Heroica RPG - Quest #147: Judgment Day

[Lind Whisperer]

Miirym and Arthur's conversation included Karie--it was the first thing they said. It doesn't make logical sense for Lind to be close enough to hear the conversation between Arthur and Karie, and then too far away to hear the conversation between Arthur and Miirym when the latter didn't start leaving until after Lind arrived.

OoC: It doesn't make logical sense because it was edited in after I had already posted.

Endgame, QM judging request - which timeline was it, because I don't think either of us is likely to go with the other's.

Timeline A:

Lind storms out first, tells Karie he's dead to everyone.

Arthur storms out, tells Karie that Lind is now a monster

Lind is ticked at being called a monster.

Arthur and Miiirym discuss things, and go off into the woods.

Timeline B:

Arthur, using the well-known Mage ability of Retcon, somehow leaps before Lind, and tells Karie Lind's a monster.

Arthur then talks to Miirym, and goes off into the woods.

Lind does nothing, because all my actions are suddenly and miraculously retconned, even though I had posted it first.

...Yes, I am in a bit of a bad mood. This game has rules, and unless I'm greatly mistaken, you can't retcon someone's specific actions, that they posted before you, just by adding in, "Uh, I did it first.".

[Flipz]

OOC: Lind, I was in the middle of typing and posting when you jumped in and changed the situation, and rather than completely erasing everything I had just worked on I tried to work in your action. Now, if you want to have a big knock-down drag-out argument about this through our characters, I can edit my post and we can do that, but I'm pretty damn sure you do not want to mess with me on this particular topic. Me having Arthur walk away is frankly a courtesy to you and to everyone who doesn't want to sit here and watch me argue morality and ethics for four pages.

OOC 2: I should also add while I'm at it that I hadn't intended to post the "you're dead to me" by itself, it was meant to contain both posts, but I misclicked "post" instead of "preview".

Edited May 9, 2016 by Flipz

[Lind Whisperer]

OOC: Lind, I was in the middle of typing and posting when you jumped in and changed the situation, and rather than completely erasing everything I had just worked on I tried to work in your action.

OoC: No, you blatantly changed my actions. I was talking to Karie before anyone else came out, but by your timeline, now she's hearing it with "Lind's a Monster!" ringing in her ears.

Now, if you want to have a big knock-down drag-out argument about this through our characters, I can edit my post and we can do that, but I'm pretty damn sure you do not want to mess with me on this particular topic.

OoC: And "RP" or not "RP," I'm pretty darn sure I'm tired of having people grossly accuse my character behind his back.

[Flipz]

OoC: No, you blatantly changed my actions. I was talking to Karie before anyone else came out, but by your timeline, now she's hearing it with "Lind's a Monster!" ringing in her ears.

OoC: And "RP" or not "RP," I'm pretty darn sure I'm tired of having people grossly accuse my character behind his back.

OOC: We. Cross. Posted. After I accidentally sent the first portion of my intended post. My action was for Miirym to spit at Lind's feet before storming out the door, and then you posted and changed the situation, so I edited as quickly as I could to try and be accommodating, if you're going to be a jerk about it I'll be happy to stop even bothering.

But if you really want a fight...

[Lind Whisperer]

OOC: We. Cross. Posted.

OoC: Yes. And. I. Posted. My. Bit. First.

I could have gotten my rules wrong, I'm following the rules that I thought were in place. I'd be perfectly happy to cede to your post, except that it directly influences Karie's response to my post - which I, unfortunately, posted first.

After I accidentally sent the first portion of my intended post. My action was for Miirym to spit at Lind's feet before storming out the door, and then you posted and changed the situation, so I edited as quickly as I could to try and be accommodating...

OoC: Changing the potentional situation from:

"Yo, Karie, everyone thinks I'm a monster now."

"What else is new?"

"Karie, my gosh, Lind is a monster."

"Yeah, that's what he said."

to:

"Karie, my gosh. Lind is a monster!"

"No!"

"Apparently, I'm a monster now."

"Lind, what did you do!"

...is slightly different than "accommodating" in my book.

if you're going to be a jerk about it I'll be happy to stop even bothering.

OoC: I'm playing by the rules I thought everyone was playing by. If I was wrong, I'll happily let you retcon Lind's actions. Edited May 9, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

[Flipz]

"Monster?" Now the Munchkin was angry.

"MONSTER?

"I was trying to buy a potion so I could having a single conversation with someone just to figure out what the heck happened between us!

If that's too "monstrous" for you, Mr. Goody-Two-Boots, I'm surprised they haven't already deified you."

"You. Do NOT. DRUG people--rob them of their will--to have a conversation. I don't know who you're dating, but using a love potion on them is so UTTERLY despicable..." The Dragoon seethes with rage, sweating despite the cold and storm, his perspiration drops of angry black ink as they splash upon the soggy ground. His next words are roared with a fury loud enough to be heard even within the house. "The only reason I didn't KILL Masson the night I met him is because I could tell he would NOT cross that line, that he was willing to back DOWN from that ledge. If I'd caught wind he'd even thought about doing that to Karie, I would have throttled him where he stood the moment he showed up in my room, weapons or no. As far as I'm concerned, the only thing keeping you alive right now is the Veterans' Nornish artifact. And even then I'm of half a mind to try. So if you value at all your miserable little life, I suggest you start running. Because I'm not going to sit here and Quest alongside a thing who earns my trust and then hurts my friends and then tries to commit acts of unspeakable evil."

"<Immortalis is less of a monster than you, and you have no idea how he has hurt me. I have fought tyrants and monsters, but not one has stooped to such a low.>"

"Congratulations, Black Knight. You've officially ranked second below the Regret in my book of the world's worst villains--and he only ranks above you because his actions were committed on a larger scale. Good job, 'Hero'."

Edited May 9, 2016 by Flipz

[Siercon and Coral]

As his companions seem to spill from the room, like grain through a torn sack, Vindsval's eyes fall upon the other collection in the room. The weapons, the wands, the chests, The Staves, the Brooms, the armor. He stands and examine's each in kind. His eyes widen as he looks closely at each item in the collection.

A beautiful collection wise one. Did these items find their way to you as well? Or are you perhaps a collector, or purveyor of such items. Is there anything here with which you would part, to aid me in our quest?

Siercon kicked his feet up onto another stool as apparently many of them would remain vacant. "Life's to difficult already to create more problems." He said to Vindsval while showing a keen interest in his question about weapons and armor.

OOC: Sean kicked his feet up onto the recliner while watching Gilmore girls. "Lifes too difficult already to create more problems." He said to his LEGO eurobricks friends whom he was grateful to for playing a fun make believe game with online (remember endgame has been working the hardest to make this quest fun). ;)

Cheers!

Edit: Siercon heard raised voices outside the hut... "Guess we should give'm a moment, eh?" He said to Vind without the slightest notion to join the squabble.

Edited May 9, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

[Lind Whisperer]

"You. Do NOT. DRUG people--rob them of their will--to have a conversation. I don't know who you're dating, but using a love potion on them is so UTTERLY despicable..." The Dragoon seethes with rage, sweating despite the cold and storm, his perspiration drops of angry black ink as they splash upon the soggy ground. His next words are roared with a fury loud enough to be heard even within the house. "The only reason I didn't KILL Masson the night I met him is because I could tell he would NOT cross that line, that he was willing to back DOWN from that ledge. If I'd caught wind he'd even thought about doing that to Karie, I would have throttled him where he stood the moment he showed up in my room, weapons or no. As far as I'm concerned, the only thing keeping you alive right now is the Veterans' Nornish artifact. And even then I'm of half a mind to try. So if you value at all your miserable little life, I suggest you start running. Because I'm not going to sit here and Quest alongside a thing who earns my trust and then hurts my friends and then tries to commit acts of unspeakable evil."

"I'm trying to blooming say goodbye to them, so they can go off and live their wonderful life, while I continue on in...this life.

If that's utterly despicable in your book...We have very different books.

And frankly - I don't really value my life terribly highly anymore. According to everyone I run into, it's more or less worthless. You want to try and kill me? Go right ahead.

And what friends have I hurt? And what acts of unspeakable evil have I tried to commit?

And when you answer that, remember all the people you've killed. Murdered. Because what we do is murdering, for money."

[Kintobor]

Anemos remains silent. He changes the subject.

"Still think it's a trap? We may have been paranoid."

"Beats me. All's quiet, so I can think we're alright. Still, I want eyes out here, and two... sets are better than one." Karie wasn't sure still how Proggs saw, and was thankful she managed to come up with a word to fit the scenario.

Arthur and Lind suddenly burst out, beginning to yell and scream as they both get into a heated argument. Karie tries to find a place to interject, but finds it hard as the two's accusations intensify. Ready to boil over, Karie removes her Finely Tuned Guitar and plucks one of the strings, emitting a nasty, ear ringing chord.

"Lind. Sit. Now. Arthur. Inside. Now. Kay?" Karie returns to the two a jaded, forced grin. It was clear from her glowering eyes the minstrel wasn't in the mood to listen to either's side of the story.

[Endgame]

QM Note: Judging by the fact that conversation has resumed, I can only assume that a continuity has been agreed upon. I hope we're good from here on out. I'm sorry this occurred.

Hilda nods and accepts the Eschaton water from Siercon. She places it in the cauldron and lifts the green flame from her side, placing it beneath the pot. The water begins to sizzle and steam. Something was being released, transported into the world via the clouds of vapor. Hilda closes her eyes...

"Four dragons. Where this water originated, there were once four dragons. A mother, a father, and two sons. Now there is only a father. In a matter of hours, should you persevere, there will be three dragons. And the water shall carry at least one of the dragon's blood, if not more, if fate does not decide to alter itself. And yet in your future I also see a blue masked ally... You must be careful."

Hilda opens her eyes.

"Hope that was worth the coin.

Weapons? Hmm... I have some from my brother in law's smith shop, but it is mostly junk. I have a spare blade from Severa Black... Would any of you have any interest in the item?"

Severa Slasher: One of the strongest Severa Knight's many swords, left with her mistress. A strange powder covers it... WP: 20, on successful hits inflicts Burning 3. Greatsword.

"Listen. If you're going against a dragon like Immortalis... I want one of you to take it. Win back the skies and the city."

Gabriel and Hilda wince as they hear the argument outside. Masson goes pale.

"So. Vindsval, Jinnipher, Thormanil, Siercon - and the others outside, I guess - which of you wants the blade? Someone grab it and we can get going."

[Flipz]

"I'm trying to blooming say goodbye to them, so they can go off and live their wonderful life, while I continue on in...this life.

If that's utterly despicable in your book...We have very different books.

And frankly - I don't really value my life terribly highly anymore. According to everyone I run into, it's more or less worthless. You want to try and kill me? Go right ahead.

And what friends have I hurt? And what acts of unspeakable evil have I tried to commit?

And when you answer that, remember all the people you've killed. Murdered. Because what we do is murdering, for money."

"You don't get to force people into listening to you. If this person doesn't want to talk to you anymore, tough. Sometimes you don't get your nice clean resolution with someone--sometimes there's just loose strings that dangle and you just have to deal with them. You never, ever force yourself on someone. If they want you to leave them alone, you leave them alone."

"For your information, I happen to consider a certain gnomish Druid to be a very good friend. In fact, I was somewhat dubious of him for quite some time, simply because of his ornery nature and his distrust of you. But he proved himself to have a good heart. And you just proved yourself to have the opposite." Arthur's face contorts with rage and disgust. "Rape," he hisses through clenched teeth, "is a special kind of evil. And that's the only use for love potion outside of combat."

"<And if you have hurt this person badly enough that you feel they will attack you unless you use it, then you have likely earned that attack.>"

"Yes, I kill people. We all do. And I have done plenty of horrible things in my time. But I have never, will never enslave someone's will to force them to do what I want them to do. That is the worst possible crime someone can commit in my book--and not only have you sought to commit it, you show no remorse, no hesitation for doing so. You don't even offer an excuse for your hideous behavior--you do it because you're a coward, and you're selfish. At this point, bloody Immortalis seems more redeemable than you."

Miirym rests a comforting claw on Arthur's shoulder. "<Come, Father. It is pointless to argue with a dead man.>"

"...right." With one last angry glare at Lind, Miirym and Arthur storm off into the woods, following Arthur's Magic Compass to the Falconer.

[Lind Whisperer]

"For your information, I happen to consider a certain gnomish Druid to be a very good friend. In fact, I was somewhat dubious of him for quite some time, simply because of his ornery nature and his distrust of you. But he proved himself to have a good heart. And you just proved yourself to have the opposite." Arthur's face contorts with rage and disgust.

"Matthias? What the heck did I ever do to him, other than argue over loot distributed?"

"Rape," he hisses through clenched teeth, "is a special kind of evil. And that's the only use for love potion outside of combat."

"...Let me repeat the part where I wanted to talk to her and end the...whatever it was.

This rain seems to be affecting your hearing."

"<And if you have hurt this person badly enough that you feel they will attack you unless you use it, then you have likely earned that attack.>"

"You're putting words in my mouth, Dragon. I've been trying to politely ignore you, but you keep butting into conversations that really don't concern you."

"Yes, I kill people. We all do. And I have done plenty of horrible things in my time. But I have never, will never enslave someone's will to force them to do what I want them to do. That is the worst possible crime someone can commit in my book--and not only have you sought to commit it, you show no remorse, no hesitation for doing so. You don't even offer an excuse for your hideous behavior--you do it because you're a coward, and you're selfish. At this point, bloody Immortalis seems more redeemable than you."

"At this point, you haven't heard a single word I've said, nor do you seem to be likely to ever listen to anything besides your own holy rhetoric."

"Lind. Sit. Now. Arthur. Inside. Now. Kay?" Karie returns to the two a jaded, forced grin. It was clear from her glowering eyes the minstrel wasn't in the mood to listen to either's side of the story.

Lind grunted assent, and walked away. He looked back over his shoulder, as if to say one last thing to Arthur...then shook his head.

Ignoring the mud, he squatted down beside the Progg. "Lind Whisperer, rogue-cum-Black-Knight-cum-Assasin and back to Black Knight. We'll probably either come to be desperate enemies, or we'll be friends for a few days and then everything will fall apart.

Pleasure to meet you."

Edited May 9, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

[Flipz]

OOC: Gods dammit. Sorry, Kint, didn't mean to ignore you there in the cross-post. If you'd prefer I retcon again, I'll happily do so.

[Kintobor]

Karie huffed as Arthur walked off on her, watching him run off into the woods. She turned to Lind, next to Anemos.

"Anemos, I don't want you to respond to Lind." Karie states. She moves her gaze from Anemos to Lind, sitting in the dirt. "So, what happened back there?"

[Lind Whisperer]

Karie huffed as Arthur walked off on her, watching him run off into the woods. She turned to Lind, next to Anemos.

"Anemos, I don't want you to respond to Lind." Karie states. She moves her gaze from Anemos to Lind, sitting in the dirt. "So, what happened back there?"

"There's a girl I...was trying to romance.

Remember Moone? Remember that darn hat?

Yeah."

The Black Knight shook his head.

"I've been trying to find a way to strike up a conversation with her when our paths crossed - Dodekube knows if Warlen, cheerful Warlen was that ticked at me, at whatever I did or said...I can only imagine what she must feel towards me.

The witch in there was selling Love Potions or something - or at least, she gave every intimation she was selling them, until a person actually tried to buy one...

It was not my brightest idea ever, but I just thought maybe, if she wouldn't speak to me - I'd just use one - for just a minute." Before Karie could interject, he held up his hand. "Not for anything untoward, or wrong...just to get her to sit down for five minutes, and to look her in the eyes, and tell her I'm sorry for whatever it was that happened, and that I hope she has a good life.

Then hand her the antidote, and walk away."

[JimBee]

Jinnipher rolled her eyes. "Is there no hero around these days that is not completely incompetent?"

"I have all the weapons I need right here."

[Kintobor]

Karie covers her eyes with her hands. She removes them after a moment, looking frustrated. She attempts to mutter a word, but finds herself speechless. She eventually comes to a rational sentence.

"See, here's the thing. I really doubt this Annienal chick is going to enjoy being under the effects of a mind altering potion. You give her the antidote. Then what? You intend for her to snap out of it and not know what just happened? See, that's the thing, Lind, you give someone a love potion because you have to, not because you can! You give someone whom you want to give affection back a love potion because you want them to love you back, and you can't get it any other way! It's not something a normal person uses in order to find someone to spend the rest of their life with!" Karie shouts. She straightens her outfit and looks Lind over with scrutiny. She looks over him long and hard, thinking about what she was going to do before putting her guitar away. She crosses her arms with an exasperated huff. "I'm not Arthur, though. As much as I trust him as both a friend and an ally, I am willing to give you a second chance- a very small, slim chance because you get on my nerves and you make stupid decisions- but I'm giving you a second chance.

First thing you're going to do is apologize to Arthur. Promptly. The moment you see him next I want you to sincerely tell him that you made an error in judgement, and that it won't happen again. You will treat him like the house leaders behind the Crescent Union. The second thing you're going to do is talk to Annienal once this is finished, with myself present, and without the use of a love drug. I don't care what you talk about, but you're going to make your peace or whatever with her with me sitting beside you to ensure that everything works out smoothly.

Are we clear on this, Lind?"

[Asphalt]

Weapons? Hmm... I have some from my brother in law's smith shop, but it is mostly junk. I have a spare blade from Severa Black... Would any of you have any interest in the item?"

Severa Slasher: One of the strongest Severa Knight's many swords, left with her mistress. A strange powder covers it... WP: 20, on successful hits inflicts Burning 3. Greatsword.

"Listen. If you're going against a dragon like Immortalis... I want one of you to take it. Win back the skies and the city."

Gabriel and Hilda wince as they hear the argument outside. Masson goes pale.

"So. Vindsval, Jinnipher, Thormanil, Siercon - and the others outside, I guess - which of you wants the blade? Someone grab it and we can get going."

Many thanks dear Lady, I will use it well.

Vindsval Accepts the blade and adds The SEvera Slasher to his inventory of weapons.

Siercon heard raised voices outside the hut... "Guess we should give'm a moment, eh?" He said to Vind without the slightest notion to join the squabble.

Perhaps we had best go see what is going on between those two.

He nods to his hostess.

Madamme, it would seem we must stop our visit short. Indeed we have a very important errand to run. I pray our Paths may cross once more. May the Wanderer guide you always.

[Lind Whisperer]

First thing you're going to do is apologize to Arthur. Promptly. The moment you see him next I want you to sincerely tell him that you made an error in judgement, and that it won't happen again. You will treat him like the house leaders behind the Crescent Union. The second thing you're going to do is talk to Annienal once this is finished, with myself present, and without the use of a love drug. I don't care what you talk about, but you're going to make your peace or whatever with her with me sitting beside you to ensure that everything works out smoothly.

Are we clear on this, Lind?"

"...Yes, ma'am."

[Asphalt]

​Thank you again for this blade. I will endeavor to be worthy of it.

He knuckles his forehead in farewell, stands and looks to his two companions.

Shall we leave then and see who of our party still stands? I fear we have missed a great deal while we waited within these walls.

With that, Vindsval exits the house and looks around outside to see who is left in the vicinity. He arrives just in time to see the end to Karie's chastisement of Lind. He walked up to the pair.

What might I ask has transpired after you left Whisperer? It seems we are fewer than we were upon our arrival?

[Lind Whisperer]

With that, Vindsval exits the house and looks around outside to see who is left in the vicinity. He arrives just in time to see the end to Karie's chastisement of Lind. He walked up to the pair.

What might I ask has transpired after you left Whisperer? It seems we are fewer than we were upon our arrival?

"Sir Arthur and I had...differing opinions.

We had a fight, called each other a few names, criticized each other's characters, and he ended it by flouncing off into the woods with his dragon."

The Munchkin shrugged. "I was being a little bit too nonchalant about free will, he was ignoring the fact that we're mercs and trying to go off on a long spiel about morality - ignoring the fact that all of us kill for money as a casual profession.

There was wrong on both sides, that's all I can say..."

[JimBee]

Shall we leave then and see who of our party still stands? I fear we have missed a great deal while we waited within these walls.

"Whatever. With any luck that dragoon would've put the boy in his place, or maybe even scared him off."

Jinnipher follows Vindsval out of the building and nudges Thormanil. "You've been awfully quiet lately. I hope for your sake that Immortalis' threats haven't got the best of you." She looked at the dragoon straight-faced and with her deep, discerning almond eyes.

[Kintobor]

"...Yes, ma'am."

Karie nodded in agreement. "Good."

There was wrong on both sides, that's all I can say..."

"No. You were wrong. Take from this what you will, Lind, but mercenaries do just about anything. If you're a member of Heroica, you help the people." Karie shook her head. She was getting frustrated with Lind's antics already, but remembered to at least be civil towards him. "Lind, you may stand."

[Lind Whisperer]

"No. You were wrong. Take from this what you will, Lind, but mercenaries do just about anything. If you're a member of Heroica, you help the people."

"A fair point."

Karie shook her head. She was getting frustrated with Lind's antics already, but remembered to at least be civil towards him. "Lind, you may stand."

"And I was just getting comfortable..."

Grunting, the Munchkin rose off the ground, and joined the others.

[Asphalt]

​This involves your inquiry about the love potion doesn't it? Vindsval lifts a hand before Lind can respond. No, Leave the walked path behind you for the time being. If I am needed to know, I am sure I will be brought into the know.

He again looks around for his missing companions.

​It would seem some of our companions have continued without us. Do we know which way they went? Or would my compass be needed to track them? Regardless we need to be on our way and find our ally in this place.

Mistress Karie, would you lead us then to our next destination?