Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[UsernameMDM]

"You may have a different view, but you still have the same mind," Hoke says as the looks at Arthur's drawn weapon, "The mind of an unsure man-child. One that leaps from precipice to precipice with no clue as to the damage he could be doing, only doing what he 'feels' is right. What he deems is 'good'. Tell me, when has what you felt was good and right turned out well for those around you? When has it been selfless?"

He steps up as close to Arthur as he could.

"Put your deer antlers away; you're not intimidating anyone here."

He moves past Arthur and up to Guffington in a forthright but nonthreatening manner, eyeing him and Hybros.

"Spill it. All. Now. Both of you. You have had visions. You say you want to help a friend, and Arthur wants to resurrect a god."

He looks at them all again, Torc inching closer, acid saliva dripping from her maw.

"What is going on here? What is the endgame?"

[Zepher]

Before the heroes are able to do anything, the entire ship rattles and they all lose their footing. They're forced to focus on regaining it, but the ship quickly rocks in the opposite direction and they're almost sent sprawling on the ground. Panting, they look around for a threat, but their isn't one, other than the ship's wheel.

"Not aboard my ship," growls Elba, the smile gone from his face. Hoke glances at Hybros and Guffington once more and finds that Lady Felix stands between him and them, having quietly approached. As far as threats go, it appears that Arthur is fair play but his employer is not.

"Zora, no need for concern. U'Or chose this heroes very carefully, and I trust them all, and value all their opinions. Mr. Abelsword is as free to express himself as any of us." Guffington steps around Lady Felix and approaches Hoke.

"I understand your worries. You've had bad dealings with similar experiments, I'm sure. And what we propose to do does not come without its fair share of danger. That is, after all, why I hired heroes. But I fear I can't spill it all. That is precisely why we need people like the Old Gods. There are many things that have been lost to this world, many tales that have gone unfinished. I believe it is our duty to see them through. Doc Daneeka believes the same. When presented with the chance to retrieve a book of lost tales from the bottom of the sea, he did so. That same tome has returned Hybros' people back to Olegaia. Much evil can be brought about by foolish dangerous endeavors, but much good can be done too. That's why I fund Daneeka, why we build magnificent airships, patronize Eubric as a city, take U'Kin to where they can thrive, hire the best damn captain the Bonapartes have. Because risks are risks, but they can have great rewards. Look at the ember that Hybros carries. Think of the majesty of Torc. Can't the world only be improved if we keep introducing wonder to it?"

"When Guts and Hybros first met me, I feared the wonder was gone. But of course it wasn't. If we continue to strive, the wonder can never be gone. It's only once we give up. Imagine if Guts had never tap danced! What a worse off world we would live in."

[JimBee]

"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."

"Hm, I do remember Lord Chauncey..." Hybros looked troubled at the mention of old gods, but didn't have a chance to expand as an argument broke out between Hoke and Arthur.

Hybros steps between Hoke and Guffington, beside Felix, glaring up at the dragoon. "That is enough." He rested a hand on his sword. "I do not know much about old gods or witches, but I trust Guffington more than I trust anyone in Eubric. He has seen the world and knows more than you can imagine. He has also done more good for Eubric and the world than any of us put together. I also wonder what these artifacts are for, but I do not believe Guffington to be stupid or malignant. And this man's last act will not be to leave a malevolent legacy. Whatever the plan is, I trust it will be for the better. We were hired for a job and I intend to complete it. Will you?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

"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."

Purpearl grips her staff tightly at the mention of Lord Chauncey and witches.

"Will the Master of Regret be involved in this, in any way?" Purpearl shoots a wary glance at Guffington, "The last time I dealt with Chauncey, he had my party pit against each other, then offered his hand to the ones he defeated and gave them unimaginable power. Basically he bought every Hero in my party over to his side, except me, hence a quest failed. I wonder how involved will he be and how interested is he in reviving this old god." Turning to the party, "Be very, very wary how you would deal with Chauncey. Personally, if someone could manipulate another to the extent that one would bite the hand that feeds, I consider that evil."

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."

"I was back-stabbed by three Heroicans because they wanted to align with the powerful, not with what is right and they claimed exactly what Hoke said right there, doing good for others." Purpearl shrugs.

Before the heroes are able to do anything, the entire ship rattles and they all lose their footing. They're forced to focus on regaining it, but the ship quickly rocks in the opposite direction and they're almost sent sprawling on the ground. Panting, they look around for a threat, but their isn't one, other than the ship's wheel.

"Not aboard my ship," growls Elba, the smile gone from his face. Hoke glances at Hybros and Guffington once more and finds that Lady Felix stands between him and them, having quietly approached. As far as threats go, it appears that Arthur is fair play but his employer is not.

"Zora, no need for concern. U'Or chose this heroes very carefully, and I trust them all, and value all their opinions. Mr. Abelsword is as free to express himself as any of us." Guffington steps around Lady Felix and approaches Hoke.

"I understand your worries. You've had bad dealings with similar experiments, I'm sure. And what we propose to do does not come without its fair share of danger. That is, after all, why I hired heroes. But I fear I can't spill it all. That is precisely why we need people like the Old Gods. There are many things that have been lost to this world, many tales that have gone unfinished. I believe it is our duty to see them through. Doc Daneeka believes the same. When presented with the chance to retrieve a book of lost tales from the bottom of the sea, he did so. That same tome has returned Hybros' people back to Olegaia. Much evil can be brought about by foolish dangerous endeavors, but much good can be done too. That's why I fund Daneeka, why we build magnificent airships, patronize Eubric as a city, take U'Kin to where they can thrive, hire the best damn captain the Bonapartes have. Because risks are risks, but they can have great rewards. Look at the ember that Hybros carries. Think of the majesty of Torc. Can't the world only be improved if we keep introducing wonder to it?"

"When Guts and Hybros first met me, I feared the wonder was gone. But of course it wasn't. If we continue to strive, the wonder can never be gone. It's only once we give up. Imagine if Guts had never tap danced! What a worse off world we would live in."

Turning to Guffington, "And speaking of Old Gods, there must be a reason why they are considered as such. I do not doubt benevolence and good can be brought forth by reviving the appropriate Old Gods, but as Heroes hired to the task, I would like to know who you are attempting to revive, at the very least."

"Hm, I do remember Lord Chauncey..." Hybros looked troubled at the mention of old gods, but didn't have a chance to expand as an argument broke out between Hoke and Arthur.

Hybros steps between Hoke and Guffington, beside Felix, glaring up at the dragoon. "That is enough." He rested a hand on his sword. "I do not know much about old gods or witches, but I trust Guffington more than I trust anyone in Eubric. He has seen the world and knows more than you can imagine. He has also done more good for Eubric and the world than any of us put together. I also wonder what these artifacts are for, but I do not believe Guffington to be stupid or malignant. And this man's last act will not be to leave a malevolent legacy. Whatever the plan is, I trust it will be for the better. We were hired for a job and I intend to complete it. Will you?"

"I too, once thought the same way as you do, Hybros. I once swore on my life to protect Chauncey's adversary, Lord Aventine, and I used to think if I stuck to my ideals and promises to the very end, even though I was on the losing side, things will be better at the end. Unfortunately, reality is reality. Things are not better at the end. The rest of the party had their personal interests placed before the task at hand. I do not know Guffington as well as you do, but I know enough of Old Gods and witches to not trust them at in instant. I was defeated by an Old God. I hope none of my previous escapades will come back to haunt me, but by the looks of it, history will be repeating itself. If I have my way around this, Chauncey's soul leaves Olegaia. But again, I have to weigh out my options."

Edited October 12, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[Flipz]

Arthur's hand clenches around the handle of the antlers he still hadn't drawn as Hoke presses ever closer...until the ex-Knight moves past him. For a moment, he considers putting himself between the Dragoon and their employer, but the ship shakes and Felix beats him to it. The Dragoon gratefully releases his grip, glad the situation had not come to blows. Arthur stays pointedly silent, not wanting to give Hoke any unnecessary ammunition.

"Hm, I do remember Lord Chauncey..." Hybros looked troubled at the mention of old gods, but didn't have a chance to expand as an argument broke out between Hoke and Arthur.

Hybros steps between Hoke and Guffington, beside Felix, glaring up at the dragoon. "That is enough." He rested a hand on his sword. "I do not know much about old gods or witches, but I trust Guffington more than I trust anyone in Eubric. He has seen the world and knows more than you can imagine. He has also done more good for Eubric and the world than any of us put together. I also wonder what these artifacts are for, but I do not believe Guffington to be stupid or malignant. And this man's last act will not be to leave a malevolent legacy. Whatever the plan is, I trust it will be for the better. We were hired for a job and I intend to complete it. Will you?"

Glad to see I'm not the only one disturbed by his attitude, Arthur thinks to himself. He does not move to stand next to Hybros, Guffington, and Felix, but clearly his concern is the only thing stopping him. I don't want to antagonize him, especially if it'd make them targets.

Miirym quickly snorts and takes to the skies, maintaining a perfect vantage point directly above the ship. She sided with Captain Elba's sentiments, and was prepared to force the fighting off-board if it came to it.

Purpearl grips her staff tightly at the mention of Lord Chauncey and witches.

"Will the Master of Regret be involved in this, in any way?" Purpearl shoots a wary glance at Guffington, "The last time I dealt with Chauncey, he had my party pit against each other, then offered his hand to the ones he defeated and gave them unimaginable power. Basically he bought every Hero in my party over to his side, except me, hence a quest failed. I wonder how involved will he be and how interested is he in reviving this old god." Turning to the party, "Be very, very wary how you would deal with Chauncey. Personally, if someone could manipulate another to the extent that one would bite the hand that feeds, I consider that evil."

"I was back-stabbed by three Heroicans because they wanted to align with the powerful, not with what is right and they claimed exactly what Hoke said right there, doing good for others." Purpearl shrugs.

Turning to Guffington, "And speaking of Old Gods, there must be a reason why they are considered as such. I do not doubt benevolence and good can be brought forth by reviving the appropriate Old Gods, but as Heroes hired to the task, I would like to know who you are attempting to revive, at the very least."

"I too, once thought the same way as you do, Hybros. I once swore on my life to protect Chauncey's adversary, Lord Aventine, and I used to think if I stuck to my ideals and promises to the very end, even though I was on the losing side, things will be better at the end. Unfortunately, reality is reality. Things are not better at the end. The rest of the party had their personal interests placed before the task at hand. I do not know Guffington as well as you do, but I know enough of Old Gods and witches to not trust them at in instant. I was defeated by an Old God. I hope none of my previous escapades will come back to haunt me, but by the looks of it, history will be repeating itself. If I have my way around this, Chauncey's soul leaves Olegaia. But again, I have to weigh out my options."

"The short story," Arthur says, "is that Regret and Passion are brothers. They weren't on very good terms. There were three we were told of: Passion, Regret, and Hope. They draw their strength from that for which they are named, so they encourage such in the world. You and I both consider the Master of Regret an enemy, so believe me when I say that Passion is nothing like him." Arthur deliberately does not address her intentions towards Chauncey, trusting that the Elf was already aware of his earlier words. There was no point in making an enemy of her as well, not if she still seemed to show signs of seeing reason.

Edited October 12, 2015 by Flipz

[UsernameMDM]

"Not aboard my ship," growls Elba, the smile gone from his face. Hoke glances at Hybros and Guffington once more and finds that Lady Felix stands between him and them, having quietly approached. As far as threats go, it appears that Arthur is fair play but his employer is not.

Hoke quickly regains his footing only to see the selkreeth standing in front of him, but he also felt Torc standing beside him, feeling her heat slowing boiling, ready to erupt.

"Zora, no need for concern. U'Or chose this heroes very carefully, and I trust them all, and value all their opinions. Mr. Abelsword is as free to express himself as any of us." Guffington steps around Lady Felix and approaches Hoke.

"And I do not believe I would be doing my best if I do not stand up and voice my concerns. I do not truly thing you are a foolish man, but many men have done foolish things in the name of the relationships they hold dear."

"I understand your worries. You've had bad dealings with similar experiments, I'm sure. And what we propose to do does not come without its fair share of danger. That is, after all, why I hired heroes. But I fear I can't spill it all. That is precisely why we need people like the Old Gods. There are many things that have been lost to this world, many tales that have gone unfinished. I believe it is our duty to see them through. Doc Daneeka believes the same. When presented with the chance to retrieve a book of lost tales from the bottom of the sea, he did so. That same tome has returned Hybros' people back to Olegaia. Much evil can be brought about by foolish dangerous endeavors, but much good can be done too. That's why I fund Daneeka, why we build magnificent airships, patronize Eubric as a city, take U'Kin to where they can thrive, hire the best damn captain the Bonapartes have. Because risks are risks, but they can have great rewards. Look at the ember that Hybros carries. Think of the majesty of Torc. Can't the world only be improved if we keep introducing wonder to it?"

"And because you can't tell us exactly why we are doing what we are doing is why I do not trust you and believe this venture will end in chaos and disaster."

Hybros steps between Hoke and Guffington, beside Felix, glaring up at the dragoon. "That is enough." He rested a hand on his sword. "I do not know much about old gods or witches, but I trust Guffington more than I trust anyone in Eubric. He has seen the world and knows more than you can imagine. He has also done more good for Eubric and the world than any of us put together. I also wonder what these artifacts are for, but I do not believe Guffington to be stupid or malignant. And this man's last act will not be to leave a malevolent legacy. Whatever the plan is, I trust it will be for the better. We were hired for a job and I intend to complete it. Will you?"

Hoke notes Hyrbos's hand on his sword.

"The two of you sure went to your weapons quickly," Hoke says with a look of disdain,"You can trust Guffington all you want Hybros, but until he proves to be honest and trustworthy, he will just have to consider me hired help. And so far, he has been found lacking. He may not intend on leaving a malevolent legacy, but very rarely does messing with old gods and ancient artefacts lead to anything good. Don't worry, we will get the artefacts."

Purpearl grips her staff tightly at the mention of Lord Chauncey and witches.

"Will the Master of Regret be involved in this, in any way?" Purpearl shoots a wary glance at Guffington, "The last time I dealt with Chauncey, he had my party pit against each other, then offered his hand to the ones he defeated and gave them unimaginable power. Basically he bought every Hero in my party over to his side, except me, hence a quest failed. I wonder how involved will he be and how interested is he in reviving this old god." Turning to the party, "Be very, very wary how you would deal with Chauncey. Personally, if someone could manipulate another to the extent that one would bite the hand that feeds, I consider that evil."

"Just as I thought," Hoke said turning to Guffington,"Just because it's in your power to do so, does not mean that it should be done."

Edited October 12, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[JimBee]

"I too, once thought the same way as you do, Hybros. I once swore on my life to protect Chauncey's adversary, Lord Aventine, and I used to think if I stuck to my ideals and promises to the very end, even though I was on the losing side, things will be better at the end. Unfortunately, reality is reality. Things are not better at the end. The rest of the party had their personal interests placed before the task at hand. I do not know Guffington as well as you do, but I know enough of Old Gods and witches to not trust them at in instant. I was defeated by an Old God. I hope none of my previous escapades will come back to haunt me, but by the looks of it, history will be repeating itself. If I have my way around this, Chauncey's soul leaves Olegaia. But again, I have to weigh out my options."

"I know Lord Chauncey a little. You can talk with him once we arrive in Xu." Hybros frowned. It seemed things weren't going the way Guffington had anticipated, let alone with his own hired heroes.

Hoke notes Hyrbos's hand on his sword.

"The two of you sure went to your weapons quickly," Hoke says with a look of disdain,"You can trust Guffington all you want Hybros, but until he proves to be honest and trustworthy, he will just have to consider me hired help. And so far, he has been found lacking. He may not intend on leaving a malevolent legacy, but very rarely does messing with old gods and ancient artefacts lead to anything good. Don't worry, we will get the artefacts."

Hybros lifted his hand that was resting on the blade's pommel, and crossed his arms. He nodded his head at Torc. "Your dragon there looks just as ready to fight. It is my instinct to defend myself and those who hire m-- ehehm, my friends. Guffington may not reveal his true intentions right away, but that is in his character as much as are being honest and trustworthy. Perhaps there are many reasons why they call him 'Great'. I know Guffington and I know these things to be true. If you do not trust him, then trust me. After what we faced at the Grotto and back in Dastan together..." He trailed off, satisfied he had made his point. "As long as the job is done."

[UsernameMDM]

Hybros lifted his hand that was resting on the blade's pommel, and crossed his arms. He nodded his head at Torc. "Your dragon there looks just as ready to fight. It is my instinct to defend myself and those who hire m-- ehehm, my friends. Guffington may not reveal his true intentions right away, but that is in his character as much as are being honest and trustworthy. Perhaps there are many reasons why they call him 'Great'. I know Guffington and I know these things to be true. If you do not trust him, then trust me. After what we faced at the Grotto and back in Dastan together..." He trailed off, satisfied he had made his point. "As long as the job is done."

Hoke looked at Torc, now more considerably calm than before, then back I Hybros.

"I can't help it she's so scary looking."

He then looks at Arthur walking off, then back to Hybros and Guffington again

"It would have been a simple conversation. Strong words? Yes, but they needed to be said. You yourself admit there are risks Guffington, and I'm just here to see any threats eradicated, even if they come from my employer. It may turn out to be all sunshine and rainbows, but if not..."

Hoke leaves the comment hanging with a shrug.

"I've dealt with witches and gods before."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I know Lord Chauncey a little. You can talk with him once we arrive in Xu." Hybros frowned. It seemed things weren't going the way Guffington had anticipated, let alone with his own hired heroes.

Hybros lifted his hand that was resting on the blade's pommel, and crossed his arms. He nodded his head at Torc. "Your dragon there looks just as ready to fight. It is my instinct to defend myself and those who hire m-- ehehm, my friends. Guffington may not reveal his true intentions right away, but that is in his character as much as are being honest and trustworthy. Perhaps there are many reasons why they call him 'Great'. I know Guffington and I know these things to be true. If you do not trust him, then trust me. After what we faced at the Grotto and back in Dastan together..." He trailed off, satisfied he had made his point. "As long as the job is done."

"Lord Guffington or Lord Huges may have kind intentions at heart, but that aside, as long as Chauncey is involved, I will have no words with him. Because I know his true intentions are definitely sinister, whether is it reviving Regret, Passion, Hope or Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, as long as our job is done, as you've said it."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke equips his Pugilist Gloves.

[Zepher]

"Will the Master of Regret be involved in this, in any way?" Purpearl shoots a wary glance at Guffington, "The last time I dealt with Chauncey, he had my party pit against each other, then offered his hand to the ones he defeated and gave them unimaginable power. Basically he bought every Hero in my party over to his side, except me, hence a quest failed. I wonder how involved will he be and how interested is he in reviving this old god." Turning to the party, "Be very, very wary how you would deal with Chauncey. Personally, if someone could manipulate another to the extent that one would bite the hand that feeds, I consider that evil."

Turning to Guffington, "And speaking of Old Gods, there must be a reason why they are considered as such. I do not doubt benevolence and good can be brought forth by reviving the appropriate Old Gods, but as Heroes hired to the task, I would like to know who you are attempting to revive, at the very least."

"I apologize for not being more forthright. I knew that the Heroicans had dealt with both Chauncey and the Old Gods before - I didn't realize that they had been such negative encounters."

"The Master of Regret can involve himself in anything he chooses. In all honesty I would hope that he would try to revive his brother. Hope, Passion, and Regret exist in a symbiotic relationship, healthy for this world. It may not seem like it yet, but without Passion the other two will slowly steer things off track. Imagine if we only had those with great shame over previous actions and those who had airy dreams of a bright future. Not much would get done. So I do not know if The Master of Regret will choose to take part, but if he should, I personally welcome it."

"As for what and who the Old Gods are... that is a mystery that still alludes me. Lord Chauncey first brought them to the attention of both Lord Hughes and I, as beings who helped to guide our history. The three of us were travelers and history buffs, and finding that they appeared in many stories across cultures, we figured they might be worth investigating. Doc Daneeka also showed a keen interest in them - his race, the Sayyips, are very old, and had their own stories of the Old Gods. He built a machine to monitor their presence, and the night of Grogmas a few years back finally detected two of them interacting. Their combined force was incredible."

"But Chauncey has truly immersed himself in his studies. If you wish to know more, you'll have to talk to him."

"It would have been a simple conversation. Strong words? Yes, but they needed to be said. You yourself admit there are risks Guffington, and I'm just here to see any threats eradicated, even if they come from my employer. It may turn out to be all sunshine and rainbows, but if not..."

Hoke leaves the comment hanging with a shrug.

"I've dealt with witches and gods before."

"I know. I do not know the full legacy of the Lady Wren, but we do keep our ears to the cobblestones. Do not forget that many of my employees are friends of the illustrious Everyman. We have heard of your skills. As I said, it will not be all rainbows and flowers. You will have some heavy lifting to do once we arrive in Etheria."

"Lord Guffington or Lord Huges may have kind intentions at heart, but that aside, as long as Chauncey is involved, I will have no words with him. Because I know his true intentions are definitely sinister, whether is it reviving Regret, Passion, Hope or Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, as long as our job is done, as you've said it."

"Lord Chauncey is unique. I would advise you give him a chance. And should you try to strike him down, you will need back up. Especially in Xu. Chauncey has traveled the world training in various philosophies and forms of combat. The temple we are visiting is one that he once studied at."

The sun sets as the heroes pass over some clouds, then through them, and come to a mountain top. Elba sets the ship down lightly. Standing outside a simple temple are a man clad in black, and an elderly were-lion. Hybros and Purpearl recognize the man swiftly as Lord Chauncey.

"Welcome."

[UsernameMDM]

"I know. I do not know the full legacy of the Lady Wren, but we do keep our ears to the cobblestones. Do not forget that many of my employees are friends of the illustrious Everyman. We have heard of your skills. As I said, it will not be all rainbows and flowers. You will have some heavy lifting to do once we arrive in Etheria."

"That's why you hired me," Hoke says with a wink.

[Flipz]

Arthur nods respectfully to Lord Chauncey and his companion, but chooses to let Hybros handle the introductions. Here, too, he and Miirym were the Heroes of Xu, but given Hoke's present mood he saw it best not to draw too much attention to himself. Miirym circles overhead, seeking to stay aloft as long as she can before being forced to the ground indoors.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I apologize for not being more forthright. I knew that the Heroicans had dealt with both Chauncey and the Old Gods before - I didn't realize that they had been such negative encounters."

"The Master of Regret can involve himself in anything he chooses. In all honesty I would hope that he would try to revive his brother. Hope, Passion, and Regret exist in a symbiotic relationship, healthy for this world. It may not seem like it yet, but without Passion the other two will slowly steer things off track. Imagine if we only had those with great shame over previous actions and those who had airy dreams of a bright future. Not much would get done. So I do not know if The Master of Regret will choose to take part, but if he should, I personally welcome it."

"As for what and who the Old Gods are... that is a mystery that still alludes me. Lord Chauncey first brought them to the attention of both Lord Hughes and I, as beings who helped to guide our history. The three of us were travelers and history buffs, and finding that they appeared in many stories across cultures, we figured they might be worth investigating. Doc Daneeka also showed a keen interest in them - his race, the Sayyips, are very old, and had their own stories of the Old Gods. He built a machine to monitor their presence, and the night of Grogmas a few years back finally detected two of them interacting. Their combined force was incredible."

"But Chauncey has truly immersed himself in his studies. If you wish to know more, you'll have to talk to him."

Purpearl sighs,

"More reasons why hired heroes are preferred. Because the end point for most of them is to complete the task, regardless of the employer's true intentions. I have no interest in Old Gods, even though I had an encounter with one, but there are reasons why they are Old Gods. I am more concerned about what impact they would have on the fate of this world after they are revived, especially when they have been previously removed once, and especially Chauncey is involved."

"Lord Chauncey is unique. I would advise you give him a chance. And should you try to strike him down, you will need back up. Especially in Xu. Chauncey has traveled the world training in various philosophies and forms of combat. The temple we are visiting is one that he once studied at."

"Chauncey has certainly gone far to attain unimaginable power. He has the blessing of Regret, and I wonder if he would seek the same from Passion and Hope. If I had my way, I would strike him down, but I have my obligations with you and the party, and I intend to fulfill it."

The sun sets as the heroes pass over some clouds, then through them, and come to a mountain top. Elba sets the ship down lightly. Standing outside a simple temple are a man clad in black, and an elderly were-lion. Hybros and Purpearl recognize the man swiftly as Lord Chauncey.

"Welcome."

"Chauncey. Looks like you are on the same side as I this time." says Purpearl, sternly and then pauses, readying herself to analyse every action or word that Chauncey makes or intends to make.

[JimBee]

Hybros' head spun at the mention of Old Gods. Were they people or merely emotions? He was always confused when the subject came up, yet he knew that Gerald and his employees, as well as Chauncey, were heavily invested in their research.

"Lord Chauncey." Hybros tipped his hat. A friend of Guffington's was a friend of his; luckily Chauncey did not have an Eye of the Beholder when the heroes' investigation came to blows. "It is... good to see you again. How have you been since we last saw each other at the manor?"

"This is Arthur, Miirym, Hoke and Torc. I believe you know everyone else..." he glanced at Purpearl. "...Heheh. I am sure you already know why we are here."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke tips his head to Chauncey and Hyrbos introduces him.

[Zepher]

"Chauncey has certainly gone far to attain unimaginable power. He has the blessing of Regret, and I wonder if he would seek the same from Passion and Hope. If I had my way, I would strike him down, but I have my obligations with you and the party, and I intend to fulfill it."

"We all have our hobbies," says Guffington a little off hand. "I happened upon incredible wealth through mine, and Chauncey has happened upon something a little different. He is a student of the world, just like I am. He has studied here and Etheria and in Eubric."

"Chauncey. Looks like you are on the same side as I this time." says Purpearl, sternly and then pauses, readying herself to analyse every action or word that Chauncey makes or intends to make.

Chauncey smiles quietly.

"It is a pleasure. I hope you will not attempt to kill me this time around. This is a place of peace, I think you will enjoy it here."

"Lord Chauncey." Hybros tipped his hat. A friend of Guffington's was a friend of his; luckily Chauncey did not have an Eye of the Beholder when the heroes' investigation came to blows. "It is... good to see you again. How have you been since we last saw each other at the manor?"

"This is Arthur, Miirym, Hoke and Torc. I believe you know everyone else..." he glanced at Purpearl. "...Heheh. I am sure you already know why we are here."

"I know of Arthur and Hoke as well, though not their dragons. I believe you both know the assassin known as XX, and his friends Zane and Johnny Everyman. Shortly after your encounter with Wren, they came to visit me at my manor. As you know, I'm quite keen on the subject. Nyx and I have exchanged words on it."

He bows to Lady Felix, Elba, and U'Or.

"Zora, Elba, U'Or. Nice to see you once more. I believe we will be here for a while, so please, make yourself comfortable."

[UsernameMDM]

"I know of Arthur and Hoke as well, though not their dragons. I believe you both know the assassin known as XX, and his friends Zane and Johnny Everyman. Shortly after your encounter with Wren, they came to visit me at my manor. As you know, I'm quite keen on the subject. Nyx and I have exchanged words on it."

Hoke hears the names, but is surprised his reaction is contained. He did, after-all, literally fight Chaos, so it shouldn't surprise him who has met with whom.

He nods again at Chauncey and nonchalantly takes a tour of the temple with Torc by his side.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"We all have our hobbies," says Guffington a little off hand. "I happened upon incredible wealth through mine, and Chauncey has happened upon something a little different. He is a student of the world, just like I am. He has studied here and Etheria and in Eubric."

Chauncey smiles quietly.

"It is a pleasure. I hope you will not attempt to kill me this time around. This is a place of peace, I think you will enjoy it here."

Purpearl raises her hands, and continues to keep an eye at Chauncy.

"Just so you know, I am doing this for Lord Guffington."

[Zepher]

Chauncey watches as Hoke begins to wander off.

"Looking to explore the temple? Allow me to offer some suggestions. The sword master's training grounds are at the highest point of the mountain, just over there." He points past the temple. "Lower down the mountain are hot healing springs." He points now to his right. "Over there you will find the teahouse. Master Kiga-" he indicates the were-lion next to him, "-can be found there most days. I invite you all to join me there for tea ceremonies. The hut can only fit four people at a time, however, so that it is an intimate time." He points to his left. "And finally, what you will most likely be most interested in, you will find the Vault of the First Breath over that way. And of course there is room for you to sleep in the temple every night. Gerald, when you have a moment, I'd love to relax in the springs with you and discuss your journey so far."

Where will the heroes go? (You can split up!)

[UsernameMDM]

"The Training Grounds sound interesting as I am always up for learning new techniques, and the Hot Healing Springs sounds like it may be needed afterwards," Hoke says with a chuckle,"I would also enjoy the Tea afterwards, and give a chance for those more inclined to enjoy the ceremony first."

Hoke and Torc head to the Training Grounds.

Edited October 16, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[JimBee]

"I will join you Hoke, if that is alright." A little rest and relaxation wouldn't be bad to cool rising tempers among the party. "Though I am interested in the tea as well, heheh. When would those ceremonies begin?" Hybros tipped his hat to Master Kiga.

[UsernameMDM]

"I will join you Hoke, if that is alright." A little rest and relaxation wouldn't be bad to cool rising tempers among the party. "Though I am interested in the tea as well, heheh. When would those ceremonies begin?" Hybros tipped his hat to Master Kiga.

"Tis well with me," Hoke replies to the imp.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Looking at Lord Guffington, and not looking forward to having tea with Chauncey,

"I suppose I will check out the Vault first, if Lord Guffington would accompany me."

[Zepher]

Hoke and Hybros head up the mountain to the Training Grounds. Upon arriving, they find a man in white locked in combat with a were-lion. They moved at a deliberately slow pace, fighting at what would probably be about one fourth normal speed. Even so, the were-lion has broken a sweat.

Purpearl and Guffington, meanwhile, head towards the Vault, with Lady Felix walking merrily behind them. Arriving, they find a box-like building, about two stories high. Lady Felix does a quick trip around the building as Purpearl and Guffington stare at it. Upon her return, she's grinning fiercely.

"Well, I found our first problem, Purpearl. Won't be quite as easy to break into this vault as it was to break into that museum. It's lacking a door or windows."