Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Behind this? Hardly. This Vault far outdates my minuscule life."

Purpearl coughs and turns away from Chauncey's cryptic words, the elf has reservations with this man and wants nothing to do with him.

Following the vision's lead, Arthur sits down in one of the spots he'd seen the past monks meditate in, crosses his legs, and begins to meditate. He pats a spot nearby for Miirym to join him. She looks curiously at the flowers, then at Arthur, then with a shrug of her wings and a flick of her tail she curls up as best she can, careful to remain as light as possible and not to trample the plant life. The ever-present smoke trailing from her nostrils things to mere wisps as she begins to meditate alongside him.

"Perhaps someone here is onto something. I think I am done here. Arthur and his dragon can take over figuring this out." Turning to Guffington, Felix, "This man..." her eyes indicating to Chauncey, "his words and actions all do not sit well with me. I apologise and I love to help you out Lord Guffingon, but I need to take my leave now"

Purpearl heads to the Training Grounds and finds Hoke and Hybros sparring with another man. Watching for a second from afar, Purpearl decides to head towards the Hot Springs.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[UsernameMDM]

The heroes prove unable to defeat Jin, as he holds a sword to each of their throats.

"I would advise you learn how to clear your mind more before you attempt to face me again," he says, sliding both blades back into their homes.

Hoke does not put away Zoot's Order. He adjusts his footing.

"Again."

Focus

[JimBee]

Hybros sheathes his weapon. "Heheh, well it has been a long journey. Hoke, I believe he is right. If you wish to continue you may, but I think I will try to relax at the hot springs."

[UsernameMDM]

Hybros sheathes his weapon. "Heheh, well it has been a long journey. Hoke, I believe he is right. If you wish to continue you may, but I think I will try to relax at the hot springs."

"You may be right,"Hoke says,"But I've got a bit more energy if the Blade Master here as the time and patience."

Hoke looks again at Jin.

"I'm willing to learn whatever you have to teach."

Edited October 23, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Zepher]

At the Vault

Following the vision's lead, Arthur sits down in one of the spots he'd seen the past monks meditate in, crosses his legs, and begins to meditate. He pats a spot nearby for Miirym to join him. She looks curiously at the flowers, then at Arthur, then with a shrug of her wings and a flick of her tail she curls up as best she can, careful to remain as light as possible and not to trample the plant life. The ever-present smoke trailing from her nostrils thins to mere wisps as she begins to meditate alongside him.

Arthur begins to meditate. For a few seconds he tries to focus on his breathing, but a cool breeze whips by and he quickly finds himself distracted by it, the scent of flowers, a cramp in his legs. A chuckle breaks his concentration as well. He glances up to see the slow moving Mater Kiga having a laugh, towering over him.

"Hu hu hu."

At the Training Grounds

"It is not the worst way to get good at something," says Jin with a slight smile. "You may not notice improvement immediately, but it will come. Just because you cannot see something doesn't mean it isn't there."

Round One Training with Jin

Jin focuses (+3 focus)

Hybros focuses (+3 focus)

All the combatants prepare to strike.

Master Jin

Focus: 10

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 5

Health: 7

At the Healing Springs

Heading to the Springs, Hybros runs into Lady Felix, Guffington, Chauncey, and Purpearl.

"We're going to have some trouble with this breath after all," says Lady Felix with a sly smile. "Looks like we should get comfortable up here on the mountain top."

The party focuses on the springs, where Yu Shu is already relaxing, her helmet removed.

"They don't do you any good if you don't get in," she says sarcastically.

[UsernameMDM]

Parry

[Zepher]

Round Two Training with Jin

Jin attacks (-2 focus)

Hoke parries (-1 focus)

Jin brings his sword swinging through the air, but Hoke is too quick for him, and blocks the blow. Jin smiles, but just barely.

Master Jin

Focus: 8

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 4

Health: 7

OoC: Another possible fix: what if attacking cost 3 focus, but focusing only gained you 2? That might go a long way towards fixing the mechanics as well.

[Flipz]

At the Vault

Arthur begins to meditate. For a few seconds he tries to focus on his breathing, but a cool breeze whips by and he quickly finds himself distracted by it, the scent of flowers, a cramp in his legs. A chuckle breaks his concentration as well. He glances up to see the slow moving Mater Kiga having a laugh, towering over him.

"Hu hu hu."

"Greetings, Master Kiga. It appears that my meditation technique is in need of refinement. Would you, perhaps, be willing to teach an impatient young fool such as myself some of the finer points?"

[JimBee]

"Perhaps you are right, hehe." Hybros gingerly dips an already-bare toe into the water before removing his gear and sliding in, careful not go in too deep. Besides not being a natural swimmer, his stature lent to the possibility to drown. He nods to Purpearl and company before directing his gaze to Yu Shu. "Your Master Jin is a skilled fighter. It must take great patience to get to beat him in your combat training, heheh."

[UsernameMDM]

Focus

[Purpearljellyblob]

Turning to Felix, "We are mortals after all. We should look after ourselves from time to time."

Before entering the springs, sitting by the side, with both her legs in the springs. Purpearl removes her helmet, heavy armour and other equipment, then turns to Hybros and Yu Shu, "I am, too, not a good swimmer but I hear these are healing springs." Purpearl dips in similarly.

[Zepher]

Round Three Training with Jin

Jin attacks (8-4=4 Damage, -2 focus)

Hoke focuses (+2 focus)

Jin lands a hit, but fails to break Hoke's concentration.

Master Jin

Focus: 6

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 6

Health: 3

"Greetings, Master Kiga. It appears that my meditation technique is in need of refinement. Would you, perhaps, be willing to teach an impatient young fool such as myself some of the finer points?"

"..." The Master smiles under his beard. Searching through his pockets he finds a parchment and passes it to Arthur.

For many years I tried to reach the First Breath,

and then nothing

-Master Laghima

"Perhaps you are right, hehe." Hybros gingerly dips an already-bare toe into the water before removing his gear and sliding in, careful not go in too deep. Besides not being a natural swimmer, his stature lent to the possibility to drown. He nods to Purpearl and company before directing his gaze to Yu Shu. "Your Master Jin is a skilled fighter. It must take great patience to get to beat him in your combat training, heheh."

Turning to Felix, "We are mortals after all. We should look after ourselves from time to time."

Before entering the springs, sitting by the side, with both her legs in the springs. Purpearl removes her helmet, heavy armour and other equipment, then turns to Hybros and Yu Shu, "I am, too, not a good swimmer but I hear these are healing springs." Purpearl dips in similarly.

Felix strips down to her undergarments and joins the other three in the water as Chauncey and Guffington wander off for a chat. Purpearl and Hybros both feel deeply relaxed within the baths.

"Once we were even, but no longer," she says with a short shrug. "I was never great at this patience crap, but it's a good practice. Saved my megablocks quite a few times, actually." She scratches her forehead. "So you lot are from Heroica, right?"

[UsernameMDM]

Attack.

[JimBee]

Hybros nodded his head lazily, eyes nearly closed. It felt good to relax for once. "We are helping the Great Guffington retrieve some items from around the world before he goes to Etheria to... well..." He paused a moment with sadness in his voice. "I think he will spend the rest of his life there. He is a good friend of mine."

Another awkward pause. "Ehehm... we just came from Dastan, and there are others in the High Kingdoms and Baltorak." He turned to Purpearl. "I wonder if they are faring any worse than we are."

Again replying to Yu Shu, "What is your story? I think you mentioned that you were gone from this place for a while but came back to train?"

[Flipz]

"..." The Master smiles under his beard. Searching through his pockets he finds a parchment and passes it to Arthur.

Arthur accepts the parchment, and reads it, but seems more confused after than before.

"Hmm...this Master Laghima tried to reach the Breath for so long...and then nothing?"

<What is this Breath, that it vexes you so?>

Arthur looks at Miirym curiously. "What indeed..."

Arthur looks back to the great stone structure with new perspective. Miirym snorts. Arthur stops. There it was again.

"Something's troubling you. Still. Are you ready to talk about it?"

Miirym pauses, looking away from both Arthur and Kiga as she continues her soul-searching.

"<No. Not...yet. There is a time and place for all things. That time is not now. Soon,>" she reassures him, "<but not now.>"

Arthur nods, resuming his meditative pose. "Master Kiga," he asks quietly, "can you confirm a hunch for me? The First Breath...is it not a thing at all, but something...more?"

Miirym looks to Arthur. "<Of course it is a thing. We have come to find it. We were told this vault is where it might be found.>"

"And yet I wonder if perhaps the 'finding' might be of a different sort."

Miirym still seems confused, if perhaps on the verge of understanding. "<I...see.>" After a few long moments, she adds, "<Mostly.>" She looks to Master Kiga, as if he might somehow provide an explanation for her partner's perplexing behavior.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Flipz

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Once we were even, but no longer," she says with a short shrug. "I was never great at this patience crap, but it's a good practice. Saved my megablocks quite a few times, actually." She scratches her forehead. "So you lot are from Heroica, right?"

Hybros nodded his head lazily, eyes nearly closed. It felt good to relax for once. "We are helping the Great Guffington retrieve some items from around the world before he goes to Etheria to... well..." He paused a moment with sadness in his voice. "I think he will spend the rest of his life there. He is a good friend of mine."

Another awkward pause. "Ehehm... we just came from Dastan, and there are others in the High Kingdoms and Baltorak." He turned to Purpearl. "I wonder if they are faring any worse than we are."

Feeling relaxed, after a rough time at Dastan, Purpearl turns to Yu Shu and nods, "I'm Purpearl. And not always Heroes like us get the chance to relax in the middle of the journey. We're just doing what we are hired to do." Purpearl shrugs, "We are here to retrieve the First Breath and so we haven't been successful. Perhaps we need more of this patience." Turning to Hybros, "I am sure they are faring well. They have been around Baltarok and have forged good relationships with the people there."

[Zepher]

Round Four Training with Jin

Jin attacks (6-6=0 Damage, -2 focus)

Hoke attacks (6-6=0 Damage -2 focus)

The two cross swords, but no damage is dealt.

Master Jin

Focus: 4

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 4

Health: 3

OoC: And here is where the issue with my current system arises - neither of you will be able to break through your opponents focus. Let's change the ruling from this round forward: attacking can cause a minimum of 1 damage, never 0. Hopefully that's the last kink to work out. Thanks again for sticking with me, and like I said, you may find yourself playing this game lots, so it's worth it to way in. And there are perks for winning!

Hybros nodded his head lazily, eyes nearly closed. It felt good to relax for once. "We are helping the Great Guffington retrieve some items from around the world before he goes to Etheria to... well..." He paused a moment with sadness in his voice. "I think he will spend the rest of his life there. He is a good friend of mine."

Another awkward pause. "Ehehm... we just came from Dastan, and there are others in the High Kingdoms and Baltorak." He turned to Purpearl. "I wonder if they are faring any worse than we are."

Again replying to Yu Shu, "What is your story? I think you mentioned that you were gone from this place for a while but came back to train?"

"I recognize The Great Guffington. Everyone in Eubric knows him." She sinks deeper into the waters. "That's where I'm from too. Not originally, but for a long while. Do you know the Paladin Order? And the Warrior Priests? I am the lady in charge... well, not anymore. For the time being that'd be Samuel." She huffs. "I hail from Terra Chima, but my mother was from here originally. Me and my brother Oko were cast out at sixteen. Came here to train, and then travelled to Eubric."

"I've actually worked with heroes before. Do you know Nerwen, Pretzel, Grimwald, or Kiray? Or, Hel, even the Red Assassin Avery seemed like she'd run across your organization quite a few times. That's how I got this way. The heroes, Avery, and these three others... what were they? The Golden Crusade. Deborah, this watery fellow, and a kobold called Gocklo or something. We took down a fortress of bigoted Order Imperial goons. But the bitch who was heading them up got me with some poison. Usually the Paladins can zap that right out of you, but seems she was using a special home brew."

Arthur accepts the parchment, and reads it, but seems more confused after than before.

"Hmm...this Master Laghima tried to reach the Breath for so long...and then nothing?"

<What is this Breath, that it vexes you so?>

Arthur looks at Miirym curiously. "What indeed..."

Arthur looks back to the great stone structure with new perspective. Miirym snorts. Arthur stops. There it was again.

"Something's troubling you. Still. Are you ready to talk about it?"

Miirym pauses, looking away from both Arthur and Kiga as she continues her soul-searching.

"<No. Not...yet. There is a time and place for all things. That time is not now. Soon,>" she reassures him, "<but not now.>"

Arthur nods, resuming his meditative pose. "Master Kiga," he asks quietly, "can you confirm a hunch for me? The First Breath...is it not a thing at all, but something...more?"

Miirym looks to Arthur. "<Of course it is a thing. We have come to find it. We were told this vault is where it might be found.>"

"And yet I wonder if perhaps the 'finding' might be of a different sort."

Miirym still seems confused, if perhaps on the verge of understanding. "<I...see.>" After a few long moments, she adds, "<Mostly.>" She looks to Master Kiga, as if he might somehow provide an explanation for her partner's perplexing behavior.

Kiga taps the parchment once more.

"..." He sits down and stares straight ahead, his legs crossed.

Feeling relaxed, after a rough time at Dastan, Purpearl turns to Yu Shu and nods, "I'm Purpearl. And not always Heroes like us get the chance to relax in the middle of the journey. We're just doing what we are hired to do." Purpearl shrugs, "We are here to retrieve the First Breath and so we haven't been successful. Perhaps we need more of this patience." Turning to Hybros, "I am sure they are faring well. They have been around Baltarok and have forged good relationships with the people there."

"More of this patience. Didn't you just arrive this morning?" Yu Shu clicks her tongue. "It'll take longer than that. Even with a guide like Kiga, it takes most people years to be able to access the Breath. And that's if they're lucky. Be patient, follow his leadings, and relax. Like you said, there's not too often a chance to do that."

[UsernameMDM]

Round Four Training with Jin

Jin attacks (6-6=0 Damage, -2 focus)

Hoke attacks (6-6=0 Damage -2 focus)

The two cross swords, but no damage is dealt.

Master Jin

Focus: 4

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 4

Health: 3

OoC: And here is where the issue with my current system arises - neither of you will be able to break through your opponents focus. Let's change the ruling from this round forward: attacking can cause a minimum of 1 damage, never 0. Hopefully that's the last kink to work out. Thanks again for sticking with me, and like I said, you may find yourself playing this game lots, so it's worth it to way in. And there are perks for winning!

How about:

Focus: +2 Focus

Attack: -3 Focus, does Damage equal to Focus (after paying for attack: 10 Focus - 3 for Attack = 7 Damage) , subtracts straight from Health.

Parry: -1 Focus, negates all Damage

Attack

[JimBee]

"I recognize The Great Guffington. Everyone in Eubric knows him." She sinks deeper into the waters. "That's where I'm from too. Not originally, but for a long while. Do you know the Paladin Order? And the Warrior Priests? I am the lady in charge... well, not anymore. For the time being that'd be Samuel." She huffs. "I hail from Terra Chima, but my mother was from here originally. Me and my brother Oko were cast out at sixteen. Came here to train, and then travelled to Eubric."

"I've actually worked with heroes before. Do you know Nerwen, Pretzel, Grimwald, or Kiray? Or, Hel, even the Red Assassin Avery seemed like she'd run across your organization quite a few times. That's how I got this way. The heroes, Avery, and these three others... what were they? The Golden Crusade. Deborah, this watery fellow, and a kobold called Gocklo or something. We took down a fortress of bigoted Order Imperial goons. But the bitch who was heading them up got me with some poison. Usually the Paladins can zap that right out of you, but seems she was using a special home brew."

"Hm... I do know the Paladin Order and the Warrior Priests... all too well, actually, heheh. I still cannot decide if they have parted with their past unlike the Order Imperial..."

"So you have worked with Heroica before, then. Monk Pretzel does not seem the type to go against fellow bigots, heheh. I defeated this Avery once, and I would have her red cloak to prove it if I did not lend it to another hero across the world. She is not as bad as she seems, and I am glad to hear she helped you."

Hybros frowned at the mention of the Golden Crusade. He remembered the unease he felt around Heweyrt. "The Golden Crusade helped with something very important to me, and we just met their leader in Dastan. What do you think of them?"

Turning to Hybros, "I am sure they are faring well. They have been around Baltarok and have forged good relationships with the people there."

"Perhaps you are right. It is Guts, after all, heheh. Dyric is reliable as well, though I do not know the gnome."

[Zepher]

OoC: Sorry for the delay, I quite literally fell asleep 4 hours before I usually do, and quite unexpectedly. MDM, your new method will be implemented this round, primarily because it benefits you here.

Round Four Training with Jin

Jin focuses (+2 focus)

Hoke attacks (4-3=1 Damage)

Hoke attacks, while Jin once more centers himself.

Master Jin

Focus: 6

Health: 6

Hoke

Focus: 1

Health: 3

"I will have you beat next time I act," says Jin. "Shall we take a break?"

"Hm... I do know the Paladin Order and the Warrior Priests... all too well, actually, heheh. I still cannot decide if they have parted with their past unlike the Order Imperial..."

"So you have worked with Heroica before, then. Monk Pretzel does not seem the type to go against fellow bigots, heheh. I defeated this Avery once, and I would have her red cloak to prove it if I did not lend it to another hero across the world. She is not as bad as she seems, and I am glad to hear she helped you."

Hybros frowned at the mention of the Golden Crusade. He remembered the unease he felt around Heweyrt. "The Golden Crusade helped with something very important to me, and we just met their leader in Dastan. What do you think of them?"

"The Paladin Order is varied, but I happen to select each Warrior Priests myself. I can promise you, they are all well-trained. And hopefully all loyal, now that we've gotten rid of a few snakes. I'm actually a little low of troops at the moment - quite a few have turned traitorous, gone missing, or been beheaded in the last year. But I've always subscribed to quality over quantity, and inaugurating youngsters would be no good - they'd weaken the organization, and get themselves killed on top of it."

"I had no trouble with Avery. She was loyal to the last, but for that same reason I would fear being on the other end of her blade. She has more freedom now, having overcome the Red Death, but the morals of her assassins still run deep in her."

"As for the Golden Crusade... they delivered on their promise, and helped us against the Order Imperial. What's more, they had cause and ability to strike me while I was down, and they restrained themselves. The little kobold is questionable, but at the very least Deborah has my respect. But... can they be trusted? That I don't know quite yet."

[UsernameMDM]

MDM, your new method will be implemented this round, primarily because it benefits you here.

As long as you think it's a good/fair way forward.

Round Four Training with Jin

Jin focuses (+2 focus)

Hoke attacks (4-3=1 Damage)

Hoke attacks, while Jin once more centers himself.

Master Jin

Focus: 6

Health: 6

Hoke

Focus: 1

Health: 3

"I will have you beat next time I act," says Jin. "Shall we take a break?"

Hoke considered Jin's words and dismissed Zoot's Rebel.

"How long have you studying the sword?"

Edited October 28, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I recognize The Great Guffington. Everyone in Eubric knows him." She sinks deeper into the waters. "That's where I'm from too. Not originally, but for a long while. Do you know the Paladin Order? And the Warrior Priests? I am the lady in charge... well, not anymore. For the time being that'd be Samuel." She huffs. "I hail from Terra Chima, but my mother was from here originally. Me and my brother Oko were cast out at sixteen. Came here to train, and then travelled to Eubric."

"I've actually worked with heroes before. Do you know Nerwen, Pretzel, Grimwald, or Kiray? Or, Hel, even the Red Assassin Avery seemed like she'd run across your organization quite a few times. That's how I got this way. The heroes, Avery, and these three others... what were they? The Golden Crusade. Deborah, this watery fellow, and a kobold called Gocklo or something. We took down a fortress of bigoted Order Imperial goons. But the bitch who was heading them up got me with some poison. Usually the Paladins can zap that right out of you, but seems she was using a special home brew."

"More of this patience. Didn't you just arrive this morning?" Yu Shu clicks her tongue. "It'll take longer than that. Even with a guide like Kiga, it takes most people years to be able to access the Breath. And that's if they're lucky. Be patient, follow his leadings, and relax. Like you said, there's not too often a chance to do that."

Purpearl ponders as Yu Shu mentions several familiar names, such as Samuel and Gocklo, "The world is such a small place. I wonder when is the last time I've met Samuel, but I certainly remember the kobold, the witch hunter? I remember he's with Heweryt when I was in Baltarok." Facing Yu Shu, wondering about the past failures in character and motives surrounding Warrior Priests, "You do seem to know a lot about Warrior Priests, how do you determine if one is fit to take up such responsibility?"

"Years? I don't suppose we can stay here for years to even attempt at getting the First Breath. Perhaps we can seek the kindness of Kiga? Since I suppose he knows the way to it?"

"Perhaps you are right. It is Guts, after all, heheh. Dyric is reliable as well, though I do not know the gnome."

"At least they will get the job done." Purpearl makes in passing, preferring to ignore the comment surrounding Matthias.

[JimBee]

"The Paladin Order is varied, but I happen to select each Warrior Priests myself. I can promise you, they are all well-trained. And hopefully all loyal, now that we've gotten rid of a few snakes. I'm actually a little low of troops at the moment - quite a few have turned traitorous, gone missing, or been beheaded in the last year. But I've always subscribed to quality over quantity, and inaugurating youngsters would be no good - they'd weaken the organization, and get themselves killed on top of it."

"I had no trouble with Avery. She was loyal to the last, but for that same reason I would fear being on the other end of her blade. She has more freedom now, having overcome the Red Death, but the morals of her assassins still run deep in her."

"As for the Golden Crusade... they delivered on their promise, and helped us against the Order Imperial. What's more, they had cause and ability to strike me while I was down, and they restrained themselves. The little kobold is questionable, but at the very least Deborah has my respect. But... can they be trusted? That I don't know quite yet."

"Hm... well let us hope that your future quality warriors will keep their heads then, heheheh...." Hybros sunk deeper into the water to hide his snide grin.

His eyes widened at the mention of the Red Death. "No mortal can survive that, not even Avery."

Purpearl ponders as Yu Shu mentions several familiar names, such as Samuel and Gocklo, "The world is such a small place. I wonder when is the last time I've met Samuel, but I certainly remember the kobold, the witch hunter? I remember he's with Heweryt when I was in Baltarok." Facing Yu Shu, wondering about the past failures in character and motives surrounding Warrior Priests, "You do seem to know a lot about Warrior Priests, how do you determine if one is fit to take up such responsibility?"

"Years? I don't suppose we can stay here for years to even attempt at getting the First Breath. Perhaps we can seek the kindness of Kiga? Since I suppose he knows the way to it?"

"At least they will get the job done." Purpearl makes in passing, preferring to ignore the comment surrounding Matthias.

Hybros turned to Purpearl. "So the Golden Crusade was in Baltarok as well? They seem to be everywhere..." He gazed into the water for a moment, pondering the organization's goals.

"Yes, ehehm, we are... on a tight schedule. Guf-- we, do not have years to find the First Breath." He looked determinedly at Yu Shu. "We will do whatever it takes to find it."

Again looking to Purpearl and Felix beside her, and deciding not to press the issue of Matthias, asks, "Did you two find anything useful at the vault?"

[Zepher]

[/color]

"How long have you studying the sword?"

"I have studied the blade for over twelve years. I started when I was only sixteen. But there are more ways to improve your art than simply training. I would advise you consider meditation - once you feel able - or attending a tea ceremony. Now, let us retire to the hot springs."

Purpearl ponders as Yu Shu mentions several familiar names, such as Samuel and Gocklo, "The world is such a small place. I wonder when is the last time I've met Samuel, but I certainly remember the kobold, the witch hunter? I remember he's with Heweryt when I was in Baltarok." Facing Yu Shu, wondering about the past failures in character and motives surrounding Warrior Priests, "You do seem to know a lot about Warrior Priests, how do you determine if one is fit to take up such responsibility?"

"Years? I don't suppose we can stay here for years to even attempt at getting the First Breath. Perhaps we can seek the kindness of Kiga? Since I suppose he knows the way to it?"

"The world is mighty small, but only for those of us who are the movers. I've recently been led to believe that some exterior forces sometimes drive us towards each other."

"It is admittedly difficult to judge character. Usually I have to judge a lot off of my personal relationship with the applicant. But I do have some simple requirements: I expect them to be able to fight, make swift decisions, and be able to back them up. A willingness to make sacrifices is also important, and they need to be able to survive. We send them into dangerous lands, where Paladins are not always welcome."

"And yes, years. There is often not ways to cheat the process. I am sure you will be aided by all the monks here, which might speed things along, but that's just the way things are."

His eyes widened at the mention of the Red Death. "No mortal can survive that, not even Avery."

"Well she was still kicking last time I saw her, and I watched her fight, so she's out of it one way or another."

"We discovered we've got a tough time ahead of us." Lady Felix relaxes into the water even more, seemingly entirely unworried about the challenges that lay ahead. "I say we sleep on it, and then see what we think to do next."

At the Vault

Watching Master Kiga, Arthur fails to hear footsteps approaching. A simple tap on the shoulder forces the Dragoon to turn around.

"You'll have trouble getting verbal direction out of Master Kiga. He has taken a vow of silence," says Chauncey with a sly smile. "Arthur Regulus. I believe you and I have quite a few similar interests. Shall we see if Master Kiga would not allow us to join him for a Tea Ceremony, so that we might have a chance to talk and reflect?"

[UsernameMDM]

"I have studied the blade for over twelve years. I started when I was only sixteen. But there are more ways to improve your art than simply training. I would advise you consider meditation - once you feel able - or attending a tea ceremony. Now, let us retire to the hot springs."

Hoke nods his head, considering Jin's words.

"Sure thing. It will be nice to relax for a bit."