Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[Flipz]

Why would Cronk not have hair? Cronk not that old yet. Cronk just like wearing helmets.

"I see. I suppose I understand that--this hat of mine hasn't left my head in years...If I may ask, when you do not wear a helmet, what sort of style do you use?"

OOC: Translation: "Flipz is ordering an Orc head so he can build Cronk, but can't find the proper helmet at a reasonable price."

Edited August 18, 2012 by Flipz

[Zepher]

The doors of the hall slam open and Boomingham tumbles in back first, bottle in hand.

"Damn..." he mumbles as he pulls himself to his feet. "Damn that little guy. I can't get it his words out of my head, and I can't... I can't get him to be here where I actually need him. Damn."

Boomingham spins around and sees that the hall has picked up traffic wise... significantly. His eyes drift over the large Ogre warily and quickly - with such a stature it's no shock he draws attention. He nods to Thothick, a fellow he had once had a short and pleasant conversation with. He glances over at the bar, wondering if perhaps it's time for another drink... and sees his favorite drink already flaming, in one of his favorite people's hands. Boomingham grins widely and passes his bottle off to Althior, the nearest hero, before shoving his way through the mass of people and plopping down in the chair next to Nyx. She is mid-conversation with Nerwen, the cleric Boomingham met briefly on the Quest that had ended due to poorly planned time travel. He clears his throat.

"One Flaming Gumball, please!" he hollers at Scheherazade.

[CMP]

Atramor strides back into the hall as well, grinning as Galen's gold and Namyyra's Topaz had been left behind in exchange for his Katana and Scroll of Sealing, respectively. He scooped both into his cloak, taking one of the few remaining seats at the bar, vaguely ordering an odd-sounding beverage everyone (even Wren) seemed to enjoy - though, once served, the fruity, inhumanly sweet colors and aromas turned him off. Only a cautious sip was taken before he sputtered the brew back into its cup.

"Sweet friggin' Ennoc, that's booze?! What have you people done to this stuff??"

He shook his head, instead just ordering a welcoming bottle of rum.

[CorneliusMurdock]

"I see. I suppose I understand that--this hat of mine hasn't left my head in years...If I may ask, when you do not wear a helmet, what sort of style do you use?"

OOC: Translation: "Flipz is ordering an Orc head so he can build Cronk, but can't find the proper helmet at a reasonable price."

Why would Cronk not wear helmet? Helmets are nice and cozy. Keep head safe from evil.

OOC: I've never decided on a hair style. I hope to go into Cronk's backstory a little at some point. I hope to have it decided by then.

[Flipz]

Arthur sees a tall, dark-garbed Battle Mage at the bar, a row of flaming beverages in front of her and her companions. He knew this must be the legendary Nyx, Mage on the mysterious Quest 0. He, too slides up to the bar, bumping into a gray-bearded Paladin in the process, spilling the man's drink. "Oh, I'm sorry--Schezerade, two more of these, please." Turning to address both the paladin and Nyx, he continues. "The name's Arthur. Arthur Justus Regulus, the seventh. I recently learned the ways of the Sorcerer, my time in Dastan taught me much. I saw you--" at this, Arthur nodded respectfully at Nyx "--briefly in the final battle, but I did not get a chance to speak. You are one of the great Heroes who walked this Hall before any of the rest of us, are you not? As for you, sir--" this time Arthur addressed Boomingham "--I do not recall meeting you before, but I have seen your face around the Hall. In the company of Master Docken, if I am not mistaken, correct?"

[Rufus]

Rufindel tosses and turns in his slumber in one of the dim corners of the echoing hall.

'Keystone ... guards ... antiquary ... Strivian ... chicken ...' he mutters in his nightmares.

Suddenly he is awake and bolt upright. 'Strivian!' he yells, then marches over to the board and signs his name next to the Strivian Job before it's too late.

[CMP]

"...Damn. You've been asleep long enough," chuckles Atramor, nodding to Rufindel and scratching the feathers behind McCafferey's neck.

[Zepher]

"Don't believe we've had the pleasure, but you must have heard the name. Lord Boomingham, King of the Desert and the Dead Kingdom? Slayer of the Bluehood?" Boomingham smiles. "Docken is one of my war buddies, yes indeed. So is this lovely lady. We were just about to catch up when you injected yourself. Grab a chair on my other side, and you can quiz Nyx all you like as soon as I'm done giving her the warmest welcome."

[Flipz]

Arthur notes Rufindel as another mysterious Test Quester, and is surprised to see him so under-equipped. "Excuse me," he says, "I noticed that you have just one Artifact suitable for you. Would you be interested in my Robe of Magi (SP:1) for 20 gold? It's 10 less than the price in the Marketplace..."

"Don't believe we've had the pleasure, but you must have heard the name. Lord Boomingham, King of the Desert and the Dead Kingdom? Slayer of the Bluehood?" Boomingham smiles. "Docken is one of my war buddies, yes indeed. So is this lovely lady. We were just about to catch up when you injected yourself. Grab a chair on my other side, and you can quiz Nyx all you like as soon as I'm done giving her the warmest welcome."

" You ARE an impressive Hero! I can see why the lady Nyx would appreciate your company." Arthur feels the weight of Gold in his pocket, and, loathe as he was to part with it, he knew this was a debt he needed to settle now. "Milord, since you are a companion of Master Docken, would it trouble you too much to hold on to this 50 gold I owe him, and deliver it to him when you and he next meet?"

Edited August 18, 2012 by Flipz

[Zepher]

Boomingham laughs again. "Sure thing. Docken is used to me paying him debts."

[Scubacarrot]

The doors suddenly swing open, a huffing and puffing guardsman comes running in, stopping at the Questing Board. He scrapes his throat, trying (and failing) to get the attention of the Heroes around him. He reads from a scroll the participants for Quest 40, The Strivvian Job.

• Lord Lawrence T. Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader*
• Ellaria Arbour (Sandy)
• Atramor Gibbin (Callmepie)
• Skrall (Waterbrick Down)
• Nyx (Pandora)
• Rufindel Galadhras (Rufus)

He also mentions the location where the chosen Heroes are supposed to meet with the Town Watch, and encloses a waiver that reads that the Town Watch is not responsible or will compensate for anything that happens to the Heroes overseas, on sea, or otherwise in service of the Town Watch, to sign for the heroes. The heroes are expected within 24 hours.

Please do any last minute shopping, say your goodbyes to the ones you love, and otherwise prepare before you leave, the Quest topic will be up soon!

Edited August 18, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[Scorpiox]

Skrall raised himself from his bench and took a seat closer to the Nord, "My apologies Haldor, it's been a long trip. Yes Wren was there, could we have expected anythin' else? With such chaos and destruction being wrought by an empire in turmoil it is little wonder that she had a front row seat for the event. Nay though, I had very little dealin's with her except to do her bidding which it would seem we are always forced to do no matter how hard we try. A group of rogue lion knights tried resurrectin' a Chimera, sod ugly beast if ya ask me, and Wren wasn't too much fer lettin' the creature live so she gave us heroes a choice. Let the Chimera decimate the empire or do her biddin' and kill it fer her. Not much of choice was there? She wasn't at the final battle, but she sent enough of her beasts in to do her dirty work. Seems she was after a seer child or some sort, Tarn the barbarian over there could probably tell ya more about her." The Ogre let out a long sigh, "I'm gettin' old Haldor, most Ogres barely reach their 30's before they're killed for either doin' something stupid or because they're the unfair target of people's prejudices. Point is, I've tried followin' after everything I thought would bring me some closure, some satisfaction and it all seemed for naught. Love, family, riches, glory, noble causes, revenge against Wren, nothin'. My hopes is a quest down south will give me some time to think and straighten things out."

Haldor ran his fingers through his red hair. "It's as though she just treats the whole thing as a jest. The war didn't concern her, but there she turned up, using the oppertunity to raise as much hell as possible. But the unusual thing is, why didn't she want the beast to live, if it would roar around trampling through order as it went? If anything, she could use it, let she took you and the others to bring it down. If all she wants is chaos and death, why not ride the wake of the beast as it brought about plenty of that? What if she has other motives, if not just the causing of chaos, for being in Dastan?" The Nord's face was a picture of indifference, but it was clear that he spoke with urgency. "As much as you did the right thing, I have to wonder why she did what she did. If she had decided to let it be, it would have ripped the kingdom in half before anyone could so much as think. Unless total anarchy was not what she had wanted. Unless she wants more. I don't know, Skrall, I don't know a bloody thing. But that is why I have to go back to Haddon, I have to get things straight. Back there, she wanted the rebellion to give a knew, darker lawless, light upon the town. She nearly made us do it, but in Dastan it sounds as though she tried to make sure that it was her who made the rules." Haldor placed his mug firmly down upon the table. He fervently touched a lucky charm, bearing the emblem of Thoric, before sighing again. "You're not old, Skrall, just tired, we're all tired of this. But there ain't nothing more refreshing than knowing that you've done some good. See if you don't feel better after taking some light work, maybe you need a break from the apocalyptic battles and intricate plots for a while." The Norseman laughed for a few moments before picking up his mug again, and lifting it up. "A man couldn't have a better friend, Skrall, my old mate. Take a rest, recline yourself, have a drink. Raise your glass, to the both of us. And Nur, wherever the hell he is."

"...Oh, and where you planning on doing anything with that plaything of yours? The last one I saw nearly caused Tesni to gut Hoke, so they must be good."

Edited August 18, 2012 by Scorpiox

[Zepher]

A silly looking quiet man slips into the Hall, tacks something on the Questboard, and slips back out.

Chosen Players Quest 38

Haldor (Scorpiox) *Party Leader*

Alexis (Masked Builder)

Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M)

Arthur (Flipz)

Cronk (CorneliusMurdoch)

Huzzah for remembering the rules for advanced classes! We still leave on Monday. Fields of Glory folks, if you'd both rather stay there, I can fill your spots with someone else, though you know I'd love to have you!

[Flipz]

Haldor ran his fingers through his red hair. "It's as though she just treats the whole thing as a jest. The war didn't concern her, but there she turned up, using the oppertunity to raise as much hell as possible. But the unusual thing is, why didn't she want the beast to live, if it would roar around trampling through order as it went? If anything, she could use it, let she took you and the others to bring it down. If all she wants is chaos and death, why not ride the wake of the beast as it brought about plenty of that? What if she has other motives, if not just the causing of chaos, for being in Dastan?" The Nord's face was a picture of indifference, but it was clear that he spoke with urgency. "As much as you did the right thing, I have to wonder why she did what she did. If she had decided to let it be, it would have ripped the kingdom in half before anyone could so much as think. Unless total anarchy was not what she had wanted. Unless she wants more. I don't know, Skrall, I don't know a bloody thing. But that is why I have to go back to Haddon, I have to get things straight. Back there, she wanted the rebellion to give a knew, darker lawless, light upon the town. She nearly made us do it, but in Dastan it sounds as though she tried to make sure that it was her who made the rules." Haldor placed his mug firmly down upon the table. He fervently touched a lucky charm, bearing the emblem of Thoric, before sighing again. "You're not old, Skrall, just tired, we're all tired of this. But there ain't nothing more refreshing than knowing that you've done some good. See if you don't feel better after taking some light work, maybe you need a break from the apocalyptic battles and intricate plots for a while." The Norseman laughed for a few moments before picking up his mug again, and lifting it up. "A man couldn't have a better friend, Skrall, my old mate. Take a rest, recline yourself, have a drink. Raise your glass, to the both of us. And Nur, wherever the hell he is."

"...Oh, and where you planning on doing anything with that plaything of yours? The last one I saw nearly caused Tesni to gut Hoke, so they must be good."

"Chaos is not merely about dismay and destruction. It's more...subtle than that." Arthur looks to the Plaything. "You see that Plaything? It's a tool of creation, not destruction, as are Zoot's Cookies. Chaos Beasts are equal parts creation and destruction. Mastering the art of Chaos is about taking the unrestrained turmoil all around you and harnessing it, to change the world around you as you see fit. The goal isn't to tear the world down, nor to build it...the power of Chaos is the power to alter. That's why it is so feared; for what is more fearsome than change, unfamiliarity the unknown? That, too is the lure of Chaos, for in its power you may determine the change of the world, and so know you are prepared for it. And that is, indeed, why fighting Chaos itself is, ultimately futile. One cannot change change itself, and in the attempt, Change changes you." Arthur looks straight into Skrall's eyes, to emphasize his point. "Remember: you can never stop Chaos; you can only choose who controls it."

[CMP]

Atramor grinned as his name was called by the all-too familiar town watchman. Best part, he'd met his entire party before - Boomingham, well, it was nearly a year ago, during their first Quest, but he didn't seem to have change, judging by his intoxicated form lumbering around the saloon. Ellaria he'd also met, and apparently she was now a Druid, not to mention Rufindel was coming along again. Those two alone could handle the entire party's healing, which gave him much more opportunity to cut up some enemies. And of course, Nyx and Skrall, who'd been in Dastan as well.

All in all, a highly effective sounding party.

[Tanma]

"Chaos is not merely about dismay and destruction. It's more...subtle than that." Arthur looks to the Plaything. "You see that Plaything? It's a tool of creation, not destruction, as are Zoot's Cookies. Chaos Beasts are equal parts creation and destruction. Mastering the art of Chaos is about taking the unrestrained turmoil all around you and harnessing it, to change the world around you as you see fit. The goal isn't to tear the world down, nor to build it...the power of Chaos is the power to alter. That's why it is so feared; for what is more fearsome than change, unfamiliarity the unknown? That, too is the lure of Chaos, for in its power you may determine the change of the world, and so know you are prepared for it. And that is, indeed, why fighting Chaos itself is, ultimately futile. One cannot change change itself, and in the attempt, Change changes you." Arthur looks straight into Skrall's eyes, to emphasize his point. "Remember: you can never stop Chaos; you can only choose who controls it."

IC: De'kra clicked from some ways away, "But if chaos is control by someone, it is no longer random. Very definition of chaos, at least as I know it, is unpredictable, random. So if someone could manipulate chaos, and chaos follow orders of person, would chaos not be order by that person's wishes? Because why truly chaotic people can exist, they would be too random to control anything for long. So in end, chaos could not be control, for it will stop be chaos. Not mean Wren not threat though. And I agree chaos not all bad, is free will not chaotic? But I not think it can truly be control, it goes against its naturet."

[Flipz]

"And I agree chaos not all bad, is free will not chaotic?"

"Ah, but you've put your finger right on it; what is more chaotic than the human spirit? And let us not forget that our actions, no matter how meticulously planned, may have unforseen consequences. Was not our entire journey in Dastan a lesson in this? Chaos is a matter of control over change, not foreknowledge of it. Indeed, foreknowledge is the bane of Chaos, for it robs it of its surprise, its sting. A plentiful source of Chaos IS when people do the wrong thing while thinking it is right, after all; how differently might Quests 7 and 19 have turned out had the truth of the matter been known beforehand! Dear Ella of Dastan is the antithesis of Chaos; had the Lady Wren taken her, she would have removed a dangerous obstacle, in addition to whatever other purpose she had in mind for the girl."

OOC: C'mon, Atramor, tell Arthur about that last conversation with Wren, after we all split up!

Edited August 18, 2012 by Flipz

[Tanma]

"Ah, but you've put your finger right on it; what is more chaotic than the human spirit? And let us not forget that our actions, no matter how meticulously planned, may have unforseen consequences. Was not our entire journey in Dastan a lesson in this? Chaos is a matter of control over change, not foreknowledge of it. Indeed, foreknowledge is the bane of Chaos, for it robs it of its surprise, its sting. A plentiful source of Chaos IS when people do the wrong thing while thinking it is right, after all; how differently might Quests 7 and 19 have turned out had the truth of the matter been known beforehand! Dear Ella of Dastan is the antithesis of Chaos; had the Lady Wren taken her, she would have removed a dangerous obstacle, in addition to whatever other purpose she had in mind for the girl."

OOC: C'mon, Atramor, tell Arthur about that last conversation with Wren, after we all split up!

IC : De'kra replied, "But spirits not only chaotic. Take Shadeaux and Hinckwell, can you image their leaders embrace each other as brothers and abandon pursuit of money? Or picture Cronk torture innocent children? No, that would not happen. There many things people will not enact, because of morals, logic, common sense, and other factors. Maybe even because it not in their nature. Spirits not solely chaotic, they order too. Nothing can be pure chaos, because if anything is pure then it has order. And order in mortals is enough to make "chaos" predictable. Everything has pattern, Wren as well. All it takes is find it."

OOC: De'kra doesn't really believe in miracles or magic, everything can be understood by science. He acknowledges Ether, but he believes it could be analyzed and understood.

[CMP]

"I think ya' guys are overthinkin' it. Wren is just a crazy zealot obsessed with chaos. Plain and simple, and she deserves her head on a plaque in the hall. As for her purpose in Dastan, she told us all right before she left: she wants to bring Zoot to the livin' world. Sacrificed Sphinx, tried to do so to Ella, and, well...I dunno. I don't make a fuss about the gods, but, well, from what I can see, it looks like she might actually be able to do it. Stole an object from Dastan, some sort of device called the Spiritus Intendere, supposed to make spirits submit to a mortal. I think in the end, she'll be destroyin' herself tryin' to use it..."

Atramor shrugged casually, gulping his rum.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded grimly, though he avoided eye contact with the witch, "There are ways to steal god's power, hence why Wren is threat. Question is has she found proper technique, and is her body made to withstand that kind of power? I personally doubt it, base on experience...Maybe...maybe we talk about it when you return from Quest 38? I would suggest use link-books if they are work, but and Wren on your mind you might not want distraction."

[Flipz]

IC: De'kra nodded grimly, though he avoided eye contact with the witch, "There are ways to steal god's power, hence why Wren is threat. Question is has she found proper technique, and is her body made to withstand that kind of power? I personally doubt it, base on experience...Maybe...maybe we talk about it when you return from Quest 38? I would suggest use link-books if they are work, but and Wren on your mind you might not want distraction."

"I believe the power of Chaos interferes with the books' reception. The spell was designed by one of Zoot's Rebels, after all, perhaps my father intended to discourage m--erm, users of the Journals from seeking the knowledge of Chaos." Of course, it didn't work--not in the slightest--but I guess I can't fault Dad for trying. "Caroline told me she had discovered a way, but I'll never know...our paths diverged." And yet, ironically, they now run closer than ever.

Arthur pondered Atramor's words, then started suddenly as a new piece clicked into the puzzle. "Atramor...are you sure Wren sacrificed Sphinx? Are you sure she did not simply Dominate him? And what exact purpose did she have for Ella? Can you possibly recall her exact words?"

***

Just outside, a bearded figure peeks in the window, watching Arthur and the others intently...

[TheBoyWonder]

Chaos. EUBRIC IS chaos.

[Pandora]

Nyx carries on chatting to Nerwen and Will, when behind her she hears a very loud, and very familiar, voice.

"Larry!!!!"

She cannot keep the excitement out of her voice, and she whirls around to see him settling onto a barstool next to her, with a devilish grin on his face.

"You! You old goat you!" she chides, but this time whilst wearing a matching grin "How the devil are you, you drunken old sot?!" and before he can answer, she flings her arms around him, hugging him as tightly as she did the last time they said goodbye. "I've missed you." she whispers, hugging him tighter still. She releases her grip in order to look him up and down. "You're looking well. How's Barty? Flown off in disgust at more of your antics? I swear you behave so badly sometimes just to get a rise out of him, poor little guy." Nyx laughs as she finishes, and giggles more as an unknown Mage spills Boomingham's drink and quickly (and wisely in her opinion) replaces it with another. He introduces himself, as the bar gets busier and busier with more and more heroes returning from Dastan.

"Nice to meet you Arthur, I… have a sense of you; it's probably a remnant of Vipera communicating our thoughts in that last battle, like you said, and yeah I was one of the first, but I really wasn't great at all back then. I think word got out about Heroica, and soon there were all kinds of heroes beating a path to its door, so the six of us that were here before really weren't here all that long. I remember Atramor there being the first to turn up afterwards, and I really thought Heroica might be in trouble if everyone turned up with a farmyard animal, but no-one turned up with a goat, so it's all ok. Says a lot for advertising, really."

As she mentions Atramor, she sees him trying a Flaming Gumball, and spitting the drink back into the glass with the most disgusted expression on his face. She grins as she talks about him to Arthur, and once she finishes calls out to Atramor.

"You know, they do taste a whole lot better if you set them on fire. "

Nyx is about to excitedly tell Boomingham all about her adventures in Dastan, but as she opens her mouth, an out of breath guardsman begins to call out the names for the Strivvian Job. So she was indeed to continue to work with the Town Watch, and not only that, Boomingham was to come too, and as Party Leader to boot. Hardly surprising that Rufindel would return, and Atramor as well - she'd barely had a moment without him it seemed. Skrall she remembered from Dastan, he was a level headed dude, and he'd managed that last battle well, in her opinion. Ellaria.. hmm, she'd heard her name in catches of conversation, but didn't remember ever meeting her.

"Haha! Looks like we'll be fighting side by side again, Larry. I was worried I wouldn't have time to tell you about Dastan and hear all about your adventures, but if I remember correctly Strivvi's a loooong boat-ride away, so we'll have aaaaages to catch up on the way. I'm so glad you're coming along too."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra paused for a time, listen in though. Finally he clicked, "Why you think someone would want to control chaos, or affect it? Ignore paradox of randomness under control of course."

[CMP]

"I have no idea, Arthur, she said he had information about how to contain a divinity, but I doubt that means he'd be alive for long."

Atramor turns to Nyx, and shakes his head in disgust.

"Mate, I've had a lotta drinks over the years, but I don't know how the hell this...fruit punch can pass for booze. Spiced rum's the most flavor I'm willin' to get outta a drink...well, in any case, it's good to see you're friendly with Boomin'ham, it means he's either hardy enough to handle a serious Quest or outta his damn mind. Party leaders are generally onna the two."