Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke equips the Pugilist Gloves.

OoC - I think Hoke & Torc should be 54.4.

[Flipz]

OOC: Miirym should have one more HP from the Henry she used, and Arthur should have the other one in his inventory.

Arthur rechecks and readjusts all of his gear, the first time he had done so in a long while. "Hey, Hybros," he says, "perhaps Hoke and I should each hold on to a Phoenix Incense, to store in each of our Hollow Blade weapons? With luck we will not need them, but better safe than sorry." If given a Phoenix Incense, Arthur slots it into the Hollow Blade of his Duplovian Swift Halberd.

[JimBee]

OOC: The Blade of Tranquility should be with Hybros.

Hybros peered over the airship's railing for a while before turning to Arthur.

Arthur rechecks and readjusts all of his gear, the first time he had done so in a long while. "Hey, Hybros," he says, "perhaps Hoke and I should each hold on to a Phoenix Incense, to store in each of our Hollow Blade weapons? With luck we will not need them, but better safe than sorry." If given a Phoenix Incense, Arthur slots it into the Hollow Blade of his Duplovian Swift Halberd.

"Of course." He handed a Phoenix Incense each to Hoke and Arthur. "I assume you found what you were looking for? Or rather, what you were not looking for, heheheh..."

[Flipz]

OOC: The Blade of Tranquility should be with Hybros.

Hybros peered over the airship's railing for a while before turning to Arthur.

"Of course." He handed a Phoenix Incense each to Hoke and Arthur. "I assume you found what you were looking for? Or rather, what you were not looking for, heheheh..."

"Indeed I have." Miirym notes Arthur and Hybros' movement, and soars closer to the airship, the better to listen in. "It is curious. So many times wandering so close to the solution, but not understanding until the end. Only with the aid of hindsight can I truly see the irony." Arthur glances over his shoulder at Chauncey. "I couldn't have done it without Master Guffington and Lord Chauncey. Chauncey in particular gave me good advice for interpreting the Masters' teachings. It was meditating upon his answers to my suggestions that finally led me down the right path. You should speak with him. He has a perspective on the world that few others do."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl should have 34/34 health and 33/33 ether.

"There is much to know, always much to know!" squeaks U'Or as he shuffles through his papers. He straightens his spine a little, clearly happy to feel important once more. "Etheria is the island of the mages. It is said to be very old, but no one can figure out how it became settled at first. It is said to be the center of all ether, and a great magical force lies at its center, called the Font. Like all things that close to massive amounts of magic, things can grow distorted there... both space and time, apparently." U'Or blinks at his paper, taken a little aback by the previous factoid. He plows on, however. "Etheria has long stayed out of the world's affairs. It is a Free Island, even more so than Eubric it would seem even more than Eubric. It is ruled by a council that is elected by the people whenever they feel they want to elect someone to the council. The council barely governs however. All citizens are treated equally, and work together for the most part."

"Certainly, but I hope we do not waste precious time as we did in Xu, or rather I did. I would have never done it on my own as I was constantly distracted." Stealing a glance at Chauncey and not keeping him out of sights. "What I can take away from that experience is that I am relieved that we did not spend years trying to reach the First Breath and I hope I can handle Etheria better than I did in Xu, considering how I am more attuned to magic and ether. I might have an advantage of some sort. Guess if I am lucky, I might discover, how to better control my ether flow and magic or even discover the origins of my power, where it all came from." Purpearl says as she relaxes as she lifts her head against the wind as the airship sails through the air. "It should be interesting to see how the council and the people will feel about us resurrecting Old Gods. I mean, how in tune are the people of Etheria with their history and the legends surrounding the Old Gods? Should we be worried?"

Edited December 10, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke boards the ship, finding Torc already curled up in a comfortable spot. He sits down and rests beside his dragon.

[JimBee]

"Indeed I have." Miirym notes Arthur and Hybros' movement, and soars closer to the airship, the better to listen in. "It is curious. So many times wandering so close to the solution, but not understanding until the end. Only with the aid of hindsight can I truly see the irony." Arthur glances over his shoulder at Chauncey. "I couldn't have done it without Master Guffington and Lord Chauncey. Chauncey in particular gave me good advice for interpreting the Masters' teachings. It was meditating upon his answers to my suggestions that finally led me down the right path. You should speak with him. He has a perspective on the world that few others do."

"I was actually planning to ask him to explain more about the purpose of these artifacts, and his place on this journey..."

[Flipz]

"I was actually planning to ask him to explain more about the purpose of these artifacts, and his place on this journey..."

"Hmm...perhaps I will join you, then. I, too, am interested to see how our ultimate mission is planned to unfold. I suppose there is no time like the present...?" Arthur looks to see where Chauncey has gotten off to, and follows Hybros if the latter goes to speak to him.

[Zepher]

OoC: Thanks for your patience! I still have a few finals, but my major ones were today. I'm literally deliriously exhausted right now, so if this is all gibberish, I should be back in fighting form tomorrow!

"Certainly, but I hope we do not waste precious time as we did in Xu, or rather I did. I would have never done it on my own as I was constantly distracted." Stealing a glance at Chauncey and not keeping him out of sights. "What I can take away from that experience is that I am relieved that we did not spend years trying to reach the First Breath and I hope I can handle Etheria better than I did in Xu, considering how I am more attuned to magic and ether. I might have an advantage of some sort. Guess if I am lucky, I might discover, how to better control my ether flow and magic or even discover the origins of my power, where it all came from." Purpearl says as she relaxes as she lifts her head against the wind as the airship sails through the air. "It should be interesting to see how the council and the people will feel about us resurrecting Old Gods. I mean, how in tune are the people of Etheria with their history and the legends surrounding the Old Gods? Should we be worried?"

"I do not know," says U'Or, sorting through some more papers. "As Master Guffington explained, he has never been to Etheria, which means I have never been to Etheria. Only Chauncey has gone before. But in my experience those well versed in the arts of magic have always understood more about lore than us common folk. Master Guffington has been good friends with Lady Zelda for years, and she has always proven herself to know many legends that I have never heard of."

Hybros and Arthur find Chauncey meditating at the bow of the ship, but upon sensing their presence he stands up to face them.

"Hello, heroes. Coming to catch the breeze on your face?"

[JimBee]

"We would not disturb your meditation for such a trivial thing, heheh... Although we would to ask you about Etheria and what awaits us there. I know it has something to do with the Dragon's Heart Flame and the First Breath, and the other artifacts that Guts and the others have hopefully found."

Hybros held out the Heart Flame with gloved hands and felt the First Breath well up within him. "I know Guffington too well to think that these were mere welcome gifts..."

[Flipz]

Arthur remains silent, simply nodding in support of Hybros' query.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke, resting nearby with Torc, listens intently to the conversation between Hybros, Arthur, and Chauncey, hoping Chauncey doesn't confirm his suspicions.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl stands beside Hybros as he held up the Dragon Gloves, curious to hear what Chauncey has to say about Etheria and the artefacts.

[Zepher]

Chauncey smiles sheepishly at his assembled audience.

"Coming to demand answers."

"I think it's time, Chauncey," says Guffington from behind the heroes, his face cracked into a smile. "It's terrible to reveal how a trick is done, but they deserve it. And the time is drawing near, regardless."

"Of course. But don't assume we'll have an easy time of it once we get to Etheria." Chauncey turns to the heroes. "I'm sure most of you know by now that Gerald, Daneeka, and I have a unique interest in a particular trio of ancient beings called the Old Gods. Hoke, Arthur, and Purpearl have each met one or more, and have sensed their incredible power. And Hoke and Arthur are well aware that one, the Gray Wizard, or Passion, was killed in cold blood a few Grogmas' ago. And so what more fitting time to bring him back to Olegaia than another Grogmas."

"I know there is apprehension of plans such as this. Purpearl, you have already conveyed your displeasure at my abuse of the arcane, and I know that I have not always proven the most steadfast ally to you heroes. And those of you that once dealt with Wren are concerned with playing with Gods. I can understand all of this. But it is for this reason that I'm most glad that we just stopped in Xu, and you learned the importance of balance. Regardless of what you think of the Old Gods, I can assure you, they are a balance, and without one things have been going amiss... slowly and surely, they have."

"So let me first assuage your fears, and then tell you of the threat. The Old Gods, contrary to their names, are not Gods in a strict sense. Though they are ageless, they are physical, and they can die. Over the years they have amassed great power, but they are mortals just like us. Ancient, but mortals."

"And as for the threat... it lurks largely in the shadows. All we know is that since the death of Passion another trio has started to roam with increasing urgency. They are known only as the Three Witches. We can find nothing about their original nature, or their purpose, but it appears that they are older than the Old Gods. For many years I believed they were in league with each other, but the deeper I dig, the less I find. And they are not the only threat. You may recall, Hybros, that there was a threat to Master Guffington's life a year or so ago."

"A month before that party, Lord Hughes, an old friend and rival, was found murdered. We believe the same agency tried to take us both out. The only business venture we were both involved in at the time, along with Daneeka and Lord Chauncey..."

"Was the research of the Old Gods," Lord Chauncey concludes. "Which means that someone else, beyond the witches, also wants to keep the Old Gods and their origins a secret to everyone but themselves. So while the risk is there, we believe that it is radically important that Passion be returned."

"The artifacts," says U'Or, reading off yet another sheet. "Are from the same time as the Old Gods, and will hopefully be able to tether Passion's soul to a new body. They are, after all, the artifacts that are said to have created mortals and given them all their traits. Doc Daneeka, studying a tapestry I gave him as a Grogmas present last year, has come to the conclusion that these are the four artifacts that we'll need."

"And a willing vessel as well, of course."

[UsernameMDM]

Chauncey smiles sheepishly at his assembled audience.

"They are known only as the Three Witches. We can find nothing about their original nature, or their purpose, but it appears that they are older than the Old Gods."

"I hate witches," Hoke says as we walks towards the group,"But at least this time I have a dragon," he says as he pats Torc.

"And a willing vessel as well, of course."

Hoke narrows his eyes.

"And that would be...you?" Hoke states more than asks.

[Flipz]

"...and I think I know the vessel you have in mind--"

Arthur is interrupted by Hoke.

"I hate witches," Hoke says as we walks towards the group,"But at least this time I have a dragon," he says as he pats Torc.

Hoke narrows his eyes.

"And that would be...you?" Hoke states more than asks.

Arthur nods in agreement. "It's the only logical choice."

Arthur turns back to Guffington and Chauncey. "If Daneeka was involved in this research, then no doubt he is in danger from these unknown assailants as well. While I understand the need to split up to travel more quickly, I cannot help but feel concerned for his safety, and that of the other Heroes. They may be protected by their membership in Heroica, but Daneeka is not, and the last time we dealt with the Old Gods we were forced to renounce our vows to proceed in our task. I fear they might have need of our aid, and us a world away with no way to give it..."

Edited December 15, 2015 by Flipz

[Zepher]

"And that would be...you?" Hoke states more than asks.

"Yes. I could use these artifacts to fortify my own body, I suppose. But a man's life should only be so long. To live many years is a heavy burden to bear. We are each allotted a certain amount of time, and if we outlast it, we become something else. Besides, I think that the next adventure should be just as grand as this one."

Arthur turns back to Guffington and Chauncey. "If Daneeka was involved in this research, then no doubt he is in danger from these unknown assailants as well. While I understand the need to split up to travel more quickly, I cannot help but feel concerned for his safety, and that of the other Heroes. They may be protected by their membership in Heroica, but Daneeka is not, and the last time we dealt with the Old Gods we were forced to renounce our vows to proceed in our task. I fear they might have need of our aid, and us a world away with no way to give it..."

OoC: They're on their own quest. You'll reconvene in Etheria, if they make it.

"Perhaps you have not seen Guts fight," chuckles Guffington. "He will be fine."

[JimBee]

Hybros listens carefully. After a while, he nods. "Well I am glad someone has finally explained these Old Gods to me. But I am not so sure of what else you have said. What things have gone amiss since the Gray Wizard's death? The world seems just as much in peril as it has always been. There were troubles in Dastan, but I think that is an improvement over the war they had to get there. And what is the nature of the power these beings have gathered? What makes them so powerful to determine the world's fate? I have made my own path, with some help. No being, god or not, has determined that for me."

He cast a sideways glance at Hoke. "And Hoke believes these Gods to be dangerous. Who are you to say they are not? And the witches... I believe I met one, down below Eubric. It... showed me and the others a vision that answered many questions about my people. How do you know they are bad?"

"As for the others who would try to keep knowledge of all six of these beings a secret, I would have to guess the Order Imperial. They have meddled in these kinds of things before, after all."

The imp rocked back and forth on his feet and twitched his wings, obviously uneasy at all of the new information.

[Zepher]

"I don't know if the Old Gods could be called to determine the fate of the world," chuckles Chauncey. "As I said, all things are balanced. There are many threats, and many saviors. Nor could the witches be called strictly wicked. You understand by now that all things have good and evil in them. I am no fool."

"But do not doubt that the balance of things are off. Remember that we are mere mortals, and what may seem like years to us may be moments to those with longer life spans. I don't speak of Dastan, or Eubric, or of you and I. They will always ebb and flow, and we will always be able to pick our own paths. But dark things are coming. You need but ask any prophet. Ancient things. And we must have the tools prepared to defend ourselves."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Chauncey smiles sheepishly at his assembled audience. "Coming to demand answers." "I think it's time, Chauncey," says Guffington from behind the heroes, his face cracked into a smile. "It's terrible to reveal how a trick is done, but they deserve it. And the time is drawing near, regardless." "Of course. But don't assume we'll have an easy time of it once we get to Etheria." Chauncey turns to the heroes. "I'm sure most of you know by now that Gerald, Daneeka, and I have a unique interest in a particular trio of ancient beings called the Old Gods. Hoke, Arthur, and Purpearl have each met one or more, and have sensed their incredible power. And Hoke and Arthur are well aware that one, the Gray Wizard, or Passion, was killed in cold blood a few Grogmas' ago. And so what more fitting time to bring him back to Olegaia than another Grogmas." "I know there is apprehension of plans such as this. Purpearl, you have already conveyed your displeasure at my abuse of the arcane, and I know that I have not always proven the most steadfast ally to you heroes. And those of you that once dealt with Wren are concerned with playing with Gods. I can understand all of this. But it is for this reason that I'm most glad that we just stopped in Xu, and you learned the importance of balance. Regardless of what you think of the Old Gods, I can assure you, they are a balance, and without one things have been going amiss... slowly and surely, they have." "So let me first assuage your fears, and then tell you of the threat. The Old Gods, contrary to their names, are not Gods in a strict sense. Though they are ageless, they are physical, and they can die. Over the years they have amassed great power, but they are mortals just like us. Ancient, but mortals." "And as for the threat... it lurks largely in the shadows. All we know is that since the death of Passion another trio has started to roam with increasing urgency. They are known only as the Three Witches. We can find nothing about their original nature, or their purpose, but it appears that they are older than the Old Gods. For many years I believed they were in league with each other, but the deeper I dig, the less I find. And they are not the only threat. You may recall, Hybros, that there was a threat to Master Guffington's life a year or so ago." "A month before that party, Lord Hughes, an old friend and rival, was found murdered. We believe the same agency tried to take us both out. The only business venture we were both involved in at the time, along with Daneeka and Lord Chauncey..." "Was the research of the Old Gods," Lord Chauncey concludes. "Which means that someone else, beyond the witches, also wants to keep the Old Gods and their origins a secret to everyone but themselves. So while the risk is there, we believe that it is radically important that Passion be returned." "The artifacts," says U'Or, reading off yet another sheet. "Are from the same time as the Old Gods, and will hopefully be able to tether Passion's soul to a new body. They are, after all, the artifacts that are said to have created mortals and given them all their traits. Doc Daneeka, studying a tapestry I gave him as a Grogmas present last year, has come to the conclusion that these are the four artifacts that we'll need." "And a willing vessel as well, of course."

"I hate witches," Hoke says as we walks towards the group,"But at least this time I have a dragon," he says as he pats Torc.

Purpearl's thoughts convened towards the idea of witches and Old Gods,

"These Old Gods might be mortal of some sort, but as I am sure you have met one or more before, they cannot be underestimated. To be able to kill one is someone or something more than us, perhaps the witches, perhaps someone else. I am surprised we have not met these threats on our journey thus far, perhaps they might be just using us to retrieve the artifacts. Given how much we know and how far we progressed in such a short time, I have fears that we might be doing all the hard work for them to intervene when we attempt to resurrect Passion. Passion was killed once, I do not doubt they will be there to kill it again."

"Yes. I could use these artifacts to fortify my own body, I suppose. But a man's life should only be so long. To live many years is a heavy burden to bear. We are each allotted a certain amount of time, and if we outlast it, we become something else. Besides, I think that the next adventure should be just as grand as this one."

"As I feared, Lord Guffington. Passion has been killed before, and doesn't mean they cannot do it again. Have you considered how you'd have painted a huge target on your back if you become a vessel for Passion? These... threats will be on your tail more than ever for the rest of your life."

Hybros listens carefully. After a while, he nods. "Well I am glad someone has finally explained these Old Gods to me. But I am not so sure of what else you have said. What things have gone amiss since the Gray Wizard's death? The world seems just as much in peril as it has always been. There were troubles in Dastan, but I think that is an improvement over the war they had to get there. And what is the nature of the power these beings have gathered? What makes them so powerful to determine the world's fate? I have made my own path, with some help. No being, god or not, has determined that for me."

He cast a sideways glance at Hoke. "And Hoke believes these Gods to be dangerous. Who are you to say they are not? And the witches... I believe I met one, down below Eubric. It... showed me and the others a vision that answered many questions about my people. How do you know they are bad?"

"As for the others who would try to keep knowledge of all six of these beings a secret, I would have to guess the Order Imperial. They have meddled in these kinds of things before, after all."

The imp rocked back and forth on his feet and twitched his wings, obviously uneasy at all of the new information.

"I don't know if the Old Gods could be called to determine the fate of the world," chuckles Chauncey. "As I said, all things are balanced. There are many threats, and many saviors. Nor could the witches be called strictly wicked. You understand by now that all things have good and evil in them. I am no fool."

"But do not doubt that the balance of things are off. Remember that we are mere mortals, and what may seem like years to us may be moments to those with longer life spans. I don't speak of Dastan, or Eubric, or of you and I. They will always ebb and flow, and we will always be able to pick our own paths. But dark things are coming. You need but ask any prophet. Ancient things. And we must have the tools prepared to defend ourselves."

Purpearl is again reminded of Old Gods and Witches,

"If we say all things are in balance, how do we know we are not disturbing the balance that may be already in place. We, dabbling with these artifacts... might be disrupting this so called balance. Not to say we trespassed the dragons' lair, stepped onto holy grounds for the flame, and double dipped on the First Breath. Similarly, Guts, Dyric and Matthias are on the other side of the world gathering the other two artifacts. Don't you think you are disrupting this balance by bringing the four of them together? Have you considered, perhaps, balance is keeping them untouched in their own secure location around the world? By bringing them together, we have just made ourselves vulnerable to everything that is out there that seeks to disrupt this balance?" Purpearl frowns at that idea, "And to maintain this balance, we increase our power and abilities to fend off these threats. If we manage to defeat these threats and fend off the Witches, then we disrupt the balance by being the dominant power. Is that what you seek to ultimately achieve, Chauncey? Ultimate power?"

Edited December 17, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[Zepher]

"I understand your concerns. Think of it this way - the strong will survive. It is as Hybros says. We all make our own ways, and the balance comes out of that. So maybe there is no need to resurrect Passion. And maybe there is no need to gather these artifacts. And maybe someone will try to stop us, and perhaps even they will succeed. It is the same answer I gave when my time to face Aventine came: surely neither of us were right, and neither of us were wrong. It was simply a meeting of the wills. To say his death was a mistake would be like saying winter is wrong because it kills flowers. To say that resurrecting him is wrong would be to say that spring is wrong because it brings the flowers back to life."

"So consider it, if it pleases you, a selfish request from both Guffington and myself. We feel that it is wrong to leave him dead. I do thank that objectively that is the case, but for the both of us, and our values, subjectively, we must bring him back. Perhaps, even, there will be an opportunity for you to strike me down as I bring him back. If you feel that is right, then you can do what you must. But I can promise you this - he is not like his brother Regret. He was a hero in your very own organization for many years before his death. And as Hoke and Arthur can tell you, his death came by no natural means."

[Flipz]

OoC: They're on their own quest. You'll reconvene in Etheria, if they make it.

"Perhaps you have not seen Guts fight," chuckles Guffington. "He will be fine."

"I have. He is a ferocious fighter, but the subtlety of strategy is not his strong suit. Still, I suppose we have no choice but to hope he and the others are all right."

OOC: While we're on the subject, if they fail their Quest, does that mean we fail ours as well, and vice versa?

Purpearl's thoughts convened towards the idea of witches and Old Gods,

"These Old Gods might be mortal of some sort, but as I am sure you have met one or more before, they cannot be underestimated. To be able to kill one is someone or something more than us, perhaps the witches, perhaps someone else. I am surprised we have not met these threats on our journey thus far, perhaps they might be just using us to retrieve the artifacts. Given how much we know and how far we progressed in such a short time, I have fears that we might be doing all the hard work for them to intervene when we attempt to resurrect Passion. Passion was killed once, I do not doubt they will be there to kill it again."

"That...sounds eerily like what happened to us with the Amulet of Gods in the Valley of Ennon. We found the Amulet, defeated the Last General who wore it, and then Wren cheated and stole it out from under us."

"<From what you told me in Xu, the Amulet was a physical artifact you never laid hands upon. What we carry is intangible and infinite. The flame, perhaps, is at risk since its vessel may be stolen. The same cannot be said of your breath, nor of the two of you who have learned it. I will personally ensure that.>"

"I hope you're right, Miirym. For all our sakes."

"As I feared, Lord Guffington. Passion has been killed before, and doesn't mean they cannot do it again. Have you considered how you'd have painted a huge target on your back if you become a vessel for Passion? These... threats will be on your tail more than ever for the rest of your life."

Purpearl is again reminded of Old Gods and Witches,

"If we say all things are in balance, how do we know we are not disturbing the balance that may be already in place. We, dabbling with these artifacts... might be disrupting this so called balance. Not to say we trespassed the dragons' lair, stepped onto holy grounds for the flame, and double dipped on the First Breath. Similarly, Guts, Dyric and Matthias are on the other side of the world gathering the other two artifacts. Don't you think you are disrupting this balance by bringing the four of them together? Have you considered, perhaps, balance is keeping them untouched in their own secure location around the world? By bringing them together, we have just made ourselves vulnerable to everything that is out there that seeks to disrupt this balance?" Purpearl frowns at that idea, "And to maintain this balance, we increase our power and abilities to fend off these threats. If we manage to defeat these threats and fend off the Witches, then we disrupt the balance by being the dominant power. Is that what you seek to ultimately achieve, Chauncey? Ultimate power?"

"If it's upsetting the balance you're worried about, Purpearl, then Heroica is your biggest opponent. Upsetting the status quo is part of the job description, and being the dominant power even more so. If you want to change that, I'd suggest talking to the Veterans about removing the death protection when you get back to the Hall." Arthur shrugs. "I tend to find that actively changing things for the better is better than maintaining the status quo when it comes to opposing those who wish to change things for the worse. Better to draw the enemy into the open where they can be fought than allow them to skulk in the shadows, influencing events in ways unseen."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I understand your concerns. Think of it this way - the strong will survive. It is as Hybros says. We all make our own ways, and the balance comes out of that. So maybe there is no need to resurrect Passion. And maybe there is no need to gather these artifacts. And maybe someone will try to stop us, and perhaps even they will succeed. It is the same answer I gave when my time to face Aventine came: surely neither of us were right, and neither of us were wrong. It was simply a meeting of the wills. To say his death was a mistake would be like saying winter is wrong because it kills flowers. To say that resurrecting him is wrong would be to say that spring is wrong because it brings the flowers back to life."

"So consider it, if it pleases you, a selfish request from both Guffington and myself. We feel that it is wrong to leave him dead. I do thank that objectively that is the case, but for the both of us, and our values, subjectively, we must bring him back. Perhaps, even, there will be an opportunity for you to strike me down as I bring him back. If you feel that is right, then you can do what you must. But I can promise you this - he is not like his brother Regret. He was a hero in your very own organization for many years before his death. And as Hoke and Arthur can tell you, his death came by no natural means."

"Perhaps it is about your deals with Regret that had me worried, but I am not the same elf you faced at the duel. I would have struck you down if I remained the same, but no, I realised I am more than just ether raging through my body. It would be too easy for you for you to leave this world just like that, and the fact is somehow you make me push myself harder, to become stronger, like you said, make our own ways, and balance comes out of that. But we do have a common goal, I am too, concerned with Lord Guffington. I have only heard about Passion, I would like to see him in person if we do resurrect him."

"If it's upsetting the balance you're worried about, Purpearl, then Heroica is your biggest opponent. Upsetting the status quo is part of the job description, and being the dominant power even more so. If you want to change that, I'd suggest talking to the Veterans about removing the death protection when you get back to the Hall." Arthur shrugs. "I tend to find that actively changing things for the better is better than maintaining the status quo when it comes to opposing those who wish to change things for the worse. Better to draw the enemy into the open where they can be fought than allow them to skulk in the shadows, influencing events in ways unseen."

"I believe you are jumping ahead of things, I am not the one who is concerned about balance, Chauncey is. Chauncey is a wise yet cunning man, you may agree with him, but I have learnt not to trust him that easily." Purpearl simply states. "Removing the Veteran's protection means quitting Heroica, as you did, but you are strong enough to make that kind of philosophical decision." Purpearl shrugs as she glances over at his Blue Hand Shield.

[JimBee]

"Natural or not, perhaps Passion's death was meant to be. It seems more natural to me than resurrecting him, at least. But, I trust Guffington. If this is the cause he wishes to tribute himself to, then I will help make that happen."

But we do have a common goal, I am too, concerned with Lord Guffington. I have only heard about Passion, I would like to see him in person if we do resurrect him."

"He will be a different person, but my guess is that you are looking at him now." Hybros nodded towards Gerald. He addressed him next. "It will be strange, seeing you walk this earth even though you will be gone... You will be a ghost to this world." He looked at his feet solemnly.

[Zepher]

OoC: Either group failing the quest will result in a full failure, yes.

"If it's upsetting the balance you're worried about, Purpearl, then Heroica is your biggest opponent. Upsetting the status quo is part of the job description, and being the dominant power even more so. If you want to change that, I'd suggest talking to the Veterans about removing the death protection when you get back to the Hall." Arthur shrugs. "I tend to find that actively changing things for the better is better than maintaining the status quo when it comes to opposing those who wish to change things for the worse. Better to draw the enemy into the open where they can be fought than allow them to skulk in the shadows, influencing events in ways unseen."

Chauncey chuckles softly.

"Arthur makes a good point. There are many who view your own abilities as unnatural, yet you cling happily to them for power. What does Heroica afford you that any other position as mercenary does not? Only your miraculous ability to survive. And there are those who fear it, who hate it. Aventine's friends in the Cold Circles are surely in that group. I have it on good authority that they recently attempted to target your organization for just that cause. So perhaps our debate over what is natural and what is not should be shelved. It is simply a question of good and bad, and that too is subjective, so then let us focus our energies of personal goods and bads."

"As for your concerns that we may be prevented - Etheria is the home of some of the most powerful mages in the world, and the studying grounds for many others. They are likewise a neutral nation. Attacking their island would prove fatal for nearly anyone without an invitation. And it is easy to become lost there. I think you will realize that we will face no threats from outside Etheria once we have arrived."

"I believe you are jumping ahead of things, I am not the one who is concerned about balance, Chauncey is. Chauncey is a wise yet cunning man, you may agree with him, but I have learnt not to trust him that easily." Purpearl simply states. "Removing the Veteran's protection means quitting Heroica, as you did, but you are strong enough to make that kind of philosophical decision." Purpearl shrugs as she glances over at his Blue Hand Shield.

"And you once berated me for my deals with demons," says Chauncey with a shy smile. "You have indeed grown, Purpearl. And you remind me more every day of the woman who's staff you inherited."

"Natural or not, perhaps Passion's death was meant to be. It seems more natural to me than resurrecting him, at least. But, I trust Guffington. If this is the cause he wishes to tribute himself to, then I will help make that happen."

"He will be a different person, but my guess is that you are looking at him now." Hybros nodded towards Gerald. He addressed him next. "It will be strange, seeing you walk this earth even though you will be gone... You will be a ghost to this world." He looked at his feet solemnly.

"As I told Hoke, if you find his resurrection unnatural, I invite you to strike him down once he has inhabited his new body."

"It'll be strange, but a neat trick, you have to admit," says Guffington with a wink. "Everyone in Eubric imagines I must be on the way out. How shocked they'll be when I seem to live a thousand more years!" He laughs. "And besides, I'm not gone yet. Remember, my friend, we have another adventure or two ahead of us. Etheria... and then perhaps, if you're interested in taking a peak ahead... beyond!"

"Whenever you're all done bickering about who and what are good and bad and natural and unnatural, you may want to grab some sleep," calls Elba as he stands at the helm. "We've got a decent journey ahead of us, and I don't want you all dead tired and boring the whole way."