Heroica RPG - Quest #147: Judgment Day

[Flipz]

"As for these two," Jinnipher nodded to the unconscious angels. "It was stupid to bring them along. We can't let them go and we can't bring them with us. The only solution is to kill them now or lock them up somewhere, though I don't trust a few iron chains to hold them for long."

"Falconer, allow me to apologize for the idiotic behavior from these so-called heroes. As I told the Dragonlord you really need to start having tryouts or something. Remember the last time we let just anyone in?" The moon elf frowned and furrowed her brow. "We need you to get us to Eschaton."

"No need to be digging a grave, puppet boy - they're not dead. Arthur chose to pull them away from the fray... At least Vindsval had the courtesy of putting the dead ones to rest. We should do the same with our "prisoners." Can't leave them behind, can't keep them with us. What option do we have besides killing them?"

"Speak for yourselves. Miirym and I can carry them just fine, and if we're going to beat Immortalis I want to do it on all fronts."

"<Right now the enemy thinks he's better than us. I intend to shatter his misconception.>"

"Why just beat him when you can beat him and do it without unnecessary bloodshed?"

"<Precisely.>"

The Flowers of Sibyl in Arthur's hand begin to glow, and a vision is projected into the party's consciousness... They felt like bystanders, silent watchers to a play that was already scripted.

------------

-----

The flower's glow dies. The vision fades.

"The hell? When did that happen? And why did we see it? ...Did the flowers make us see that?"

"Flowers of Sybil. They grow in Ether-rich areas and absorb memories. I've used them before. That's why I wanted to hang on to them--I've got plenty of experience with this sort of blossom."

"<If I had to guess,>" Miirym speculates haltingly, "<that was a very young Lethauros, many aeons in the past.>" She had long since warmed up to the thought of her uncle, unlike her still-conflicted emotions towards her direct lineage. "<It seems a wonder that a Dragon so small, so innocent, so good-hearted, would one day have to die at the hands of Heroes.>" She affixes Vindsval with a piercing gaze. "<He did have to die, correct? He truly earned his fate? Or have I misjudged Heroica yet again?>"

"Miirym--"

"<No. I wish this answer for myself. What I know--what I've heard, what I saw when we met, what we just saw now--does not match with what events have come to pass. I am missing something. I intend to rectify that discrepancy.>"

[JimBee]

"Speak for yourselves. Miirym and I can carry them just fine, and if we're going to beat Immortalis I want to do it on all fronts."

"<Right now the enemy thinks he's better than us. I intend to shatter his misconception.>"

"Why just beat him when you can beat him and do it without unnecessary bloodshed?"

"<Precisely.>"

"So you're going to carry them around? What happens when they wake up? And how will you carry a lance and shield, let alone ride a dragon? All for the sake of some false justice you seem to uphold. I have news for you, pal: a lot more people are going to die if we don't stop wasting our time with crap like this."

"<If I had to guess,>" Miirym speculates haltingly, "<that was a very young Lethauros, many aeons in the past.>" She had long since warmed up to the thought of her uncle, unlike her still-conflicted emotions towards her direct lineage. "<It seems a wonder that a Dragon so small, so innocent, so good-hearted, would one day have to die at the hands of Heroes.>" She affixes Vindsval with a piercing gaze. "<He did have to die, correct? He truly earned his fate? Or have I misjudged Heroica yet again?>"

"Miirym--"

"<No. I wish this answer for myself. What I know--what I've heard, what I saw when we met, what we just saw now--does not match with what events have come to pass. I am missing something. I intend to rectify that discrepancy.>"

"If I had to guess, the white dragon died for the same reason his black-scaled brother did."

[Kintobor]

"This is not the right time...Later.

I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I need to get all my thoughts in order before we talk."

"Do what you gotta do. You're still having one with Arthur and Annienal." Karie shrugs, still looking pleased with herself.

The flower's glow dies. The vision fades.

"The hell? When did that happen? And why did we see it? ...Did the flowers make us see that?"

Karie rubs her head. "Ugh... that felt weird. Let's not do that again, please. If it's Immortalis's way of trying to connect to us, I'd say it's a failed attempt."

"Speak for yourselves. Miirym and I can carry them just fine, and if we're going to beat Immortalis I want to do it on all fronts."

"<Right now the enemy thinks he's better than us. I intend to shatter his misconception.>"

"Why just beat him when you can beat him and do it without unnecessary bloodshed?"

"<Precisely.>"

"Simple: I don't trust them." Karie replies. "Arthur, we're putting people at risk keeping these two alive. Either send them back to their master or see to it that they don't. As much as I disdain from violence, this bastard's pushing my buttons, and I intend to push his back all the way to Eschaton."

[Lind Whisperer]

"No need to be digging a grave, puppet boy - they're not dead. Arthur chose to pull them away from the fray... At least Vindsval had the courtesy of putting the dead ones to rest. We should do the same with our "prisoners." Can't leave them behind, can't keep them with us. What option do we have besides killing them?"

"I'd suggest we have the Falconer open some sort of temporary portal, and dump them in some other dimension - but Charon would probably open a door and bring them back home."

"The hell? When did that happen? And why did we see it? ...Did the flowers make us see that?"

"It was one of Vorpalis sons as a Hatchling - a vision of a different time and place. An Eschaton speciality. Be prepared to see a lot more of them..."

"<Right now the enemy thinks he's better than us. I intend to shatter his misconception.>"

"Be careful. It may be you that have your misconceptions shattered..."

"Simple: I don't trust them." Karie replies. "Arthur, we're putting people at risk keeping these two alive. Either send them back to their master or see to it that they don't. As much as I disdain from violence, this bastard's pushing my buttons, and I intend to push his back all the way to Eschaton."

"Although our Party Leader and I have some differences of opinion as to the ethicality of Vorpalis's actions, I have to agree with her. They're liabilities, and I can't see what good is going to come from keeping them alive."

He reached into his Bag of Holding. "Also..." He tossed the Angel Helmet and the seven Silver Ores to Karie. "For the loot pile..."

[Siercon and Coral]

OOC: Siercon should have 22 health from Natural Respite, not sure if you should waste a potion for just 8 HP, especially since we have a Paladin in the party.

OOC: But I wanna! ;D (Thanks though, still think Siercon would just down it though, he has a bunch, is looking at a pile of a bunch, and would probably do it rather than bother anyone. :))

Jinnipher eyed the threads. "Let me guess, a black shadow thing has eighteen lives? What the Hel are you, anyway?"

"Something like a wraith projected from somewhere else... I think I might just disappear when all my connections are gone... Interesting though, Immortalis hinted that I might have 17, yet you say 18... I really don't know much myself." Siercon said looking a little confused and defeated, how to add to his "lives" was clearly on his mind. "If perhaps you see it happen again, can you give me an exact number?"

"I'd suggest we have the Falconer open some sort of temporary portal, and dump them in some other dimension - but Charon would probably open a door and bring them back home."

"It was one of Vorpalis sons as a Hatchling - a vision of a different time and place. An Eschaton speciality. Be prepared to see a lot more of them..."

"Be careful. It may be you that have your misconceptions shattered..."

Siercon glanced at Jinnipher to note her reaction to this. He was starting to see that the praise was getting repetitive...

He reached into his Bag of Holding. "Also..." He tossed the Angel Helmet and the seven Silver Ores to Karie. "For the loot pile..."

Siercon did not hide his annoyance at this. He gave Lind a pursed lipped look of apathetic condescension and awaited Karie's verdict. He did not like being ignored, people going 'above his head', or just a general air of not noting or caring what other people were actively doing with the very stuff he decided he was buying. Walking over to Vindsval he said in a mumble voice mostly audible to him only (OOC: 1/6 observation check for others) "That pisses me off more than his date drugging plans. Though part of me wants to see him try to pry the sword from your iron hand." He said noting Vindsval still holding the glowing blade. "Whatever, a torrential doomsday storm in a real war, is no place for a trinket bidding war anyways... But you gotta tell me more about this booming voice of whom you're serving at some point."

(Fully, audible to the group:)

"Whatever, I'm ready to head out, let's hurry." He said forcing himself to be more resolute and focused.

"As for the two angels, I personally would like to see Corvis's live. His task is one of rebuilding and bringing back the beauty of the creatures on the verge of extinction from the fallout of immortalis. I'm surprised he's chosen to be part of the destruction. But this sentiment is purely for the creatures he holds the keys to, not for him specifically... After all, he assaulted us."

"Will I ever get to do what you do now, dad?"

Immortalis does not hesitate in the slightest. He answers, firmly.

"No, Lethauros. You will not." The young dragon's excitement deflates.

"What? Really? Why?"

"...It is not something I would inflict upon you." The father pauses, before changing the subject. "Why don't we have a lesson or two on flying, right now?"

"Also, that dream doesn't show how eventually that little dragon did come of age... To the point where Immortalis told me himself "Both of my heirs are dead, and I would not trust anyone else with this burden of power." So at some point the sentiment we saw in this dream became no longer true and he would have passed on the mantle of...." Siercon looked up at the torrential downpour. "...well...THIS!!"

Edited June 2, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

[Kintobor]

Loot Distribuiton

Karie: Glistening Crystal, Potion x2

Vindsval: Crystal Blade, 3 Tonics

Siercon: Telethia's Robes, 3 Tonics

Arthur: Silver Ore x2, Potion x2

Lind: Angel Helmet, Potion x2

Jinnipher: Silver Ore x2, Potion x2

Thormanil: Silver Ore x3, Potion

"If there's any issues, take it up with yourselves." Karie combines the Glistening Crystal with her Empath Glass, satisfied with the effect.

[Siercon and Coral]

"Thank you Karie." Siercon said putting on the robes.

For a solid second, humiliated by what he had just said, Siercon wondered if he had Lind all wrong when Lind said "for the loot pile...". After a minute, still pretty sure he didn't, he motioned to say something, but halted mid hand gesture, and stepped back waiting with genuinly shocked curiosity to see what happened next.

Edited June 2, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

[Lind Whisperer]

(OOC: 1/6 observation check for others)

OoC: Rolled, failed.

Lind: Angel Helmet, Potion x2

Lind slid the Potions into his Bag, and looked towards Vindsval.

"Want to borrow the Helmet? The Dragoon was on to something with the weapon combination..."

"Thank you Karie." Siercon said putting on the robes.

For a solid second, humiliated by what he had just said, Siercon wondered if he had Lind all wrong when Lind said "for the loot pile...". After a minute, still pretty sure he didn't, he motioned to say something, but halted mid hand gesture, and stepped back waiting with genuinly shocked curiosity to see what happened next.

The Black Knight noticed the Battle Mage staring at him. "What is it?" Edited June 3, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

[Siercon and Coral]

OoC: Rolled, failed.

Lind slid the Potions into his Bag, and looked towards Vindsval.

"Want to borrow the Helmet? The Dragoon was on to something with the weapon combination..."

The Black Knight noticed the Battle Mage staring at him. "What is it?"

"Indeed, I must apologize. I was incorrectly judging you. I thought you were bribing to personally keep the rest of the pile by tossing Karie these magnificent items." He said pointing to the helmet. "The very ones you now offer to Vindsval. I couldn't have been more wrong." He followed this with a sincere apologetic half bow. He then kicked a few rocks into some puddles keeping his head more 'down' than usual.

Edited June 3, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

[Asphalt]

Siercon did not hide his annoyance at this. He gave Lind a pursed lipped look of apathetic condescension and awaited Karie's verdict. He did not like being ignored, people going 'above his head', or just a general air of not noting or caring what other people were actively doing with the very stuff he decided he was buying. Walking over to Vindsval he said in a mumble voice mostly audible to him only (OOC: 1/6 observation check for others) "That pisses me off more than his date drugging plans. Though part of me wants to see him try to pry the sword from your iron hand." He said noting Vindsval still holding the glowing blade. "Whatever, a torrential doomsday storm in a real war, is no place for a trinket bidding war anyways... But you gotta tell me more about this booming voice of whom you're serving at some point."

(Fully, audible to the group:)

"Whatever, I'm ready to head out, let's hurry." He said forcing himself to be more resolute and focused.

It would seem you spoke too soon my friend. Though he rarely thinks before he speaks, he does have a kernel of nobility within him. When we have a moment to remove ourselves from this maelstrom I would gladly speak with you of the Wanderer. My methods of worship may seem strange to many. ​He looks towards Jinnipher. Especially those who have no faith of their own and seem oddly quick to judge. But there is great power, and greater nobility in his name. I would see it spread.

Loot Distribuiton

Vindsval: Crystal Blade, 3 Tonics

"If there's any issues, take it up with yourselves." Karie combines the Glistening Crystal with her Empath Glass, satisfied with the effect.

Vindsval accepts the tonics from Karie with a slight bow

Many thanks mistress, If the Falconer is able, let us return to his fellow veterans and have them weave us our portal.

He projects his voice over the storm.

Are there any here in need of healing?

Vindsval Drinks 2 Toncs to replenish his energy stores while he awaits the actions and answers of those around him.

[Flipz]

Vindsval Drinks 2 Toncs to replenish his energy stores while he awaits the actions and answers of those around him.

Miirym clears her throat loudly. It appears that she does not appreciate Vindsval's not answering her question.

[JimBee]

He looks towards Jinnipher. Especially those who have no faith of their own and seem oddly quick to judge. But there is great power, and greater nobility in his name. I would see it spread.

"Just because I don't believe in your god doesn't mean I don't believe in mine. While you're offering, I could use a heal."

[Asphalt]

"<If I had to guess,>" Miirym speculates haltingly, "<that was a very young Lethauros, many aeons in the past.>" She had long since warmed up to the thought of her uncle, unlike her still-conflicted emotions towards her direct lineage. "<It seems a wonder that a Dragon so small, so innocent, so good-hearted, would one day have to die at the hands of Heroes.>" She affixes Vindsval with a piercing gaze. "<He did have to die, correct? He truly earned his fate? Or have I misjudged Heroica yet again?>"

Miirym clears her throat loudly. It appears that she does not appreciate Vindsval's not answering her question.

Vindsval starts slightly, though he has travelled far with this one she still surprises him.

My apologies Great Lady. Lethauros was laying waste to an entire region. The animals of the forest were being decimated, the men of the region terrified and starved. He did this as a challenge to all those who would answer. Did he need to die, all things must. But above that, he chose to die. He called to us, he issued us the challenge, Kill him in glorious combat as a warrior of the ages, or be killed ourselves in much the same manner. My companions and I answered that call. Was it wrong of us to grant him the end he wished to have? I took his token and his tale to the people of that land. They know him for the noble warrior that he was, and the end of his own choosing. I apologize if this is not the answer that you sought, but it is the truth that will be given.

"Just because I don't believe in your god doesn't mean I don't believe in mine. While you're offering, I could use a heal."

​Then I would welcome learning of your god that we may stand on more even footing in the future. But know I will tolerate little more of your downturned eyes upon me. I suffered far too long the stings and barbs thrown at me for what I am, I will not take them for who I am, from one who knows not, who I am.

With that Vindsval extends a hand over Jinnipher and begins an Incantation to HEAL HER.

[Flipz]

Vindsval starts slightly, though he has travelled far with this one she still surprises him.

My apologies Great Lady. Lethauros was laying waste to an entire region. The animals of the forest were being decimated, the men of the region terrified and starved. He did this as a challenge to all those who would answer. Did he need to die, all things must. But above that, he chose to die. He called to us, he issued us the challenge, Kill him in glorious combat as a warrior of the ages, or be killed ourselves in much the same manner. My companions and I answered that call. Was it wrong of us to grant him the end he wished to have? I took his token and his tale to the people of that land. They know him for the noble warrior that he was, and the end of his own choosing. I apologize if this is not the answer that you sought, but it is the truth that will be given.

Miirym affixes Vindsval with an appraising gaze, but on balance decides he is telling the truth. "<Then it seems there is honor in the Elder bloodline after all. And perhaps not all of Heroica's own has been lost, either.>" The Dragon frowns at the rest of the party, who on the whole seems determined to slaughter the helpless angel she carries.

"So you're going to carry them around? What happens when they wake up? And how will you carry a lance and shield, let alone ride a dragon? All for the sake of some false justice you seem to uphold. I have news for you, pal: a lot more people are going to die if we don't stop wasting our time with crap like this."

Karie rubs her head. "Ugh... that felt weird. Let's not do that again, please. If it's Immortalis's way of trying to connect to us, I'd say it's a failed attempt."

"Simple: I don't trust them." Karie replies. "Arthur, we're putting people at risk keeping these two alive. Either send them back to their master or see to it that they don't. As much as I disdain from violence, this bastard's pushing my buttons, and I intend to push his back all the way to Eschaton."

"As for the two angels, I personally would like to see Corvis's live. His task is one of rebuilding and bringing back the beauty of the creatures on the verge of extinction from the fallout of immortalis. I'm surprised he's chosen to be part of the destruction. But this sentiment is purely for the creatures he holds the keys to, not for him specifically... After all, he assaulted us."

"Look, we are not killing them, period. Even if I thought they deserved to die, I will not stand for the execution of the helpless. We fought them, they lost, that doesn't mean their lives are forever forfeit. People should earn their fates, and aside from Vaermina and the footsoldiers, none of the angels fought fatally, so we're extending them the same courtesy. I mean, Hel, everything else aside, it's as basic as 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'."

"<We are headed for Eschaton, are we not? We will deposit them there after we ourselves have arrived. If that is not possible, the Shackles of War Arthur carries from his Town Watchman days should be more than sufficient to restrain them under the Veterans' watchful gaze.>"

Arthur nods, lending his Shackles of War to The Falconer before affixing Karie with a hard, concerned look. "Be careful, Karie. Right now, this party reminds me a lot of the last time we Quested together...and in particular a certain Paladin we both know. I'd prefer we play our cards carefully, so that this night turns out as well as--or with luck, better than--that one."

Miirym seems somewhat doubtful of Arthur's assessment, but does not contradict her caretaker. Instead, she simply adds, "<We are not just fighting the Dragon and his allies. We are fighting their ideas. It is vital we win a complete victory, not merely a partial one.>"

[Asphalt]

Vindsval moves to stand behind Arthur.

I returned an evil necromancer to the care of her father when an entire town wished her dead. I stand with Arthur and Miirym on this. They have given these fallen ones sanctuary. For good or ill the decision has been made.

[Kintobor]

Karie's breath began to rapidly increase at the sheer referring to Lawrence. Being equated to Lawrence made her want to roil over. She felt a need to restrain herself as she took in a few deep breaths, flashes of visions projecting across her eyes as she did so. She didn't want to be him to others.

"...very well. They live. Arthur, Myriim, they're your responsibility. Don't make me regret this."

Karie moved closer to Arthur, whispering to him. "Don't equate me to that lump of fat ever again. I mean it." She looked at Arthur begrudgingly, before turning on her heel. She had to admit to him he'd played his hand well, though.

[JimBee]

"Something like a wraith projected from somewhere else... I think I might just disappear when all my connections are gone... Interesting though, Immortalis hinted that I might have 17, yet you say 18... I really don't know much myself." Siercon said looking a little confused and defeated, how to add to his "lives" was clearly on his mind. "If perhaps you see it happen again, can you give me an exact number?"

"Uh... sure." Jinnipher eyed Siercon suspiciously.

​Then I would welcome learning of your god that we may stand on more even footing in the future. But know I will tolerate little more of your downturned eyes upon me. I suffered far too long the stings and barbs thrown at me for what I am, I will not take them for who I am, from one who knows not, who I am.

With that Vindsval extends a hand over Jinnipher and begins an Incantation to HEAL HER.

"Galadrya and Celebryon are the creators of my kind. They represent art and beauty as well as knowledge and civilization - everything the big bad dragon is trying to destroy. And they certainly don't whisper acts of stupidity in my ear. I don't look down on you because you're a big ugly green giant. I look down on you because of your idiocy. That little ceremony of yours could have cost us our escape or worse. I suggest you think twice before putting me in danger like that again."

Jinnipher rolled her shoulders and lightened her expression just a little. "Anyway, thanks for the heal. At least your god lets you do that, if you really think it's him that's doing it."

[Asphalt]

​You would have preferred I left their dead to rot, their souls in the hands of the being which condemned them to the service of the dragon in the first place? If these are the teachings of your gods, they are cold and dispassionate indeed. They fought us with honor, they deserved the right to peace on their next Path. Tell me, how is it that my actions endangered you? The battle was complete, the greater enemy had fled from beneath my blows, and we were in the company of the champion whom we sought. How then did I endanger your life? You have acted naught but the petulant child since I joined this band, despite your age and experience. I know not what it is that causes you to feel yourself superior to all those around you, but hold your tongue in my presence small one.

Edited June 4, 2016 by Asphalt

[Lind Whisperer]

OoC: If you don't/need want it, that's fine, but Asphalt, did you see my post where I offered Vindsval the helmet?

"Indeed, I must apologize. I wheas incorrectly judging you. I thought you were bribing to personally keep the rest of the pile by tossing Karie these magnificent items." He said pointing to the helmet. "The very ones you now offer to Vindsval. I couldn't have been more wrong." He followed this with a sincere apologetic half bow. He then kicked a few rocks into some puddles keeping his head more 'down' than usual.

"Apology accepted."

Seeing how downcast the mage was over the mistake, the knight tried to pat him on the back - although it was rather strange, trying to pat a being made entirely of smoke.

"Probably my fault, a bit - I'll try to be less ambiguous in future."

Miirym seems somewhat doubtful of Arthur's assessment, but does not contradict her caretaker. Instead, she simply adds, "<We are not just fighting the Dragon and his allies. We are fighting their ideas. It is vital we win a complete victory, not merely a partial one.>"

"Define we.

Because some of us actually agree with some of "the Dragon's" ideas."

The Black Knight waved his hand. "I'm not advocating for it, directly, but you have to admit - we'd have long since been to Eschaton, if we hadn't stopped every five minutes to bicker. Now, if there had been something directly supervising and commanding us..."

He held up his hand. "Not advocating for it per se, just pointing out that it would have been more efficient.

Long arguments on the morality of soul-releasing and "do as you would do" - where's that from, by the way? - are fine and all - but when we're all trying to stop a "genocidal Dragon," as y'all put it - they really do slow us down."

​You would have preferred I left their dead to rot, their souls in the hands of the being which condemned them to the service of the dragon in the first place? If these are the teachings of your gods, they are cold and dispassionate indeed. They fought us with honor, they deserved the right to peace on their next Path. Tell me, how is it that my actions endangered you? The battle was complete, the greater enemy had fled from beneath my blows, and we were in the company of the champion whom we sought. How then did I endanger your life? You have acted naught but the petulant child since I joined this band, despite your age and experience. I know not what it is that causes you to feel yourself superior to all those around you, but hold your tongue in my presence small one.

Lind sighed. "She's two hundred years old, and she does not let anyone forget it.

She was a Hero before most - really, all - of us joined. She came back a few months ago."

He shrugged. "Honestly, I see both sides on this one. Jinnipher's right - sending up what amounts to signal flares in the shape of their departing souls - wasn't the safest idea, seeing as how we might very well have a second wave or two hunting us down. And you're right, in that leaving souls behind wouldn't have been terribly kind."

[JimBee]

​You would have preferred I left their dead to rot, their souls in the hands of the being which condemned them to the service of the dragon in the first place? If these are the teachings of your gods, they are cold and dispassionate indeed. They fought us with honor, they deserved the right to peace on their next Path. Tell me, how is it that my actions endangered you? The battle was complete, the greater enemy had fled from beneath my blows, and we were in the company of the champion whom we sought. How then did I endanger your life? You have acted naught but the petulant child since I joined this band, despite your age and experience. I know not what it is that causes you to feel yourself superior to all those around you, but hold your tongue in my presence small one.

"Yes, I would have preferred that. They chose their fate, and better them than me. That's no teaching of any god, that's pure and simple logic." Jinnipher crossed her arms. "Did you not see the flock of angels circling the battlefield the whole time!? We didn't win that battle, and we're lucky we got out alive. The plan was to battle back the angels in charge just enough for us to escape the dozens of others. The fact that you found it in your heart to bury the dead that you so honorably struck down while their brothers and sisters flocked above sickens me. And," Jinnipher forced out a laugh. "Me, childish?! Look around you. If this is the best Heroica has to send to save the city, then I truly worry for the sake of Heroica, Eubric, and Olegaia. The shade nearly blew our mission from the beginning in Eschaton, the kid and the dragoon bicker among themselves over some moral irrelevance, and you'd risk all our lives to honor our dead enemy. I may be the only one in this party truly focused on the mission while you people don't have a damn clue. I've seen Heroica crumble before by such carelessness, and I will die before I see it again. So think again on who is childish here, greenskin. Your life may depend on the correct answer."

[Asphalt]

Vindsval grins widely with a smile that does not quite make it to his eyes.

The holes in your thinking are large enough I could walk through them easily. If the flocks above us were to engage they would have. There master is the nearest thing to an omniscient being on this plane. He sent those beings against us knowing they would die. They were pawns, wasted in a maneuver to toy with us. They deserved better and I gave them honor as I saw fit. Though I admit, that is the first time the departure of a soul to the heavens has been a visible spectacle. I can only think that it must have been due to their fallen divinity. But that matters neither here nor there. I chose my actions and would do the same again. Perhaps if the rest of us are so far beneath your notice and so worthy of contempt you would be better off venturing on without us little girl. I warn you, if you stay with us choose the Path you set foot on very carefully. Do not think I will take another threat lightly. If you choose Path that would bring us to blows, know that I would give you the same honor I afforded to the fallen angels.

With that he turns his back on Jinnipher and directs his attention to Lind.

Thank you Whisperer, I would gladly accept the helmet. Though, this suit that I wear saved my green skin many times over in the fight against Vaermina and her horde. If we are to continue fighting against those with an affinity to the dark, I believe it would serve better to live long than strike hard.

[Flipz]

Karie's breath began to rapidly increase at the sheer referring to Lawrence. Being equated to Lawrence made her want to roil over. She felt a need to restrain herself as she took in a few deep breaths, flashes of visions projecting across her eyes as she did so. She didn't want to be him to others.

"...very well. They live. Arthur, Myriim, they're your responsibility. Don't make me regret this."

Karie moved closer to Arthur, whispering to him. "Don't equate me to that lump of fat ever again. I mean it." She looked at Arthur begrudgingly, before turning on her heel. She had to admit to him he'd played his hand well, though.

Arthur nods silently, his relief and gratitude palpable. He hoists Corvis a little higher upon his shoulders, ready to move on.

Miirym, meanwhile, watches the party's Knight and Paladin quite nearly coming to blows. She flies near to Arx and Thormanil and the Falconer, murmuring quietly in the Dragons' tongue. "<This isn't a team. It's a time bomb.>" She glances nervously towards her caretaker, who for his own part was trying with difficulty not to snap something savage in response to the Black Knight's provocation. "<And it's only a matter of time before something sets it off.>" She looks back at the allied duo once more. "<You know, on our last quest, Arthur and I came into much conflict with our allies. At the time, I attributed it to our not being Heroes, resulting in our allies distrusting us and our opinions. But that was like a candle compared to this bonfire of bravado. The Veterans have chosen an unusually volatile mixture. I only hope that the aftermath brings harm to those deserving of it, and not the innocent. But then, that is the nature of an explosive, is it not?>"

[JimBee]

Vindsval grins widely with a smile that does not quite make it to his eyes.

The holes in your thinking are large enough I could walk through them easily. If the flocks above us were to engage they would have. There master is the nearest thing to an omniscient being on this plane. He sent those beings against us knowing they would die. They were pawns, wasted in a maneuver to toy with us. They deserved better and I gave them honor as I saw fit. Though I admit, that is the first time the departure of a soul to the heavens has been a visible spectacle. I can only think that it must have been due to their fallen divinity. But that matters neither here nor there. I chose my actions and would do the same again. Perhaps if the rest of us are so far beneath your notice and so worthy of contempt you would be better off venturing on without us little girl. I warn you, if you stay with us choose the Path you set foot on very carefully. Do not think I will take another threat lightly. If you choose Path that would bring us to blows, know that I would give you the same honor I afforded to the fallen angels.

"Boy are you thick. I've been following the quest just fine on my own, not undermining it like you. There will be no 'us' if you screw up again. And believe me, if I had wanted to threaten you, you would know it. I believe Immortalis can deal with you all on his own."

Jinnipher also turned her back and strode over to Gabriel. "What could be our last hour will be amateur hour. Great."

[Endgame]

"If you made it this far, I expect you all to hold it together. Your infighting has more at stake than your own lives. If there is anyone at all you care about in the city, then remember stopping Immortalis is for them."

"I think some of us are fighting a different battle here than others. Some of us are fighting for moral high ground. And I will go on record as saying that that struggle is pointless. I doubt Immortalis will back down because a fraction of a percent of all the people he condemned show some class. He's a big picture guy. The thing that's gonna save Eubric is handcannon bullet right between the bastard's eyes. And if I have to be the one to deliver it? So be it. And I gotta say, little dragon..." says a suspicious Gabriel, looking at Miirym. "You two have the same eyes. Funny, that."

"Stick together. The Falconer is right. This infighting looks pretty selfish when you think what the people in Eubric- those relying on us - are feeling. Our mutual goal is stop Immortalis. The "how" can be decided later. But some of us have wives and children at stake here...

Oh, and Arthur? We never did tell you just who removed my arm, did we...?"

"Now... Onwards. There's a tunnel of sorts we should be taking, yes?"

Gabriel talks in hushed tones to Jinnipher as she joins him at his side.

"I have a feeling you may be right. I'll work hard to pick up the slack, darling."

And so the party, now with yet another member, marches out from under the canopy of trees.

"And the tunnel should be right... ah, here." says Anemos, quieted and on edge from recent arguments.

Under the cover of Immortalis's storm, its reach even extending past the mainlaind, the party ducks back into the tunnels. They march through the drained passageway before they submerge themselves fully back underground, marching back into the fold of the Progg Colony.

"Safe and sound, back underground... Assuming Immortalis doesn't have more men to spare. How many other significant angels do we know of, anyway?"

The path they were taking led them past some different faces.

Two green, noxious smelling, tentacled Proggs had set up a ramshackle little shop.

"Not often we get humans down here."

"Interested in buying any venom?"

[JimBee]

"Hmph. I've been focused on the mission the whole time."

"The thing that's gonna save Eubric is handcannon bullet right between the bastard's eyes. And if I have to be the one to deliver it? So be it."

"You put a bullet between his eyes and I'll cut his head off. Maybe we'll have to fight for it." Jinnipher grinned.

"Interested in buying any venom?"

"Show me what you've got."