Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[JimBee]

Hybros stared into his tea some more. "Like you said, as long as Guffington trusts him, Chauncey is no concern of mine. I am also confident he can take care of himself, heheh. I did fight him once, and he is no pushover."

He glanced over to the werelion sitting quietly in the room. "I do not suppose you have anything to add to this conversation about the world as a game and us as its pieces, do you Master Kiga?"

[Zepher]

At The Training Grounds

"What now, Master Abelsword? Are you prepared to face me, or shall we hit the Springs?"

At The Vault

"Words are merely words, Chauncey." Purpearl shakes her head, "There is no wrong in pursuing power, I desire power, I train to get stronger, to achieve new heights. But your approach is almost cultish, almost unnatural. The universe will have her ways to balance everything out, Chauncey." Pointing to her head, "All that power Aventine pursued for his entire life had gone to waste, except for a small part which he scrambled to preserve. You are only human, there is only so much power a collection of flesh can possess. That time will come when you eventually meet your match, perhaps that not of this world, and end up in a situation similar to Aventine, betrayed, hunted and helpless. Have you not considered that possibility?"

"Almost unnatural? What is natural and what is not? Have I not just said it is limiting to divide things into the light and the dark, the good and the bad, the natural and the unnatural? But you are right. The universe will balance all things out. We only have to hope that we end up on top when it does."

He stands up. "If someday you shall hunt me, so be it. But know that I bare you no ill will. I hope that all who can prosper will. And I wish you to access the First Breathe - I do not want to hold that power merely for myself. I wish you luck, Lady Purpearl. Continue to explore the temples, and meditate when you can. There is a lovely library within the main temple, I have always been a bookish man while Gerald has always been a doer, but both are ways to move forward towards ones ends. I will be heading to the Healing Springs for the rest of the day, if you'd like to come and relax. Master Kiga has always advised me against too many weighty thoughts."

At the Tea House

Lord Kiga only laughs at Hybros' and Arthur's questions and rhetoric. He stands up, signaling the end of the Tea Ceremony. Stepping outside, though the conversation had been weighty, Hybros and Arthur feel relaxed and as if a great weight has been lifted off their chests (+1 focus each).

They, along with the rest of the heroes, still have many hours to kill. Lord Kiga heads towards the Healing Springs.

[UsernameMDM]

At The Training Grounds

"What now, Master Abelsword? Are you prepared to face me, or shall we hit the Springs?"

Hoke grins as Zoot's Order once again appears in his hands

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Almost unnatural? What is natural and what is not? Have I not just said it is limiting to divide things into the light and the dark, the good and the bad, the natural and the unnatural? But you are right. The universe will balance all things out. We only have to hope that we end up on top when it does."

He stands up. "If someday you shall hunt me, so be it. But know that I bare you no ill will. I hope that all who can prosper will. And I wish you to access the First Breathe - I do not want to hold that power merely for myself. I wish you luck, Lady Purpearl. Continue to explore the temples, and meditate when you can. There is a lovely library within the main temple, I have always been a bookish man while Gerald has always been a doer, but both are ways to move forward towards ones ends. I will be heading to the Healing Springs for the rest of the day, if you'd like to come and relax. Master Kiga has always advised me against too many weighty thoughts."

"I have no desire to hunt you down, nor will I do any harm to you. But that does not mean I will forgive or trust you right here right now. You seek reconciliation, so do I. You seek the First Breath, so do we. But do not think I am a heartless, unforgiving elf. As I said before, trust needs to be put to the test before alliances mean anything. And that means I will hold your words and put them to the test." Purpearl looks at the time and decides to head to the Healing Springs, "I had plans for the Training Grounds, but I think the Healing Springs would be the best option for me right now." Purpearl then dips into the springs and closes her eyes to meditate, mentally shutting out Chauncey and other worldly disturbances, focusing on replenishing her weary body.

[Flipz]

Hybros stared into his tea some more. "Like you said, as long as Guffington trusts him, Chauncey is no concern of mine. I am also confident he can take care of himself, heheh. I did fight him once, and he is no pushover."

He glanced over to the werelion sitting quietly in the room. "I do not suppose you have anything to add to this conversation about the world as a game and us as its pieces, do you Master Kiga?"

At the Tea House

Lord Kiga only laughs at Hybros' and Arthur's questions and rhetoric. He stands up, signaling the end of the Tea Ceremony. Stepping outside, though the conversation had been weighty, Hybros and Arthur feel relaxed and as if a great weight has been lifted off their chests (+1 focus each).

They, along with the rest of the heroes, still have many hours to kill. Lord Kiga heads towards the Healing Springs.

Arthur stands up from his place at the table. "I do not think I will join any of you at the Healing Springs--if you recall my true form, then you will no doubt understand why I am reluctant to put it to such a test. I believe Miirym and I will begin to explore the Temple itself--Hoke is, no doubt, at the Training Grounds, and I have no wish to spar with him, verbally or otherwise. Will you be joining us, or do you have business of your own to attend to elsewhere?"

[Zepher]

At the Healing Springs

"I have no desire to hunt you down, nor will I do any harm to you. But that does not mean I will forgive or trust you right here right now. You seek reconciliation, so do I. You seek the First Breath, so do we. But do not think I am a heartless, unforgiving elf. As I said before, trust needs to be put to the test before alliances mean anything. And that means I will hold your words and put them to the test." Purpearl looks at the time and decides to head to the Healing Springs, "I had plans for the Training Grounds, but I think the Healing Springs would be the best option for me right now." Purpearl then dips into the springs and closes her eyes to meditate, mentally shutting out Chauncey and other worldly disturbances, focusing on replenishing her weary body.

Arriving at the Springs Purpearl is greeted by the entire Guffington party: Lady Felix, Elba, and U'Or all relax in the springs. Purpearl closes her eyes and sinks into the water.

At the Temple

Arthur stands up from his place at the table. "I do not think I will join any of you at the Healing Springs--if you recall my true form, then you will no doubt understand why I am reluctant to put it to such a test. I believe Miirym and I will begin to explore the Temple itself--Hoke is, no doubt, at the Training Grounds, and I have no wish to spar with him, verbally or otherwise. Will you be joining us, or do you have business of your own to attend to elsewhere?"

Exploring the temple Arthur passes through the various rooms that his party had used to sleep in. In a darker corner Arthur finds a desk with a few laid scrolls out on it. They all contain half finished paintings of the surrounding mountains. A thurible smokes next to the desk. It is clearly Master Kiga's study - the scent of the incense is near identical to the smell that lingers on the were-lions fur. There are a few scrolls on a book shelf in the corner.

At the Training Grounds

"Very well, let's see how you do."

Master Jin

Focus: 7

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 4

Health: 7

Rules:

Attack: Costs 3 focus. Deals damage= focus-cost of attack.

Focus: Gain 2 focus.

Parry: Avoid all damage for the round. Costs 1 focus.

[UsernameMDM]

Focus

Parry

[JimBee]

Hybros shrugged and followed Arthur. "I can not think of anything else better to do."

"...Although it does not appear that there is much here." He frowned. "I do not mean to sound spoiled, but I am not sure how I feel about this place. I did go on this quest to help Guffington and not to sight-see, but I pictured us doing in Xu what we did in Dastan... Lee and Jun taught me much patience besides what I learned on my own, but I am left impatient here. I wish I had their guidance right now."

[Zepher]

Round One

Hoke Focuses (+2 Focus)

Jin Focuses (+2 Focus)

Round Two

Hoke Parries (-1 Focus)

Jin Focuses (+2 Focus)

Master Jin

Focus: 11

Health: 7

Hoke

Focus: 5

Health: 7

Rules:

Attack: Costs 3 focus. Deals damage= focus-cost of attack.

Focus: Gain 2 focus.

Parry: Avoid all damage for the round. Costs 1 focus.

[Flipz]

Hybros shrugged and followed Arthur. "I can not think of anything else better to do."

"...Although it does not appear that there is much here." He frowned. "I do not mean to sound spoiled, but I am not sure how I feel about this place. I did go on this quest to help Guffington and not to sight-see, but I pictured us doing in Xu what we did in Dastan... Lee and Jun taught me much patience besides what I learned on my own, but I am left impatient here. I wish I had their guidance right now."

"<I must concur. The last time Arthur and I were here, we were caught in the midst of Lady Ji Pei's revolution. I had much hoped to learn of how Xu has fared since then.>"

"...I must admit, Miirym and I were both more interested in joining Master Guffington in his sightseeing than in actual adventuring--traveling companions who can draw blades in defense at a moment's notice, not unlike Lady Felix, it seems. Yet curiously, of all of our companions, he remains one of those we've spoken with the least."

Arthur pulls out his Magic Compass, searching for Lord Guffington. "Speaking of our employer, I do not think it would be a bad idea to check in on him, especially in light of your news. Perhaps he can share some insight into our situation."

[UsernameMDM]

Parry

Focus

[Zepher]

Round Three

Hoke Parries (-1 Focus)

Jin Focuses (+2 Focus)

Round Four

Hoke Focuses (+1 Focus)

Jin Attacks (13-3=10 Damage)

The battle ends, once more, with Jin's blade to Hoke's throat. He doesn't say anything before sheathing his swords.

"To the Healing Springs, and then to bed?"

"<I must concur. The last time Arthur and I were here, we were caught in the midst of Lady Ji Pei's revolution. I had much hoped to learn of how Xu has fared since then.>"

"...I must admit, Miirym and I were both more interested in joining Master Guffington in his sightseeing than in actual adventuring--traveling companions who can draw blades in defense at a moment's notice, not unlike Lady Felix, it seems. Yet curiously, of all of our companions, he remains one of those we've spoken with the least."

Arthur pulls out his Magic Compass, searching for Lord Guffington. "Speaking of our employer, I do not think it would be a bad idea to check in on him, especially in light of your news. Perhaps he can share some insight into our situation."

Arthur is able to find Guffington outside the Vault, discussing things with Lord Chauncey. Both man are pleased to see him.

"How are you enjoying your second day at the Temple, Arthur?" He assesses the Dragoon. "Already you seem more at peace than before. I imagine you may have an easier time meditating than the rest of your party. But perhaps that is for the morning. I was just about to accompany Lady Purpearl to the Healing Spas when Gerald intercepted me."

"I am still curious as to this artifact. Everyone at the Temple speaks of it as if we should know it, but no one will tell us how to obtain it. You told me it'd just be sitting here, ripe for the taking!"

"It is! Had you hoped to uncover the mystery of ages in only two days? What has happened to you, Gerald? Have you lost your verve for adventure, for discovery?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Arriving at the Springs Purpearl is greeted by the entire Guffington party: Lady Felix, Elba, and U'Or all relax in the springs. Purpearl closes her eyes and sinks into the water.

Purpearl dips into the springs and clears her mind of the conversation she just had with Chauncey and focuses on the pleasant and the simple aspects of Nature that has to offer. The feeling of the water that envelopes her whole self and surrounding plant and animal life. Purpearl is also aware of the presence of Lady Felix, Elba and U'Or, but that did not distract her as she continues to meditate in the springs.

[JimBee]

Hybros follows behind Arthur, again at a loss of anything better to do. He dips his toes in the hot springs before submerging up to his neck. He was half-relieved, half-worried that his frustration was shared by Gerald. He speaks to no one in particular. "Perhaps if we knew more about the First Breath, it would be easier to know what we must to find it."

"So what do we know? I think we can say that it is not something that we can hold, but something that is realized. Or maybe it is both. Master Jin has told us that there are many ways to reach inner peace in both our minds and our bodies. I think that is important for finding the First Breath. And Master Kiga... does not have much to say. But I know more than most that what is not said is shown, heheh. I think... tomorrow I will try to meditate. Hoke, I assume you are making progress at the training grounds? Both of these may be useful somehow."

[Flipz]

Arthur is able to find Guffington outside the Vault, discussing things with Lord Chauncey. Both man are pleased to see him.

"How are you enjoying your second day at the Temple, Arthur?" He assesses the Dragoon. "Already you seem more at peace than before. I imagine you may have an easier time meditating than the rest of your party. But perhaps that is for the morning. I was just about to accompany Lady Purpearl to the Healing Spas when Gerald intercepted me."

"I am still curious as to this artifact. Everyone at the Temple speaks of it as if we should know it, but no one will tell us how to obtain it. You told me it'd just be sitting here, ripe for the taking!"

"It is! Had you hoped to uncover the mystery of ages in only two days? What has happened to you, Gerald? Have you lost your verve for adventure, for discovery?"

Arthur laughs jovially, then nods to Hybros as the latter leaves the Vault for the Hot Springs. "The irony. I had hoped to pick your brain for a different perspective, but it seems that you, too are as flummoxed as we are." Arthur strokes the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. "As I just told Hybros, it seems the First Breath is not so much a tangible thing as a state of being. I would surmise that over the past few days we have each grown closer and closer to achieving it, but there is likely still further to go." Arthur pauses, considering. "Perhaps tomorrow morning, Master Guffington, Lord Chauncey, we could share tea together? On our first day, Master Kiga shared with me a...riddle, of sorts. Perhaps together our minds can crack it."

[UsernameMDM]

Round Three

Hoke Parries (-1 Focus)

Jin Focuses (+2 Focus)

Round Four

Hoke Focuses (+1 Focus)

Jin Attacks (13-3=10 Damage)

The battle ends, once more, with Jin's blade to Hoke's throat. He doesn't say anything before sheathing his swords.

"To the Healing Springs, and then to bed?"

"As you say," Hoke says, unable to hide the frustration in his voice.

[Zepher]

Purpearl dips into the springs and clears her mind of the conversation she just had with Chauncey and focuses on the pleasant and the simple aspects of Nature that has to offer. The feeling of the water that envelopes her whole self and surrounding plant and animal life. Purpearl is also aware of the presence of Lady Felix, Elba and U'Or, but that did not distract her as she continues to meditate in the springs.

Both meditating and relaxing, Lady Purpearl finally feels some release and contentment in Xu (+1 focus).

Hybros follows behind Arthur, again at a loss of anything better to do. He dips his toes in the hot springs before submerging up to his neck. He was half-relieved, half-worried that his frustration was shared by Gerald. He speaks to no one in particular. "Perhaps if we knew more about the First Breath, it would be easier to know what we must to find it."

"So what do we know? I think we can say that it is not something that we can hold, but something that is realized. Or maybe it is both. Master Jin has told us that there are many ways to reach inner peace in both our minds and our bodies. I think that is important for finding the First Breath. And Master Kiga... does not have much to say. But I know more than most that what is not said is shown, heheh. I think... tomorrow I will try to meditate. Hoke, I assume you are making progress at the training grounds? Both of these may be useful somehow."

Dipping into the Hot Springs, Hybros feels the worries of the day slip away (+1 focus).

Arthur laughs jovially, then nods to Hybros as the latter leaves the Vault for the Hot Springs. "The irony. I had hoped to pick your brain for a different perspective, but it seems that you, too are as flummoxed as we are." Arthur strokes the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. "As I just told Hybros, it seems the First Breath is not so much a tangible thing as a state of being. I would surmise that over the past few days we have each grown closer and closer to achieving it, but there is likely still further to go." Arthur pauses, considering. "Perhaps tomorrow morning, Master Guffington, Lord Chauncey, we could share tea together? On our first day, Master Kiga shared with me a...riddle, of sorts. Perhaps together our minds can crack it."

"He showed you the poems of Laghima, then? It is no riddle, but an answer. Master Laghima was the very first Monk to reach the First Breath."

"I would never say no to tea. And Lord Chauncey is right. I have forgotten that the best discoveries are the ones you make on your own."

They follow Hybros to the Hot Springs, and continue the conversation there.

"Master Kiga has taken a vow of silence. He will not speak, but he still has much to teach. If you follow his steps every day, you will reach the First Breath swiftly."

"As you say," Hoke says, unable to hide the frustration in his voice.

"Do not grow disheartened. I have practiced this art for years, you for only two days. I am sure if we were to meet in open terrain, with your dragon by your side, it would be a more even match. If you'd like to try that tomorrow, I will not hold it against you. It will not help your form, but it would certainly help you blow off steam."

Jin, Hoke and Yu Shu arrive at the Hot Springs.

[UsernameMDM]

"Do not grow disheartened. I have practiced this art for years, you for only two days. I am sure if we were to meet in open terrain, with your dragon by your side, it would be a more even match. If you'd like to try that tomorrow, I will not hold it against you. It will not help your form, but it would certainly help you blow off steam."

Jin, Hoke and Yu Shu arrive at the Hot Springs.

Hoke nods,"I would like to learn your technique before I go back to something I am familiar with. However, since you are taking the time to teach me, if you wish to battle a dragon, I can see that it is done."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Feeling relaxed, Purpearl emerges from the springs and finds the addition of Hybros, Jin, Hoke and Yu Shu. Addressing to Jin and Yu Shu, "I apologise, I was meant to head to the Training Grounds after meditating at the Vault, but time sneaked away really quickly when one engages in deep conversations with another. After which, I needed to clear my mind somehow, hence the springs. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps?" Turning to Hoke and Hybros, "Any new discoveries around the temple? I might explore the temple and head to the Training Grounds to spar if I have the time tomorrow."

[JimBee]

Feeling relaxed, Purpearl emerges from the springs and finds the addition of Hybros, Jin, Hoke and Yu Shu. Addressing to Jin and Yu Shu, "I apologise, I was meant to head to the Training Grounds after meditating at the Vault, but time sneaked away really quickly when one engages in deep conversations with another. After which, I needed to clear my mind somehow, hence the springs. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps?" Turning to Hoke and Hybros, "Any new discoveries around the temple? I might explore the temple and head to the Training Grounds to spar if I have the time tomorrow."

Hybros shook his head. "We can only continue to try to look for what we seek. I think tomorrow I will meditate at the Vault, perhaps you would like to join, Purpearl?"

[Zepher]

Hoke nods,"I would like to learn your technique before I go back to something I am familiar with. However, since you are taking the time to teach me, if you wish to battle a dragon, I can see that it is done."

"To learn my technique, you must first reach the First Breath. But to reach the First Breath, you must first learn my technique." Jin smiles. "We will continue in the morning."

Getting into the springs to relax, Hoke once more feels that he has become more focused over the day (+1 focus).

Feeling relaxed, Purpearl emerges from the springs and finds the addition of Hybros, Jin, Hoke and Yu Shu. Addressing to Jin and Yu Shu, "I apologise, I was meant to head to the Training Grounds after meditating at the Vault, but time sneaked away really quickly when one engages in deep conversations with another. After which, I needed to clear my mind somehow, hence the springs. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps?" Turning to Hoke and Hybros, "Any new discoveries around the temple? I might explore the temple and head to the Training Grounds to spar if I have the time tomorrow."

"Feel free to come spar with us. Between Yu Shu and I, we should be able to take the four of you on at once."

Hybros shook his head. "We can only continue to try to look for what we seek. I think tomorrow I will meditate at the Vault, perhaps you would like to join, Purpearl?"

"As I told Arthur, you are most likely closer than you think. Not yet ready, but very close."

The heroes relax in the springs and chat with their friends until the sun has set. A little tired and cold, they retire for the night.

The next morning they arise as a group. Stepping out of the temple they are greeted by Captain Elba.

"Your friends have already dispersed," he says. "Thought I might take the airship out for a spin. Getting a little bored with all this talk of patience. Anyone feel like joining?"

[Flipz]

The next morning they arise as a group. Stepping out of the temple they are greeted by Captain Elba.

"Your friends have already dispersed," he says. "Thought I might take the airship out for a spin. Getting a little bored with all this talk of patience. Anyone feel like joining?"

"Not I," Arthur replies, "I have already promised Lord Chauncey and Master Guffington that I will have tea with them this morning."

"<I will join you, Captain Elba,>" Miirym replies. "<It will be good to stretch my wings.>"

Arthur nods his consent to both Miirym and Elba. "Take good care of her, Captain. I leave her in your capable hands."

OOC: I'm not feeling my best today, so apologies if my participation is a bit sparse tomorrow. Additionally, I'll be away all day on either Tuesday or Wednesday; as usual, I'll try to check in late on the evenings, but I can't promise anything.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Hybros shook his head. "We can only continue to try to look for what we seek. I think tomorrow I will meditate at the Vault, perhaps you would like to join, Purpearl?"

"I have in mind to explore the library within the temple to perhaps learn more about this place of peace and calm,"

Purpearl wakes up the next morning and finds the library within the temple.

[Zepher]

Arthur heads to the Tea House, but realizes it is probably too early in the day. Master Kiga generally takes his tea in the afternoon, and it is still relatively early in the morning.

Purpearl, meanwhile, heads to the modest library within the temple. It is houses within Kiga's study, and like Arthur she finds some incense burning, and some paintings half-finished - some of the ink on them is still fresh. On a rack in the corner she finds scrolls with names on them: chiefly Master Laghima, Master Snyder, and Master Kiga.

[Flipz]

Arthur opens up his Bombers' Notebook to see when people are in different places notes the angle of the sun in the sky and returns to Kiga's study. "Find anything?" he asks Purpearl. Noting the names on the scrolls, Arthur decides to read more of Master Laghima's teachings. "Master Kiga showed me some of Master Laghima's poetry the first day we arrived. Perhaps with some context, I may come to understand it."