Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[LordoftheNoobs]

Grimwald signs up for Quest #73.

[Fred Daniel Yam]

William signs up for Quest 73. And sleeps.

[Brickdoctor]

As I finish writing my name down, I move to stand next to Guts.

[Endgame]

I scrawl my name on Quests 72 and 73.

Edited June 3, 2013 by Endgame

[Fugazi]

"Thanks, Nagure. I really hope we can work together again soon."

Arthur makes a quick trip through the Marketplace, but not far from the Barracks, he spots an unfamiliar figure who seems to have an excess of equipment--several stylish pairs of gloves chief among them. "Excuse me, sir, but I have to say I've taken a liking to those gloves you're carrying. Would you take 900 Gold for one of each?" OOC: I may not be online tomorrow morning, I'm taking family to the airport, so I'm setting my and Galen's trade for 1 Overkill Gloves and 1 Stingy Gloves up so he can accept it without any additional input from me; sorry it's so anticlimactic.

Intent on various errands, Galen had lost track of time. He needed to return to the Hall at once. Turning around, he bumps into a man he could tell was a Hero. A familiar face too, even though the man didn't seem to remember him.

"Oh, Arthur I believe? We have met before, in Dastan if I'm not mistaken. Did you put on a little weight since then, or is it just all the equipment you're carrying? Nah, I'm kidding you. Gloves? Yes, the gloves are for sale. These are not common around here, so I figured that some heroes would be interested. You certainly have a nose for opportunities! Are you leaving on another quest already? Good luck then, stay away from harm!"

The other was already running away with more pairs of gloves than an octopus could wear, and Galen slipped 900 gold into his pouch.

[TheBoyWonder]

Romulus signs up for Quests 72 and 73.

He turns, then hears Guts offer a party.

"I'd be interested."

[Scubacarrot]

A werewolf. Disgusting creatures. They were a menace, back in Strivvi, infecting others... There were cures for it, those that chose to keep the disease... Pathetic.

"What makes you think you have got what it takes to stand with us, Hound?"

[TheBoyWonder]

"I've fought in the Battle of Luosh. Prong after Progg wave after wave attacked, and me and my party stood strong, we fought, we liberated.

I have the ability to harm undead and demons with a diamond sword, I can make earth rain upon those who oppose me with my earthen club, and I can damage ethereal weapons with Combrys. "

Romulus laughs,

"And seeing as Guffington seems to be one of the most incorrupt people in all of Eubric, along with the captain and the Bonapartes, he may just be the change this city needs. Someone like him in power would greatly boost Eubric, and I will die trying to save this city."

[Brickdoctor]

I whisper to Guts.

"A Raider, Level 16.5. Somewhat powerful weapon at WP: 15 that grows stronger with successful hits, standard Heavy Armor for defense at SP: 5. Has a decent variety of alternate weapons, none of which are particularly extraordinary. I'm guessing a hero who only just multiclassed to his chosen advanced class, as he is barely beyond Level 15, and his weapons are not highly upgraded nor is his money bag anywhere near full neither is he carrying any number of buffing consumables, as is the mark of an experienced Raider.

"I suppose in theory he could help by balancing enemies more in our favor, but I would not count on that and would prefer someone who could hold his own in a fight against the more powerful enemies we usually face. Additionally, his is a role that you already fill, and are probably better at."

OoC:

[Scubacarrot]

"Proggs. I have read about those... You fought crabs. Are you sure that's something to be proud of? You carry many weapons. It just slows you down. You do not possess the experience stated in order to be qualified." The raider paused for a moment, then added: "Let me give you three pieces of advice: don't make assumptions about people you do not know, don't proclaim you're willing to die without having done anything, and take the damn treatment."

The raider rolled his eyes at the Warden's whispering, Docken was talking nonsense again, he wondered if that's how everybody spoke were he came from. Levels, classes, S P?

[TheBoyWonder]

"I'm not taking a treatment for something that isn't a curse or an illness. "

[Brickdoctor]

"Wait, are you one of those heroes who wants to be a Beast Warrior and thinks the Wolfgang are good?"

[Scubacarrot]

The raider smirked. "Of course is, but I won't be able to convince you of that, I see. There will come a day when you'll find out there's more to your disease than an increased strength and speed." Guts waved Romulus away, it was so easy to exploit a werewolf's longer, wild limbs, the hair granted the possibility for setting it ablaze Not to mention the recklessness these creatures often had.

[Professor Flitwick]

Thothwick strolled towards the Hall, last of his fellow Quest mates, as was becoming increasingly more frequently. "Drat. Really thought the Captain would have joined, especially after finding out a Witch was leading her opposition... oh well, one new member is a good start."

Walking up to the Saloon, Thothwick found Hoptet intently poured over his 'homework'. The later, upon seeing the former, attempted to hide his papers.

"Ah, practising your Humanish?"

"No- wait"

"Come on, let me se-"

"No I-"

"It's okay to be wrong, you're still learning."

Eventually coursing the text from his partners hands, Thothwick read them, and chuckled.

"I see. For further reference, the letter 'I' is the vertical line, not a doodle of a horse."

Giving back the papers, the two kissed, and took their respective places at the table.

"I needed that laugh."

"Quest bad?"

"In a sense."

"Smell? Sound?"

"Ha. No. I really must stop using these phrases, they'll only lead to confusion. No, it means that, part of the Quest went well - very well, infact - and other parts, less so."

"What happened?"

"Well, we managed to stop three of these Wolfgang lieutenants, and we've got a new member. One of the Ziegfried leaders."

"All sounds... good. What went bad?"

"She is in town."

"Wren? You say she dead!"

"Not Wren. Worse."

"... Baba!"

"The very same. No sooner does Bluto's kidnapper turn up, then Bluto's mother joins our cause. Now all we need is for Atramor to kidnap a Bonparte, Sha- that reminds me, I saw Bluto!"

"He's here? We must save him! Ranger Docker, and Sinner, an-"

"'Docken' and 'Cinna'. And I wouldn't know where to start."

The two paused to think for a while, before Thothwick spoke up.

"I think we need a drink. Come, there's someone else I'd like you to meet."

[TheBoyWonder]

Romulus laughs.

"Change is change Docken. Be it the wolf gang, the town watch, the corrupt houses, or even a Hero who took power. This city is riddled with corruption, poverty and hatred. I've seen the Hovel Wall, separating the rich from the poor. I've heard that the Shadueux drove a slave caravan of orcs, despite one of our veterans fighting to free them. I've seen how workers struggle to feed themselves, when the houses have never even come close to a meal like that. The poor bathe in Eubric's filth, while the rich treat this city like its a game.

Why should people ever have to live like this? WereRaces and Orcs have always been oppressed. Eubric pretends to bee the city of the free. I have never seen oppression like this. In Luosh it was a quick death by brute force. In Charis it was decapitating those who are deemed second class. A quick death yet again. But in this city, we get strangled by the fumes of corruption, the cruel hand of oppression.

Then we reach Heroica. Heroes? We are mere mercenaries. We have all harmed, all killed, yet we masquerade under a mask of greatness, slowly turning us into the people we are trying stop.

But, this city has shining lights. Doctor Cula, striving for freedom for the undead. The young Hinckwell and Shadueux children trying to forge an alliance to end the two houses feud. But even that was destroyed, and Cula widely ignored.

Why should we sit here and watch this happen? We shouldn't. We must fight for change in the hope of a brighter future. Maybe true freedom will never exist, but damn sure I will try to get it."

[Scubacarrot]

The raider's fists had started to itch. It was obvious the fleabag knew nothing. He could argue politics with him, but what good would it do? He could easily teach him a lesson, but it would be bad for the type of leader he was trying to be. He was easy to read. Swayed, by the Wolfgang's propoganda and their gifting of gold to the Hovels' "poor", which was not going to continue when the Wolfgang would be in charge.

"Just leave. The room is starting to smell like wet, young, dog. Just consider this, if you choose the Wolfgang, are we really the people you want to fight?" Guts gestures at Docken, Hybros and himself, and before turning his back to the werewolf, added: "Oh, and if I find out you've been going around biting and infecting people, we're going to have a problem."

[Brickdoctor]

"Ah, so instead of eight corrupt powers, you want to replace them all with one corrupt power, lead by one man, never sharing that power, controlling the largest criminal organization in the Free Islands. You would have Eubric ruled by gangs, stealing from the rich to make themselves even richer. You speak of members of the Veterans, of the Guild of Invision, of the Hinckwells, and of the Shadeaux who are all trying to fix the problems in the city, yet at the same time you want to replace them with an entirely different ruler. You cannot have freedom if you hand all the power to one man, one tyrant - Ulric is a criminal lord first and foremost, no matter what he says, he cannot be trusted, and he will not accept anyone else's laws governing the extent of his rule and power while he is the most powerful figure in Eubric. Even if the six houses and the Town Watch are corrupt, they are the lesser of the two evils compared to the Wolfgang.

"Perhaps one day the time will come for Heroica to take matters into its own hands, to overthrow the rulers of Eubric, and to establish a democracy. But working with a criminal organization is certainly not the way to do it. You speak of sinking down to the level of the Wolfgang, to play the game their way, and instead of being a sellsword, to fall even lower and become a criminal yourself. Your plan shows no consideration for the future of Heroica itself. The Wolfgang have never shown any willingness to join anyone else, only to assimilate others into their ranks or to keep others quiet so they can escape or finish their unlawful work. If the Wolfgang succeed in completely taking over Eubric, Heroica will cease to exist as anything more than a pawn.

"If you want to help the poor, teach them to help themselves, or they will never have any reason to do anything for themselves. If your goal is truly to help the people of Eubric, then just do that. Don't turn them over into the hands of the Wolfgang, and don't be so hasty as to take down the Houses and bring the city to anarchy; you need people like the Bonapartes and the Town Watch to keep the pirates and the thieves out. I don't believe Heroica has ever attempted to show the current government its flaws and actively help them fix it as a long-term project. To assume that the Wolfgang is the solution is both impulsive and imprudent."

[TheBoyWonder]

"I don't bite innocent people and I will fight for whoever offers the most freedom for the people. "

"Ulric is not the type of ruler Eubric wants, I agree. I don't agree with what the Wolfgang is trying to achieve, but the way they are doing it cannot be ignored. They are targeting the rich. If it came down to it, maybe the best way to deal with it is Heroica taking command, then giving power to the people. If we could install a democratic system, maybe then could we advance."

"I see only one house that is truly aiding Eubric, and that is the Bonapartes. The Shadeuex and Hinckwells fight like children, hampering the rate of progress."

[Fred Daniel Yam]

"I don't bite innocent people and I will fight for whoever offers the most freedom for the people. "

"Ulric is not the type of ruler Eubric wants, I agree. I don't agree with what the Wolfgang is trying to achieve, but the way they are doing it cannot be ignored. They are targeting the rich. If it came down to it, maybe the best way to deal with it is Heroica taking command, then giving power to the people. If we could install a democratic system, maybe then could we advance."

"I see only one house that is truly aiding Eubric, and that is the Bonapartes. The Shadeuex and Hinckwells fight like children, hampering the rate of progress."

William is disturbed from his sleep to the sound of a "discussion" between a Werewolf and a Raider. "Then why not aid the Bonapartes if you think they're truly helping them. At the core of it, the Shadeux and Hinckwells are businessmen and therefore competition to each other. So it's natural they fight for profit's sake. And if you like the fact the Wolfgang are targeting the wealthy like some sort of dashing outlaw, why don't you give money to the poor and help the Hovels?" he pauses to drink. "And don't even say that giving power to the people is democratic. A democracy needs a government to lead the people and if you think the Wolfgang are that government then it's not a democracy, it's a dictatorship."

[Brickdoctor]

I sigh in exasperation.

"So, you don't think Ulric is right ruler for Eubric, and you don't agree with the Wolfgang's goals, and you still want to help them?!?! What do you really expect to happen after you put the criminals in power and then tell them that you want them to do things your way? If you want to help the people of Eubric, then go and help the people of Eubric; don't try to do it with the Wolfgang.

"Yours is a roundabout plan where you help someone because you think that they're helping someone else who are the ones whom you actually want to help, and you want to do it with a faction comprised of thieves, assassins, and terrorists! Heroica cannot take command; we do not have the manpower to maintain order. You can't just hand the power over to the people. You still need a strong government, respected by the people, with the power to enforce basic laws, to prevent the city from entering a vicious cycle of democracy, tyranny, aristocracy, and oligarchy. The Wolfgang will not command that respect and they won't try to improve the system of government once they are in power."

[swils]

Finally, the Shadeaux are looking for more help, Thormy thought. Eager to offer his services, he signs his name under the listing for Quest #73.

[Pandora]

An impressively beautiful young woman sat down at the table. Beautiful... for a human. "Well met Nyx. No drink for me, thank you, but a friend of Lawrence is a friend of mine, hehee. He and I go far back, to our first days in Heroica. We stopped a shipment of Shadeaux goods at their warehouse on our first quest together. He is a noble man, if a little... bombastic at times, hehe. And you, what is your relationship with the 'King', hm? You seem a little young to be a... mate."

Nyx smiles, slightly wistfully, but probably not for the reasons anyone might think. She realises what Hybros has just said and shakes her outstretched palms at him in an effort to clarify.

"Oh, no no, certainly not a mate; my heart is somewhere across the seas by now. But Larry, well, he was a pig when I first met him, but then we travelled across a desert together, and I saw him fight, and I saw his nobility, and we bonded. Plus we both like to get outrageously drunk, which helped." Nyx grins. "I have no idea if the old fool is a king or not, but sometimes he sure acts like one. And he has a sweet heart. He hides it well, but he's a good man, and that matters to me."

Next to Hybros, the bald man stands and makes an announcement.

"Listen up. I am Captain Guts Holla, and I, along with Bartholomew Docken and Hybros, will be signing up for the mission at Guffington's. We do need a fourth. Sign up with us, and you will get picked, without question. If you are up to the task, come talk to me."

Nyx's interest is piqued. She excuses herself from Hybros briefly, interested that he should be mentioned in the announcement, and goes to look at the mission in question on the questboard. She signs her name for both quests 72 and 73, before returning to the bar and approaching the bald man, and Hybros again.

"Hello, I'm Nyx, a BattleMage, and I'm rather fond of destroying things, especially by blowing them up, although I've recently discovered the joy of just hitting someone ridiculously hard. You must be Captain Holla - I think I've seen you talking to Nerwen, and I've just met Mr Hybros here and he seems a nice guy, so that leaves Mr Docken - nice to make your acquaintance." she nods politely "I don't doubt for a second that I would be up for any task set before me, as I can wield magic with a most ferocious force, and also smack someone in the face quite hard. I'm reasonably self-sufficient, and I bloody love a good party, which is what it looks like this outing would be, and I can drink most men under the table. I'd really like you to consider taking me along with you." she smiles sweetly, wondering if there'd be questions as had been thrown at the previous "applicant".

[Brickdoctor]

"Hello, I'm Nyx, a BattleMage, and I'm rather fond of destroying things, especially by blowing them up, although I've recently discovered the joy of just hitting someone ridiculously hard. You must be Captain Holla - I think I've seen you talking to Nerwen, and I've just met Mr Hybros here and he seems a nice guy, so that leaves Mr Docken - nice to make your acquaintance." she nods politely "I don't doubt for a second that I would be up for any task set before me, as I can wield magic with a most ferocious force, and also smack someone in the face quite hard. I'm reasonably self-sufficient, and I bloody love a good party, which is what it looks like this outing would be, and I can drink most men under the table. I'd really like you to consider taking me along with you." she smiles sweetly, wondering if there'd be questions as had been thrown at the previous "applicant".

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Nyx. It appears that in addition to your Damage-dealing capabilities, you carry a Healing Staff. That could come in useful considering that healing outside of consumables is a talent that neither Master Holla nor Master Hybros nor myself have, even if Master Guffington believes that a healer won't be necessary."

I whisper to Guts.

"Battle Mage, Level 25.67. Defense is a little weak, otherwise a good mix of bonuses from equipment. Adequate variety of consumables and it appears that she carries all nine gems. In addition to the Healing Staff, she also has that tome and that explosive staff - if my memory of the Treasury serves me correctly, that means she can also summon a minion or deal Damage to multiple enemies at a time, respectively."

[Pandora]

I whisper to Guts.

"Battle Mage, Level 25.67. Defense is a little weak, otherwise a good mix of bonuses from equipment. Adequate variety of consumables and it appears that she carries all nine gems. In addition to the Healing Staff, she also has that tome and that explosive staff - if my memory of the Treasury serves me correctly, that means she can also summon a minion or deal Damage to multiple enemies at a time, respectively."

OoC: Actually, I'm level 27.34, I just haven't updated my stats after the last quest. Oops.

[Endgame]

I speak up from the other end of the bar, cupping my voice (with my not-barbed hand.)

"Willing to take this old thing along for the ride, Guts?"