Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[Chromeknight]

So. You are not like other men.

And you have no further wish to know what I am like. Who I am at my core. Because who I am scare you, reminds you of death.

No, you are not like other men at all.

"We've heard you two argue on the bridge, we hear you arguing here again and I'll be dammed if you didn't argue on the boat trip back. It's been long enough so why don't one of you act as the bigger person, or if you two really want to continue arguing take it to a court or something. In all my long years I've never heard so much arguing all at once or for so long on the same topic."

Nerwen's voice is tight as she turns to the undead joining the conversation.

The same topic? For those that have lost track, what is this one topic we have been arguing over?

And if it is all one topic, is it not important enough to argue over?

And how would standing before a King, in his court solve anything? Which King? Valentino? Speros? Or perhaps one of the Orc leaders? How would any of them speak to what we are discussing now?

[Vash the Stampede]

The same topic? For those that have lost track, what is this one topic we have been arguing over?

And if it is all one topic, is it not important enough to argue over?

And how would standing before a King, in his court solve anything? Which King? Valentino? Speros? Or perhaps one of the Orc leaders? How would any of them speak to what we are discussing now?

"It's impressive that you've been able to argue so long without knowing what you're talking about, which is Baltarok. The closest you two have done to get away to that is act racist but then you still manage to tie it back to the topic of Baltarok. We've done what we have there and now it's their problem, but you two still are arguing about what is in the past. Arguing about this isn't going to change anything so it is simply arguing due to the heck of it. I'd have expecting more from elfish wisdom than that. If you do think its important enough to argue over then why don't you do what that other hero did and stay behind to help solve the issues, Haldor his name was? At least he is doing something rather than pointlessly throwing words at each other for however long its been since the incident on the bridge."

"And don't tell me you haven't ever heard of a jury. Although seeing how important you find this argument you might as well take it to a king to decide it."

Ancient Athens went all out and sometimes had anywhere from 500 to 1501 people on a jury. Rome towards the end of empirical rule had juries. Aeschylus, a play write who lived from about 525-455 BC had in his Eumendes play, a jury. Henry II majorly advanced the jury system in the 12th century and also introduced the 'Grand Jury'. We also have the Magna Carta of 1215. It wouldn't be out of place in a fantasy world to have such things seeing how it would be based off Medieval Europe spanning from the 5th to 15 century.

[Flare]

"Can we please just shut UP ALREADY!? ENOUGH WITH THE BICKERING." Benji angrily rises, visibly annoyed at the growing argument, as his skin starts to turn green and his teeth start to get pointy.

[Scubacarrot]

So. You are not like other men.

And you have no further wish to know what I am like. Who I am at my core. Because who I am scare you, reminds you of death.

No, you are not like other men at all.

"I thought I had a decent idea of who you were. But that was before you picked up the ways of Ennoc and started helping those executing genocide. A true Paladin."

"I'm not implying anything. I'm saying your 'tactics' were shown to be unnecessary by an elf you called a coward. The fact you think Valentino had anything to do with anything shows how little you know, since he was in an Orcish prison until we secured his release - and did so by saving an Orcish clan leader, and without killing any Orcs I might add."

"Unlike the coward Purpearl, I have no magic to show what hidden items people have. If she had suggestions she could have spoken up, but instead she preferred to let others fall for her own safety. You're defending her, that makes you as bad as her. Perhaps you should not get involved in issues larger than you. Valentino build and defended that god-forsaken bridge. What allowed Imaestym to be burned, what let them through? Who, if not Valentino and his bridge are responsible?!"

Edited May 24, 2014 by Scubacarrot

[The Legonater]

"Did we, or did we not witness a bunch of cowards in charge at the High Kindoms be very okay with the concept, Dyric. Even the idiot Valentino was guilty, but everyone moved to save him. Pathetic."

Those where the actions of a few small groups - soldiers led by a corrupt government. There is no way you can pin that on the entire Kingdoms, else you make the same argument as Nerwen.

[Zepher]

Current Sign-Ups for Quest #102

Mattias, Level 9 Ranger

Nerwen Calmcacil, Level 27.66 Paladin

Purpearl Berthadhiell, Level 10 Mage

Alexis Fenral, Level 41.2 Harlot (Update your Hero Statistics!)

Warlen Melimane, Level 1 Mage

~Sign-Ups End in 24 Hours, and then my life becomes a weird impossible balancing game!~

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl turns to Matthias and speaks, "Try not to let those words falter your spirit, Master Gnome. Compare yourself the first time you step through those doors and that of now. Yes, there might be a slight change in looks, but that's what differentiate you with other people. Your enthusiasm for adventure and that inner fire is still burning ever so brightly, if not brighter. It radiates through your every action and I reckon everyone can be a testimony of that. That." Pointing to his heart. "Is what makes it happen. It is what makes us sentient beings. We laugh, we cry, we get angry. But is also what differentiates us from other people." Putting her hand on Matthias' oversized cannon. "If only we can be master of all trades, but that is not the reality. Imagine a world where there's no weaknesses, everyone can cast a spell, swing a great sword, fire a cannon at the same time. All of that at the same time. Imagine that. Chaos. And trust me, there are people who try to achieve that. Why are we made this way so that I can only hold this wand and you can only hold this cannon? Are we made weak? No. Should we blame the Gods for making us so limited in our abilities? No. As the saying goes, a single blade of grass will bend and falter in the lightest wind. But where grass grows in pasture, in field or savannah; each blade feels but a fraction of the wind’s full force. Look around you, there are Black Knights, Paladins, Mystic Knights, Harlots, Assassins and even Beast Warriors. Wow. Look at that variety. Are they all made perfect? No. Some don special armours, some sharpen their blades and some hone their magical and fighting skills. Because why? Times are changing, my friend. We are no longer in that bubble where we hope that the Gods will constantly hover and look after us. Everyone out there is getting stronger, and we as members of Heroica, it is foolish to continue to perceive that we're the strongest. We represent Heroica, and what makes us different from others and differentiate us from those wayward bandits from the back alley? Tactics. Strategy. Strength. Gone are the times where pure brute strength will solve everything. Pure brute strength will only get you this far." The elf mage points to the ground.

[StickFig]

"...You're defending her, that makes you as bad as her. Perhaps you should not get involved in issues larger than you. Valentino build and defended that god-forsaken bridge. What allowed Imaestym to be burned, what let them through? Who, if not Valentino and his bridge are responsible?!"

Matthias can feel his blood rising and the others can see the flush rising up his gnomish neck, but (helped by the sight of Guts' dark ice dagger) he resists the urge to start a fight. He calmly (well, mostly calmly) drains his cider and sets the tankard back on the table. Scheherazade bustles through to replace it, and has to give a little tug - Matthias doesn't realize that he's still tightly gripping the mug's handle. "Thank you," he says to the matron as she puts another Low Kingdoms seidr in front of him.

Purpearl turns to Matthias and speaks, "Try not to let those words falter your spirit, Master Gnome. Compare yourself the first time you step through those doors and that of now. Yes, there might be a slight change in looks, but that's what differentiate you with other people. Your enthusiasm for adventure and that inner fire is still burning ever so brightly, if not brighter...."

The gnome gives Purpearl his attention as she begins to speak, and as her words tumble out Math finds he's calmer. He runs his hand along the Fireball Extraordinaire's rough iron as the elf mage speaks of cannons and remembers the good times with the Mercutio's Smile. He and the others had done some good, and if Guts couldn't see it, too bad.

"Pure brute strength will only get you this far." The elf mage points to the ground.

Matthias shakes his head, thinking to himself that brute strength seems to have worked pretty well for some Heroes. He gives no other indication of his private thoughts though, and says to Purpearl, "I appreciate your encouragement. Thank you."

[Chromeknight]

"It's impressive that you've been able to argue so long without knowing what you're talking about, which is Baltarok. The closest you two have done to get away to that is act racist but then you still manage to tie it back to the topic of Baltarok. We've done what we have there and now it's their problem, but you two still are arguing about what is in the past. Arguing about this isn't going to change anything so it is simply arguing due to the heck of it. I'd have expecting more from elfish wisdom than that. If you do think its important enough to argue over then why don't you do what that other hero did and stay behind to help solve the issues, Haldor his name was? At least he is doing something rather than pointlessly throwing words at each other for however long its been since the incident on the bridge."

Thanks for the info on juries. Interesting stuff.

Nerwen's laugh was short and sharp.

Hardly. Baltarok is merely the presenting issue. Either of us staying would solve nothing. No. The disagreement is about what it truly means to be a hero. Guts needs me, though he will not admit it, to remind him that using evil methods for good ends still is evil. And he would have me remember that not fighting evil every way possible is, perhaps, to condone it.

Can you give an answer? Sit in the high seat of judgment? Or should you sit and be silent?

"I thought I had a decent idea of who you were. But that was before you picked up the ways of Ennoc and started helping those executing genocide. A true Paladin."

Executing genocide? Do yo mean Imaestym? I condemned a man innocent of their blood to death to satisfy your desire. Not for justice, but for revenge. Guilty he may have been in other ways, but he did not send those troops. Will you say that price was not enough? If not, what? Should the Kingdoms have offered a hundred innocent men? A thousand? Should they have had to offer up their children and wives? Perhaps the kingdoms should have been wiped out, the whole genos killed. Truly, which of us was promoting genocide?

[Vash the Stampede]

Hardly. Baltarok is merely the presenting issue. Either of us staying would solve nothing. No. The disagreement is about what it truly means to be a hero. Guts needs me, though he will not admit it, to remind him that using evil methods for good ends still is evil. And he would have me remember that not fighting evil every way possible is, perhaps, to condone it.

Can you give an answer? Sit in the high seat of judgment? Or should you sit and be silent?

"No being in this world has the authority to sit on a high seat of judgement not even a paladin, you should know that full well yourself. An evil action may bring about good. A good action may bring about evil. Killing a man may stop a war the destroys millions. Feeding a beggar may let them live to kill others. How can you then innately say that an evil action is evil and good is good? You can't. It's the same with people. Everyone has the kindness of a god and the cruelty of a demon inside of them. The real question is what you are going to achieve, how you will do it and why. You can only justify your life to yourself so why don't you stop preaching to people about how to live their lives when they've already found their answer."

Dreyrugr getting quite visibly annoyed now takes the time to leave the hall looking for somewhere quiet to stay.

[StickFig]

Dreyrugr getting quite visibly annoyed now takes the time to leave the hall looking for somewhere quiet to stay.

Math, continuing to ignore the argument going on behind him, watches Dreyrugr stalk out of the hall, impressed at so much emotion from the normally taciturn vampire, and turns his attention again to Purpearl. "Will you and Nelvin keep in touch?" he asks. "I see you're wearing his tunic," the gnome adds with a smile.

Edited May 25, 2014 by nstickney

[Scubacarrot]

Executing genocide? Do yo mean Imaestym? I condemned a man innocent of their blood to death to satisfy your desire. Not for justice, but for revenge. Guilty he may have been in other ways, but he did not send those troops. Will you say that price was not enough? If not, what? Should the Kingdoms have offered a hundred innocent men? A thousand? Should they have had to offer up their children and wives? Perhaps the kingdoms should have been wiped out, the whole genos killed. Truly, which of us was promoting genocide?

"You still do not understand. I never wanted the orcs to wanted to slaughter a thousand innocents in retribution of Imaestym, nor would they with or without me intervening. The orcs, as opposed to you, me and definitely the High Kingdoms still know what it's like to have honor. Tarvalk was marching to find those who wronged him and free orcish slaves. What I wanted for the orcs was not blood to pay for blood, but justice and recompense. Do you understand now? The Orcs deserve peace and prosperity, where the High Kingdoms would gladly see them wiped out. You know it to be true."

Those where the actions of a few small groups - soldiers led by a corrupt government. There is no way you can pin that on the entire Kingdoms, else you make the same argument as Nerwen.

"I pin it on their leadership. Am I wrong?"

[Flare]

Benji rises from his seat with a rising impatience. "I thought that WE AGREED ON SHUTTIN' OUR TRAPS AND STOPPING WITH THA ARGUMENDS. SO SHUD YER BLUDDY TRAPS ALREADY!" He ends it with a roar, for effect.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen does not flinch at Benji's bellowed outburst or even turn her head.

She replies calmly to Guts.

"You still do not understand. I never wanted the orcs to wanted to slaughter a thousand innocents in retribution of Imaestym, nor would they with or without me intervening. The orcs, as opposed to you, me and definitely the High Kingdoms still know what it's like to have honor. Tarvalk was marching to find those who wronged him and free orcish slaves. What I wanted for the orcs was not blood to pay for blood, but justice and recompense. Do you understand now? The Orcs deserve peace and prosperity, where the High Kingdoms would gladly see them wiped out. You know it to be true."

The Kingdoms I traveled in feared orcs and considered them dangerous. Wanting them wiped out? Who can say? I know neither King Speros or Valentino thought that way, though Frederick, who died at Imaestym did and David, after seeing Raguel's death may now think so.

[Scubacarrot]

"A person sees a bug and smashes it easily out of an insane fear. It's the same here. The High Kingdoms have too much power and a fear of the Orcs. Was it not Speros who ordered the attack on Imaestym, was it not Valentino whose either incompetence or orders let the war party through?"

Edited May 26, 2014 by Scubacarrot

[UsernameMDM]

"A person sees a bug and smashes it easily out of an insane fear. It's the same here. The High Kingdoms have too much power and a fear of the Orcs. Was it not Speros who ordered the attack on Imaestym, was it not Valentino whose either incompetence or orders let the war party through?"

Upon hearing the drivel pouring out of the bald man's mouth, Hoke spoke up, "No. Prince Speros was not in charge, and King Speros was too busy defending the city from the Nords who were attacking because King Valentino was rescued from the orcs. Prince David had no dealings with Prince Speros and did not know of his plans. King Valentino was imprisoned by the orcs and newly freed. And from what I gathered, the witch Bastala had Valentino captured by the Nords and was using him to further her own selfish ambitions, which I might add ended when I defeated her on the bridge. It's a far more complex situation than what you are trying to make it into. The Kingdoms aren't some bloodthirsty collection of humans bent on slaughtering anything with green skin.

And why do you care? How many people have you killed without knowing the full story? Are you really that interested in Baltarok, or are you so concerned that you made the wrong choice and are now in denial of your mistake?"

With that Hoke turns to Nerwen, and pulls out the paladin's helmet.

"Thought you might be interested in this."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Math, continuing to ignore the argument going on behind him, watches Dreyrugr stalk out of the hall, impressed at so much emotion from the normally taciturn vampire, and turns his attention again to Purpearl. "Will you and Nelvin keep in touch?" he asks. "I see you're wearing his tunic," the gnome adds with a smile.

Purpearl replies to Matthias, in a softer tone, this time blushing a little, as the debrief continues in the background, "Yes. Nelvyn's quite a character, isn't he? You know Nelvyn's an undead, how would your perception change (or not) knowing that a person's once alive, lost his life and subsequently revived as an undead? Walking amongst us all, as if he's alive?"

Edited May 26, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Scubacarrot]

Guts smirked at Hoke, turning his head slightly the Knight's way. "Maybe it's best if you back off, Feeblesword. You're not helping your case with speculation about bribes. Bastala did not bribe anyone, Haldor Skovgaard believes that, and I owe him that much that I do too. King Speros, Prince Speros, there's two of them? Who cares. One of them ordered or lead the war party. If it was the Prince then the King is guilty as well for not stopping him. The bridge is King Valentino's, pay attention. Prince David marched with Raguel with the intention of invading Baltarok and enslaving and razing whatsever and whoever was in it. Who was Valentino captured by? Make up your mind. And you're calling someone a Witch while happily waving your Spellblade around, now that's rich. I got to hand it you, Feeblesword, you're even more repulsive than I thought.

I made my choice in Baltarok. I marched with the Orcs. But at the bridge the Heroes backed the Orcs, and wasted no time to turn on them right away for their own gain. The Orcs got the short end of the stick while the Kingdoms got away scot-free. And the fault lies not with me, but with people like you. People that would sooner stab in the back for what's easiest than do what is right and refuse to see what should be clear." Guts stared at Nerwen while saying the last words, all but ignoring Hoke, before waiting on her inevitable final retort.

[UsernameMDM]

"Feeblesword? You can smirk and smug all you want, but I wasn't the one face down on the bridge because I was too weak to take on a couple of Paladins. Maybe I should have watched the paladins trample over your prone form for a bit more. As for Haldor, I can't help the fool out. Why he would side with someone who would betray their own father for selfish reasons is beyond me. Your condemn yourself to your ignorance with your own words, making statements and accusations without knowing who is who.

That which comes out of your lips is no better than that which comes out of your backside.

As for choosing sides? I chose neither. I chose to complete the job I was hired for, which is what we all should be concerned with, not creating new nations and making new kings.

But remember this, always remember this. You were on the ground, out cold. For all your bravado and bluster, you were defeated, and I was still standing, and it was because of the Lady Nerwen and I that you are here today and not at the bottom of that river because of the paladins. And even your orc companion said you would have been considered an enemy of the orcs if they would have crossed the bridge.

Again: you were defeated, and I was still standing."

With that Hoke smiled and concluded his deal with Lady Nerwen. The bald man's stench had filled his nostrils enough, and it was time for a walk around the Marketplace.

[Zepher]

Chosen Heroes for Quest #102

Mattias, Level 9 Ranger

Nerwen Calmcacil, Level 27.66 Paladin

Purpearl Berthadhiell, Level 10 Mage

Alexis Fenral, Level 41.2 Harlot

Meet down by the Hovels. You'll find me. I'm the handsome guy! -Everyman

Get to shopping! The quest will go up ASAP, but you can still shop/conclude deals for a few more hours!

Edited May 26, 2014 by Zepher

[Masked Builder]

Alexis nears the hall, glad to be rid of her hot stuff winter clothing, in the now summer weather. She pauses to look at her reflection in a puddle, her newly dyed black hair looks good but it needs something else. Alexis notices some more flowers and puts one in her hair. "Much better," she thinks. She pulls open the door and walks to the quest board, where she sees that she is departing on a new quest. Alexis heads back out, ready for anything.

[StickFig]

Purpearl replies to Matthias, in a softer tone, this time blushing a little, as the debrief continues in the background, "Yes. Nelvyn's quite a character, isn't he? You know Nelvyn's an undead, how would your perception change (or not) knowing that a person's once alive, lost his life and subsequently revived as an undead? Walking amongst us all, as if he's alive?"

Matthias thinks for a moment, then replies, "I'm not sure - I never thought about it much. I don't think it matters so much what you are; it's more who you are."

Chosen Heroes for Quest #102

Mattias, Level 9 Ranger

Nerwen Calmcacil, Level 27.66 Paladin

Purpearl Berthadhiell, Level 10 Mage

Alexis Fenral, Level 41.2 Harlot

Matthias notes that he and Purpearl have both been chosen to guard Mr. Everyman's friend. Finally, an excuse to get away from all the arguing! "See you at the hovels," he says to Purpearl and heads for the exit.

Alexis heads back out, ready for anything.

As Matthias passes Alexis on his way out the door, he lets out a low, appreciative whistle, and then the door shuts behind him.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen raises a hand to Hoke.

His interruption, though containing many things she might have said, did not say them how she would have and merely riled Guts more.

Then she heard the posting of the group for the latest quest and saw Alexis' look and nod.

She sighed.

And you are right. Without seeing King Speros' loss of an heir, without seeing Carn's destruction, without seeing David's anger over the treatment of his mentor, without seeing Valentino sidelined by imprisonment, it may well seem that the Kingdoms got off scot-free, and the Orcs were punished. Though if I remember at the end it was the orcs dictating terms to the Kingdoms and the Kingdoms paying, not the other way around.

The only thing left is that some said they would support the Orcs and yet, did not. Standing against them, preventing them crossing. You seem to view that as a personal betrayal. It is not.

Though no doubt you can see it no other way. We may meet again, when anger has cooled and we have both had time to reflect. Until then, fare-well Master Holla.

With that, Nerwen went to leave the hall.

As she did so, she handed Thormanil her bright polish and accepted 230 gold in exchange.

she then caught up with Hoke as he left, handing him 220 gold and taking the Helm of the Lord of Light

she also hands him her Robes of the disciple of Ennoc with a note.

Finally she leaves for the marketplace

Fear not Zepher! I'm coming. Just some stuff to organise first.

[The Legonater]

"I pin it on their leadership. Am I wrong?"

...No. I admit I would not be here otherwise. Still, the Kingdoms as a whole are not mass murderers. They are knights, soldiers. While a select few kingdoms may be less than noble, for the most part I would think they are the embodiment of it. As you say, we all have our differences.

Seeing Nerwen hand off her bright polish, Dyric silently chides himself for not acting sooner.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Matthias thinks for a moment, then replies, "I'm not sure - I never thought about it much. I don't think it matters so much what you are; it's more who you are."

Matthias notes that he and Purpearl have both been chosen to guard Mr. Everyman's friend. Finally, an excuse to get away from all the arguing! "See you at the hovels," he says to Purpearl and heads for the exit.

Purpearl nods at Matthias and heads towards the Marketplace, "See you around in a bit."

Edited May 27, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob