Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[Lind Whisperer]

"Too long! I've, well, been lurking here. I needed to clear my head after nearly butchering an entire village in my last fiasco of an outing. And you? What's this about your last visit?"

The Munchkin started. He had been so happy to see the Dragoon again, that he had missed what he'd said. "Your...last visit?"

[Palathadric]

"You there! Master Monk! Are you going to just wait around and hope you're selected for the quest, not caring about the morals of your team-mates? That's what the lawful good heroes on the last quest did - and look what happened! The Witch is still alive! Because the other heroes over-ruled the good heroes, and let her live!

Are you going to sit back, and let that happen a second time?"

"What are you talking about, fool?" I say, annoyed by the intrusion on my thoughts and my discussion with Grimwald. "Morals of my teammates? Witch? Of course I'm ashamed that the witch escaped alive, but there was nothing I could do about it. As Grimwald can attest, she just blinded all of us and we were powerless. Don't accuse people of things you know nothing about."

"The Monk does not need your inane and cliche blather, nothing you say or do will actually have any effect on who goes or stays. So please be quiet. I might have business with this man myself."

Addressing himself to the monk he said; "Would you be master Pretzel by any chance?"

"Quite right," I agree with Throlar, turning my back on Lind. "Yes, I am Monk Pretzel. What can I do for you?"

I hold out my hand to the dwarf.

"I believe the Monk is quite capable of speaking for himself, sir. And cliche? That is your assault upon my efforts towards a better future? We are supposed to let whoever and their dog go off on this quest, simply because creating a group to combat this evil would be cliche? Shame, sir!

You were on that quest! You yourself saw the "heroes for hire" cheerfully turn traitor for a few extra gold! You were one of the ones that tried to say no, and were overruled! You should be the one most loudly campaigning for this group, not I!"

"Friend! Can't you see the mad part of the hall is over there."

I point to Sorrow's corner.

"Why not pester him with your rude intentions?"

[Asphalt]

To this point Vindsval has paid little attention to the fool running about the hall, but the final back and forth between he and the other members of the hall have pulled his eye and ear. To him many of the things coming forth from the Elf's? mouth seem far too similar to the speeches that tended to precede an angry mob of villagers with spears and torches chasing his father and him from a town. He moves the read the notice the tiny man put on the quest board, wondering what it was that started this mess.

He reads the notice, and though he knows not the history it smacks of fear mongering. With a sneer and a grunt he slashes a long black nail through the notice.

Perhaps this will quiet things down, if the small-ling will stop running at the mouth.

[Palathadric]

"Arthur!" I say jubilantly as he enters, but then he heads over to Thormanil, so I decide to give him some space.

From a distance, I admire the two young dragons.

Beautiful creatures.

My thoughts turn to Dastan once again and the magnificent beast we had saved.

Good times! I think.

I wonder where Maurice is now?

[Endgame]

"Oh, well... I see." Annienal twiddles her thumbs, trying to think of something to ask. The fact of the person sitting beside her being undead was beginning to crawl up her like a vine. She felt somewhat worried but thought it too rude to get up. "What's your opinion on dragons?"

"Respectable creatures. Typically they have some other reason beyond primal urges and just general hostility for doing what they-"

Just then, a dragon perches itself behind the elf I was speaking to.

"Hello there, friend. I wonder where your dragoon is-"

I notice a familiar face as I scan the hall.

"I don't suppose you recognize me, Arthur?"

[Lind Whisperer]

"What are you talking about, fool?" I say, annoyed by the intrusion on my thoughts and my discussion with Grimwald. "Morals of my teammates? Witch? Of course I'm ashamed that the witch escaped alive, but there was nothing I could do about it. As Grimwald can attest, she just blinded all of us and we were powerless. Don't accuse people of things you know nothing about."

"I believe we're talking about two different quests - I'm referring to the Quest to the Tower of Babel. I was saying nothing on the morals of your team-mates, I was referring to the morals of those who were on the quest to the Tower."

To this point Vindsval has paid little attention to the fool running about the hall, but the final back and forth between he and the other members of the hall have pulled his eye and ear. To him many of the things coming forth from the Elf's? mouth seem far too similar to the speeches that tended to precede an angry mob of villagers with spears and torches chasing his father and him from a town. He moves the read the notice the tiny man put on the quest board, wondering what it was that started this mess.

He reads the notice, and though he knows not the history it smacks of fear mongering. With a sneer and a grunt he slashes a long black nail through the notice.

Perhaps this will quiet things down, if the small-ling will stop running at the mouth.

The Munchkin eyes the Half-giant, but chooses not to confront him, simply repairing the notice and returning it to its former position, before quickly scampering back to the two Dragoons.

"There's no honor among thieves, but apparently there's blind loyalty among witches..."

Edited June 16, 2015 by Lind Whisperer

[Asphalt]

Vindsval looks at the two dragons and their partners in the room. Even at this tiny size they hold a glimmer of the majesty they will one day possess. He knows not whether to be proud of his accomplishment or ashamed of his part in removing one of the great ancients. He pulls his cape over his shining Lethauros Mail. It would not do to anger these small ones. Dragons, it would appear have long memories. He moves to the newcomer, this Sir Author, in hopes of introducing himself to this obviously seasoned Fighter.

He pushes himself gently into the crowd around the man, careful not to crush anyone. He extended his massive taloned hand to the man. Greetings I am Vindsval, Called the Half-born.

[Palathadric]

"I believe we're talking about two different quests - I'm referring to the Quest to the Tower of Babel. I was saying nothing on the morals of your team-mates, I was referring to the morals of those who were on the quest to the Tower."

"Then don't bother me with the morals of heroes on other quests. Any hero who has been here for any length of time can tell you this hall is now what it used to be. Your duty is to worry about your responsibilities and stop worrying about others and theirs."

[Lind Whisperer]

"Then don't bother me with the morals of heroes on other quests. Any hero who has been here for any length of time can tell you this hall is not what it used to be. Your duty is to worry about your responsibilities and stop worrying about others and theirs."

"No argument. And that's why my duty is to do everything I can to ensure that the witch is killed, and that she isn't able to continue her campaign of mind-flaying mind control," said the Munchkin, intentionally raising his voice so that the Half-giant could hear, in the case that his attack upon his notice was born out of some inborn protective feelings towards fellow witches.

[Asphalt]

"There's no honor among thieves, but apparently there's blind loyalty among witches..."

The Half-Giant speaks without turning his head, as if addressing the air.

"Those who wish to raise a mob, should speak more quietly among those who have been on the receiving end of such a gathering, my small friend."

[Lind Whisperer]

The Half-Giant speaks without turning his head, as if addressing the air.

"Those who wish to raise a mob, should speak more quietly among those who have been on the receiving end of such a gathering, my small friend."

Matching his tone, the Munchkin replied, "And those who would leap to defense, would do well to learn just what they are defending, my impressively muscled sort-of-acquaintance/guy-that-loaned-me-a-few-gold-once."

Edited June 16, 2015 by Lind Whisperer

[Endgame]

"No argument. And that's why my duty is to do everything I can to ensure that the witch is killed, and that she isn't able to continue her campaign of mind-flaying mind control," said the Munchkin, intentionally raising his voice so that the Half-giant could hear, in the case that his attack upon his notice was born out of some inborn protective feelings towards fellow witches.

"Who told you of that incident...?"

[Asphalt]

I defend nothing, I simply act to quiet the braying of a rablerousing fool who seems to have placed himself upon a Barrel Head. Nor would it appear that I am the only one who wishes you would speak your peace and be done. The Wanderer will set those upon the path to defeat this Baba, whom he deems worthy. He will guide the hands of the Veterans and see that the power, wisdom, and viscousness needed to defeat this creature is gathered and set forth to victory. Your attempts to use guilt and coercion to bring others to a cause, will do little other than darken them to your good intent. Put your faith in the greater power, that those who are needed will be chosen. To do otherwise is to flout the will of The Wanderer.

[Lind Whisperer]

"Who told you of that incident...?"

"Heroica Archives.

Also, try and keep it hushed down as the Watch will, it's kind of hard to keep word of the mind controlling of all attendants at a certain gathering from everyone's ears - particularly those who like to listen. And ha-ha, to the obvious up-coming joke about how I never shut-up - ha, ha."

I defend nothing, I simply act to quiet the braying of a rablerousing fool who seems to have placed himself upon a Barrel Head. Nor would it appear that I am the only one who wishes you would speak your peace and be done. The Wanderer will set those upon the path to defeat this Baba, whom he deems worthy. He will guide the hands of the Veterans and see that the power, wisdom, and viscousness needed to defeat this creature is gathered and set forth to victory. Your attempts to use guilt and coercion to bring others to a cause, will do little other than darken them to your good intent. Put your faith in the greater power, that those who are needed will be chosen. To do otherwise is to flout the will of The Wanderer.

"Yeah, that's a great speech and all, but the Veterans apparently don't like having their hands guided. Else the last group that the "greater power" had chosen wouldn't have been a bunch of corrupts that not only betrayed their mission, but made friends with the witch."

[Asphalt]

You speak with much fervor. The Witch's voice rumbles deep within his chest. Tell me, how is it you witnessed such a travesty, yet did nothing to prevent it?

Edited June 17, 2015 by Asphalt

[Lind Whisperer]

You speak with much fervor. The Witch's voice rumbles deep within his chest. Tell me, how is it you witnessed such a travesty, yet did nothing to prevent it?

"I didn't prevent it because I wasn't able to. Being hundreds of miles away can have that affect. And before you start suggesting that my facts are wrong, Munchkin ears - I'm speaking in general, not about myself - are notoriously accurate. And I have personally spoken and confirmed with members from that very party."

[Asphalt]

I have nothing against you, Whisperer was it not, And I know nothing of these munchkins of whom you speak, but would your cause not be better aided in convincing the veterans of your own worth, rather than questioning the worth of those who came before?

[Lind Whisperer]

I have nothing against you, Whisperer was it not,

"Currently, I'm traveling incognito under the moniker of "Flisperer," but yes."

And I know nothing of these munchkins of whom you speak, but would your cause not be better aided in convincing the veterans of your own worth, rather than questioning the worth of those who came before?

"Agreed, it would, under normal circumstances, be prudent to spend ten or twenty years heroing before starting up such a rallying cry, but unfortunately, there's only five days left before the sheet of selectees is posted, so I'm afraid having saved the world from complete and utter invasion, and the subsequent ravaging, pillaging, general death, destruction, burning and chaos will have to do as "proof of my worth" - although I know you're supposed to have done that at least five or six times before you're a "Truly Useful Hero"." Edited June 17, 2015 by Lind Whisperer

[Asphalt]

And yet, with 5 settings of the sun before the Veterans return to make their choices known, there are still no less than 9 names written beneath the notice. Mine among them lest you find need to debate my willingness to face this Baba. Do you have so little faith in your fellow hall members? Is there no one on the list beside yourself that you feel worthy to face this threat? Tread lightly upon the path you have Chosen Flisperer, for if you alienate yourself from all others who would share it, you will be upon a truly lonely road. We must trust one another to deflect the blade thrust at our back.

[Lind Whisperer]

And yet, with 5 settings of the sun before the Veterans return to make their choices known, there are still no less than 9 names written beneath the notice. Mine among them lest you find need to debate my willingness to face this Baba. Do you have so little faith in your fellow hall members? Is there no one on the list beside yourself that you feel worthy to face this threat? Tread lightly upon the path you have Chosen Flisperer, for if you alienate yourself from all others who would share it, you will be upon a truly lonely road. We must trust one another to deflect the blade thrust at our back.

"You speak wise words, tall one. And, in all these conversations, it does seem that there is common emotion.

I just fear time... That it will grind down these feelings, like desert sand against a Dastan castle. That when the moments come, we may deflect the blades from each others' backs...but we will not aim them into the witches heart.

But perhaps, I don't trust enough...I don't know, I don't know.

Perhaps something moistening shall clear the mind - what'll ye have? Or are you also a drinker of plain water, like myself?"

[Asphalt]

You certainly have little faith in the anger of your fellow men if you see it fade in a mere 5 days. I have seen rage over far lesser things simmer for a lifetime. It will take little fanning to keep the ember hot. You would be wise to not make yourself the attention of that flame.

If you would drink I would lift a cask with you. The owner has come to keep a selection of half casks on hand for those of my stature. Tell her it is for me, she knows how I like surprises. I am sure she will give you something most, interesting.

Edited June 17, 2015 by Asphalt

[Lind Whisperer]

You certainly have little faith in the anger of your fellow men if you see it fade in a mere 5 days. I have seen rage over far lesser things simmer for a lifetime. It will take little fanning to keep the ember hot. You would be wise to not make yourself the attention of that flame.

"It is very easy to keep hatred in one's heart against a personal enemy, but I fear all this waiting will divert the fire towards those who keep us waiting...But you are right, it would be better to step back from the flame, at least a pace."

If you would drink I would lift a cask with you. The owner has come to keep a selection of half casks on hand for those of my stature. Tell her it is for me, she knows how I like surprises. I am sure she will give you something most, interesting.

"One moment, then." The Munchkin scurried off, and shortly came back, clumsily carrying a mediumish cask, and precariously biting down on a cup filled with water.

"Lift with the legs, lift with the legs, lift with the legs..."

Edited June 17, 2015 by Lind Whisperer

[Kintobor]

Annienal puts her hand slowly out to the golden dragon, trying to be patient with it and hoping it will climb onto her. She tries to be calm around it, despite her obvious joy.

"Respectable creatures. Typically they have some other reason beyond primal urges and just general hostility for doing what they-"

Just then, a dragon perches itself behind the elf I was speaking to.

"Hello there, friend. I wonder where your dragoon is-"

"I find them rather fascinating. I always wondered what it'd be like to be one... the ability to fly around the world without so much as a care... not much responsibility... I mean, um, still, it's just a fantasy." Annienal blushes, seemingly caught in a moment of daydreaming. She looks over to the continuing moral crusader Lind and his debate with Vind.

[Endgame]

"I find them rather fascinating. I always wondered what it'd be like to be one... the ability to fly around the world without so much as a care... not much responsibility... I mean, um, still, it's just a fantasy." Annienal blushes, seemingly caught in a moment of daydreaming. She looks over to the continuing moral crusader Lind and his debate with Vind.

"Don't we all. Don't we all... Although no responsiblity is something of a stretch. Some say that it's the dragons that help guide the natural order of things. Not sure if I agree, but it's not too crazy. Their ancestry and their knowledge isn't an easy burden to bear."

[Asphalt]

Vindsval reaches our and takes the cask from the Munchkin. It appears to be no larger than a common mug when held in his hand.

I appreciate the gesture, but perhaps I should obtain the next round. I would not have my thirst be the cause of you missing a departure time.

​He examines the liquid in his cask, this time a dark reddish color with flecks of something orange floating in the foam. Sheherizade is nothing if not a master of the Draft.

He takes a long pull on the beverage, his eyes widening in surprise. How in the Realms, did she brew something that tastes of the fall harvest. By the Gods that woman is a wonder.

Hopeing he got through to the strangely dressed Fliperter, he turns his attention back to the one called Arthur. He has heard tales of this man in his travels. It will be a pleasure to finally meet the man behind those tales.