Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[Purpearljellyblob]

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.

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?"

"I think I met Samuel in Eubric one time, certainly not Baltarok. This the first time I've heard about Golden Crusade, I wonder what they actually do." Purpearl wonders.

"The vault seems to be impenetrable of sorts. I heard Chauncey talking about needing patience to access the First Breath. But I think Arthur might be onto something, the first thing he did when he got to the vault was to pick up a flower and started meditating in front of it. He sure knows what's he's doing." Jokes Purpearl as she nudges Lady Felix, "We actually climbed high and low to look for an entrance."

[Flipz]

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?"

"..."

"<Arthur?>"

"...hmm? Oh, yes. It appears I have started to unwittingly follow in Master Kiga's footsteps," Arthur jokes. "I seem to be losing my voice...and, perhaps, my patience. Perhaps some tea would be soothing for throat and spirit both." Arthur and Miirym follow Lord Chauncey and Master Kiga to the tea room.

[Zepher]

Hoke nods his head, considering Jin's words.

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

Hoke and Jin make their way to the Hot Springs and dip in with the others. Hoke too feels refreshed.

"I think I met Samuel in Eubric one time, certainly not Baltarok. This the first time I've heard about Golden Crusade, I wonder what they actually do." Purpearl wonders.

"The vault seems to be impenetrable of sorts. I heard Chauncey talking about needing patience to access the First Breath. But I think Arthur might be onto something, the first thing he did when he got to the vault was to pick up a flower and started meditating in front of it. He sure knows what's he's doing." Jokes Purpearl as she nudges Lady Felix, "We actually climbed high and low to look for an entrance."

"Sounds like the right idea," says Yu Shu. "But meditation is tough. Takes practice."

"Yes. But there are many ways to learn how to meditate. It is not only sitting in a field. Personally, I find that I meditate best in battle. My thoughts often inhibit me from acting. Simply allowing my body to move to its own rhythm assures that I am always a step ahead of my foes."

"..."

"<Arthur?>"

"...hmm? Oh, yes. It appears I have started to unwittingly follow in Master Kiga's footsteps," Arthur jokes. "I seem to be losing my voice...and, perhaps, my patience. Perhaps some tea would be soothing for throat and spirit both." Arthur and Miirym follow Lord Chauncey and Master Kiga to the tea room.

Master Kiga rises and leads Chauncey, Arthur and Miirym to the tea house, a small wooden hut nearby the Vault.

"Tea huts in Xu are built out of wood," explains Chauncey as they prepare to step inside. "It is a tradition to burn them down every year and build a new one."

The four step inside. It is silent as Kiga prepares the tea. Eventually he pours it, and after sipping it, Chauncey starts back up the conversation.

"You are a scholar of Chaos, aren't you, Arthur?"

[JimBee]

"I think I met Samuel in Eubric one time, certainly not Baltarok. This the first time I've heard about Golden Crusade, I wonder what they actually do." Purpearl wonders.

"The vault seems to be impenetrable of sorts. I heard Chauncey talking about needing patience to access the First Breath. But I think Arthur might be onto something, the first thing he did when he got to the vault was to pick up a flower and started meditating in front of it. He sure knows what's he's doing." Jokes Purpearl as she nudges Lady Felix, "We actually climbed high and low to look for an entrance."

"I see... I was mistaken then, eheh."

"Heh, well I suppose we are willing to try anything. The way to get the First Breath is not apparent yet. I am curious though, what exactly is this artifact, and what are its powers?"

Hybros nodded to Hoke and Master Jin as they entered the hot springs. He grinned to his ally, certain he did not have much more luck with combat than before.

[UsernameMDM]

Hybros nodded to Hoke and Master Jin as they entered the hot springs. He grinned to his ally, certain he did not have much more luck with combat than before.

As Hoke sinks into the water, he notices the imp's grin.

"I did get a solid hit in," Hoke says as he looks to Jin,"Well, a hit nonetheless."

Edited November 2, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl nods at Hoke and Master Jin as she ponders about the First Breath, "There must be some kind of enlightenment one has to achieve before one is allowed to access it. I wonder if it is actually alive. How does the vault or the First Breath determine if one is worthy?"

[Zepher]

"I see... I was mistaken then, eheh."

"Heh, well I suppose we are willing to try anything. The way to get the First Breath is not apparent yet. I am curious though, what exactly is this artifact, and what are its powers?"

Hybros nodded to Hoke and Master Jin as they entered the hot springs. He grinned to his ally, certain he did not have much more luck with combat than before.

"I think you'd be best at answering that, Jin."

"The First Breath has many powers. It allows one to move swiftly, and think swiftly, to be here and not. Wind is about the ability to adapt, to expand, to subvert. So too can the First Breath be used. It is also analogous to intelligence - both mental, emotional, and spiritual. How you utilize it is up to you, but I would not worry about such things until you possess it."

As Hoke sinks into the water, he notices the imp's grin.

"I did get a solid hit in," Hoke says as he looks to Jin,"Well, a hit nonetheless."

"Already I can see your technique growing. I would advise you to not lose patience. It will become easier, as I've said. Perhaps tomorrow you can once more join Yu Shu and I in training. It may do her good to face a foe different than myself."

Purpearl nods at Hoke and Master Jin as she ponders about the First Breath, "There must be some kind of enlightenment one has to achieve before one is allowed to access it. I wonder if it is actually alive. How does the vault or the First Breath determine if one is worthy?"

"It is not my understanding that the Vault deems one worthy or not. You simply have access, or don't."

[UsernameMDM]

"Already I can see your technique growing. I would advise you to not lose patience. It will become easier, as I've said. Perhaps tomorrow you can once more join Yu Shu and I in training. It may do her good to face a foe different than myself."

"I look forward to it."

[Zepher]

Jin looks at the sky.

"Perhaps it is already time that we retire. Days go swiftly when you do little." He rises from the pools and puts back on some clothing, carrying his armor. Yu Shu follows suit, and the two of them head back to the temple to sleep.

The heroes may retire whenever they wish.

[JimBee]

"Hm, I see... Well, I think you are right, Master Jin. It is time to retire, perhaps the answers will become more clear in the morning."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke follows the others.

[Flipz]

Master Kiga rises and leads Chauncey, Arthur and Miirym to the tea house, a small wooden hut nearby the Vault.

"Tea huts in Xu are built out of wood," explains Chauncey as they prepare to step inside. "It is a tradition to burn them down every year and build a new one."

The four step inside. It is silent as Kiga prepares the tea. Eventually he pours it, and after sipping it, Chauncey starts back up the conversation.

"You are a scholar of Chaos, aren't you, Arthur?"

"I am indeed, for better or for worse," Arthur replies. Miirym, poking her head and neck into the small shack, looks at her partner expectantly, as if waiting for him to elaborate, but the ex-mage does not. "I've heard you're a scholar of arcane lore yourself--the Old Gods, to be precise. They've had...a profound influence on my life. Particularly during the period when I actively practiced chaomancy." Arthur pauses, both to allow Chauncey to respond and to take the opportunity to sip his tea.

[Zepher]

OoC: Apologies, waiting for Purpearl and Flipz to catch up a little bit time wise! Will update again in about 12 hours!

"I am, though I have never met the Gray Wizard as you and your friends have. I have a keen interest in him." Arthur, sipping his tea, feels peace descend upon him. It is not whole, however. It is clear that it will take even more practice, though he feels more centered than he has in a good long time. "Chaomancy has always interested me. My master in Uland, when I was a young, young mage, was a Chaomancer, and one of the best I've ever met. He studies in Etheria now, and serves as one of their leaders."

"I know that many heroes choose to ignore that Grogmas night, but I have studied it in depth, and believe that it has put into motion many great events. Chaos, in our world of technology, advancement, and order is often viewed in a negative light. But it is not so in many cultures. Here in Xu chaos is viewed as part of the natural world. There is no order without chaos without chaos there is no order. And not even in that one is the opposite of the other, as many in Olegaia believe, that one need to exist in order to contrast the other. In truth, as you shall find in the temple, if you dig deep enough into order you shall find chaos, and if you dig deep enough into chaos you will find the most beautiful of orders. Do you feel this too, Arthur?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

"It is not my understanding that the Vault deems one worthy or not. You simply have access, or don't."

"I do not have access then." Purpearl shrugs, as she turns to Lady Felix, "Perhaps we can try tomorrow? or spar with Yu Shu or Master Jin. I would like to learn a few tricks as well."

Jin looks at the sky.

"Perhaps it is already time that we retire. Days go swiftly when you do little." He rises from the pools and puts back on some clothing, carrying his armor. Yu Shu follows suit, and the two of them head back to the temple to sleep.

The heroes may retire whenever they wish.

"Indeed. I shall retire for the night." Purpearl leaves the springs follows Hybros and Hoke to rest.

[Zepher]

OoC: Arthur is now a day behind. That shouldn't be a problem for the time being - I will simply say he retired later than you all and ending up sleeping in on this "Second Day". We're on no strict schedule, this isn't Quest 130 by any means!

The heroes retire. Jin leads them through the silent temple to their own separate rooms, and Elba, Felix, U'Or and Gerald are given rooms as well.

The night passes peacefully.

As warriors, it is no surprise that the heroes are the first to arise. The walls are paper thin (quite literally paper in some places) and they can hear Guffington's gentle snoring through them.

The heroes step outside and are greeted by the early morning sun.

Jin approaches as the heroes blink their eyes a few times.

"If you're looking to spar again, Yu Shu is already up at the grounds preparing. She may prove a more fair match to some of you. It is often my custom to relax in the Healing Springs or to meditate before I begin my training for the day."

What will the heroes do?

[UsernameMDM]

"Sounds like a plan. Mayhaps you can teach us your techniques for relaxation and meditation."

Hoke follows Jin.

[Zepher]

Jin and Hoke walk off to the Healing Springs. Taking an early morning dip, Hoke finally feels as if a bit of the burden has been lifted off his shoulders. The training yesterday, combined with a few trips to the Healing Springs and a good night's sleep, had helped his body and mind grow more centered. (+1 focus)

"I fear to foreigners we will grow to sound as if we are repeating ourselves. But each new utterance, while part of a greater pattern, gains new meaning. Relaxation and meditation cannot be taught, they come from within. There are of course ways for us to guide you, but you must achieve them on your own. Once you have, I'm sure you will come to realize how easy it was all along. Master Kiga keeps many poems from ancient masters, and many tomes can be found within our temple. Perhaps those too will help guide you, if you are more of the mind than of the body. Though of course you'll realize soon that they are not so different, those two."

[Flipz]

OoC: Apologies, waiting for Purpearl and Flipz to catch up a little bit time wise! Will update again in about 12 hours!

"I am, though I have never met the Gray Wizard as you and your friends have. I have a keen interest in him." Arthur, sipping his tea, feels peace descend upon him. It is not whole, however. It is clear that it will take even more practice, though he feels more centered than he has in a good long time. "Chaomancy has always interested me. My master in Uland, when I was a young, young mage, was a Chaomancer, and one of the best I've ever met. He studies in Etheria now, and serves as one of their leaders."

"I know that many heroes choose to ignore that Grogmas night, but I have studied it in depth, and believe that it has put into motion many great events. Chaos, in our world of technology, advancement, and order is often viewed in a negative light. But it is not so in many cultures. Here in Xu chaos is viewed as part of the natural world. There is no order without chaos without chaos there is no order. And not even in that one is the opposite of the other, as many in Olegaia believe, that one need to exist in order to contrast the other. In truth, as you shall find in the temple, if you dig deep enough into order you shall find chaos, and if you dig deep enough into chaos you will find the most beautiful of orders. Do you feel this too, Arthur?"

Arthur slowly nods. "Forgive my caution, but if you have studied that night, then you also know of the mistakes I made during the course of it. I do not wish to repeat them. There is much truth in what you say--just as there was in Wren's words--but I have also discovered in the intervening years that the mind of man is ill-suited to understand Chaos. To many, it is merely "the purest of evils", a force of raw destruction and nothing more. To them, a thing is good, or it is evil, and there is no room for gray. Even those that understand gray tend to class it as some sort of neutral, ignoring the tones and shades that lie within. Few among mortal minds can comprehend the superposition of states, where light can contain dark, chaos can contain order, evil can contain good. And even I myself fall prey to such leanings, being quick to judge and strong in passion. In my haste to see the light that may bloom from the darkness, I forget that it is still dark, still very much capable of very much harm, and my failure of foresight has brought that harm to many I hold dear. Now that I have Miirym, I am more hesitant to take those risks...though perhaps even still not as much as I ought to be."

Miirym can no longer hold herself back.

<Arthur. You talk around this subject often. I wish to know what happened on the night to which you refer.>

Arthur regards Miirym carefully, then nods before taking another sip of his tea. "Very well. Though perhaps Lord Chauncey would be willing to begin? I must admit I am interested to hear an outside perspective on the events of that fateful evening."

[Zepher]

"Those who classify anything betray their true ignorance. Who are we, mere mortals, to say that one thing is better than the other? How could we know? All is simply as it is. As soon as we pretend that it is something else, we come to a fault. I am Chauncey, but so much more, and so much less. And you are the same, Arthur."

"As for that night... I have my report from three gentlemen who missed the very end of the events, though I was able to surmise most everything from them and from others as well. Shortly after the events in Eubric Everyman, XX and Zane came to my mansion and told me of what had befallen them - of the Court of Demons and it's doings and demise, of Wren's final plan, and of the heroes who were moving to stop them. I was of course intrigued most by the being calling himself the Grey Wizard - Zane was able to tell me his true name, and along with XX we were able to assume what she had in store for him."

"I know that she was unable to complete her plan. So I suppose that's how it must be, how it was supposed to be. The nature of Zoot overcame the nature of Wren. But if it had been the other way around, who is to say it would have been all the worse?"

"Hu hu hu," Master Kiga chortles as he sips his tea.

"Master Kiga thinks I philosophize too much," says Chauncey, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "He has taught me much, but not how to get out of my own head."

[Flipz]

"Those who classify anything betray their true ignorance. Who are we, mere mortals, to say that one thing is better than the other? How could we know? All is simply as it is. As soon as we pretend that it is something else, we come to a fault. I am Chauncey, but so much more, and so much less. And you are the same, Arthur."

"As for that night... I have my report from three gentlemen who missed the very end of the events, though I was able to surmise most everything from them and from others as well. Shortly after the events in Eubric Everyman, XX and Zane came to my mansion and told me of what had befallen them - of the Court of Demons and it's doings and demise, of Wren's final plan, and of the heroes who were moving to stop them. I was of course intrigued most by the being calling himself the Grey Wizard - Zane was able to tell me his true name, and along with XX we were able to assume what she had in store for him."

"I know that she was unable to complete her plan. So I suppose that's how it must be, how it was supposed to be. The nature of Zoot overcame the nature of Wren. But if it had been the other way around, who is to say it would have been all the worse?"

"Hu hu hu," Master Kiga chortles as he sips his tea.

"Master Kiga thinks I philosophize too much," says Chauncey, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "He has taught me much, but not how to get out of my own head."

"A 'flaw' I also share, Lord Chauncey. So you did not hear of Passion's demise, then. Nor of how I assumed Wren successful too soon and failed to aid my fellow Heroes when they needed me most."

"<...>"

"I...betrayed their trust. I had fought to prevent her rise, but then I saw Wren, ascended, a seeming goddess...and so, I declared my devotion to her, pledged not to continue to fight. The devotion did not extend both ways. And my party wasted valuable resources reviving me, resources they should have saved for those who perished..."

"You know, it's funny. That night I was not a Hero, either. No magic spell keeping me this side of the border between life and death. By all accounts, I should have died, and yet I did not. Ever since, I've drifted, moving from cause to cause to cause. And now, here I am again, no longer a Hero, with a cause both smaller and greater than I'd ever imagined."

"<...the Golden Crusade?>"

Arthur laughs. "You, Miirym. You are the most important thing to me, more than any group or cause we could fight for. It may be selfish of me, but so be it. It's the truth."

Miirym says nothing, but seems both at ease and a bit pleased with herself. Clearly, for the moment, all is right with her world.

Edited November 5, 2015 by Flipz

[Zepher]

"I had heard of Passion's demise. Doc Daneeka was able to figure out as much, with one of his machines. I do not know how he does it, but I rarely find cause to doubt him. And if that had not been enough, I have seen the Regret since that fateful night. Lady Purpearl still bears some anger towards me for that, as do the heroes Matthias and Nerwen. I put my life on the line, as did my foe, and I proved the stronger. That is the way of nature, the way of chaos, the way of order." Lord Chauncey finishes his tea.

"It was a pleasure talking to you, but the night is growing old. I don't doubt that we shall be here for a number of days. If you wish, come seek me out. There are one thousand and one things that we might talk about. And you may always attend tea ceremonies. Just remember, we can only cram four individuals in here a day."

Lord Chauncey and Arthur leave the Tea Ceremony. Arthur feels the warm beverage settling in his stomach (+1 focus). Time has indeed flown, and the night is old. Arthur finds his way to his bedroom in the temple, and falls asleep, aware of the heroes around him.

The next morning, he is the last to rise.

OoC: All back on the same day now!

[JimBee]

Hybos also follows Jin, willing to try anything.

Jin and Hoke walk off to the Healing Springs. Taking an early morning dip, Hoke finally feels as if a bit of the burden has been lifted off his shoulders. The training yesterday, combined with a few trips to the Healing Springs and a good night's sleep, had helped his body and mind grow more centered. (+1 focus)

"I fear to foreigners we will grow to sound as if we are repeating ourselves. But each new utterance, while part of a greater pattern, gains new meaning. Relaxation and meditation cannot be taught, they come from within. There are of course ways for us to guide you, but you must achieve them on your own. Once you have, I'm sure you will come to realize how easy it was all along. Master Kiga keeps many poems from ancient masters, and many tomes can be found within our temple. Perhaps those too will help guide you, if you are more of the mind than of the body. Though of course you'll realize soon that they are not so different, those two."

Hybros also relaxes in the hot springs. "Body and mind... my friend Lee Long, who is from this country, taught me to use both in and out of combat."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"If you're looking to spar again, Yu Shu is already up at the grounds preparing. She may prove a more fair match to some of you. It is often my custom to relax in the Healing Springs or to meditate before I begin my training for the day."

Purpearl nods at Master Jin,

"Perhaps I should mediate at the Vault this morning before heading to the Training Grounds."

[Zepher]

Hybos also follows Jin, willing to try anything.

Hybros also relaxes in the hot springs. "Body and mind... my friend Lee Long, who is from this country, taught me to use both in and out of combat."

"Lee Long is a powerful warrior, and one of our order. He has been foolishly banished, but that does not mean that we have forgotten him. I am glad that he has taken on pupils - he has much to share. I doubt anyone is as devoted as he is. I believe he understands that his life and the life of the House Ji Pei are intertwined, and would be willing to lay down his life for them. This is a great lesson that few learn. To be part of something larger than themselves."

Though Hybros relaxes in the same pools as Hoke, he can't get quite as settled as his dragoon friend.

Purpearl nods at Master Jin,

"Perhaps I should mediate at the Vault this morning before heading to the Training Grounds."

Purpearl heads to the Vault before meeting the others at the training grounds. She finds herself soon staring into the unblinking eyes of Mater Kiga as he stares past her.

[UsernameMDM]

Jin and Hoke walk off to the Healing Springs. Taking an early morning dip, Hoke finally feels as if a bit of the burden has been lifted off his shoulders. The training yesterday, combined with a few trips to the Healing Springs and a good night's sleep, had helped his body and mind grow more centered. (+1 focus)

"I fear to foreigners we will grow to sound as if we are repeating ourselves. But each new utterance, while part of a greater pattern, gains new meaning. Relaxation and meditation cannot be taught, they come from within. There are of course ways for us to guide you, but you must achieve them on your own. Once you have, I'm sure you will come to realize how easy it was all along. Master Kiga keeps many poems from ancient masters, and many tomes can be found within our temple. Perhaps those too will help guide you, if you are more of the mind than of the body. Though of course you'll realize soon that they are not so different, those two."

"You use different words, but you say the same things as my tutors from my childhood," Hoke says as he sinks deeper into the water.

He allows himself to fully relax, each bone and muscle, fully at rest. He opens his eyes to the sky and sees Torc taking in the morning sun and breeze, her wings an amber fire.