Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[Bricksandparts]

"It' ok, nothing to get upset about." Johon says, reassuring Karie.

Johon aims at Rock C

[Kintobor]

Karie goes back and sits on the stump, putting her bow next to her. It seemed see didn't have the archer's touch. She crosses her arms and watches Drake.

"It seems archery takes longer to learn than I expected. A little too long if you ask me. I'll let Johan finish that last rock, I'm rather hungry."

Karie pulls out a flask full of water and a small bag filled to the brim with trail mix, which she begins to devour while watching Johon aim. She pulls out her dagger and begins to play around with it.

[herrJJ]

Johon aimed for the last stone. He aimed. And aimed. And... let loose a heavy... sigh. He had lost the tension. So again. He held his breath, aimed for the far distant stone and released the arrow.

Johon - Rock C (6)

The speed of the arrow was astonishing. Though the direction was not. The arrow flew high above the target, really fast, but still above.

"Don't be disappointed. It does not work everytime." Nessa winked, prepared a bolt, aimed shortly and released her shot.

Nessa - Rock C (1)

The stone, barely to see, fell to the ground. "Oops. Perhaps it does. But now that you have finished your course I am sure you will make your way the ranger style." Nessa turned around and whistled an old tune.

OOC: This was so DLL-style - the Queen of Randomness was on my side - this time

[Palathadric]

"I think dodging requires skill. If a blow is coming at me, and I feel the need to duck to save myself, do not call that 'betraying the party.' There is nothing sinful about hiding. Besides, protecting is not the role of a Black Knight. I am not supposed to take damage and soak up hits, I'm meant to obliterate the enemy. And often I sacrifice my health to provide more strength. If I'm hit, I might be a goner."

"Yes, but protecting is the role of a knight. To train as a Black Knight is to shirk that role and then to allow blows that you are meant to absorb with your shield to strike your fellow heroes, that is betrayal. As Docken said, Berserkers are much more devastating to the enemy than Black Knights and they can be called upon to protect the heroes when need be. When can never fully count on a Black Knight to be there when you need them. Mystic Knight is another class like that, but I wouldn't advise going that way simply because magic is too risky an element to wield, if you understand.

Black knights are only really devastating against a few select beings. Put a black knight against a flock of demons for instance, and he will be well-nigh useless. I look into your eyes and I don't see the kind of hero who would knowingly betray his party, I just see someone who is bored of the role he's been given in life and wants to try something more exciting. Remember, knight (I don't believe I know your name), that with the honour of being called a 'hero' comes the responsibility of abiding in your calling. You are a knight and are therefore called to protect your fellow heroes. Don't run away from your calling seeking something more 'exciting.' Remember you responsibility to others. You have a powerful shield and you are meant to use it to the betterment of others. Let the barbarians and the rogues dish out the damage, you protect them so they can keep doing so. Each class of hero has his own responsibilities. Do not rush too quickly to fill another's role to the abandonment of your own."

"Hmm. Yes, You are mistaken. My devotion to Sylvania knows no bounds. It is the reason for all my actions. I can understand however that you may come to some false conclusions as to my identity due to its veiled nature, but I assure you, I am not a man-made abomination. I apologize for any false conclusions that you may have drawn.

"The fruit is not the offspring, though, you see. The offspring is the seed within the fruit which cannot be born without first being digested or otherwise removed from the tree. It is not an evil, but rather, a good to assist in the birthing process of a tree. An apple may, in fact, be more similar to a hair from the head of a man who's hairs grow into other men. Trees are not like humans." Stated Sylph, amused.

"Ah, I must have misunderstood your meaning then."

"I apologize for my lack of perceptiveness. Your movements just didn't strike me as being very natural and masking helmets can do strange things to one's looks. You seem to speak well, for the most part, and there is certainly a good deal of truth to your words. So, druid, is it? Would you happen to know one Erdathcath? A wood elf, I believe. She plied her trade as a druid when I quested with her, but I haven't seen her since."

[Bricksandparts]

"Ok, should we start practice in agility?" Johon asks.

[Kintobor]

Karie applauds Johon's excellent marksmanship.

"Nice shot! Now then, I brought some food and wine, why don't we take a break and have something to eat?"

Karie pulls out a few roast beef sandwiches, a few carrots, and a bottle of Falana Wine, which she pours into three cups.

"No I didn't steal them, technically. I grabbed everything from the bar before we left. So there's no need to feel guilty!"

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Yes, but protecting is the role of a knight. To train as a Black Knight is to shirk that role and then to allow blows that you are meant to absorb with your shield to strike your fellow heroes, that is betrayal. As Docken said, Berserkers are much more devastating to the enemy than Black Knights and they can be called upon to protect the heroes when need be. When can never fully count on a Black Knight to be there when you need them. Mystic Knight is another class like that, but I wouldn't advise going that way simply because magic is too risky an element to wield, if you understand.

Black knights are only really devastating against a few select beings. Put a black knight against a flock of demons for instance, and he will be well-nigh useless. I look into your eyes and I don't see the kind of hero who would knowingly betray his party, I just see someone who is bored of the role he's been given in life and wants to try something more exciting. Remember, knight (I don't believe I know your name), that with the honour of being called a 'hero' comes the responsibility of abiding in your calling. You are a knight and are therefore called to protect your fellow heroes. Don't run away from your calling seeking something more 'exciting.' Remember you responsibility to others. You have a powerful shield and you are meant to use it to the betterment of others. Let the barbarians and the rogues dish out the damage, you protect them so they can keep doing so. Each class of hero has his own responsibilities. Do not rush too quickly to fill another's role to the abandonment of your own."

"I understand, and oh, I'm Alexandre. But I can be good on a team. Not any team, but a good one. If there was me, Docken, and a Cleric at least, we'd be good to go.........."

"...Anyways, I just feel, I don't know. I get angry sometimes. I don't have so much malice because I hold it in. That's my character, it's hard to get me angry. But you know that feeling when you've had enough? You just need to distribute justice and pain to those wrong-doers? I feel that now, and I am going on my own Crusade to end it. I still protect people, but it's just when enemies do Special Damage something unexpected I need to be fast. I get the adrenaline rush, I feel overly excited. That's when I dodge and attack."

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: I believe that Nessa was the one who shot the target, not me.

Johon passes when she is pouring the wine.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don't drink."

Johon is suddenly reminded of how hungry he was and picks up a sandwich and begins to eat. It had been only a few hours after his quest with no food after all.

[Palathadric]

"I understand, and oh, I'm Alexandre. But I can be good on a team. Not any team, but a good one. If there was me, Docken, and a Cleric at least, we'd be good to go.........."

"...Anyways, I just feel, I don't know. I get angry sometimes. I don't have so much malice because I hold it in. That's my character, it's hard to get me angry. But you know that feeling when you've had enough? You just need to distribute justice and pain to those wrong-doers? I feel that now, and I am going on my own Crusade to end it. I still protect people, but it's just when enemies do Special Damage something unexpected I need to be fast. I get the adrenaline rush, I feel overly excited. That's when I dodge and attack."

"Well, Alexander, I can understand your feelings, just consider what an awkward situation you could put your party in. I would advise trying paladin. It is the ultimate class for aiding one's party. A great defender and a healing class at that. Furthermore, enemies' special have a decent chance of not affecting you at all.*

*I think...

[Brickdoctor]

"But I can be good on a team. Not any team, but a good one. If there was me, Docken, and a Cleric at least, we'd be good to go.........."

"And that's where the flaw is. Any hero could do decently when paired with a very strong tank and a healer. It's the team that has to carry the Black Knight to make up for his shortcomings, and the Black Knight doesn't bring any unique abilities to the party. A party with a tank and a Cleric is looking for a big Damage dealer: Hunter, Berserker, Mystic Knight, Battle Mage, Raider. A Black Knight is not a big Damage dealer under most circumstances, is not a reliable tank, cannot heal, and provides no buffs."

"Do note that of the five big Damage dealers I mentioned, three are Rogue or Knight Advanced Classes, so there's always a better alternative to Black Knight in that regard."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra turned up from waiting on the journal as Docken speaks. "Sorry to interrupt Warden," he clicked, "But you seem like you know a lot about classes. What you think is best way Sorcerer like I can help I party?"

Edited May 22, 2013 by Tanma

[CMP]

Current Sign-Ups for Quest #69:

Elgar Glign, Level 22.66 Druid

Romulus Dean, Level 16.5 Raider

Johon, Level 23.66 Raider

Monk Pretzel, Level 16 Paladin

Erik Tyrvarr, Level 12.5 Barbarian

William Harkenshire, Level 18 Warden

Nessa Anarion, Level 13 Ranger

Dreyugr, Level 16 Black Knight

Drake Flamerobe, Level 11.5 Knight

Sylph Solanum, Level 22.66 Druid

Sign-ups close in four hours.

[Brickdoctor]

IC: De'kra turned up from waiting on the journal as Docken speaks. "Sorry to interrupt Warden," he clicked, "But you seem like you know a lot about classes. What you think is best way Sorcerer like I can help I party?"

"No problem. Bartholomew Docken, at your service. Sorcerer, you say?

"Well firstly a Sorcerer isn't a true big Damage dealer at first, so much like the Mage he needs to have a good assortment of gems so he can get the most out of each strike. But where a Sorcerer can really help is in the effects he can deal. Sorcerers have an Area of Effect Shield that Stuns every enemy, which is hugely helpful, especially in saving another hero from taking a Free Hit or enabling a party to fearlessly target a particularly dangerous enemy. Sorcerers also inflict the Confused effect with their fourth skill, which isn't as powerful since Confused still has a 50% chance of not affecting the inflicted enemy, but it's a very respectable fourth skill. And while a Sorcerer is not initially a big Damage dealer, he does deal Damage with his fifth skill - albeit while taking Damage himself - which gives him a greater chance of Damaging the enemy whenever he attacks. Plus a Sorcerer can gain a good amount of Gold.

"A Sorcerer is already a useful class to start with, although perhaps not one of the 'staple classes' that everyone wants in their party. For Rogues, the issue is that there are two other options, Raider and Assassin, which are pretty much always wanted in a party, one being a big Damage-dealer and the other being able to instantly kill an enemy and both usually being buffed by many consumables. For Mages, all the other Advanced Class choices are decent, and Sages will find a spot in many parties, being healers.

"So, I think Sorcerer is more of a platform on which to build a good set of abilities through items you acquire. The right choice of gems in addition to weapons and artifacts that deal or protect from other effects will separate the great Sorcerers from the regular ones. Sorcerers have a little more versatility than some other classes that, being 'staple classes' fall into more specialized roles. I know a hero, one Arthur Justus Regulus VII, who went with Sorcerer and is much more knowledgeable than I when it comes to optimizing a class with the right equipment. His use of Scrolls has turned Sorcerer into a real powerhouse of an offensive support class."

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Alexandre signs up for Quest #69. Maybe he would ne with Sylph again?

"And that's where the flaw is. Any hero could do decently when paired with a very strong tank and a healer. It's the team that has to carry the Black Knight to make up for his shortcomings, and the Black Knight doesn't bring any unique abilities to the party. A party with a tank and a Cleric is looking for a big Damage dealer: Hunter, Berserker, Mystic Knight, Battle Mage, Raider. A Black Knight is not a big Damage dealer under most circumstances, is not a reliable tank, cannot heal, and provides no buffs."

"Do note that of the five big Damage dealers I mentioned, three are Rogue or Knight Advanced Classes, so there's always a better alternative to Black Knight in that regard."

"But I mean really well. I could imagine quite a system of a cleric healing a Black Knight, while he sacrifices all of his health. Don't forgot my consumables, which can double that damage."

[Dannylonglegs]

"I apologize for my lack of perceptiveness. Your movements just didn't strike me as being very natural and masking helmets can do strange things to one's looks. You seem to speak well, for the most part, and there is certainly a good deal of truth to your words. So, druid, is it? Would you happen to know one Erdathcath? A wood elf, I believe. She plied her trade as a druid when I quested with her, but I haven't seen her since."

"I might have met this druid, though I'll admit, it has been a long time since then. I have not met the other female druid, a human, I believe. I have met Elgar. He recently took up the class after spending time as a summoner. My motives are always aimed at liberating nature from the unnatural, and to preserve it. I always make sure that my actions serve the greater good. Similarly, the masking helmet is for protection.. I strive to speak the truth when I can, and I speak it now. However, words are words, and are ultimately meaningless except as tools. It is actions and intentions one should heed. I wish to return to meditating now. This has been an enlightening conversation."

Having grown apathetic to the conversation at hand, Sylph left the table and ordered a glass of water, into which he placed several herbs and returned to his table, hoping to be chosen to go on quest 69.

Edited May 23, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[CMP]

The woman in red returns to the Hall and heads straight to the Quest board.

"Hmm...these five will do quite well, I hope..."

She took a few moments to scribble down the names of the chosen heroes before turning on her heel and exiting.

Chosen Heroes for Quest #69:

Monk Pretzel, Level 16 Paladin, Party Leader

Erik Tyrvarr, Level 12.5 Barbarian

Nessa Anarion, Level 13 Ranger

Dreyugr, Level 16 Black Knight

Sylph Solanum, Level 22.66 Druid

Thanks for signing up. Quest will be up momentarily, do any shopping before you post there.

[Dannylonglegs]

"Excellent." Stated Sylph upon realizing he had been chosen. He left quickly for the Market for some last minute shopping.

[Brickdoctor]

"But I mean really well. I could imagine quite a system of a cleric healing a Black Knight, while he sacrifices all of his health. Don't forgot my consumables, which can double that damage."

"You may have good intentions, but that doesn't change the fact that your actions are unnecessarily dark.

"Clerics are prone to taking a lot of Damage, and they rely on the tanks to take hits for them. Black Knights can't reliably do that. Anything a Cleric-Black Knight team can do, a Cleric-Mystic Knight or Cleric-Berserker team can probably do better. And any team with a healer, tank, and dedicated Damage-dealer could do even better than that. Really, if you consider that the sacrificed Health is just added straight to the Damage dealt, and consider that enemies usually have much higher HP than heroes, you'd need a good elemental modifier or other multiplier for it to be worth the sacrifice, something that the Mystic Knights I've mentioned are already going to have anyways.

"As for consumables, any class can use them, so they aren't an advantage for the Black Knight. And the afore-mentioned Berserkers can Encourage the party without consumables. Plus you have to pay for all those consumables, and Black Knights have no Gold-gaining ability. A Black Knight will probably never make enough Gold to come even close to the level of buffs a Raider has.

"I'll break it down, by the abilities of a Black Knight:

Flee - Any Rogue class can do it. Alternatives: Assassin, Raider, Sorcerer, Witch.

"Intimidation - Diplomacy will usually work just fine, but there is another Advanced Class with Intimidation if you have to have it. Alternatives: Berserker, Mystic Knight, Paladin, Warden.

"AoE Darkness-elemental Shield - Evokers can do this with a Summon Burst after having had the benefit of the summon, Mystic Knights can do this with the possibility of a much, much more powerful multiplier, Sages can do it and heal the entire party at the same time. In all three cases, the class is not limited to one element like the Black Knight is. Plus there're Assassins who have an AoE that gains Gold and assassinates, Raiders have an AoE attack that also gains Gold, Sorcerers have an AoE Stunning and Gold-gaining ability, and Witches have an AoE hexing ability.

"Damage dealing - The Black Knight is not really a big Damage-dealer. Battle Mages, Berserkers, Hunters, Mystic Knights, and Raiders will usually have better multipliers for their attacks, and there're the Assassins who can instantly kill in addition to the Evokers and Sages that can get good multipliers through elemental attacks while summoning spirits or healing, respectively.

"Tanking - Even though the Black Knight has a shield, he's not a reliable tank. Berserkers and Mystic Knights can use shields and won't Hide or Dodge, and then there are the Paladins and Wardens who are significantly better at tanking because of their Shield skills which protect the entire party from attacks.

"Special Dodge - Even if this is a pro and not a con, almost every Cleric class can do it better. Special Guard has the same chance of success as Special Dodge, but the attack doesn't get redirected to another hero. Alternatives: Druid, Paladin, Sage, Shaman. Plus Witches who have the Special Mirror.

"So for any of the specialized roles, there's another class that's better than the Black Knight and that class is probably one of the 'staple classes' that does well in teams and parties like to have with them. In addition to not being the best at any specialization, Black Knights can't heal or use Scrolls or a ranged attack, so they're not capable of being 'jack of all trades, master of none' heroes."

[Vash the Stampede]

Dreyrugr saw a woman leave and saw he was one of the hero's chosen. Monk Pretzel as party leader. He was one of them who went on about vampires being demons and needing to be exterminated and such. This will be interesting. Now I'm slightly glad I have armour to watch my back for me.

[herrJJ]

"Thank you, Karie. But I think I have to go now. I need to take a ride on the dragon back. I hope you don't mind, Johon." Nessa waved the two goodbye and returned to Heroica Hall. She entered and took a look on the quest board. Suddenly she turned around and headed out.

[Myrddyn]

Erik read his name on the questboard, crossed his name off quests 70 and 71, and stepped out into the busy streets of Eubric.

[xxlrocka]

"Bye Erik! Have fun on an epic quest full of evil people-eating monsters!"

Drake sat down on a bench.

"So... Does anybody wanna hear about my latest quest? Or a summary of it?"

[TheBoyWonder]

If he hasn't, Romulus signs up for Quests 70 and 71.

[Tachyon]

Mizuki walks to the noticeboard and signs up for Quest#70: The Syndicate and Quest#71: A Secret Under Eubric

[Fred Daniel Yam]

William signs up for Quest 70 and 71. Then sleeps.