Heroica RPG - Quest #159: An Unexpected Return

[StickFig]

The last to know (of course), Matthias slinks into Lady Luck's Locale and does his best to find an unnoticed spot at the bar, but trips over a bump in the floor on his way to the barstool. He grins sheepishly at the bartender as he orders a cider.

[UsernameMDM]

"The Dragonlord is dead..." Hoke thought to himself.

He held no allegiance to the man per se, but he couldn't help the growing knot in his stomach.  The dragonlord and his dragon, both dead.  Did she kill her own son?  

[Kintobor]

As the paper’s being passed around, Karie scowls as she over hears the news. Everyone booted with no other word on it. Their achievements and deeds apparently meant nothing. Karie rest her guitar as she takes in a deep breath. Where do they go next? Her eyes catch a glimpse of the editorial on the second page, and swiftly grabs page six, looking for a name of the author of the piece.

[MysticModulus]

Backed by a ferocious blast of wind Ezeran arrives, he looks haggard massaging his temples. Seeing Petaldan and Torald he moves over to them. "Well this is an interesting development..."

Reading the newspaper over other heroes shoulder Ezeran and the symbiont shudders. "This is not good. Not good at all..." 

Edited January 6, 2018 by MysticModulus

[Alfadas]

19 minutes ago, MysticModulus said:

Backed by a ferocious blast of wind Ezeran arrives, he looks haggard massaging his temples. Seeing Petaldan and Torald he moves over to them. "Well this is an interesting development..."

Reading the newspaper over other heroes shoulder Ezeran and the symbiont shudders. "This is not good. Not good at all..." 

Good seeing you again, if only the circumstances were a bit better. Things have really gone shite lately. Sorry for the language, Petaldan. 

[Waterbrick Down]

32 minutes ago, Kintobor said:

As the paper’s being passed around, Karie scowls as she over hears the news. Everyone booted with no other word on it. Their achievements and deeds apparently meant nothing. Karie rest her guitar as she takes in a deep breath. Where do they go next? Her eyes catch a glimpse of the editorial on the second page, and swiftly grabs page six, looking for a name of the author of the piece.

On page 6 Karie finds the author of the pro-Heroica article listed as the Frustrated Flying Filly.

[MysticModulus]

Just now, Alfadas said:

Good seeing you again, if only the circumstances were a bit better. Things have really gone shite lately. Sorry for the language, Petaldan. 

Ezeran looks concerned, the symbiont agitated by all the new sensory inputs wiggles its tongue to and fro as in sensing for energies from other dimensions. 

"The circumstances are troubling but it's good that we are together in this. I missed you on our last quest." looking proudly at Petaldan he continues "Petaldan will go to the history books one day I'm sure. You should have seen his courage standing up to that crazy old man on our last mission."

[Asphalt]

15 hours ago, Lord Duvors said:

"Oh, I see. It's just that I've decided to give her a few items I got during the Lethauros quest, the lance and boots. It seems fitting considering that she's the one who actually brought him down, I just delivered the coup-de-grâce. What has happened? I have no idea, all I know is that the heroes have been evicted from the Hall for some reason, I met (well, walked in to) an Amphi Croaken who said he used to work at the Hall as someone who was in charge of keeping records of new members of Heroica, he said that everyone had gone to this... dive, and gave me directions here."

AS that paper says, Those claiming to be the true founders of Heroica have returned and have judged us unworthy.  One calling herself the Dragon told me to ask all of you to have patience.  If we are the force for good we claim we will be welcomed back.  By the Wanderer, that sounds incredibly arrogant does it not?  If she deems us worthy she will allow us to once again return to where we have dedicated our lives.

[Alfadas]

6 minutes ago, MysticModulus said:

Ezeran looks concerned, the symbiont agitated by all the new sensory inputs wiggles its tongue to and fro as in sensing for energies from other dimensions. 

"The circumstances are troubling but it's good that we are together in this. I missed you on our last quest." looking proudly at Petaldan he continues "Petaldan will go to the history books one day I'm sure. You should have seen his courage standing up to that crazy old man on our last mission."

I wish I could have seen you both in action. Petaldan told me you were quite on point with your magic? 

[MysticModulus]

Just now, Alfadas said:

I wish I could have seen you both in action. Petaldan told me you were quite on point with your magic? 

"Yes, the demonic energies concerning the painting helped med considerably I only hope we didn't attract scarier things out there..."

1 minute ago, Asphalt said:

AS that paper says, Those claiming to be the true founders of Heroica have returned and have judged us unworthy.  One calling herself the Dragon told me to ask all of you to have patience.  If we are the force for good we claim we will be welcomed back.  By the Wanderer, that sounds incredibly arrogant does it not?  If she deems us worthy she will allow us to once again return to where we have dedicated our lives.

"Can anyone verify that they are indeed whom they claim to be?"

Edited January 6, 2018 by MysticModulus

[CMP]

Atramor stared at the newspaper image of the Founders and frowned.

Just now, MysticModulus said:

"Can anyone verify that they are indeed what they claim to be?"

"...Sort of. Maybe."

Atramor looked over at Skuld.

"You took a bunch of heroes to the Golden Dragon's place here in the Hovels once, didn't ya'?" He scratched his chin. "Think Hybros told me 'bout it once; didn't she have her own tomb there? I ain't a grave robber, but maybe we'll learn somethin' or other..."

Edited January 6, 2018 by CMP

[Palathadric]

"The Golden Dragon was buried here in Eubric? And people have visited the tomb?" I gasp incredulously.

41 minutes ago, MysticModulus said:

"Can anyone verify that they are indeed whom they claim to be?"

"They certainly look as similar as can be expected."

1 hour ago, MysticModulus said:

"Petaldan will go to the history books one day I'm sure. You should have seen his courage standing up to that crazy old man on our last mission."

I blush. "Oh...really, I didn't even fight him at the end. It was Ezeran and the others who took him down."

1 hour ago, MysticModulus said:

"Well this is an interesting development..."

"Torald says he's not allowed at the hall anymore...or something."

5 hours ago, Khorne said:

Then he spotted Pretzel the Monk and then Throlar, the ambassador. "You have got to be kidding me", the Nord stood there, somewhat flabbergasted.

"Well, Nord! It's good to see you, I guess I should say. Where have you been? Stayed with Heroica too long that you felt you were leaving behind your Nordic corruption too much and had to leave so that you could regain it?"

Edited January 6, 2018 by Palathadric

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke looks around to those fellows Heroicans gather within the tavern.  He knows something is coming, but, by the looks of it, they would be ready.  He set his jaw, mulling the upcoming battles, trying to see each and every one of their abilities and roles.  

Were the veterans, the 'original' veterans, friends or foes?

[samurai-turtle]

9 hours ago, Palathadric said:

I love at the demon's comment.

"You think you could kick her megablocks?!? I should like to see that fight."

If it comes down to it, I would certainly try to. You can not be afraid of these people. Besides it would not be the first time I faced down a dragon. 

2 hours ago, MysticModulus said:

Reading the newspaper over other heroes shoulder Ezeran and the symbiont shudders. "This is not good. Not good at all..." 

Noticing Ezeran for the first time. See, I am not the only one thinking their is something off. 

2 hours ago, Asphalt said:

AS that paper says, Those claiming to be the true founders of Heroica have returned and have judged us unworthy.  One calling herself the Dragon told me to ask all of you to have patience.  If we are the force for good we claim we will be welcomed back.  By the Wanderer, that sounds incredibly arrogant does it not?  If she deems us worthy she will allow us to once again return to where we have dedicated our lives.

It reminds me of a song. Trying to sing it if not poorly. Here comes the new boss same as the old one. 

So are we going to do something or just sit here all night crying? 

[StickFig]

Matthias drinks in all the talk in silence, wondering whether the strength and assurance he felt during the last mission was all an illusion. It certainly seemed so.

[The Legonater]

The Founders shut down Heroica, and the people rejoice. Is this what we've come to? Can we truly redeem ourselves from this?

2 hours ago, CMP said:

Atramor looked over at Skuld.

"You took a bunch of heroes to the Golden Dragon's place here in the Hovels once, didn't ya'?" He scratched his chin. "Think Hybros told me 'bout it once; didn't she have her own tomb there? I ain't a grave robber, but maybe we'll learn somethin' or other..."

1

As far as plans go, that's not a bad start. If we can challenge the legitimacy of these Founders, that would be a good step towards bringing back Heroica. 

Just now, StickFig said:

Matthias drinks in all the talk in silence, wondering whether the strength and assurance he felt during the last mission was all an illusion. It certainly seemed so.

Noting the smaller man's presence Dyric gives a friendly wave. 

Matthias! How have you fared since our trip to Etheria?

[Waterbrick Down]

4 hours ago, MysticModulus said:

Ezeran looks concerned, the symbiont agitated by all the new sensory inputs wiggles its tongue to and fro as in sensing for energies from other dimensions. 

"The circumstances are troubling but it's good that we are together in this. I missed you on our last quest." looking proudly at Petaldan he continues "Petaldan will go to the history books one day I'm sure. You should have seen his courage standing up to that crazy old man on our last mission."

The symbiont manages to detect the presence of multiple extra-planer energies, but their exact location and from whence they stem is discernible.

3 hours ago, CMP said:

Atramor looked over at Skuld.

"You took a bunch of heroes to the Golden Dragon's place here in the Hovels once, didn't ya'?" He scratched his chin. "Think Hybros told me 'bout it once; didn't she have her own tomb there? I ain't a grave robber, but maybe we'll learn somethin' or other..."

"Under the Dragon House, yes."


"What's that about the Dragon House? Ya know most of it's burnt down, right?"

1 hour ago, samurai-turtle said:

So are we going to do something or just sit here all night crying? 

"That's the question, is it not?"

A drunk Copper Fox stumbles into the Lady Luck's and collapses at the bar, sobbing. The Feathered Serpent enters after him.


"Don't mind him, he just found out about Cain." The orc pauses for a moment before speaking, "I am sorry heroes, your leaders have failed you. While our hall was being invaded, we were too concerned with our own affairs, too tied into our own personal causes that we never stopped to consider the cause we had joined together to advance. We let factions come before family and if we had truly cared we would have led you and this city into the bright shining beacon of hope, now we are but a shattered dream of what could have been. If you'll listen we'd like to make things right."

[Alfadas]

3 minutes ago, The Legonater said:

As far as plans go, that's not a bad start. If we can challenge the legitimacy of these Founders, that would be a good step towards bringing back Heroica. 

Right. Pretty good start. But if that doesn't help us, I promised to go looking for the Oracle after this whole ordeal. Maybe we can look after where She's gone if the Golden Dragon's place turns up empty or something? The Oracle is bound to know something that could be useful for us?

Edited January 6, 2018 by Alfadas

[MysticModulus]

Just now, Waterbrick Down said:

The symbiont manages to detect the presence of multiple extra-planer energies, but their exact location and from whence they stem is discernible.

 

Closing in on Vindsval Ezeran whispers to him. "I know people listen  to you and that you are wise. My symbiont is picking up planar energies nearby, could be anything really but we should not rule out that it has to do with these events."

[The Legonater]

4 minutes ago, Waterbrick Down said:

A drunk Copper Fox stumbles into the Lady Luck's and collapses at the bar, sobbing. The Feathered Serpent enters after him.


"Don't mind him, he just found out about Cole." The orc pauses for a moment before speaking, "I am sorry heroes, your leaders have failed you. While our hall was being invaded, we were too concerned with our own affairs, too tied into our own personal causes that we never stopped to consider the cause we had joined together to advance. We let factions come before family and if we had truly cared we would have led you and this city into the bright shining beacon of hope, now we are but a shattered dream of what could have been. If you'll listen we'd like to make things right."

1

Rone watches the scene, aghast as the disgraced Veterans step into the Locale. Men he once looked up to, men he once respected; they were reduced to playing as victims, sobbing, acclimating messes. Men who abandoned Heroica for the Wolfgang now pleaded for forgiveness. Men who had let Heroica fall into disgrace now disgraced themselves. Dyric had no pity.

Look, Serpent, I think I speak for all of us here when I say: to Hel with your apologies. The Founders took a good look at your Heroica and found it wanting - and honestly? I can't blame them. You brought us here. I don't see how you're going to get us out. You have beyond a full party's worth of Heroes who still have their weapons and their pride intact. If anyone is going to restore Heroica to what it was, it'll be us , not you. 

[Khorne]

2 hours ago, Palathadric said:

"Well, Nord! It's good to see you, I guess I should say. Where have you been? Stayed with Heroica too long that you felt you were leaving behind your Nordic corruption too much and had to leave so that you could regain it?"

The Nord looked down upon the old monk and clicked his tongue. "Riiiight..." Knowing it would probably be best to leave the old coot alone, Eric couldn't help but answer the man's questions. He grinned slyly and replied: "Nej, you know me, Monk. I'm not one susceptible to corruption and I just couldn't bear Heroica tearing itself apart by dividing itself into warring groups. That's just bad for business, so I left." The Nord tapped his nose and winked.

"So, tell me. What's all this about?", Eric asked as he surveyed the bustling tavern. "This place is a shithole."

[Zepher]

On 1/5/2018 at 12:19 PM, CMP said:

"What, are we all settin' up shop here now?" remarked Atramor, while divesting himself of the armory of weapons he was carrying. "Ain't no Heroica Hall, that's for sure. S'pose it'll do." The rogue tilted his hat towards the heroes in the room and gravitated towards what was left of the first few he recalled seeing in the Hall, most notable of whom was Boomingham, who he gave a thorough slap on the shoulder as he observed the area. "Much as I'd love to sit here drinkin', mates, we need to take the Hall back. Besides, they're free there. City's fallin' apart or somethin', right? Well, I guess we're gonna have to put the damn thing back together piece by piece, huh? Show those Founders who's really been lookin' out for Eubric ever since their crusty behinds split on it."

Boomingham’s face cracks into a smile, especially once Atramaor buys a round for everyone. “Thought you might be dead. Should have known to not get my hopes up.”

On 1/5/2018 at 3:36 PM, UsernameMDM said:

 

 

A smile spread across Hoke's lips.  He poked Althior and pointed out the 'newcomers'.

"I thought this place was a dump before, but know I'm certain it is," he calls out to the trio, still smiling.

“Hm. My young apprentice,” Boomingham laughs as he waves to the much stronger man. “Glad to see you’ve come to serve under me again in a time of need.”

Boomingham winces at the deaths of the veterans, and against his best intentions prickles a little at the special Veteran. But when the young Dyric Rone begins lecturing Boomingham stands up.

”Dont presume to talk for all of us,” grumbles Boomingham. Turning to the veteran: “I don’t think a bit of ol’ leadership would do the city wrong. Real question is if this is the right type of leadership. The Hall has stopped a threat or two, and the Houses might not be the best of people, but they’re hardly the worse.” Boomingham reflects briefly on the Founder’s Ball. “So I guess our real question is what the Hel are these folks?”

[MysticModulus]

Just now, Zepher said:

Boomingham’s face cracks into a smile, especially once Atramaor buys a round for everyone. “Thought you might be dead. Should have known to not get my hopes up.”

“Hm. My young apprentice,” Boomingham laughs as he waves to the much stronger man. “Glad to see you’ve come to serve under me again in a time of need.”

Boomingham winces at the deaths of the veterans, and against his best intentions prickles a little at the special Veteran. But when the young Dyric Rone begins lecturing Boomingham stands up.

”Dont presume to talk for all of us,” grumbles Boomingham. Turning to the veteran: “I don’t think a bit of ol’ leadership would do the city wrong. Real question is if this is the right type of leadership. The Hall has stopped a threat or two, and the Houses might not be the best of people, but they’re hardly the worse.” Boomingham reflects briefly on the Founder’s Ball. “So I guess our real question is what the Hel are these folks?”

"A balanced oligarchy can be better than an autocratic dictatorship, I can't vouch for the self proclaimed saviours. Can they be trusted? I sense the risk of foul play here..." 

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke listens as the others speak.  There was much to learn.

[StickFig]

59 minutes ago, The Legonater said:

Matthias! How have you fared since our trip to Etheria?

"I am well, Master Dyric, though I do not like what is happening now; and yourself?"