Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World (West)

[Zepher]

OoC: Sorry, wifi failure for the entirety of the morning/afternoon.

"The impression you make when cities aren't burning is near the same as the one you make when they are," grunts Valentino. "You will have to prove yourself more noble than the man who wished to behead my son and I. But first I will have to prove to you that I am better than the man you believed should be beheaded. I welcome that opportunity. Our relationship with Baltarok has made no great strides, but it has made small ones. I hope what you see will prove as some redemption for both my son and me."

"This path seems most prudent. We are heading to the bridge anyway, and will need to sleep. So it doesn't damage any time table of mine." As Matthias unsticks the cart, Daneeka turns to face him. "Thank you, Matthias."

The party travels through the whole day, and into the night as well, arriving at Carn by moonlight. The great gates of the city are opened, and though it has been mostly repaired, charred wood can still be seen as parts of many buildings, and a faint ashy smell hangs in the air always. The party makes their way to the palace, and follow the King to his throne room, where his son waits for him. There is notably nowhere to sit within the room itself.

"Father, welcome home," he says. Valentino gives the bow and stiff nod and joins him, facing the heroes. "You have brought travelers?"

"Heroes."

"Oh." Prince David shrinks a little at the word, searching all of their faces, trying to recall. "We met on a dark day, then."

"So you did." He exhales. "Some of them would not see you alive here today. So you must show them that you are prepared to make amends."

Prince David bows deeply to the heroes, if perhaps a little unwillingly.

"I am at your service. You saved me from myself, and my people from me, and you spared my life. What brings you to our Kingdom?"

"They seek a relic in Baltarok."

"Oh?" Prince David perks up a little. "What relic? I myself am a bit of a scholar of history, and in particular I have been reading up on Baltarok recently. To... educate myself. What is it you seek? Perhaps I can help guide you in the proper direction?"

[Scubacarrot]

"The impression you make when cities aren't burning is near the same as the one you make when they are,"

"That would be because I'm not very good at mummery my Lord." The Marauder inclines his head at the news of the situation between the Kingdoms and the Baltarok. "Good to hear our visit, almost two years ago now? was not in vain."

"Oh?" Prince David perks up a little. "What relic? I myself am a bit of a scholar of history, and in particular I have been reading up on Baltarok recently. To... educate myself. What is it you seek? Perhaps I can help guide you in the proper direction?"

Guts looks towards the other Heroes and Daneeka, as if to ask them if it was prudent to tell them what they were after. Then, he decided they might as well them and make use of any information they have, how could they interfere anyway?

"Apparantly, there is a special fountain somewhere in Baltarok, a fountain that is supposed to grant eternal life, according to certain legends. Daneeka knows more about it than the rest of us, but we're tasked with getting some of the water for some mystic elemental ritual. Have you come across any mention of anything like that in your studies, my lord?"

[The Legonater]

My face pales at the sight of David. The last time we had met...

"No. According to the Lizard general, this king does want peace. These two, however." He waved his strained but muscular hand over David and Raguel, surrounded by the bodies of their followers. "Would stop at nothing to slaughter us in the name of their god of purity." Tarvalk spit at them. "I will not wait for them to usurp power and try this again.I want their heads. I want back every orc still enslaved in the Kingdoms Then...maybe then we can have peace."

It seems a fairly reasonable solution to me, if it works. These men nearly sparked a full-scale war. They deserve punishment for their crimes.

"Raguel you can have. Prince David? No. How many mistakes did you make in your impressionable youth? He was misguided. There has been enough of those. Take Raguel, Cassandra, and the other paladins, but you will not touch Prince David." Hoke said evenly, in a diplomatic manner.

Misguided? He nearly started a war! A war that would have been long, bloody, and heavily damaging on both sides. That's not the act of an 'impressionable youth', it's the act of a criminal who needs to be punished justly.

Yet here was the man, not only having redeemed himself but offering his help. The amount of people I'd killed for 'justice'... how many of them could have been saved? I respectfully bow in return, but in my shame I for the moment say nothing.

[Zepher]

"The Fountain of Youth." Prince David smiles a tight smile. "You would not be the first to seek it. Many of gone into Baltarok to search for it, and few have returned. It is said by many that many years ago, there was once a map that would help you track down the fountain. But it was lost to time." A fire lights in Prince David's eye. "I have long had an idea of where the map may have ended up, but have never been able to test my theory. Multiple accounts tell of a powerful Nordic Necromancer by the name Mighty Harold Iceborn who wished to find the fountain for himself. He tracked down the map, but in his quest angered old Nordic Gods. On the way from Vartland to Baltarok the seas rose against him, and his ship crashed against the northern shores of the High Kingdoms. Some believe it lies there to this day." Prince David frowns. "If you would allow a brief intermission in your quest, I may prove some help. I cannot promise you that the map lays to our far north, but I am of the opinion that it does. I would be more than willing to accompany you there, and test my claim."

[StickFig]

"Apparently, there is a special fountain somewhere in Baltarok, a fountain that is supposed to grant eternal life, according to certain legends...."

As Holla speaks, Matthias is struck by how strange the party's request must seem. Here are men struggling simply to meet the demands of one mortal life each, and we are seeking a fountain which gives life eternal. Surely such a thing would not be lost, if it were even real, he thinks, but then remembers the other unbelievable item in their cart, his vision, and the voice of Orrik. Or perhaps not....

"...a powerful Nordic Necromancer...."

The gnome's face blanches pale.

"I cannot promise you that the map lays to our far north, but I am of the opinion that it does. I would be more than willing to accompany you there, and test my claim."

"We appreciate your offer, of course," Matthias says to the Prince. Turning to Holla and Daneeka, his eyes are questioning. "Do you think it's worth it, Doctor? Or do you have other knowledge of the Fount's location? I'm not keen on anything even vaguely connected to necromancy, but this sounds like a great opportunity to me."

[The Legonater]

Necromancers aren't all bad. I speak up. They tend to be pretty moody, sure, but that doesn't mean they're bad. One of the Veterans was a necromancer, Duplovian too. Besides, it'd be easier to do this with the map than searching Baltarok for the next year. Besides, I'm interested in seeing just what Prince David has to offer.

[StickFig]

One of the Veterans was a necromancer, Duplovian too.

"I know," the gnome agrees disinterestedly, "But they still give me the heebie-jeebies. Necromancers and snakes."

I'm interested in seeing just what Prince David has to offer.

Matthias turns back to face David. "I think we are all interested in seeing who you are, Prince." He glances towards Holla, then back to David. "Where exactly can we find this necromancer's shipwreck?"

[Scubacarrot]

"Daneeka, what was our original plan for finding the fountain?"

[Zepher]

"We appreciate your offer, of course," Matthias says to the Prince. Turning to Holla and Daneeka, his eyes are questioning. "Do you think it's worth it, Doctor? Or do you have other knowledge of the Fount's location? I'm not keen on anything even vaguely connected to necromancy, but this sounds like a great opportunity to me."

"I believe it is in a inhospitable part of Baltarok known as the Wastelands, far to the west. That is where most expeditions attempt to find it, at the very least."

Matthias turns back to face David. "I think we are all interested in seeing who you are, Prince." He glances towards Holla, then back to David. "Where exactly can we find this necromancer's shipwreck?"

"The wreck is on the northern shores of our northern brothers, the Kingdom of the Four Boulders. It would require scouring the coast, but it should not be too difficult to find. It may take some time, but it would be well worth it - without the map, you will be doomed to wander the desert with those who have looked for the map before you, and many of those people are lost for eternity."

"Daneeka, what was our original plan for finding the fountain?"

"We will not have the assistance of one like Talligard in Baltarok. Our leads are not of the best sort. There are many towns in the area called the "Broken Tribes" that borders a great wastelands where the fountain is said to lie. Many of these towns, more outposts, sell supplies and advice, and many have maps for sale, as well as guides and adventurers. It seems likely, even with this lead, that the Fountain may prove the hardest relic to place physically. For the others we have a fair idea of where they may actually be - even the fact that the Fountain is in Baltarok is trusting very old tales."

"Whatever your decision, you may rest here tonight and set out tomorrow."

[StickFig]

Matthias bows his head once again to the King. "Thank you, sire. Truly we appreciate your hospitality. Is there a room where we may speak in private?"

[The Legonater]

I look inquisitively at Matthias' request. Shrugging, I turn to Daneeka.

I've heard many tales about you but have never had the chance to meet you in person. I suppose in the rush of adventure I haven't had the chance to say what an honour it is to finally meet you in person.

[Scubacarrot]

"In that case, we accept the offer. If there's anything we can do in return, I trust you'll let us know." Guts raises an eyebrow, then shrugs at the gnome's request, and moves to the other side of the room, inspecting the woodwork. This was not a place he had visited out of Baltarok, in fact, he had never crossed the bridge into the Kingdoms from there. He could not help but feel he was in the lion's, or rather the lizard's, den. One thing was for sure, it was going to be another sleepless night.

[Zepher]

The heroes are led by King Valentino to some sleeping corners, where they pass the night in their bedrolls, excluding Guts who ends the night with itchy red eyes, but otherwise totally safe. The next morning they meet the King and the Prince, who has a different wagon loaded up with supplies.

"It will be a long trip. I have a general idea of where the ship may be, but we will have to walk along the coast for a number of miles to make sure we shall not miss it. If it is already snowing down here, the coasts up north are most likely already frozen. That will make progress slow. I have enough rations to feed the four of us for a fortnight."

"Very wise." Daneeka turns to the heroes. "I ask you leave to remain in the city and scour the Prince's books, and learn of this land. Any further leads I can find on the Fountain would be good, and as you know I am useless when it comes to combat. I don't want you to feel abandoned, but it strikes me as the most prudent course of action." Daneeka stares down Guts. "Are you comfortable with this?" And, quieter: "will you have trouble with the Prince?"

"Whenever you're ready!" calls out David as he fiddles with some supplies.

[StickFig]

I look inquisitively at Matthias' request. Shrugging, I turn to Daneeka.

Guts raises an eyebrow, then shrugs at the gnome's request, and moves to the other side of the room, inspecting the woodwork.

Matthias huffs a tiny huff. I only thought it might be a little less awkward than talking about Prince David while he's right in front of us! he thinks.

---

"Whenever you're ready!"

Matthias shivers and rubs his tiny shoulders with his tiny hands. "I almost wish I could stay warm here with you, Doctor Daneeka," he laments. "Lead on," he adds to Holla and the Prince.

[Scubacarrot]

Daneeka stares down Guts. "Are you comfortable with this?" And, quieter: "will you have trouble with the Prince?"

"Of course." Guts gives Daneeka a smirk. "I'm more versed in political... subtleties than I might show, Daneeka. It is well known Dyric and myself are Orc-kin, everything we do will be reflected on Baltarok. We'll keep the prince safe and sound. Besides, I am not yet certain, but it sure looks like the Lizards are trying to improve relationships. Just... be careful here Daneeka. I've never known a Kingdom ruler to be 'likable', 'helpful' or 'fair', and that worries me more than you can begin to imagine."

The Marauder nods to the others, and takes a sip from the large jar of wine he had procured for himself to stave off the cold. "Let's be off."

Edited September 9, 2015 by Scubacarrot

[Zepher]

"You know you have my trust." Daneeka nods curtly to Guts. "I didn't want to put you in a situation you would rather not be in. And I will keep an eye on myself. I always do."

"Best of luck, heroes, son. Come home in one piece."

The heroes and their companion set out swiftly. First cutting east so as to circumvent the small jut of sea between the western lands of both the Red Lizard and Four Boulder, they eventually move north. They run into two patrols of the Four Boulders, but Prince David is able to prove himself with the royal seal, and they continue north unimpeded both times. A few days later they arrive at the southern shores of the Helventian Sea.

At the dusk of that day they break for dinner. Prince David assists in starting a small fire and cooks some dried vegetables and salted meats into a hearty stew. He serves it to the heroes.

"The Fountain of Youth," he ruminates as they eat. "A strange relic for heroes to search for. What do you suppose to do with it? I believe the Heroes of Heroica are already near immortal, if my understanding serves."

OoC: As I said in the other thread, please let me know if things are too slow! I like kind of leisurely role-play, but I understand that it can be a little slow for others! I've been having a blast so far.

[The Legonater]

I won't be using it. I've lived too hard a life to want to live forever.

I find a small, smooth stone, and skip it down the Helvetian Sea. I smile warmly at the ripples of the vast ocean.

That gift is a dangerous one. I don't know what our employer wants it for, but I only hope it is for the appreciation of the relic and not some immoral cause.

[Zepher]

"Yes, that seems wise. I am of the belief that one of the greatest gifts the God of Light gave us was our own mortality."

[Scubacarrot]

"We're not immortal. It's just... We seem to be able to take a lot of punishment

... On my first quest, I took a wound to my stomach, it looked bad, and should have killed me, but didn't. At first I just figured it wasn't as bad as it had seemed, but as time went on, I saw more and more of this. It's something connected to being a part of heroica, I'm sure. As for the fountain.." Guts holds up a similar, empty vial to the one Daneeka had for collecting the water. "This much is all we need, apparently. To be immortal... It seems like a damn long time... I doubt the fountain's powers work as in the stories otherwise it'd be a whole lot more coveted, I think"

[StickFig]

Sorry for my absence, things got hairy at work this week but now it's the weekend!

"I am of the belief that one of the greatest gifts the God of Light gave us was our own mortality."

"Which god is that?" Matthias inquires guardedly, remembering the paladin influence's past effects on David. "Seems a sorry sodding gift to me anyway. Who wants to die?"

"I doubt the fountain's powers work as in the stories otherwise it'd be a whole lot more coveted, I think"

"I'm inclined to agree, Master Guts - I still can't believe our first find was so easy. Orrik's power, just sitting there."

[Scubacarrot]

"I'm inclined to agree, Master Guts - I still can't believe our first find was so easy. Orrik's power, just sitting there."

"Perhaps there once were more guardians, but time and treasure hunters took care of the others... Perhaps it wasn't designed for Heroica, who can say?"

[Zepher]

Sorry for my absence, things got hairy at work this week but now it's the weekend!

"Which god is that?" Matthias inquires guardedly, remembering the paladin influence's past effects on David. "Seems a sorry sodding gift to me anyway. Who wants to die?"

"No one wants to die. But think of the danger if we never died. There would be no change." David bows his head. "The Lord of Light is Ennoc."

The party gets a night of sleep, and after a few more days of search stumbles upon an old ship, parts of it missing, frozen to the shore. They're able to climb aboard and stand on the deck.

"This seems right," says David as he looks around. "But surely there have been many wrecks over the years. Still, this ship feels magical in some means to me. I imagine if there is any treasure it is below deck. Are you prepared?"

[StickFig]

"Perhaps there once were more guardians, but time and treasure hunters took care of the others... Perhaps it wasn't designed for Heroica, who can say?"

"Perhaps," Matthias agrees, "But I've revered Orrik my whole life - we had an anvil shrine in our home when I was growing up even though we're only barbers - and I never dreamed that this could be real. How many other ancient relics of great power must be floating around this world, lost in caverns or attics or basements?"

Ninja'd!

---

"I imagine if there is any treasure it is below deck. Are you prepared?"

"If this is the ship we seek, we are the luckiest adventurers ever. Let's find out!" Matthias laughs and looks for a hatch.

[The Legonater]

First thing you should learn about us: we're always prepared. Let's take a look.

[Scubacarrot]

"Watch your step..." Guts looks for traps.