Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[Wedge09]

The purple larva turns to address Alexander.

"Greetings and salutations, Hunter! I presume that you are a member of Heroica?"

Alexander is a bit surprised by the fact that it is turning to him but he replies with a smile, even if he doesn't know how to call that purple thing "Greeting to you..." but he can't think a suitable name "...and yes, I'm a member of Heroica. I'm Alexander Vandangant and, if I can ask, what's your name?"

[Cutcobra]

Heckz sees the little Proggs swarming the Hall, bothering heroes (in his perspective).

"Ugly pests..."

He mutters under his breath as he got up and left the hall.

[Emjajoas]

Em frowns. "Don't thank me until either we win or I die. It's too early otherwise. I never expected it to be an easy fight; in fact, I assume it's going to be hell. I don't expect to get through it without scars, let alone alive."

He grimaces. "You guys aren't going to march to war against the Regret, are you?"

[Palathadric]

Heckz listens to Pretzel as he talks about how to kill demons.

"Well, I could consider that... OR, I could just throw spells at them until their face blows up. The latter is far more simpler."

"That only works with the physical manifestations of demons. For instance, in my last quest, all the demons had a surreal quality, your spells would have done next to nothing against them. Sometimes there is no power like the power in healing."

"You got that right." Erik mutters, finishing his drink and throwing a last bit of armour into his pack. He looks at the bottle in his hand, considers going to get another, but instead waits in case Pretzel says more.

"Erik, you were with them fighting demons right...?" I hesitate. "I'm not sure how many quests you've been on since we last quested together, but...you remember the Crimson Crown, don't you?"

"Beats me, he was from Dastan. I was told it originated from an old story involving... well, a flask."

I chuckle. "So I guess it's only two generations old then, eh? I guess it won't get much older than that, unless you have brothers who are less adventurous than yourself."

"I have experience fighting demons myself. I just recently saved the faculty and students from the Academy of Enlightenment, as Heckz here can vouch for. We vanquished everything in that place. However, that's not what I was wanting to ask about.

What do you know about demons possessing people? I've seen it before, and it worries me."

"Well done to you. That academy has long been a place of spiritual wickedness any cleansing of the area can only be good. I have to say that I worry about Eubric's up and coming generation. Between you and me, they lack discipline of any kind and they will tear this island apart once it falls into their hands. But we shall see. Perhaps before then we will be able to change Eubric for the better...who knows?"

When Karie asks her final question, I once again lean forward and stare intently at her for a long while before sighing. "It is...well...how can I put this...terrible? Terrible, really, hardly seems like a word strong enough. I just came back from a quest where we had to fight possessed people. It is awful! Having to fight a friend who lacks control of his own mind and wants to kill you. Like I was saying before, in those cases the options are few and you have to pray to God that you choose the right one because the wrong one may turn out being the death of both of you. Thankfully, in my last quest the demons were manifesting themselves ethereally, even though they were possessing their minds, so just knocking out the gnomes was enough to remove the demons. Still, knocking out someone you care for is not an easy thing, especially when you're working with others who just see it as a business at the end of the day and who are killers more than anything else. ..."

I trail off and remain silent for a moment.

"But that was not really what you were asking. What exactly would you like to know about demon possession? It's a large topic. For instance, in one my earlier quests, I helped an alchemist create a sword that he was desirous of. As it turned out though, the items put into the sword released a demon on their coming together. That demon passed through the sword and took hold of the man, his son, and his pets and they attacked us. So you see, possession isn't always just incurred by associating one's self with evil people, demons can latch onto objects, at least the spiritually manifested ones, and from there they can latch onto a person. Ultimately though, the greatest protection against such possession is a firm belief in God and reliance on Him. One has to be strong mentally as well and to clearly know in his, or her I suppose, mind what is right and what is wrong. Demons cannot enter a mind that is set in its beliefs, they have to look for one that wanders hither, thither, and you; a mind that is uncertain is a devil's nesting ground. That is for the spiritual attacks, mind you. The physical and ethereal ones can happen to anyone, but they are also easier to fend off physically. The worst thing about demon is possession is that the demons could make the possessed person do anything, even things they would never want to do, but their minds would be clouded into thinking that its their thoughts. In that way, necromancers try to emulate the power of demons. They raise the dead into a state of undeath so they can control their minds. That is one of the most terrible things about the undead. They have no control over their actions, even their words. Some necromancer is behind them using them. Those necromancers are clever, mind you. Sometimes, without you knowing it, they can sneak their undead right into your circle of trust by using cunning words, but if you would know the "man behind the mask" or in this case the necromancer behind the undead, you wouldn't take to them nearly as quickly."

I pause to catch my breath before muttering.

"Even death is better than possession. I would sooner have my body burned than let it be a vassal of some vile human or a demon who would only use it to the destruction of others."

He grimaces. "You guys aren't going to march to war against the Regret, are you?"

I query of Em, "What is this 'Regret' anyway? And what has he to do with the proggs? I hope it's not the Death Progg reincarnated."

[Emjajoas]

I query of Em, "What is this 'Regret' anyway? And what has he to do with the proggs? I hope it's not the Death Progg reincarnated."

Em snorts. "He might as well be. He's the most powerful creature I've ever encountered; the head of the Oculoids. He's trying to bring about some sort of... reckoning-- of the destructive sort-- upon the entire world. Cocky about it, too."

[Palathadric]

"Oculoids...? Am I supposed to know what that is? If I once did, it has slipped my mind."

[Emjajoas]

"Ah," Em shakes his head. "Sorry. They're... Inky demons, I suppose. They're being mass produced by the Regret and his goons. Dangerous in large numbers, though rather underwhelming otherwise."

Em's frown deepens. "Though the way things are going for them, they have more than large numbers. Plus their masters are strong. I know not if you saw the slimy, blob-like demon that was in the Hall until a bit ago, but he was one of their leaders, the Regret's right hand man."

[CMP]

Atramor propped up his feet at his table to avoid squashing any of the multicolored critters that seemed to be infesting the hall.

"Really lettin' anythin' be heroes these days, aren't they..." he mumbled under his breath, shrugging and taking a long sip of rum. McCafferey ambled around his table seemingly aimlessly, but eyed everyone present critically.

[Kintobor]

Em raises his eyebrows, grin still plastered across his face. "Married? Sounds like a handful," he jokes. "Congratulations. When's the wedding?"

"Oh no, I bet it will be a handful! We hope to have it soon. After how long I've been away, I want to ensure that we both know we'll be together. Would you, uh... like to show up?"

"He's gonna try... There's a quest listing on that questboard thingy, The Regret himself set it up. I wonder why?

Do you think Heroica will let him win, Karie?"

"I'm no clairvoyant, but so long as I'm around, it's not happening. Excuse me."

Karie stands up and heads for the quest board, knowing what she has to do. She grabs the pen takes it to the paper and....

"Masson?"

She wasn't sure how to feel. She'd be with her love... but would it be a liability for both of them to go end the Oculoid menace together? Conflicting feelings rush over her as she checks the rest of the quest board, trying to decipher what she should do.

Do I stay true to my commitment, and defeat the Oculoids once and for all, or do I stay behind to ensure I'm not a liability to my team?

Karie's ideals begin to rush over her, not sure what entirely to do.

"This isn't like you, Karie. Get out of here. You'll find a way. I know you will."

Karie sighs. There was no other options. She knows what she needs to do.

Karie Alderflask silently signs up for Quest #105: Eternal Reaper, staring at her signature for a moment before returning to her seat.

I chuckle. "So I guess it's only two generations old then, eh? I guess it won't get much older than that, unless you have brothers who are less adventurous than yourself."

"Well done to you. That academy has long been a place of spiritual wickedness any cleansing of the area can only be good. I have to say that I worry about Eubric's up and coming generation. Between you and me, they lack discipline of any kind and they will tear this island apart once it falls into their hands. But we shall see. Perhaps before then we will be able to change Eubric for the better...who knows?"

When Karie asks her final question, I once again lean forward and stare intently at her for a long while before sighing. "It is...well...how can I put this...terrible? Terrible, really, hardly seems like a word strong enough. I just came back from a quest where we had to fight possessed people. It is awful! Having to fight a friend who lacks control of his own mind and wants to kill you. Like I was saying before, in those cases the options are few and you have to pray to God that you choose the right one because the wrong one may turn out being the death of both of you. Thankfully, in my last quest the demons were manifesting themselves ethereally, even though they were possessing their minds, so just knocking out the gnomes was enough to remove the demons. Still, knocking out someone you care for is not an easy thing, especially when you're working with others who just see it as a business at the end of the day and who are killers more than anything else. ..."

I trail off and remain silent for a moment.

"But that was not really what you were asking. What exactly would you like to know about demon possession? It's a large topic. For instance, in one my earlier quests, I helped an alchemist create a sword that he was desirous of. As it turned out though, the items put into the sword released a demon on their coming together. That demon passed through the sword and took hold of the man, his son, and his pets and they attacked us. So you see, possession isn't always just incurred by associating one's self with evil people, demons can latch onto objects, at least the spiritually manifested ones, and from there they can latch onto a person. Ultimately though, the greatest protection against such possession is a firm belief in God and reliance on Him. One has to be strong mentally as well and to clearly know in his, or her I suppose, mind what is right and what is wrong. Demons cannot enter a mind that is set in its beliefs, they have to look for one that wanders hither, thither, and you; a mind that is uncertain is a devil's nesting ground. That is for the spiritual attacks, mind you. The physical and ethereal ones can happen to anyone, but they are also easier to fend off physically. The worst thing about demon is possession is that the demons could make the possessed person do anything, even things they would never want to do, but their minds would be clouded into thinking that its their thoughts. In that way, necromancers try to emulate the power of demons. They raise the dead into a state of undeath so they can control their minds. That is one of the most terrible things about the undead. They have no control over their actions, even their words. Some necromancer is behind them using them. Those necromancers are clever, mind you. Sometimes, without you knowing it, they can sneak their undead right into your circle of trust by using cunning words, but if you would know the "man behind the mask" or in this case the necromancer behind the undead, you wouldn't take to them nearly as quickly."

I pause to catch my breath before muttering.

"Even death is better than possession. I would sooner have my body burned than let it be a vassal of some vile human or a demon who would only use it to the destruction of others."

Karie giggles, her mood being elevated after her decision.

"I have an adoptive sister who's a lot more tame than I am. I think my family's fine for a few more generations. At least my adoptive family is..."

Her attitude and demeanour seem to fade for a second before she returns to listening to the monk.

"I hope we've done good too. I was a bit of a wild child during school, but at least I had some respect for others. The kids these days are almost nothing but whiny and spoiled it seems. Not you though, you kids are good!" She notions towards the Proggs.

Karie begins to feel unnerved as the monk speaks, feeling more and more uncomfortable. She'd been possessed by demons-twice! Could they have done something to her? Taking things from her mind? Things she didn't want out? She looks back at Sorrow speaking to Lawrence, of all people.

"I have another question. Who is this "god" you speak of?" She ask uncertainly.

Edited July 20, 2014 by Kintobor

[Palathadric]

"God is God. Other people have their own definitions for God. Some people would call angels, 'gods' or anyone with spiritual authority. When I speak of 'God' though, I refer to the God who created all things truly living; all that is natural, pure, and good. Unfortunately, not all of it stays that way, but you, me, all of us here, are his creations. There are differing views on Who He is, for He many titles, but the most common name, although even that is rarely, rarely used, is Theleg Oco. Some people confuse him with Ennoc, for some strange reason, but really Ennoc is just a portion, an underling if you will."

[Emjajoas]

"Oh no, I bet it will be a handful! We hope to have it soon. After how long I've been away, I want to ensure that we both know we'll be together. Would you, uh... like to show up?"

Em nods. His grin returns. "I'd be honoured to see the two of you wed, should I live that long."

[Zepher]

"Nerwen was right. But they shouldn't have to be good when you need them to be good - they should be good whenever good is needed. Morality and right and wrong revolve around none of us, Boomingham. None of us are truly righteous, and almost nobody is entirely evil. I would always try forgiving, no matter the situation, and resort to other methods if need be.

Besides... if they were being evil, Heroica hall would've caught wind of it - it would've been plastered all over the quest board by now." I chuckle.

"Eh, what's good but what we decide it to be? I'm sure Baba thinks she's good, same as I'm sure Natnail thinks he's good enough. I've run errands for a majority of my career at Heroica, don't tell me those were good or bad."

[Kintobor]

"God is God. Other people have their own definitions for God. Some people would call angels, 'gods' or anyone with spiritual authority. When I speak of 'God' though, I refer to the God who created all things truly living; all that is natural, pure, and good. Unfortunately, not all of it stays that way, but you, me, all of us here, are his creations. There are differing views on Who He is, for He many titles, but the most common name, although even that is rarely, rarely used, is Theleg Oco. Some people confuse him with Ennoc, for some strange reason, but really Ennoc is just a portion, an underling if you will."

"I see. So your telling me this religion is the most effective way to ward of demons?"

Karie wasn't very sure what to make of all this. Raguel had told her that she needed to find Ennoc, but now this monk was telling her to find Theleg Oco? Why did life have to be so confusing?

[joeshmoe554]

Jeaux had been sitting quietly in a corner of the hall. He did not feel any great desire to embark on another quest at the moment, but upon seeing the progg pupae enter and Punii sign his name on the quest board, he decided to take a look. The regret is inviting Heroes into a trap? I can understand a deceptive posting to bait a trap Jeaux thought, remembering his first quest for the guild. But to blatantly tell the heroes it's a trap seems indicative of overconfidence. Jeaux had little desire to meet the Regret again, and if the last encounter was any indication, he had little hope of stopping the creature, but the Regret likely held the only means to make Jeaux human again. As much as he had tried to accept his current form he still felt like a part of himself was missing, trying to fill his life with purpose was doing little to fill the void, and this thing may hold the answer. Jeaux signed his name under Quest 105 before returning to the corner to think.

[Myrddyn]

Erik remains quiet as Heckz boasts of "his" success against the demons.

Then the little orange progg comes over to Karie, and he scowls, remembering how he'd killed similar proggs back in that damn vault.

The ranger walks over to join them, and for a moment, with that hair, the crown symbol on his armour, and that damn crossbow he'd always carried around, he looks just like Daxus.

"Erik, you were with them fighting demons right...?" I hesitate. "I'm not sure how many quests you've been on since we last quested together, but...you remember the Crimson Crown, don't you?"

Erik blinks, and turns back to Pretzel, his memory of the event in question likely sharper than the monks, as he'd just missed the past six months.

"Just the quest with Karie and the demons."

"Aye, I remember the Crimson Crown. Couldn't work out what they wanted, but how could I forget? We finished the quest, came down the stairs, and there they were, tryin' to kill Borris and the bartender for some reason, said we'd made fun of 'em somehow?" Erik chuckles. "I think they'd gone mad from all those poisons and potions they were playin' with. Or maybe they couldn't see out their masks and mistook us for someone else. That'd explain their aim with those cannons, too."

[Waterbrick Down]

As Jeaux returns to his corner he can't help but notice a small slip of paper sticking out of his bag. The note simply reads:

We're running out of time, they are starting to break through. Our ether is waning. Hopefully someone will find this note before it is too late. ~ Alistair Greenhood

Edited July 21, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[Endgame]

"My name would be Pius, but I'm sure my siblings would simply respond to you by the color of our hides. Except the yellow, wheezy fellow - he's our elder by a few weeks, actually. His name is Punii."

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"Are you okay, Karie? You looked like you saw something icky on the quest board. Did one of these inky demons or something get ink on it? Or is it something else?"

----------------------------------------------------

"War isn't *wheeze* the right word... I think we're infiltrating his base, really, not warring it out on *cough* some snowy battlefield.

I heard that *wheeze* thousands of people all over Olegaia are sailing to his base, though, to claim some treasure in his base. No such thing exists, though..."

------------------------------------

"I've done some horrible, horrible things, but I knew they were wrong, Boomingham. Sometimes, greed, vengeance, vanity... They can take precedent over your moral, sometime. Morality isn't absolute, but it isn't as loose as you think."

[Palathadric]

"I see. So your telling me this religion is the most effective way to ward of demons?"

Karie wasn't very sure what to make of all this. Raguel had told her that she needed to find Ennoc, but now this monk was telling her to find Theleg Oco? Why did life have to be so confusing?

I sigh.

"As they say, if the light is in your life, there is no room for darkness. The most important thing is to know the truth and to embrace it. Every time you do the right thing, you step closer to the light and further from darkness. Doing the wrong thing works the other way around. These days people argue about what is the right thing and the wrong thing to do and they try to rationalize wrong actions, but ultimately everyone has a conscience instilled in them by God which is meant to be a guide to them on the path of light. Granted, people who have their consciences for so long have a detached connection to them, but that is why it is important to heed it when you hear it speaking to you. Certainly yielding to the will of God in your life is almost certain to grant you freedom from any forms of attack from outside influences, especially demons, however, it is not easy to reach that state of mind. It is not just a one-time fix where you claim to believe in God and He solves all of your problems for you. It's a daily living. It requires great dedication; a lifestyle change really. In all honesty though, I have to inform you that demon possession is easier to stay away from than it is to fall into, although things seem to be changing these days as more and more the hearts of humanity turn away from what's right. In the past people found it relatively easy to live a good, worthy life even without the help of God. These days it's far, far harder, because few people really believe in everything. The world is grey to them. They see a demon and think that perhaps it's just a darker shade of grey. But tell me, is it easier for somehow you don't know and whom you are suspicious of to rob from you or to kill you, or is it easier to be killed and robbed from by someone who has your trust? The answer is quite obvious. The main problem with demon possession is that many people more or less invite the demons into their lives by leaving their minds wide open to receiving them. It's not that difficult to spot the workings of a demon, in truth, but these days people seem to be so dull to their workings. I would instruct you in the ways of God, but it is very difficult for people to understand that sort of power. I imagine, from looking at you, that you are not the most religious of sorts. In that case, I would strongly advise that you get a basic foundation. For that, I would strongly advise going to the Temple of Ennoc and learning about him. Ennoc is one of God's chief ministers for warring against demons, some people go so far as to think he is God Himself. In any case, learning of him will likely help you to understand more and know what to avoid and how to fight most effectively against demons to help those who are possessed by them. It is good that you asked me about this. I would be wary of asking too many others, especially if you sense darkness behind them, for some people would use your desire to help those who are possessed and turn it into a fascination for such possession to the point where you will be seeking out to be possessed by demons. It's a dark world and seems to be getting darker, but in darkness is when light shines the most brilliantly."

[Endgame]

"Excuse me for a moment, Boomingham."

I go over to Karie and the rather spiteful Monk.

"Monk, I must ask you this with the sincerest of curiosity: Who was it that taught you the ways of your religion? I see you are an effective preacher, judging by my granddaughter's interest, but I must admit you are the first man to follow Theleg Oco that I have ever seen in my 400 or so years. Who did you learn from?"

[Zepher]

Boomingham chuckles to himself as Sorrow walks away, but then his chuckle disappears as he sees him approaching Karie. Lines were being drawn.

[Emjajoas]

Em nods. "Infiltration, then," he says pensively. "I'm happy to be able to join you in battle again, but I can't help but feel a little... uneasy about the whole thing. It's not only my fear, either. It's a different kind of unease. I'm... not sure how to explain it."

He shakes his head, frowning. "I don't know. And what kind of treasure is worth braving that monster? Are they fools, or do they know something we do not?"

He sighs. "I've a feeling this is going to be... messy."

[Palathadric]

"Monk, I must ask you this with the sincerest of curiosity: Who was it that taught you the ways of your religion? I see you are an effective preacher, judging by my granddaughter's interest, but I must admit you are the first man to follow Theleg Oco that I have ever seen in my 400 or so years. Who did you learn from?"

"Well, apparently I am holding the whole hall in captivation from the looks of it," I reply, sneering. "Do you fear the name of God? Do you? The reason the name of God is not heard more is that for long God has used his 'lesser gods' you can say, to carry out His commands and instructions to mortals. God works unseen, his underlings not so much so. Some have seen Ennoc and the other angels, although many have attempted to twist the truth in their own way. Nevertheless, God has His messengers who he sends from time to time for specific purposes; usually to repairs the injuries brought to the world through demons influencing man. I am not answerable to you in any way. When you asked whom I learned it from, you assume much, too much, but how could I expect you to understand."

I nearly splutter out when Sorrow mentions Karie being his granddaughter, but I manage to regain my composure quickly enough. My splutter turns into a laugh.

"What stunt are you trying to pull now? Are you attempting to use some machination of the mind to make this girl believe she is related to you? Don't be ridiculous! It will not work."

I turn to Karie. "You see, these are the stunts that demons pull to influence humankind. They make one believe in something that is not at all true. They come in softly, pretending to have no evil intent, but then when you don't suspect, they begin their more dirty work and slowly begin to influence one's mind to the point their target begins to think the story is reality."

I turn back to Sorrow, but continue to address Karie.

"Look at this sad creature, once a decent man, by all appearances, maybe not good, but probably decent all the same, but his body is being used by some necromancer or some demon somewhere to sow confusion and discord in this Hall of Heroes. Cannot the world let the dead rest as they deserve? No. People who seek power but do not receive it from humans look for something else to give them that sense of power, even raising the dead to a state of undeath where the necromancer can possess the body of a corpse. It is a terrible thing."

[Endgame]

"I do not fear God, and if he is an entity of justice and righteousness, I respect him. However, Monk, I see your intolerance has not yet waned. I reiterate - I am not a demon. And I can't say I appreciate you questioning Karie and I's family ties.

Thank you for your time, and good day."

I return to Boomingham, sighing.

"Agh. I don't suppose you've met the monk? My granddaughter is a smart enough woman to not get indoctrinated into some false cause, though... That Monk is worshiping the right principles in the wrong way."

-------------------------------------

"Actually, Em, I think it's the other *wheeze* way around. They don't know The Regret and the Oculoids live in that citadel. All they know is that there is *wheeze* treasure in there, supposedly, and they want it... enough to warrant countries all over Olegaia to head to The Regret's citadel.

If *cough* The Regret doesn't kill them, they'll kill each other going for the treasure... I didn't think people were so *wheeze* greedy. i'm glad I know some of the most heroicic humans around, at *cough* least."

[Emjajoas]

Em clicks his teeth again. "They'll kill eachother, and when only the strongest remain, they'll be the Regret's ginea pigs, I'm sure."

He shakes his head. "I, too, am glad to have made good friends. Adds a lot of pressure, though."

Em's frown deepens, and he closes his eyes with a sigh. "You ever seen a waterfall, Punii? Not a small one. Like, large. Huge, even. With rapids, jagged rocks at the bottom. Roaring waves and gushing water rushing towards the river below. They're... dangerous. Powerful. Ravenous. Destructive. But beautiful. I guess it sort of reminds me of the Regret. I see a certain beauty in power, but his beauty is one I cannot appreciate; I'd like nothing more than to end it."

He clears his throat. "I... don't know where that came from. I took a pretty big hit on my last quest, I guess it's having more of an effect on me than I thought."

[Endgame]

"...What you're seeing isn't *wheeze* beauty, Em! I'm... Kinda surprised to hear something from you *cough* like that... Impressed with the power he wields, maybe, but I wouldn't think that waterfall is beautiful... Especially since we're the ones *wheeze* plunging towards the spikes at the bottom!

We have to stop him, Em, no matter *cough* what... We have to kill an immortal..."

Edited July 21, 2014 by Endgame