Heroica RPG - Quest #147: Judgment Day

[Kintobor]

"Dragonlord. And for any heroes who care to listen. While in Eschaton I feared it would come to this, so I both gained their confidence as one of their own, and then purposely walked into Immortalis' judgement. As a result, this is some potentially pertinent information i've learned."

Siercon unfolds a recently made sketch paper with bullet points on it.

1. I'm almost sure that Immortals can read thoughts if he tries. I wasn't able to prove it, but still think it's likely he can.

2. Immortalis is at a minimum a lightning and flying type dragon. I would not be surprised if he had all of the elements, but lightning will most likely be his favorite.

3. He can see into peoples life essences. At a glance he will be able to determine weaknesses.

4. I imagine we'll face Charon first. He is openly very skilled with portals and warping magic, however occasionally I got a glimpse of him using telekinesis, in the form of a force push. I have a feeling this part of his true power.

5. And there is something they want to keep a secret within Eschaton's walls, I have no idea if it's anything big.

6. Immortalis cannot raise the dead.

At a minimum, I suggest we prepare ourselves for dealing with lightning.

Thoughts?

"What did you learn from your visit? We need as much information as possible."

"I knew there was a reason I liked you." Karie replies. She shuffles through her bag revealing her newly retrieved stone. "This is an Empath Glass. I received it during my meditation with one of the angels. We can see people's feelings with this. Probably going to be helpful in getting out of some situations when our weapons don't work and we need to resort to diplomacy."

Arthur massages his aching forehead. "Good to see you too, by the way, Karie," he adds belatedly. "Hope you and Masson are having an easier time with Rachelle than I am with her..." he mutters for the Minstrel's ears only.

"It's been a while, that much I can say. It'll be nice having someone I can at least put my trust into." Karie admits. She lowers her voice and whispers into Arthurs ears. "Kids, dragons, all the same. At least dragons around here seem to grow up quick, unlike little Rachelle." Karie snickers afterwards. "Eh, I got no issue with it though, it gives me more time to be with my kid... all things considering."

Mistress Karie, a pleasure to speak to you again. How is it that the Whisperer has taken to bedding dragons?

"See, I don't think he's actually bedding dragons, it's just that Mr. Whisperer has pledged his allegiance to Immortalis and I'm trying to show him how much of a tool he is for doing so." Karie responds, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"All good intel. I would like to add a number seven to the list - Immortalis is prophetic. He can see the future. He likely already knows the plan I have in mind, but his way of upholding his law is via his squadron of fallen angels. They will find way to stop you, to distract you, while the storm grows and grows. The only way you'll get a shot at Immortalis' throat is if you overcome the obstacles they put in your way.

Eschaton is a very remote realm. We've opened portals before... To Azzurat and Spesialia, and such. However, we have a problem. We would need all the veterans to create a portal that can break you fellows into Eschaton. And the Falconer is currently off on her training grounds on Billow... Off the coast of Uland. She's practically stranded. It would be a very quick sail, if Immortalis didn't destroy any boat that tried to take to the open waters."

"You can't walk, you can't sail, you can't fly... But you can tunnel. Are any of you familiar with the colony of Proggs beneath Eubric?"

"If this bastard's prophetic, he must really be deluded in thinking we're not saving the city." Karie replies, lifting her guitar over her shoulder. "So we're off to see the Proggs, eh? How are we getting into this Progg colony?"

[Endgame]

Arthur remains pointedly silent at the mention of the Falconer. At one time, he might have taken a jab at the unreliability of the Bonapartes, but whether it was maturity or gratitude for the Falconer's relatively gentle treatment a few days prior, the ex-Mage chooses to take a different tack. "If you're opening a portal, your best bet is to speak to my mother, Valentine Ziegfried. As Head Transportatrix, she is our family's primary expert on portals and teleportation, and nearly all of the Circles acknowledge her prowess as one of, if not the, leading voices in the field."

"I've actually been communicating with most of the ambassadors. The one from your family was quite surprised by the portal magic the angels were using... Very ancient, very arcane. I will be sure to consider that, though."

"If this bastard's prophetic, he must really be deluded in thinking we're not saving the city." Karie replies, lifting her guitar over her shoulder. "So we're off to see the Proggs, eh? How are we getting into this Progg colony?"

"Think of it this way: he's not omniscient. He knows the cards everyone holds, but he doesn't know how we'll play them. We can beat him yet.

I've contacted Punii via Z-mail. He says that there is an entrance to the colony behind the Albatross Inn, if you lift up the patch of cobblestones. He doesn't live there, but he says that is the closest entrance.

So that is the plan. Get to the Progg colony, take the tunnels to Billow - The Falconer's training grounds are in the forest -bring her back, break into Eschaton, and end this. All clear?"

Dragonlord cringes as another bolt of lightning strikes, and pulls out two dark blue envelopes. He hands one to each newcomer - One for Vindsval, one for Arthur and Miirym.

"I'm not the only one writing letters. These popped up just as I drafted the request to get you fellows on here. It seems our prophetic friend is either watching, or knew this was coming."

Would the recipients open their letters?

"Now, if you all are clear on our path to victory here, head out. You have a city to save."

Edited April 12, 2016 by Endgame

[Flipz]

Arthur hesitantly accepts the envelope and opens it privately, making sure to flip it over and read the back as well.

[Asphalt]

Curious.

Vindsval carefully opens his letter, doing his best not to crumple it in his massive hands, and reads it carefully front and back.

[JimBee]

"<Moone? So you have faced Vorpalis directly, then? Yes...his scent lingers upon your blade. I am Miirym. We must speak, when opportunity presents. As a member of another elder race, perhaps you will better understand my inquiries into the shadow Dragon's nature.>"

"No time like the present," Jinnipher replied using her normal voice. "There's probably nothing I could tell you that you don't already know, dragon. He lived like a murderous fool and died like one, by the hand of this blade." She held up the Brine Blade. "He left something behind, too. Father and son will be reunited once again."

"Dragonlord. And for any heroes who care to listen. While in Eschaton I feared it would come to this, so I both gained their confidence as one of their own, and then purposely walked into Immortalis' judgement. As a result, this is some potentially pertinent information i've learned."

Siercon unfolds a recently made sketch paper with bullet points on it.

1. I'm almost sure that Immortals can read thoughts if he tries. I wasn't able to prove it, but still think it's likely he can.

2. Immortalis is at a minimum a lightning and flying type dragon. I would not be surprised if he had all of the elements, but lightning will most likely be his favorite.

3. He can see into peoples life essences. At a glance he will be able to determine weaknesses.

4. I imagine we'll face Charon first. He is openly very skilled with portals and warping magic, however occasionally I got a glimpse of him using telekinesis, in the form of a force push. I have a feeling this part of his true power.

5. And there is something they want to keep a secret within Eschaton's walls, I have no idea if it's anything big.

6. Immortalis cannot raise the dead.

At a minimum, I suggest we prepare ourselves for dealing with lightning.

Thoughts?

"That's what you risked the mission for? I could have told you all of those things before we even left." Jinnipher rolled her eyes.

He looked at Jinnipher and the Dragonlord. "If Princess Jenny has any actual complaints, she is quite welcome to share them.

"I made clear to the Veterans your failures in Moone the day we returned. Clearly they'll come to regret ignoring my advice when you go running for the hills."

She nodded pointedly at the Dragonlord.

Ah, the Dodekube. It's...sort of a religious order, without an order, based on a belief in a particular set of order..."

She snorted.

"Well then, to The Albatross. I know a talented pianist there."

[Lind Whisperer]

"Think of it this way: he's not omniscient. He knows the cards everyone holds, but he doesn't know how we'll play them.

The Black Knight shook his head in disappointment, "My lord, that is exactly what he can guess.

The Drachenvater may or may not be a god, but he foresees all outcomes, and will have taken strong steps to block whatever moves we might make.

He may not be omniscient, but he's quite as close as most creatures can possibly come."

So that is the plan. Get to the Progg colony, take the tunnels to Billow - The Falconer's training grounds are in the forest -bring her back, break into Eschaton, and end this. All clear?"

"Yes, m'lord."

"I made clear to the Veterans your failures in Moone the day we returned. Clearly they'll come to regret ignoring my advice when you go running for the hills."

"You're quite welcome to stay in Eubric and be erased; I have already fulfilled what I was contracted out to do."

"Well then, to The Albatross. I know a talented pianist there."

"You might even say she "has knowledge of him"...

But, yes, to The Albatross."

[Kintobor]

Would the recipients open their letters?

Karie rolls her eyes. "Really?" Karie opens her letter in private.

She snorted.

"Well then, to The Albatross. I know a talented pianist there."

Karie smirked, trying to hold her laughter in. "I'm sorry. It's just..." Karie bursts out laughing at Jinnipher's statement.

The Black Knight shook his head in disappointment, "My lord, that is exactly what he can guess.

The Drachenvater may or may not be a god, but he foresees all outcomes, and will have taken strong steps to block whatever moves we might make.

He may not be omniscient, but he's quite as close as most creatures can possibly come."

"Wait, hold on, I'm getting a vision from the dragon lord himself...." Karie waves her hands around her head, looking as if she's in deep thought. "Hold on, it's getting clearer... yes, I know exactly what I must do..." She flips Lind the bird and sticks her tongue out at him irritatingly.

Edited April 13, 2016 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

Karie rolls her eyes. "Really?" Karie opens her letter in private.

"Unless you wish to read someone else's mail, I believe the letters were for Vindsval and Arthur only."

[Kintobor]

"Unless you wish to read someone else's mail, I believe the letters were for Vindsval and Arthur only."

Karie blushes profusely, the red off her cheeks barely peaking through her makeup. "What? I knew that."

[Lind Whisperer]

"Wait, hold on, I'm getting a vision from the dragon lord himself...." Karie waves her hands around her head, looking as if she's in deep thought. "Hold on, it's getting clearer... yes, I know exactly what I must do..." She flips Lind the bird and sticks her tongue out at him irritatingly.

The Black Knight patted Karie on the back sympathetically. "Stick with the jokes about endowment; they suit you better.

Well, they fit you better, anyways."

[Kintobor]

Karie swats Lind's hand away. "Okay, way too touchy feely today, Lind. I will break the neck of one of my guitars over your head if you touch me again."

Edited April 13, 2016 by Kintobor

[Flipz]

Arthur reads his letter with some concern, frowning deeply as he scans its contents. He casts his gaze upon Miirym, but decides not to share it with her right away--too many prying eyes, at present. He starts to quietly slip the message into his satchel.

"No time like the present," Jinnipher replied using her normal voice. "There's probably nothing I could tell you that you don't already know, dragon. He lived like a murderous fool and died like one, by the hand of this blade." She held up the Brine Blade. "He left something behind, too. Father and son will be reunited once again."

She snorted.

"Well then, to The Albatross. I know a talented pianist there."

"<I simply find it...disappointing...that there was no more to this creature than murderous--wait, did you say father??>" Miirym glances back and forth between Jinnipher and Arthur, seeking confirmation. The Dragoon slowly nods to her, indicating the blue envelope before putting it away. "<I...see...>" The adolescent does her best to conceal it, but the Diplomacy taught to Karie, Thormanil, Jinnipher, Arthur, and Dragonlord reveals to them how rattled she really is.

"If we're going to discuss this more, we should do it at the Albatross. I know the bartender there, and if we're going to get into more heavy talk I'd much rather do it over one of his drinks than out here."

Karie swats Lind's hand away. "Okay, way too touchy feely today, Lind. I will break the neck of one of my guitars over your head if you touch me again."

As the party prepares to move on, Arthur subtly begins to shadow the Black Knight. A third instance of harassment would be met with significant consequences, at least if the Dragoon would have anything to say about it. As he watches, Arthur silently wonders if the Munchkin has any idea of how incredibly not okay his behavior was, or if he, like Arthur had once been only a few years prior, was living in denial of his own utter ignorance.

Edited April 13, 2016 by Flipz

[JimBee]

"You're quite welcome to stay in Eubric and be erased; I have already fulfilled what I was contracted out to do."

Jinnipher wiggled her fingers as if waving goodbye. "See you then, or not (preferably not). I'm fighting until the end. Enjoy that reward while you can."

Karie smirked, trying to hold her laughter in. "I'm sorry. It's just..." Karie bursts out laughing at Jinnipher's statement.

"Wait, hold on, I'm getting a vision from the dragon lord himself...." Karie waves her hands around her head, looking as if she's in deep thought. "Hold on, it's getting clearer... yes, I know exactly what I must do..." She flips Lind the bird and sticks her tongue out at him irritatingly.

Jinnipher winked at the first comment, then smirked at the second.

"<I simply find it...disappointing...that there was no more to this creature than murderous--wait, did you say father??>" Miirym glances back and forth between Jinnipher and Arthur, seeking confirmation. The Dragoon slowly nods to her, indicating the blue envelope before putting it away. "<I...see...>" The adolescent does her best to conceal it, but the Diplomacy taught to Karie, Thormanil, Jinnipher, Arthur, and Dragonlord reveals to them how rattled she really is.

"If we're going to discuss this more, we should do it at the Albatross. I know the bartender there, and if we're going to get into more heavy talk I'd much rather do it over one of his drinks than out here."

She frowned, but kept her comments silent for now. She checked her gear, ready to head out.

[Siercon and Coral]

"...as is Siercon, I suppose. I guess it has been some time since our first encounter. I do hope that robe served you well, in the end--"

Arthur chuckles in appreciation. "You've certainly an eye for detail, Siercon. The thought-reading and sensing of life essences are fairly standard for Dragons of primarily Dastanian descent. Miirym and I were recently in Dastan, and my old friend Vipera was gracious enough to begin Miirym's training in the Dragons' spiritual ways--it is why you are all able to comprehend Miirym's speech, she projects her thoughts through the Spirit Pools into our minds. As for your second point..." Arthur fishes in his pack. "In retrospect I ought to have waited to make this switch, but why don't you hold onto this for now?" he says, offering to lend Siercon Sven's Dagger. "You should probably borrow my gems as well, while you're at it. I imagine a good Circle of Might and Magic with that Ethereal Opal through that blade ought to pack quite the one-two punch." With little time to prepare, Arthur had failed to resupply on Phoenix Essences, so he reluctantly slots a Remedy into the Hollow Blade of his Duplovian Swift Halberd.

"I'm so terribly sorry, I fear I was caught up in the moment. It really is good to see you again friend." Siercon said with a genuine smile. He was not fudging his memory, but really had blindly skipped pleasantries. "As for the dagger and gems, you are most kind. I hope I can put them to good use, and will return them in one piece. Here, maybe this will work better in your hollow upgrade. You'll probably survive longer to dole it out anyways."

Siercon accepts Sven's Dagger and the gems (Ethereal Opal (Ice+Fragile), Garnet (Earth), Ethereal Topaz (Lightning+Stunned), Sapphire (Wind))

Siercon gives Arthur his Phoenix Essence

"All I can immediately add, is that Immortalis does not consider himself a god.

"I knew there was a reason I liked you." Karie replies. She shuffles through her bag revealing her newly retrieved stone. "This is an Empath Glass. I received it during my meditation with one of the angels. We can see people's feelings with this. Probably going to be helpful in getting out of some situations when our weapons don't work and we need to resort to diplomacy."

"If this bastard's prophetic, he must really be deluded in thinking we're not saving the city." Karie replies, lifting her guitar over her shoulder. "So we're off to see the Proggs, eh? How are we getting into this Progg colony?"

"Awesome, I'm sure you'll find a brilliant use for it. And honestly guys, I wouldn't be surprised if Immortalis is tired. I think he knows he is walking down a short path with his potential death at it's end. I think he knows he will die. Following the loss of his son, suicide by hero squadron."

"That's what you risked the mission for? I could have told you all of those things before we even left." Jinnipher rolled her eyes.

It was getting easier for Siercon to simply ignore Jinnipher...

"I've actually been communicating with most of the ambassadors. The one from your family was quite surprised by the portal magic the angels were using... Very ancient, very arcane. I will be sure to consider that, though."

"Think of it this way: he's not omniscient. He knows the cards everyone holds, but he doesn't know how we'll play them. We can beat him yet.

I've contacted Punii via Z-mail. He says that there is an entrance to the colony behind the Albatross Inn, if you lift up the patch of cobblestones. He doesn't live there, but he says that is the closest entrance.

So that is the plan. Get to the Progg colony, take the tunnels to Billow - The Falconer's training grounds are in the forest -bring her back, break into Eschaton, and end this. All clear?"

Dragonlord cringes as another bolt of lightning strikes, and pulls out two dark blue envelopes. He hands one to each newcomer - One for Vindsval, one for Arthur and Miirym.

"I'm not the only one writing letters. These popped up just as I drafted the request to get you fellows on here. It seems our prophetic friend is either watching, or knew this was coming."

Would the recipients open their letters?

"Now, if you all are clear on our path to victory here, head out. You have a city to save."

"All clear. Let's do it." Siercon said. making sure a potion was loaded into his hollow spear.

[Lind Whisperer]

"...And honestly guys, I wouldn't be surprised if Immortalis is tired. I think he knows he is walking down a short path with his potential death at it's end. I think he knows he will die. Following the loss of his son, suicide by hero squadron."

"You might be onto something with that suicide by hero idea, but keep in mind, he is named is Immortalis...

Of course, it could be that he is immortal, and can only die by S by H, but...still."

Edited April 13, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

[Endgame]

QM Note: Just need some input from Thormanil before we all go - don't want to leave him in the dust.

[Flipz]

"I'm so terribly sorry, I fear I was caught up in the moment. It really is good to see you again friend." Siercon said with a genuine smile. He was not fudging his memory, but really had blindly skipped pleasantries. "As for the dagger and gems, you are most kind. I hope I can put them to good use, and will return them in one piece. Here, maybe this will work better in your hollow upgrade. You'll probably survive longer to dole it out anyways."

Siercon accepts Sven's Dagger and the gems (Ethereal Opal (Ice+Fragile), Garnet (Earth), Ethereal Topaz (Lightning+Stunned), Sapphire (Wind))

Siercon gives Arthur his Phoenix Essence

"Many thanks, Siercon." Arthur slots the Phoenix Essence into the Hollow Blade of his Duplovian Swift Halberd, in place of the Remedy.

"You might be onto something with that suicide by hero idea, but keep in mind, he is named is Immortalis...

Of course, it could be that he is immortal, and can only die by S by H, but...still."

"Immortal doesn't mean you can't die. It just means you won't without help."

"<...if this Immortalis refuses to see reason, then we shall provide that help,>" Miirym vows darkly, concealing nearly her entire body in a miasma of dark mist, her azure eyes glowing sharply from within.

It doesn't take Diplomacy to spot the look of concern Arthur gives her. "Miirym..." he murmurs softly to himself.

[Lind Whisperer]

"Immortal doesn't mean you can't die. It just means you won't without help."

"That's what I said."

"<...if this Immortalis refuses to see reason, then we shall provide that help,>" Miirym vows darkly, concealing nearly her entire body in a miasma of dark mist, her azure eyes glowing sharply from within.

The Black Knight looked towards the Youngling. "Don't be too quick to anger, little one.

It...can land you in bad places."

Edited April 13, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

[Asphalt]

Vindsval finishes reading his letter, folds it carefully, and places it in a pocket.

Omnicient, or simply well informed, there seems to be no secret to our mission or goal. Let us wait here no longer and be on our way.

[Endgame]

"Then I wish you all luck, heroes. You must stop Immortalis."

The party steps out into the rain, and instantly they realize it had grown worse. It had begun to pour, each raindrop making an audible splash as it shattered on the ground. The water was rapidly pooling up in the city streets, threatening to accumulate as the downpour became more and more torrential.

The party begins to head to the Albatross Inn, where they would meet the Proggs. However, a frenzied young woman runs into them first, wearing white and red garbs soaked by the rainwater.

"Help! HELP!"

[Asphalt]

Vindsval moves quickly to the young woman and opens his Pink Parasol over her to shield her slightly from the storm.

What is it youngling, what has driven you out in this storm?

[Endgame]

The poor girl stammers as she speaks, her hands shaking, trying to get the words out.

"I w-work for these law enforcers, the Syndicate... A-and the base... it got... it got... It was struck! By lightning! The HQ is burning down, and... And my boss, Masson, and his brother are still in there!"

[JimBee]

Jinnipher grimaced. "Show us where."

[Endgame]

The Peon pointed a shaky hand towards the sky. To the East they could see a plume of smoke rising up, but the storm's winds were punching the cloud of black and dispersing it. Nevertheless, the location of the burning base was evident.

[Asphalt]

Krolg!! Vindsval spits the curse and looks up into the sky. The syndicate? You are laughing at me aren't you. Is this a punishment for allowing her to live?

SO be it.

I will see what I can do for them lady. Fear Not.

Vindsval moves off into the rain the direction of the smoke. He stops and turns.

Coming? It is only with our luck that we can have to fight a fire and a storm in the same night.