Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[Zepher]

So just to clarify, who are we in the room with? Just the four listed?

Doc Daneeka, Bombast, Hoke, Torc, U'Or, Elba, and then (as I will tell Matthias in my reply to his post) a pale Norn, a were bat, and a electric elemental. And now Arthur and Miirym.

"Amarcolm, you have yourself a deal. Thank you for meeting with me; it's rare to meet someone who understands Chaos these days, especially after Wren's defeat. You and Lord Chauncey both have been a welcome breath of fresh air." Arthur bows respectfully to Amarcolm; Miirym also gives a short nod. "Melquiades, to the City Center, please." "<What he said, Melquiades.>"

Arthur and Miirym arrive back in the City Center and are greeted with the missing half of their party.

Matthias tries unsuccessfully to make sense of what's going on... and looks around, taking stock of exactly who is around.

Matthias glances around the room as Arthur and Miirym arrive. He spots Daneeka, U'Or and Elba catching up in one corner. In another corner, a Norn and a were bat discuss things. Standing behind a golden chest is an electrical elemental, and beside him a skull also sizzling with electrical power. Finally, still in front of him and the party he arrived with is Bombast, Hoke, and Torc.

"It sounds like Iceborn will be hard to convince of anything... Is it really that easy to elect a new council member?"

"Oh sure! The Council is a flexible number, so almost anyone can join unless there's a big how-to-do about it! The only reason it has so few members is that it's a sort of thankless job, you understand? But in theory anyone and everyone could be on the Council."

"One etherial amethyst to buy you over to the guild? Sounds like a good plan. But wouldn't it be better if we approach the Forge Master together and propose your intention to join the guild, who knows the master would be more than happy to grant you more than just one etherial amethyst... I vaguely remember the Electrical Emperor possessing more than a couple of those etherial gems, and he is a member of the guild, correct?"

"No. You must not let the Forge Master know it was me who sent you. Like I said, I used to be his shadow until I struck out on my own. And he's still pissed at me about that. No one in the Guild will go behind his back and give me an amethyst, but it won't matter if tourists do it. You're not going to have to deal with his ire for the next however many years."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"No. You must not let the Forge Master know it was me who sent you. Like I said, I used to be his shadow until I struck out on my own. And he's still pissed at me about that. No one in the Guild will go behind his back and give me an amethyst, but it won't matter if tourists do it. You're not going to have to deal with his ire for the next however many years."

"I reckon you have probably proposed the same deal to everyone that came to you, including tourists. And there are probably reasons why you are still standing here without an amethyst, including maybe perhaps your deal is not tempting enough. Just saying."

Purpearl shrugs as she turns to Hybros, then turns back to the shadow merchant and asserts herself diplomatically,

"I consider my travels here to Etheria a pilgrimage, and we have to get into the Council's good books for our purposes here. The Council monitors all that possesses ethereal abilities, including myself. I do not know this forge master, and his links to the Council. It would be prudent not to stab ourselves in the back before we know it and jeopardise our purposes here. Perhaps if you let me know where this forge master is, I can figure this out for you. From my point of view, perhaps it is more than just you wanting an amethyst. Feuds, issues, etc. I have only just arrived here and am still figuring out places and people. I am not prepared to give my word and thread into the unknown unless I know for sure what we are dealing with here."

Edited January 9, 2016 by Purpearljellyblob

[JimBee]

"I see... well perhaps I will bring this up to Iceborn. I will visit him soon."

Hybros tugged on Purpearl's robe. "I am going to return to the city center, to see if there are any new developments. Time moves differently here, who knows how long we really have been gone... Would you like to join me or investigate this merchant's request?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Hybros tugged on Purpearl's robe. "I am going to return to the city center, to see if there are any new developments. Time moves differently here, who knows how long we really have been gone... Would you like to join me or investigate this merchant's request?"

"I might catch you at the city center. I would like to hear this shadow out before deciding what to do."

[Flipz]

"Dyric!" Arthur exclaims, rushing to embrace his beloved friend. "You made it! I was so worried--since learning the Breath, I've had such visions..." Arthur notes the presence of Matthias and Guts as well, and pats them both absently. "Right...okay. You're all real. Good. Piglina warned us that the past and present and future sort of...bleed into each other here, and sometimes you see their ghosts...I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost of Bombast meeting you, actually, he said it was a day later--wait, it's been a day? It's been three hours, max...or has it been three weeks?...well, anyway, no matter how you slice it, it's been far too long--"

Miirym cuffs Arthur with her wing. "<Breathe,>" she commands regally. Arthur complies, using the First Breath to calm down as he had with Amarcolm. While Arthur is momentarily meditating, Miirym addresses her fellow party members. "<Greetings, Heroes. I trust you recognize me in my new form? I'm...still growing into it, myself.>"

"That's right," Arthur notes, substantially calmer than he had been mere moments before, "you haven't seen Miirym since before Dastan. They sure grow up quick, don't they?" He grins, then grows serious. He lowers his voice so as not to draw any unwanted attention. "Okay. So before we can complete our mission here, we'll need to get more than half of the Council on our side. I've already spoken to Amarcolm, he was an easy sell but he'll probably be our only one. He mentioned that someone called 'the Alt'--I'm guessing The Mother?--will probably be sympathetic to us. The others will need some convincing. I was thinking of talking to Bombast in a little while, would anyone else be interested in joining me?"

Miirym nudges Arthur's shoulder.

"Hm? What is it?"

Miirym says nothing, simply staring pointedly at the travel-worn Heroes he had just greeted. It takes Arthur a moment to realize.

"Oh! Right. So, how was you guys' trip? Did you have all the fun without us?"

With a groan, Miirym begins faceplanting repeatedly against the wall at her partner's sudden lack of social grace.

[StickFig]

Matthias, whose opinion of Arthur is not being improved by the latter's rambling, asks a series of questions. "What mission are you talking about? We came to give some gifts, and our half of the party brought ours. Why would we need to get some council on our side to give some gifts to Guffington? And what council are you talking about anyway?"

[The Legonater]

It's good to see you again, brother. I take it you're all safe?

As for your mission, I think there's more afoot than you realize. During the trip we first ran into Zane, and his new Court of Demons. A... a lot happened, and I'm sure it would be best to relay that to the whole party at once. Until then, what is there to see here? How was your own journey?

[Flipz]

Matthias, whose opinion of Arthur is not being improved by the latter's rambling, asks a series of questions. "What mission are you talking about? We came to give some gifts, and our half of the party brought ours. Why would we need to get some council on our side to give some gifts to Guffington? And what council are you talking about anyway?"

It's good to see you again, brother. I take it you're all safe?

As for your mission, I think there's more afoot than you realize. During the trip we first ran into Zane, and his new Court of Demons. A... a lot happened, and I'm sure it would be best to relay that to the whole party at once. Until then, what is there to see here? How was your own journey?

Arthur stares at Dyric. "Zane? Funny you should mention him..." Arthur's face relaxes into a grin. "We're bringing back Passion. Or at least, Guffington will, using the artifacts we've gathered, if we can get the Council to approve. They govern Etheria, and determine whether or not a proposed magical experiment is too risky to attempt. There's five that I know of: Amarcolm, Bombast, Piglina, Iceborn, and The Mother. Like I said, Amarcolm's pretty amenable about the whole thing, so that leaves just two or three more to convince. Or bribe, as the case may be."

"As for our trip...well, short version, some jerk named Sven was trying to kill Emperor Phil and stir up a new revolution in Dastan, so Hoke beat him up while I went toe-to-toe with a Pongcanis in single combat. When we visited the home of the Dragons, one Dragon named Bellerai tried to eat us for trespassing, but Miirym discovered her elemental breath and we fought her off, letting Hybros get a spark of the Dragon Heart Flame. Then in Xu, we visited a mountaintop monastery where we met Lord Chauncey and spent a few days learning and meditating, and eventually Hybros and I learned how to access the First Breath." Arthur purses his lips. "Huh. Sounds a lot less impressive when you sum it all up like that."

"<If you are looking for wares, the lightning elemental over there is named Zeus the Electrical Emperor. He possesses a vast array of useful wares, you would do well to make a few requests.>"

"Yeah, he has some seriously impressive skills," Arthur adds, indicating the Coat Hanger and Mail of the Renegade Commander he'd purchased. "I may have to find a way to earn some extra coin while we're here, his goods are just too good to miss."

As Arthur speaks, a bottle of shimmering polish appears in his hand, a pink envelope bearing his name attached. Arthur opens it, smiles, and stows the bottle in his pack.

OOC: Shining Polish (SP +2 to one shield or artifact that has SP when consumed.) Just so neither of us forgets about Arthur's Grogmas Gift.

Edited January 10, 2016 by Flipz

[The Legonater]

Arthur stares at Dyric. "Zane? Funny you should mention him..." Arthur's face relaxes into a grin. "We're bringing back Passion."

I'm aware, and I'd usually shoot down any attempt at meddling with the Old Gods, but something bigger is at play, here. Though I suppose Guffington never mentioned that.

...Zeus, huh? You want to lead me there? I'll tell you about my own adventures on the way. Or, maybe after, I'm still not quite sure how this place works.

[Flipz]

Arthur steps aside, gesturing to the electrical elemental standing behind the golden chest. He leads Dyric over. "Zeus," he says, "this is my good friend Dyric. I think he'll appreciate the wares you have to offer." Arthur looks to Dyric. "Zeus can find pretty much anything in the world, if you have enough Gold. I'd advise magical items, personally, they seem to be easier for him to get ahold of." Arthur casually pages through the copy of "Of Power and Mortals" he'd bought earlier while he waits for Dyric to make his requests of Zeus.

Miirym shakes her head, moving closer to Guts and Matthias while Arthur and Dyric shop. "<I apologize for his...eccentricity. He has missed Dyric. The Assassin represents a degree of camaraderie that has proven occasionally scarce amongst our group. Even he and I have had our disagreements along the way. Our journey was more a clash of words and ideas than of blades. It is good to see him let loose and smile with sincerity once more.>"

[The Legonater]

Greetings, Zeus. There's been something I've been poking around for, but those who have it wont give it up. Would you be able to sell a QuickDraw Quiver?

[Scubacarrot]

"Did you just say Iceborn. As in Captain Iceborn?"

[Flipz]

"Did you just say Iceborn. As in Captain Iceborn?"

Miirym cocks her head at Guts. "<I do believe that is the name Piglina gave us, yes. Are the two of you acquainted, Captain Holla?>"

[Scubacarrot]

"Not exactly. The man's a necromancer that searched for the Fountain of youth centuries ago. At some point he crashed his ship on the cliffs of the High Kingdoms, leaving a good number of his undead crew behind. We've had the displeasure to deal with those wretches, when we were looking for a map to the Fountain. We found only half a map, that bastard Zane somehow got hold of the other."

[The Legonater]

Anyways, Arthur - the journey. After fighting a few pirates we took a side-stop in Haddon, when I ran again into McColt. He came with us to Duplovia. To... home. It was a bit overwhelming. We were barely even there, but seeing the Great Walls again, my brother again... it was a lot to take in. I saw one of Triad's race, as well. She seemed comforted to hear that she had been avenged. We went into one of the mountains, killed a giant guardian, and Matthias swiped the Anvil. Had a vision as well, but there'll be time for that later. Once we headed North, we ran into the Red Lizards and Valentino. It was tense for a moment, but they housed us at Carn, where Prince David was as well. It was all very surreal, but he seemed to be trying to reconcile things. Then we found the wreck of Iceborn's crew, and went to Baltarok. It was there we ran into Zane and his crew, he's gone entirely insane. He's absorbed the souls of Zander and the others, and it's too much for him. His mind is split. After a lot of arguing, and fighting sand wyrms, we eventually moved to the Fountain. More visions. Finally we came this way.

[JimBee]

"Very well. I will see you there later." Hybros replied to Purpearl as he prepared for another trip through the void. "Melquaidas, City Center."

He is dropped off as Arthur is explaining the situation to... the other heroes! Hybros smiles. "I see you have made it, it is good to see you all alright, heheh." He shakes Guts' hand and lowers his voice. "So you collected the artifacts then. Good. Although as Arthur explained, our mission is... well, let us just say that the consequences of what we accomplish here are not known. I have learned much about the Old Gods on this journey. I have seen visions too, about witches and gods. These are forces far beyond our understanding. But, Guffington and Daneeka" he nods to the latter. "I trust. If we have an understanding, then our goal is to convince the council of our mission's benefits. Again, I am not sure what those are..."

[Scubacarrot]

He is dropped off as Arthur is explaining the situation to... the other heroes! Hybros smiles. "I see you have made it, it is good to see you all alright, heheh." He shakes Guts' hand and lowers his voice. "So you collected the artifacts then. Good. Although as Arthur explained, our mission is... well, let us just say that the consequences of what we accomplish here are not known. I have learned much about the Old Gods on this journey. I have seen visions too, about witches and gods. These are forces far beyond our understanding. But, Guffington and Daneeka" he nods to the latter. "I trust. If we have an understanding, then our goal is to convince the council of our mission's benefits. Again, I am not sure what those are..."

Guts smiles as Hybros greets him. "Good to see you in one piece. Matthias mentioned he had visions as well, he'd be able to tell you more. We're not the first to handle these artifacts. I don't know about all this Old-God-Business, Hybros, but it's Guffington's last wish... It's a stupid wish, granted... I guess we'll just have it happen, and be ready for anything. I doubt it will be a benevolent godlike creature, but that's just me... A few actual warriors might be good for this place, all this ether around here seems to make the mages wackier than ever. Even Arthur seems more out of it than usual. Anyways, could you show me to these shops I have heard so much about? Afterwards I will come with you to these councilmembers."

[Flipz]

Greetings, Zeus. There's been something I've been poking around for, but those who have it wont give it up. Would you be able to sell a QuickDraw Quiver?

Arthur chuckles. "That's Alexis--stubborn as always." He shakes his head. "I'd advise you to buy some Crystal Shoes, Hybros bought a pair earlier for 444 gold. They seem like they'd go well with your helmet."

"Not exactly. The man's a necromancer that searched for the Fountain of youth centuries ago. At some point he crashed his ship on the cliffs of the High Kingdoms, leaving a good number of his undead crew behind. We've had the displeasure to deal with those wretches, when we were looking for a map to the Fountain. We found only half a map, that bastard Zane somehow got hold of the other."

He is dropped off as Arthur is explaining the situation to... the other heroes! Hybros smiles. "I see you have made it, it is good to see you all alright, heheh." He shakes Guts' hand and lowers his voice. "So you collected the artifacts then. Good. Although as Arthur explained, our mission is... well, let us just say that the consequences of what we accomplish here are not known. I have learned much about the Old Gods on this journey. I have seen visions too, about witches and gods. These are forces far beyond our understanding. But, Guffington and Daneeka" he nods to the latter. "I trust. If we have an understanding, then our goal is to convince the council of our mission's benefits. Again, I am not sure what those are..."

Guts smiles as Hybros greets him. "Good to see you in one piece. Matthias mentioned he had visions as well, he'd be able to tell you more. We're not the first to handle these artifacts. I don't know about all this Old-God-Business, Hybros, but it's Guffington's last wish... It's a stupid wish, granted... I guess we'll just have it happen, and be ready for anything. I doubt it will be a benevolent godlike creature, but that's just me... A few actual warriors might be good for this place, all this ether around here seems to make the mages wackier than ever. Even Arthur seems more out of it than usual. Anyways, could you show me to these shops I have heard so much about? Afterwards I will come with you to these councilmembers."

"<Interesting...U'or mentioned these artifacts being from Etheria originally. Perhaps he did not search for the fountain, but placed it instead? I'll mention this to Arthur later.>"

In response to Guts' query about the shops, Miirym indicates Zeus' stall with a sweep of her wing. "<Zeus' stall is there, where Arthur and Dyric are now. It is the only shop I have seen, which makes sense since he is the head of Etheria's Merchant Guild.>" Miirym cranes her neck, and grabs the list of Zeus' wares that the merchant had given the party members earlier, showing it to Guts and Matthias.

• Etherial Topaz (Electrical Spells Deal Stunned) - 200 Gold *2 in Stock*
  
• Scroll of Antimagic (Makes the target immune to magic for the duration of one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether) - 100 Gold
  
• Scroll of Elemental Aura (Enables the user to cause the target's attacks deal only elemental damage corresponding to a gem available to the user for the duration of one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether.) - 100 Gold
  
• Scroll of Shielding (Enables the user to grant (an additional) 5 SP to the the target for the duration of one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether.) - 100 Gold
  
• Etherial Electrical Gear (adds electrical-element and stunned ability to physical attacks and protects from electical-elemental damage, accessory) - 350 Gold *2 in Stock*
  
• Of Power and Mortals, by Zeus the Electrical Emperor - 30 Gold
  
• Request (You may request any scroll or item in the game. If Zeus is able to procure it, he will name a price for you).
  

OOC: Hoke and I already bought the two Etherial Topazes. By the way, Zeph, shouldn't the Etherial Electrical Gear also protect from stunned, for consistency with the other elemental gears?

Anyways, Arthur - the journey. After fighting a few pirates we took a side-stop in Haddon, when I ran again into McColt. He came with us to Duplovia. To... home. It was a bit overwhelming. We were barely even there, but seeing the Great Walls again, my brother again... it was a lot to take in. I saw one of Triad's race, as well. She seemed comforted to hear that she had been avenged. We went into one of the mountains, killed a giant guardian, and Matthias swiped the Anvil. Had a vision as well, but there'll be time for that later. Once we headed North, we ran into the Red Lizards and Valentino. It was tense for a moment, but they housed us at Carn, where Prince David was as well. It was all very surreal, but he seemed to be trying to reconcile things. Then we found the wreck of Iceborn's crew, and went to Baltarok. It was there we ran into Zane and his crew, he's gone entirely insane. He's absorbed the souls of Zander and the others, and it's too much for him. His mind is split. After a lot of arguing, and fighting sand wyrms, we eventually moved to the Fountain. More visions. Finally we came this way.

"Haddon!" Arthur calls in surprise. "I would have expected you to make landfall in Newharbour. When McColt and I visited after our Quest in the Valley of Ennon, it seemed like the clear choice for access into the southern High Kingdoms; its ports aren't as large and well-developed as Eubric's, but they're pretty close behind." Arthur goes quiet when Dyric mentions Triad; even all these years later, he still misses the strange being. "It's strange that you mention visions...I've started having them as well, ever since I learned the First Breath. I think Hybros might have had it as well, he was sort of there and sort of not. We were riding an enormous blue-and-silver Dragon, and there was talk of jettisoning the First Breath from a giant flying city. The Vault of the First Breath was apparently the last one they cut loose, before something killed most of them. I couldn't make sense of it, chalked it up to my old visions flaring up again, but if you've been having them too, something larger may be at play here." He frowns. "What was your vision about?"

Edited January 10, 2016 by Flipz

[The Legonater]

Matthias, not me. Zane had one as well. They were...

I lean in close. I wanted to save this for later, but you need to know. Something's out there. It's been killing the Old Gods.

[Flipz]

Matthias, not me. Zane had one as well. They were...

I lean in close. I wanted to save this for later, but you need to know. Something's out there. It's been killing the Old Gods.

"I...wait, what? You mean, beyond what Wren did? Or are there more than three?" Arthur frowns. "It seems like getting Passion back is more important than ever..."

[The Legonater]

"I...wait, what? You mean, beyond what Wren did? Or are there more than three?" Arthur frowns. "It seems like getting Passion back is more important than ever..."

Matthias said he saw Regret and two others. A 'Darkness' killed them and drank from the Fountain. That's why we're here. To stop That from getting the other relics. I want nothing to do with the Old Gods - while you may remember a kindly old man, I just remember Regret and his deception, and a woman on a warpath. But this? This needs to be stopped.

[Zepher]

"I reckon you have probably proposed the same deal to everyone that came to you, including tourists. And there are probably reasons why you are still standing here without an amethyst, including maybe perhaps your deal is not tempting enough. Just saying."

Purpearl shrugs as she turns to Hybros, then turns back to the shadow merchant and asserts herself diplomatically,

"I consider my travels here to Etheria a pilgrimage, and we have to get into the Council's good books for our purposes here. The Council monitors all that possesses ethereal abilities, including myself. I do not know this forge master, and his links to the Council. It would be prudent not to stab ourselves in the back before we know it and jeopardise our purposes here. Perhaps if you let me know where this forge master is, I can figure this out for you. From my point of view, perhaps it is more than just you wanting an amethyst. Feuds, issues, etc. I have only just arrived here and am still figuring out places and people. I am not prepared to give my word and thread into the unknown unless I know for sure what we are dealing with here."

"Hand to the gods, it's just that he's petty. But he doesn't have any sway with the Council... he may, but he wouldn't use it for this. I'd hope. You'll just have to not let him know where the amethyst is going! You wouldn't believe how sore he still is with me, so I guess it's possible. The Council won't be angry with you for getting me the amethyst, that I can swear to you."

"The Forge Master can be found in the Room of Crystals. Topaz's are in season last time I checked, but he'll have some amethysts stored away if you just ask. Getting him talking shouldn't be difficult - everyone on this island is all too happy to speak about themselves."

Arthur steps aside, gesturing to the electrical elemental standing behind the golden chest. He leads Dyric over. "Zeus," he says, "this is my good friend Dyric. I think he'll appreciate the wares you have to offer." Arthur looks to Dyric. "Zeus can find pretty much anything in the world, if you have enough Gold. I'd advise magical items, personally, they seem to be easier for him to get ahold of." Arthur casually pages through the copy of "Of Power and Mortals" he'd bought earlier while he waits for Dyric to make his requests of Zeus.

Miirym shakes her head, moving closer to Guts and Matthias while Arthur and Dyric shop. "<I apologize for his...eccentricity. He has missed Dyric. The Assassin represents a degree of camaraderie that has proven occasionally scarce amongst our group. Even he and I have had our disagreements along the way. Our journey was more a clash of words and ideas than of blades. It is good to see him let loose and smile with sincerity once more.>"

Arthur flips through the pages of his new book, but it looks too complex to read right now (it's purpose will be revealed later).

Greetings, Zeus. There's been something I've been poking around for, but those who have it wont give it up. Would you be able to sell a QuickDraw Quiver?

"Hm... oh hello! More travelers! Allow me to welcome you to the home of the mages!" Zeus flips open his trunk and begins to mess around in it. "A Quickdraw Quiver... hm... not as easy to get as one may hope... it'd be a good 2700 gold, unfortunately."

"Very well. I will see you there later." Hybros replied to Purpearl as he prepared for another trip through the void. "Melquaidas, City Center."

He is dropped off as Arthur is explaining the situation to... the other heroes! Hybros smiles. "I see you have made it, it is good to see you all alright, heheh." He shakes Guts' hand and lowers his voice. "So you collected the artifacts then. Good. Although as Arthur explained, our mission is... well, let us just say that the consequences of what we accomplish here are not known. I have learned much about the Old Gods on this journey. I have seen visions too, about witches and gods. These are forces far beyond our understanding. But, Guffington and Daneeka" he nods to the latter. "I trust. If we have an understanding, then our goal is to convince the council of our mission's benefits. Again, I am not sure what those are..."

"It seems you've been briefed better than I'd hoped. But there appears to still be much confusion in your companions." Daneeka strolls over to Hybros and nods to him in greeting as well. "I have grown tired through the journey of pig-headed stubbornness and thick skulls. It seems the best thing to do right now would be to find somewhere that we can all speak and formulate a final plan, as well as clear up any lingering confusion of what we are here to accomplish, what we know, what we don't, et cetera."

"Lord Chauncey and Lord Guffington are currently meeting with the Mother. She would be willing to loan us her office, I imagine she'd be willing to loan us her office."

"Excellant. I was hoping to meet her as well." He turns to the heroes. "Shall we begin the end of our journey?"

[The Legonater]

"Hm... oh hello! More travelers! Allow me to welcome you to the home of the mages!" Zeus flips open his trunk and begins to mess around in it. "A Quickdraw Quiver... hm... not as easy to get as one may hope... it'd be a good 2700 gold, unfortunately."

Oh. Well then I'll just be buying the crystal shoes.

[JimBee]

Guts smiles as Hybros greets him. "Good to see you in one piece. Matthias mentioned he had visions as well, he'd be able to tell you more. We're not the first to handle these artifacts. I don't know about all this Old-God-Business, Hybros, but it's Guffington's last wish... It's a stupid wish, granted... I guess we'll just have it happen, and be ready for anything. I doubt it will be a benevolent godlike creature, but that's just me... A few actual warriors might be good for this place, all this ether around here seems to make the mages wackier than ever. Even Arthur seems more out of it than usual. Anyways, could you show me to these shops I have heard so much about? Afterwards I will come with you to these councilmembers."

Hybros nodded and indicated towards Zeus, where Dyric and Arthur were talking between themselves. "I am sure you will be pleased with the shop's selection, heheh."

"It's strange that you mention visions...I've started having them as well, ever since I learned the First Breath. I think Hybros might have had it as well, he was sort of there and sort of not. We were riding an enormous blue-and-silver Dragon, and there was talk of jettisoning the First Breath from a giant flying city. The Vault of the First Breath was apparently the last one they cut loose, before something killed most of them. I couldn't make sense of it, chalked it up to my old visions flaring up again, but if you've been having them too, something larger may be at play here." He frowns. "What was your vision about?"

"I was not able to make much sense of the vision either. I had another when we retrieved the Dragon Heart Flame. Perhaps it will be better if we piece together our information in a quiet place."

"Excellant. I was hoping to meet her as well." He turns to the heroes. "Shall we begin the end of our journey?"

Hybros nodded. "Let us, as soon as we are done here. Perhaps it would be wise to wait for Purpearl, anyways."

The imp sidles up next to Hoke and listens in on a conversation in the meantime.

"...absolutely absurd. And when I go to the Council they refuse to do anything about it!"

"Make no mistake! There is more than one answer that the Council keeps from the rest of Etheria. I've spoken to Amarcolm about it many times and he refuses to do anything."

"It is always the same. They have no authority! They cannot control the Void Masters-"

"Or the Memory Keeper! Though Ethereth knows he's really under Hope's thumb. Or claw... or whatever."

He approaches the pair unabashedly. "Ehehm... I could not help but to overhear... You say you are unsatisfied with the council here? Forgive me, I am new to the way things work around here, but I have heard that anyone can be on the council. If you seek change, why not try to join yourselves?"

[Flipz]

"It seems you've been briefed better than I'd hoped. But there appears to still be much confusion in your companions." Daneeka strolls over to Hybros and nods to him in greeting as well. "I have grown tired through the journey of pig-headed stubbornness and thick skulls. It seems the best thing to do right now would be to find somewhere that we can all speak and formulate a final plan, as well as clear up any lingering confusion of what we are here to accomplish, what we know, what we don't, et cetera."

"Lord Chauncey and Lord Guffington are currently meeting with the Mother. She would be willing to loan us her office, I imagine she'd be willing to loan us her office."

"Excellent. I was hoping to meet her as well." He turns to the heroes. "Shall we begin the end of our journey?"

"I'm game. Let me just pop over to Strange Beach to let Purpearl know. Miirym, I'll be right back."

"<But-->"

"Excuse me, Melquiades, could you take me to Strange Beach?"

Arthur arrives on the beach, marveling at the bizarre environment for a moment before approaching Purpearl. He waits until the shadowy being she is speaking to finishes saying their piece. "Pardon me for interrupting, Purpearl...and Shadow Merchant, I presume? Pleasure to meet you. Anyway, Purpearl, the rest of the party has arrived, and Doc Daneeka wants us all to gather in the Mother's office once we get the chance. Just thought you ought to know." Arthur turns to leave, but jogs back a moment later. "And if those are Ethereal Amethysts you're talking about, Purpearl, I wouldn't mind having one myself; I'll gladly pay you back whatever it costs."

His messages delivered, Arthur walks down the pyramid a little ways before calling upon Melquiades once more. "Melquiades, to the City Center once more, please." As the beach begins to disappear, time briefly shifts once more, and for a moment he sees two extremely familiar figures...

Arthur reappears in the city center, face flushed red and looking somewhat queasy.