Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[Purpearljellyblob]

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.

"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."

Purpearl finds herself in a strange environment, perhaps a private study where Master Kiga spends his time. Noticing Arthur in company as he heads for the scrolls, she acknowledges his presence but remains silent as she threads carefully in the library, merely observing and careful not to touch anything that might be personal.

Slowly inhaling the smoke of the incense, Purpearl inspects the half-done paintings, hoping to decipher the inner workings of the Master.

After which Purpearl gently lifts Master Kiga's scroll and places it on a table, carefully rolling open to read its contents.

Edited November 17, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[JimBee]

Hybros shakes his head at Elba, indicating towards the Vault. Heading there silently, he sits cross-legged and closes his eyes. Inhaling deeply, he tries to clear his mind like Lee Long taught him. He thinks briefly on all things one by one, including the mission they were on, the First Breath, Dastan and the dragons and people, his partymates, Guffington and company, his friends back in the Hall or across the world, his people, Heroica, various events of his past... And lets each of them go. He meditates silently,

[Zepher]

At the Temple

Purpearl glances at the paintings, but they are simply of the surrounding mountains. There doesn't seem to be any secrets in them, just works of art.

Purpearl unfurls the scroll a little, to find the earliest teaching of the Master.

I have often found that those who wish to find truth go out and search for it, and then they return home, and then they rejoice.

I see the mountain, and then I don't see the mountain, and then I see the mountain.

That which is locked away can often be found only where it is and where it isn't.

The Vault

Hybros, meanwhile, meditates outside the Vault. Following Lee Long's training he clears his mind of all that is there... and feels a deep wind welling up within him. Growing excited bits and pieces of his mission begin to seep back into his mind. He is close, but he knows he most focus even more. Regardless, his meditation brings him even more focus. (+1 focus).

The Airship

"You've had enough of that mumbo jumbo too, eh little dragon?" asks Elba as he and Miirym take off. "What's say you and I head out and bring back our own little excitement. I hear that you may know how to get to that city in the clouds?"

OoC: Obviously you guys are getting anxious. I may kick myself for doing this, because I really didn't want to, but here is how your focus stands:

Arthur: 2.25

Purpearl: 1

Hybros: 3

Hoke: 2

You need a certain amount of focus to access the Vault (some of you are very close). There is also a quasi-riddle, which you are all pretty close to solving, it seems. Only one of you needs to access the Vault, but there is a perk if you do!

[JimBee]

OOC: It's taking a bit long, but I'm having fun solving this puzzle!

Hybros unfolds his legs and slowly rises. Rather than frustration, oddly he feels relaxed and at peace and confident that he was close to the First Breath. He heads to the Hot Springs to clear his head even more.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke rises early in the morning, waiting at the Training Grounds.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl glances at the paintings, but they are simply of the surrounding mountains. There doesn't seem to be any secrets in them, just works of art.

Purpearl unfurls the scroll a little, to find the earliest teaching of the Master.

Intrigued by the words of wisdom, Purpearl begins some self talk, "What we seek might be an illusion of sorts..." Pondering over the meaning of the words, she sits down in the library and begins to unroll the other two scrolls. Keeping the teachings in mind, Purpearl meditates to gain further enlightenment.

[Zepher]

OOC: It's taking a bit long, but I'm having fun solving this puzzle!

Hybros unfolds his legs and slowly rises. Rather than frustration, oddly he feels relaxed and at peace and confident that he was close to the First Breath. He heads to the Hot Springs to clear his head even more.

Standing up from his meditations, Hybros makes his way to the Hot Springs and finds Lady Felix bathing in the water.

"Still nothing?" she asks as Hybros slips into the water.

Hoke rises early in the morning, waiting at the Training Grounds.

"Who are you looking for today, Hoke?"

"Aren't the rest of your party warriors too? How come you're the only one who ever visits us?"

Intrigued by the words of wisdom, Purpearl begins some self talk, "What we seek might be an illusion of sorts..." Pondering over the meaning of the words, she sits down in the library and begins to unroll the other two scrolls. Keeping the teachings in mind, Purpearl meditates to gain further enlightenment.

Unrolling Master Snyder's scroll, she finds that he is the most verbose of the Masters. His scroll also reveals that he is more of a traveller than his two predecessors, a chance afforded to him perhaps because he is an Aoi. He seems to have been a bit of a black sheep among both the monks and the Aoi, however, more prone to tomfoolery than one might imagine from either lineage. The story Purpearl starts with describes a capital long forgotten since Xu had placed its capitol in the clouds.

Today I descended from the capital to see one of the slums. There are many living there outside of our walls, and they are infinitely better company than the politicians. I took tea and rice in a small tavern and when I offered them a large sum of gold - far more than my meal - they turned me down. I do not know if it was out of fear for a trap (I did explain I was a monk and no spy) or if they were afraid that the gold would corrupt their souls. Much wisdom to be found in the commoners, and much less hot air than in the Capital.

Wandering the streets I ran into a writer from the west. He describes a land with enormous dragons, and mountains that are as tall as our highest peaks. Because of he is a human, he was denied access to the capital, but I was happy to buy him some rice wine and hear his stories. He quickly became red in the face and told me of satirical works he has been producing based on his journey. He is a man of great wisdom - one line he shared with me: all one has to do to fly is forget they are falling. I shall laugh forever over that. How clearly it echoes the truths that Master Laghima shared with us. It shows that truth is everywhere. We parted ways affably, and I promised if I ever went West I would find him, though it seems unlikely. I fear my duties will never allow it.

And Laghima's scroll is the same as the one that Arthur read a few short days ago:

For many years I tried to reach the First Breath,

and then nothing

Purpearl tries to meditate, but finds that she is still not quite good enough to get very far into it. The rustling of the trees outside distract her swiftly.

[JimBee]

Hybros shook his head to Felix but smiled. He closed his eyes and began to relax, imagining the hot water around him to be some sort of ethereal presence that allowed him to float weightlessly. He breathed in the steam and allowed it to fill his nostrils.

[UsernameMDM]

The Airship

"You've had enough of that mumbo jumbo too, eh little dragon?" asks Elba as he and Miirym take off. "What's say you and I head out and bring back our own little excitement. I hear that you may know how to get to that city in the clouds?"

Torc glides up next to the airship, a nonchalant look upon her face.

"Who are you looking for today, Hoke?"

"Whoever I can learn from. Is all of your training based on sparring or do you also practice forms?"

"Aren't the rest of your party warriors too? How come you're the only one who ever visits us?"

"Mayhaps they just need some rest. I am not fond of the riddles and intrigue the others are currently engaged in."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Unrolling Master Snyder's scroll, she finds that he is the most verbose of the Masters. His scroll also reveals that he is more of a traveller than his two predecessors, a chance afforded to him perhaps because he is an Aoi. He seems to have been a bit of a black sheep among both the monks and the Aoi, however, more prone to tomfoolery than one might imagine from either lineage. The story Purpearl starts with describes a capital long forgotten since Xu had placed its capitol in the clouds.

And Laghima's scroll is the same as the one that Arthur read a few short days ago:

Purpearl tries to meditate, but finds that she is still not quite good enough to get very far into it. The rustling of the trees outside distract her swiftly.

Wondering what secret riddles are hidden in the writings, Purpearl ponders over the teachings of Master Laghima and Kiga, and holds on to the possibility that the First Breath might exist as an illusion. Purpearl is unsure, but she holds on to that thought as she heads to the Training Grounds, perhaps there she could attain another perspective

[Zepher]

The Healing Springs

Hybros closes his eyes and lets the water consume his senses. With a deep exhale he releases even further stress, but doesn't feel immediately closer to his eventual goal.

"You going all pious on me, Hybros?" asks Lady Felix. "Never imagined you as the peaceful type, with the company you keep. I watched you and Guts kill almost every member of our current expedition once or twice."

At the Training Grounds

"Practice forms are useless," sniffs Jin. "They are for the young, who have not yet learned to fight. By now your body knows itself well enough that repetition will do nothing." He glances over at Lady Purpearl as she approaches. "Very well. Let us give this a try. What would you say to a two on two match - Yu Shu and myself against the two of you?"

[UsernameMDM]

At the Training Grounds

"Practice forms are useless," sniffs Jin. "They are for the young, who have not yet learned to fight. By now your body knows itself well enough that repetition will do nothing." He glances over at Lady Purpearl as she approaches. "Very well. Let us give this a try. What would you say to a two on two match - Yu Shu and myself against the two of you?"

"Sounds good to me."

[JimBee]

The Healing Springs

"You going all pious on me, Hybros?" asks Lady Felix. "Never imagined you as the peaceful type, with the company you keep. I watched you and Guts kill almost every member of our current expedition once or twice."

Hybros smiled. "Heheh, I can relax now and then. I kill because I need to. Perhaps for not much longer. I am old for an imp... well, one that has not been living in the Void... eheh."

[Flipz]

The Airship

"You've had enough of that mumbo jumbo too, eh little dragon?" asks Elba as he and Miirym take off. "What's say you and I head out and bring back our own little excitement. I hear that you may know how to get to that city in the clouds?"

OoC: Obviously you guys are getting anxious. I may kick myself for doing this, because I really didn't want to, but here is how your focus stands:

Arthur: 2.25

Purpearl: 1

Hybros: 3

Hoke: 2

You need a certain amount of focus to access the Vault (some of you are very close). There is also a quasi-riddle, which you are all pretty close to solving, it seems. Only one of you needs to access the Vault, but there is a perk if you do!

"<Indeed. While there is wisdom to be found here, I have not the patience to decipher it. Perhaps the others will have better fortune. In the meanwhile, I can lead the way to Ai Xurong.>"

---------------------------------------------------------

Arthur, too reads the scrolls, before checking the time to see if Chauncey, Guffington, and Kiga would be at the teahouse.

OOC: Sorry, I've lost track of the times of day we're all in. Also, when you say that only one Hero needs to access the Breath, does that mean that only one Hero CAN access the Breath, or can more than one do so?

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl nods at Hoke, and bows at Master Jin, and Yu Shu before holding out her staff, and focuses, "Please begin."

[Zepher]

At the Training Grounds

"Since it is a fair match up, we will not use double blades." Yu Shu unsheathes his one katana fluidly, and Yu Shu grabs her weapon. "Do not break skin, Lady Purpearl. I am glad to see a match up of two versus two. It is a very different battle. Different technique." He glances at Lady Yu Shu. "Lady Yu Shu have trained together for years, though we have only recently gotten back into the practice of working as a team. Let's see what you can do."

Master Jin

Focus: 7

Health: 7

Warrior Priestess Yu Shu

Focus: 5

Health: 7

Note: Yu Shu is still recovering, so all her attempts to attack will cost her -1 health as well as her focus.

Hoke

Focus: 4

Health: 7

Lady Purpearl

Focus: 3

Health: 7

At the Healing Springs

"You don't fool me with that talk," says Lady Felix with a laugh. "You and I - our type doesn't ever retire. Not truly. I will be on the run one way or another until the die I die. And you heroes too, I imagine. Think all of those who will never forget your name, and who have sworn vengeance."

At the Tea House

Arthur returns to the Tea House to find his three companions there, two of them engaged in a conversation. They hush up and step inside, waiting for the tea to be brewed, poured, and then sipped before resuming their conversation.

"I tried my hand at meditation this morning," chuckles Guffington. "It appears that I still have a lot to learn. Within the hour I had concocted a new adventure below the mountains of Dastan to search for the history of the Chimera and the dragons, but I did not clear my mind the way I think I was meant to."

OoC: I'm just going off "general times of day" - if you go to the Tea House first thing in the morning you won't find Kiga there, and likewise the Training Grounds are usually empty in the evening. But it's not hard and fast. And everyone can access the Breath! Like I said, there is indeed a perk (maybe not a great one, but certainly a decent one). It's just a question of how long you want to stick around.

[Flipz]

At the Tea House

Arthur returns to the Tea House to find his three companions there, two of them engaged in a conversation. They hush up and step inside, waiting for the tea to be brewed, poured, and then sipped before resuming their conversation.

"I tried my hand at meditation this morning," chuckles Guffington. "It appears that I still have a lot to learn. Within the hour I had concocted a new adventure below the mountains of Dastan to search for the history of the Chimera and the dragons, but I did not clear my mind the way I think I was meant to."

OoC: I'm just going off "general times of day" - if you go to the Tea House first thing in the morning you won't find Kiga there, and likewise the Training Grounds are usually empty in the evening. But it's not hard and fast. And everyone can access the Breath! Like I said, there is indeed a perk (maybe not a great one, but certainly a decent one). It's just a question of how long you want to stick around.

OOC: That clears up a lot, thanks.

"The urge for the mind to wander while meditating is great. I had plucked several petals of the Flowers of Sibyl before my first attempt at meditation, and I'm not sure if the visions they showed me helped or hurt my concentration." Arthur takes a moment to sip his tea. "Earlier this morning, I followed Lady Purpearl to Master Kiga's library, and there read from the scrolls of three masters. All three of them mentioned some kind of change--Master Laghima wrote 'For many years I tried to reach the First Breath/and then nothing,' and Master Kiga's scroll also mentioned searching, then returning home, seeing the mountain, not seeing the mountain, and seeing the mountain. The line that caught my interest most was 'That which is locked away can often be found only where it is and where it isn't.' Curiously, Master Snyder seemed much more verbose, but he, too wrote about leaving somewhere and visiting another place, in his case an old capital of Xu and the slums outside, respectively." Arthur pauses, recalling how reversed that situation seemed compared to Eubric's own Hovels. "He met a traveler from what can only be Dastan, and from the man's saying 'all one has to do to fly is forget they are falling' realized that truth may be found everywhere."

Arthur pauses for another sip, trying to piece together his lessons. He speaks somewhat slowly, almost deliberating each word before proceeding to say it. "Perhaps we are trying too hard. Perhaps it is in the not-seeking that we will find what we seek. And I am more convinced than ever that the Breath is more than a mere parlor trick or mantletop bauble, but somehow is an overall way of being." Arthur takes a deep breath, then slowly releases it, being mindful not to rush himself. "The urge to rush through this process of discovery is great, but I can already tell it would be a hindrance to actually achieving the Breath." Arthur looks to Guffington. "I'm actually a little concerned--with the Breath being so unlike the Flame, how does this affect your plans? At present, I can see no way to bring the First Breath to anyone, only to bring them here to learn it as we are. It would be like trying to brew fame, bottle glory, or put a stopper in a vial of death itself--not only futile, but absurd in its very concept. What are we to do once we have learned the way of the Breath?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Shouldn't Purpearl be starting with 7 health instead of 4, unless I am missing something...

"Since it is a fair match up, we will not use double blades." Yu Shu unsheathes his one katana fluidly, and Yu Shu grabs her weapon. "Do not break skin, Lady Purpearl. I am glad to see a match up of two versus two. It is a very different battle. Different technique." He glances at Lady Yu Shu. "Lady Yu Shu have trained together for years, though we have only recently gotten back into the practice of working as a team. Let's see what you can do."

Lady Purpearl

Focus: 2

Health: 4

"Understood." Purpearl nods at Yu Shu as she moves around focusing on her opponents, "It does not mean I will hold back."

[Zepher]

OoC: That was an entire misprint. You should have 3 focus and 7 health. Updates will come tomorrow!

[UsernameMDM]

Focus.

[Zepher]

OOC: That clears up a lot, thanks.

"The urge for the mind to wander while meditating is great. I had plucked several petals of the Flowers of Sibyl before my first attempt at meditation, and I'm not sure if the visions they showed me helped or hurt my concentration." Arthur takes a moment to sip his tea. "Earlier this morning, I followed Lady Purpearl to Master Kiga's library, and there read from the scrolls of three masters. All three of them mentioned some kind of change--Master Laghima wrote 'For many years I tried to reach the First Breath/and then nothing,' and Master Kiga's scroll also mentioned searching, then returning home, seeing the mountain, not seeing the mountain, and seeing the mountain. The line that caught my interest most was 'That which is locked away can often be found only where it is and where it isn't.' Curiously, Master Snyder seemed much more verbose, but he, too wrote about leaving somewhere and visiting another place, in his case an old capital of Xu and the slums outside, respectively." Arthur pauses, recalling how reversed that situation seemed compared to Eubric's own Hovels. "He met a traveler from what can only be Dastan, and from the man's saying 'all one has to do to fly is forget they are falling' realized that truth may be found everywhere."

Arthur pauses for another sip, trying to piece together his lessons. He speaks somewhat slowly, almost deliberating each word before proceeding to say it. "Perhaps we are trying too hard. Perhaps it is in the not-seeking that we will find what we seek. And I am more convinced than ever that the Breath is more than a mere parlor trick or mantletop bauble, but somehow is an overall way of being." Arthur takes a deep breath, then slowly releases it, being mindful not to rush himself. "The urge to rush through this process of discovery is great, but I can already tell it would be a hindrance to actually achieving the Breath." Arthur looks to Guffington. "I'm actually a little concerned--with the Breath being so unlike the Flame, how does this affect your plans? At present, I can see no way to bring the First Breath to anyone, only to bring them here to learn it as we are. It would be like trying to brew fame, bottle glory, or put a stopper in a vial of death itself--not only futile, but absurd in its very concept. What are we to do once we have learned the way of the Breath?"

"To quote these monks and their duality, we cannot try to hard but cannot not try." He chuckles. "But I don't suppose I should be the one handing down their wisdom." Upon Arthur's concern about transporting the First Breath, he looks towards Chauncey.

"You need not worry about that. We will be able to transport it," he says confidently. "Once it is drawn out of its vault, it can be used time and time again. These artifacts, all of them, are infinite. And I believe all of your party is drawing close to the final solution." As if in response to Chauncey's words, Arthur feels more focused (+1 focus).

At the Training Grounds

Round One 2 v. 2

Jin focuses

Yu Shu focuses

Hoke focuses

Purpearl focuses

Master Jin

Focus: 9

Health: 7

Warrior Priestess Yu Shu

Focus: 7

Health: 7

Note: Yu Shu is still recovering, so all her attempts to attack will cost her -1 health as well as her focus.

Hoke

Focus: 6

Health: 7

Lady Purpearl

Focus: 5

Health: 7

OoC: Just to clarify, parrying and focusing don't need targets, attacking will.

[Flipz]

In the skies above Xu, Miirym continues to guide Elba and Torc towards Ai Xurong. OOC: In case you missed my earlier Miirym response.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl continues to focus.

[Zepher]

In the skies above Xu, Miirym continues to guide Elba and Torc towards Ai Xurong. OOC: In case you missed my earlier Miirym response.

OoC: They will return from the voyage at the end of the day.

[UsernameMDM]

Parry

Focus