves, and if they can't then to Hel with them? If that's the case, what's the point of Heroica--invincible thieves and killers for hire?"

Hoke wonders if this would be an appropriate time to simply toss Arthur overboard.

"Help me out here: the last time you played with a god, you stabbed your friends in the back."

Hoke steps toe-to-toe with Arthur, and at that moment, Torc slams onto the deck, all playful grins she had earlier were long gone.

"If you need Heroica to hide behind in your claims of doing good for others, then you really are a lost little boy."

Edited October 12, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Flipz]

In an instant, all semblance of sloth is gone, as Miirym is at her feet and at Arthur's side, spewing smoke. Arthur grips his stag antlers, ready to draw the weapon if necessary but hoping it wouldn't come to that.

"The last time I played with a god, I had a very different view of the world...one not too far from your own. I don't need Heroica to hide behind--if you recall, I left. I don't have the Veterans' protection--you kill me, I stay dead. So if you think I'm just some dangerous lunatic, if you want to--what was the words you used?--'stab your friends in the back', you're not going to get a better opportunity. Alone on an airship, miles above the ocean, just a handful of witnesses barely strong enough to even scratch you, let alone stop you. But if you're not intending to kill me like you're intending to kill our employer's ally, I suggest you stand the Hel down," Arthur warns intimidatingly.