Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[JimBee]

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

"Then there would be no point in this quest to begin with. I already said I will do what Guffington wishes."

"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."

"Beyond? Chauncey mentioned that the island distorts time and space... not that it has not happened to me before, heheh."

Turning to the other heroes, "I suppose Elba is right. It will be good to think these things over, anyway."

Hybros stepped to the railing and looked out over the sea of clouds, dyed deep purple with tinges of orange from the setting sun beneath. He had gotten used to travelling by air. It was a lot less sickening than the rocking sea vessels, and offered a better view. He sighed and returned to the deck where he rolled out his bedroll, standing for moment in case anyone had more to say.

[Flipz]

"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."

"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.

Arthur shakes his head. "Hybros. Passion's death was wrong. I don't just mean that in the sense of 'it shouldn't have happened', I mean...wrong. Like, me wrong. What Wren did to him...people should earn their fates. Passion only died because Wren would not fight fair. He had no choice, while he lay unconscious she warped him utterly. That's...even at my most insane, I..." I...what? Would never have condoned such an action? This from the man who tried to side with the one who did it? "Lunatic" does not even begin to describe such an attitude. Arthur swallows, struggling for words. "Believe me. Passion's death could not have been any more unnatural. Restoring him to what he was before...that...is more righting a wrong than anything else."

"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.

Arthur pauses. "I'm not sure if 'strong' is the right word for it, or for me. But thank you anyway."

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."

"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."

"...It is good to hear that Etheria will be safe. Perhaps now I can rest a little easier." Liar, Arthur thinks to himself. My rest will be anything but easy. With a troubled mind, Arthur rolls out his Bedroll and rests.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke held his tongue. It was difficult, but he did. He could not help but feel this would end in disaster. Hybros may trust Guffington, but Guffington wasn't really in control.

Not when you mess with gods. Not when you mess with ancient powers that predate time itself.

He could feel Torc simmer under his touch. The dragon felt his uneasiness. With a heavy head full of swirling thoughts of what could go wrong Hoke follows the others and rests in his bedroll beside Torc on the deck of the ship.

Edited December 18, 2015 by UsernameMDM

[Purpearljellyblob]

so then let us focus our energies of personal goods and bads."

"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."

"I hope our personal goods are not each others personal bads. We shall see."

Purpearl finds a safe spot in the ship and unrolls her bedroll. The elf sits on it, a hand on the staff while she meditates and rests her mind and body.

[Zepher]

OoC: I need another day to get Etheria up, sorry for the delay! I guess I shouldn't have stopped the conversation.

[Zepher]

The heroes travel peacefully for a couple of days, relaxing and rejuvenating themselves as the dragons frolic in the open sky. Eventually Elba brings the ship down from the clouds and in the middle of the sea, at first just a white dot but then growing... is a beautiful white city on a small patch of sand in the middle of the ocean. At the center of the island a great shimmering light, every color at once, shoots up into the heavens.

Elba lands the ship on the water and sails towards what looks like a small dock jutting out over the sand. Two denizens of the great white city stand waiting for them.

"Welcome to Etheria, travelers."

[UsernameMDM]

"Oh...this will be fun," Hoke mutters to no one in particular as he disembarks.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl moves beside Chauncey as she disembarks, at the same time attracted by the lights and aura that radiates the land. Recalling that both Chauncey and Aventine both trained under Master Amarcolm, the elf wonders if part of Aventine's power in her is interacting with the ethereal energies of Etheria. Though just a feeling, she could feel part of her somehow resonates with the island. Moving forward, Purpearl bows to the two denizens in greeting,

"Purpearl Berthadhiell. I suppose you are expecting our arrival."

[Flipz]

"Arthur Ziegfried," Arthur offers to the Selkreeth and the...were-pig?...who stand before the party. "And my companion, Miirym."

"<Greetings.>"

"May I?" he asks the pair, indicating the delicate pink blossoms underfoot. If neither the Selkreeth nor the were-pig object, Arthur picks one of the flowers.

[JimBee]

Hybros gazes at the beam of light with curiosity as they approach. "Hello, I am Hybros, and we are heroes from Heroica. I do not suppose you have had others like us arrive recently?"

[Zepher]

Purpearl moves beside Chauncey as she disembarks, at the same time attracted by the lights and aura that radiates the land. Recalling that both Chauncey and Aventine both trained under Master Amarcolm, the elf wonders if part of Aventine's power in her is interacting with the ethereal energies of Etheria. Though just a feeling, she could feel part of her somehow resonates with the island. Moving forward, Purpearl bows to the two denizens in greeting,

"Purpearl Berthadhiell. I suppose you are expecting our arrival."

"Purpearl Berthadhiell. Its a pleasure. I hope it will not offend you that we of Etheria are already well aware of who you are. We are, after all, the stewards of ether across the globe. It is our duty to keep some sort of eye on as many mages as we can. And though Eubric has no official Circle of Mages - thank the heavens - we do have our agents. The Zeigfried family cannot ignore us, and Lord Chauncey helps to police much the rest of the island. And of course Captain Iceborn has his connections with the Cold Circles..." she sighs. "A long way of saying that you may dispense of the formalities, and welcome home. Etheria is home to all mages."

"Piglina, you've forgotten to introduce yourself," says Chauncey a little cheekily.

"I was just getting to that, Lord Chauncey. I am Piglina, Archmage First Order. I am a member of the ruling council of Etheria." She bows stiffly.

"Arthur Ziegfried," Arthur offers to the Selkreeth and the...were-pig?...who stand before the party. "And my companion, Miirym."

"<Greetings.>"

"May I?" he asks the pair, indicating the delicate pink blossoms underfoot. If neither the Selkreeth nor the were-pig object, Arthur picks one of the flowers.

"Humph. A retired weather mage. You've come to Etheria a few months later than you should have. We could have trained you... better than your previous master, at least. Do not think that your affiliation with one of my own wayward protégées goes unnoticed, Arthur. I know full well that you trained under Althior... and such wasted potential, coming from the family you do. Pick the flower if you want, they mean nothing here."

Arthur picks the flower and is treated to a more than concrete vision.

"You're late. The rest of your party arrived a day ago," growls Bombast. "At least there's some magic users between you."

"Oh, do be careful of Bombast," says Piglina in the past...present...future? The now, at least. "He'll try to convince you to return to your Weather Mage ways. He's a whole lot of hot air."

"Oh, stuff it, Piglina." Bombast turns his attention on Arthur. "I'm looking forward to meeting you. Let's see if I can't get you to ditch that dragon of your's!"

Arthur drops the flower and is returned to his party.

Hybros gazes at the beam of light with curiosity as they approach. "Hello, I am Hybros, and we are heroes from Heroica. I do not suppose you have had others like us arrive recently?"

"Recently?" Piglina snorts in laughter. "I find that you'll see that words like recently don't mean much on Etheria."

"Enough snobbery, Piglina. Explain the island to them. I have a meeting with Amarcolm I'd like to attend, but I don't want to leave them perfectly alone. Is this their Void Master?"

"Yes. I know that Lord Guffington is a very prestigious guest, so I've taken it upon myself to supply your friends with the very best of the best. This is Void Master Melquiades. He was a Selkreeth... once. When he came to us first, at least. But you know how this island is." She gestures to herself as way of explanation.

"I'm still a Selkreeth in the ways that count," he says cheekily, eying Lady Felix. She smiles dangerously.

"Control yourself. I just introduced you as one of our best."

"I am one of your best."

Piglina sighs and shakes her head.

"The island is a fortress. There are no doors or windows, except looking in on the Font. This is not due to fear of attack - who would be foolish enough? - but rather a question of practicality. The island is temporally and specially unhinged, and re-arranges its rooms by the minute. There'd be no point in building any hallways because they'd lead to nowhere before we were done building them. We're not even entirely sure that the whole island is actually on the island. As for the time hiccups... you'll have to learn about those yourself. Arthur's already experienced one. Simply never assume you're in the present - you may be before or after you arrived on the island. Things generally flow pretty alright, but you never know. I once made a dear friend and then found out they'd been dead for nearly one hundred years."

"Piglina..."

"Right, right. I was just getting to the important part. Because the island is impossible to navigate, we have raised a crop of Void Masters. You need only call out for Melquiades and also your destination, and he'll get you to where you need to be."

"Let me give you an example," says Chauncey as he steps up next to the Void Master. "Piglina has agreed to accompany you until you have a footing on the island. I will see you shortly, heroes... or maybe I have already." He winks. "Melquiades! Amarcolm's study!"

The Void Master and Chauncey disappear.

[UsernameMDM]

"Like I said, fun."

[Flipz]

"Humph. A retired weather mage. You've come to Etheria a few months later than you should have. We could have trained you... better than your previous master, at least. Do not think that your affiliation with one of my own wayward protégées goes unnoticed, Arthur. I know full well that you trained under Althior... and such wasted potential, coming from the family you do. Pick the flower if you want, they mean nothing here."

Arthur has plucked the flower before Piglina's words have fully registered. "Wait...Althior? You know--"

In that instant, Arthur's mind--or is it body?--is whisked away to another moment, whether "past' or "future" he cannot tell. A few short moments later, he is "back".

"...that...was..." Arthur shakes his head to clear it. It doesn't help. "Now I understand why my father never brought me here as a child. I could never have handled it." Arthur looks to Miirym with concern. "Are you all right, Miirym?"

"<I experienced nothing out of the ordinary,>" Miirym sniffs haughtily, before locking eyes with Arthur. "<Do not worry about me, Arthur. I am a Dragon. I will endure. Your safety is the bigger concern.>"

Arthur nods. "Stay close."

"<Always.>"

Arthur turns back to Piglina. "You mentioned Althior. How do you know him? And who exactly is this Bombast character?"

[Zepher]

"Althior was someone who I put great faith in. He came to Etheria to finish his training, as many mags opt to do, and I believed he would serve the Council well as an agent in Eubric. The Eldritch family has always had our respect, as have the Zeigfrieds, but there is so much to monitor, so many unofficial magical circles that need to be looked after, we thought a fresh eye may be able to offer a new analysis. But it is Etheria's policy to not get involved in politics, particularly those of other nations, unless they are particularly magical in nature. Althior proved unable to abide by those rules."

"As for Bombast, he is another member of the Council here in Etheria. There are five of us in total. Myself, Bombast, Captain Iceborn, Amarcolm, and the Mother."

[Flipz]

"Althior was someone who I put great faith in. He came to Etheria to finish his training, as many mags opt to do, and I believed he would serve the Council well as an agent in Eubric. The Eldritch family has always had our respect, as have the Zeigfrieds, but there is so much to monitor, so many unofficial magical circles that need to be looked after, we thought a fresh eye may be able to offer a new analysis. But it is Etheria's policy to not get involved in politics, particularly those of other nations, unless they are particularly magical in nature. Althior proved unable to abide by those rules."

"As for Bombast, he is another member of the Council here in Etheria. There are five of us in total. Myself, Bombast, Captain Iceborn, Amarcolm, and the Mother."

Arthur pauses, lost in thought. "I...see. That would explain a few things, though I am surprised he never mentioned Etheria to me. Then again, our relationship is...complicated, I suppose." The ex-Weather Mage shrugs. "What can you tell me about the Council? What do you do, what are the rest of the Council like, et cetera?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Purpearl Berthadhiell. Its a pleasure. I hope it will not offend you that we of Etheria are already well aware of who you are. We are, after all, the stewards of ether across the globe. It is our duty to keep some sort of eye on as many mages as we can. And though Eubric has no official Circle of Mages - thank the heavens - we do have our agents. The Zeigfried family cannot ignore us, and Lord Chauncey helps to police much the rest of the island. And of course Captain Iceborn has his connections with the Cold Circles..." she sighs. "A long way of saying that you may dispense of the formalities, and welcome home. Etheria is home to all mages."

"Althior was someone who I put great faith in. He came to Etheria to finish his training, as many mags opt to do, and I believed he would serve the Council well as an agent in Eubric. The Eldritch family has always had our respect, as have the Zeigfrieds, but there is so much to monitor, so many unofficial magical circles that need to be looked after, we thought a fresh eye may be able to offer a new analysis. But it is Etheria's policy to not get involved in politics, particularly those of other nations, unless they are particularly magical in nature. Althior proved unable to abide by those rules."

"As for Bombast, he is another member of the Council here in Etheria. There are five of us in total. Myself, Bombast, Captain Iceborn, Amarcolm, and the Mother."

Purpearl greets Piglina and Bombast as she watches Chauncey and Melquiades disappear,

"I am honoured to stand in front of members of the council. I am sure you know of our purpose here." Glancing at Lord Guffington, "But stepping onto this island... my eyes are truly opened and it has certainly raised many questions; about the origins of my ethereal powers, how I can further harness it to maximise my full magical potential so on... Yes, indeed, I am home, as I can feel my ether resonating with the flow of energies here. This is definitely a good time for me to come here." Purpearl responds, "I am also curious, about the necessity for the council to keep track of mages around Olegaia. Surely as stewards of ether perhaps you feel there is a need to, but are there any other agendas on the table? Threats to the council? Threats to the world? And what does the council feel about the old gods, Hope, Passion, and Regret?"

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke takes in the sights, not sure if he is actually seeing what he is seeing.

[Zepher]

Arthur pauses, lost in thought. "I...see. That would explain a few things, though I am surprised he never mentioned Etheria to me. Then again, our relationship is...complicated, I suppose." The ex-Weather Mage shrugs. "What can you tell me about the Council? What do you do, what are the rest of the Council like, et cetera?"

"Etheria is a true democracy. It is governed, truly, by all the people. Anyone can join the council, and anyone can be removed if the people wish it. But most of the time there is little conflict. Our numbers are flexible. In theory, if it was desired, every single denizen of Etheria could serve on the Council at once, but that wouldn't be practical and not everyone has the desire to govern. Which is, of course, just fine."

"The Council spends most of its time settling small disputes within Etheria, as well, as I said, keeping an eye on magic users everywhere. But we are also responsible for the growth of magic everywhere. If, for example, Salamanda requires a weather mage, we are responsible for selecting that ambassador, if there is more than one applicant. And, in the rare cases that Etheria does need to get involved with external affairs, it is our choice. Finally, it is our duty to decide which magic goes too far. There are some schools that are not well researched enough to be messed with. Some pretend that magic is chaos, but it is truly a science just like anything else."

"The rest of the council are all powerful mages such as myself. Bombast is a Weather Mage, and concerns himself mostly with that school and it's disciples. Amarcolm is a chaomancer... and as with all chaomancers, I have found him unhinged. He is a representative from Uland, which we have not had for many years, and because of Eubric's growing prominently as a magical city, he serves as a important member of the council, regardless of my personal opinion. Captain Iceborn has served on the Council for over a century. He is a necromancer, and focuses most of his energies and studies on a group called the Cold Circles. And the Mother has been the Council's advisor since it's inception. You will surely have time to meet all of them."

Purpearl greets Piglina and Bombast as she watches Chauncey and Melquiades disappear,

"I am honoured to stand in front of members of the council. I am sure you know of our purpose here." Glancing at Lord Guffington, "But stepping onto this island... my eyes are truly opened and it has certainly raised many questions; about the origins of my ethereal powers, how I can further harness it to maximise my full magical potential so on... Yes, indeed, I am home, as I can feel my ether resonating with the flow of energies here. This is definitely a good time for me to come here." Purpearl responds, "I am also curious, about the necessity for the council to keep track of mages around Olegaia. Surely as stewards of ether perhaps you feel there is a need to, but are there any other agendas on the table? Threats to the council? Threats to the world? And what does the council feel about the old gods, Hope, Passion, and Regret?"

"There are always threats to the world. But as I said, we only intervene when it becomes apparent that the threat is magical, and will go unhampered if we do not step in. Often times it is best to let nations conduct their own internal affairs. Even if it means the end of a nation... we do not regret that the island of Moone sunk, only that the Mindflayer escaped destruction. But even then, we are hardly moved to act."

"And I am well aware of your purpose here, yes. To return the four artifacts that were once lost by our great ancestors, the first ether users." Guffington nods curtly and winks to Purpearl as subtly as can be. "We thank you for returning them. Having them in the wrong hands could prove disastrous - they are all powerful in their own right. As for the Old Gods..." Piglina smiles the best she can. "We have trusted one for years. But I will allow you to draw your own conclusions about her."

"Now, enough talking on a dock. Shall we see the city? May I advise we start at the city center, if there are no more questions."

OoC: You're free to roam! You just need to call out a destination, and the Void Master will take you, or tell you that you cannot go. Locations include: Amarcolm's Office, Piglina's Office, Iceborn's Office, Bombast's Office, Etheria City Center. There are things to explore!

[Flipz]

Arthur nods along with Piglina's explanation, noting her mention of a Chaomancer on the Council. I wonder...how much do they know? He makes a mental note to meet with the man himself. "That sounds like an excellent idea. Melquiades, City Center."

"<Melquiades, City Center,>" Miirym intones an instant later. It was clear she did not wish to be separated from her companion in this unfamiliar place.

[JimBee]

"You're late. The rest of your party arrived a day ago," growls Bombast. "At least there's some magic users between you."

Hybros shook his head and stopped trying to understand how time and space worked here. "Well, where are they?"

He turned to Guffington. "And when do you wish us to give these artifacts?"

[UsernameMDM]

"Melquiades, City Center."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl stands still for a second to ponder over the various members of the Council. She recalls the time that she ended the life of a Chaomancer in Uland, and with that unfortunate link of that title with Amarcolm, Chauncey's master, she makes a point to pay the master a visit. Perhaps to straighten out things, if possible. However, taking in Piglina's advice, Purpearl decides to visit the city center with everyone else.

"Melquiades, City Center." Purpearl calls out.

[Zepher]

U'Or, Elba, and Lady Felix all call out their desire to visit the City Center as well, and all six members of the party are whisked away.

"City Center!" cries out Melquiades as they whisk through the void. Various demons stare at the heroes, but before they can even register what is happening, they have arrived somewhere new...

"It's very rare to meet another Selkreeth. Where was it that you said you-"

"Ah, heroes! Welcome to Etheria! It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have a little something that I would absolutely love to-"

"Bombast, don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Well, that's later-"

"You're later-"

The heroes arrive in the city center. There is a electrical elemental in the corner standing in front of a golden chest, an Orc talking with a wingless were-bat, and Melquiades speaking with Lady Felix. Captain Elba and U'Or hold conference in a corner. Beyond all the denizens gathered are three windows with shimmering bright light.

Hybros shook his head and stopped trying to understand how time and space worked here. "Well, where are they?"

He turned to Guffington. "And when do you wish us to give these artifacts?"

"I would advise, and this is simply easiest, that you treat anything that you cannot touch as a ghost." Piglina snorts. "It's best that way."

Guffington pulls aside Hybros.

"We will gift the artifacts once they are all here. Chauncey was rather specific about that. I say that we just explore the island for the time being. You know what we are about to attempt, but I am not sure who on Etheria is aware of our exact purpose. Chauncey has made it clear that we have a number of allies on the island, but also... not enemies, but those who would stand in our way." He winks. "Such is the way with progress, always. If you want to know more, I cannot imagine that Chauncey would act against his own master, Amarcolm. So we have to assume that he is on our team."

[Flipz]

Arthur glances around the city center, looking to see if he could spot any sort of shops or smithies. Miirym remains close, nearly wrapping around Arthur as she tries to take up as little space as possible. She sniffs warily, eavesdropping on Melquiades and Lady Felix while she waits for her partner to make his move.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke takes a look around, to see if there as anything else of note aside from what is going on in front of him. Torc seems a bit more at ease than Hoke.