Heroica RPG - Quest #30: Ambassadors to Dastan

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn looked at Nyx appreciatively. She had articulated well one of the concerns on his mind.

"Look, this Constance is a rude, horrible woman, of that there is no doubt. But Victor specifically charged us with protecting her. Do we throw that aside? Do we attack someone who we have been asked to protect? I have no qualms with Felton - he has been an invaluable ally here in Dastan, but he still has his own agenda as a Wren Hunter. And now, we knew other heroes were in this land - the Heroica Hall sign-up board told us so, but to what end were all of us asked to be here? Like this Galen said, are we all being used here in a bigger game?"

[Professor Flitwick]

Thothwick saw several heroes run towards his group. Amongst them, he only recognised Mr. Cronk, who had changed since they last met in the Arena of Wren.

"I am afraid I must confess I'm confused. Mr. Cronk, you and the Witch both assured us that Mr. Felton is the real Mr. Felton, whereas the Rogue in the green livery - I believe Ms. Nyx referred to you as Mr. Galen? - said he has his doubts. So, which is it? Have your group had it confirmed which it is? Or is the consensus from your group just as divided as Dastan itself? Until I know for sure what it is, I shall sit this battle out. Then again, even if you had unimpeachable proof that Mr. Felton is the real Mr. Felton, I doubt I'd fight regardless. Whilst Mr. Felton has helped our group, we were hired to protect Ms. Constance. Her rudeness and stubbornness is certainly frustrating, it couldn't lead me to kill her."

[Zepher]

"It seems like by taking part in these fights and pointless missions, we're doing more wrong than good. Isn't there another way to figure out who's lying and who's not? Think people, because it's obvious that everyone wants us to rush into battle with our eyes closed."

"I understand that. I am not a part of Dastan, and I too have encountered the same problems that you have. I have been granted permission to hunt Wren and had it revoked a number of time already. It seems every person I run into wants a different thing from every single person they run into. I cannot prove to you that I am the real Felton. All I can say is that no one had an appropriate time to make the change. I've been under the watch of the party, clerics, and Dastanian officials nearly the entire time I've been here. I have presented my case, rogue. You may make the choice that makes most sense to you."

"Do you mind me asking, but what became of Hans and Phil and our dear little froggy friend? Are they well? And if I may ask further, but Constance was actually a charge we were hired to protect, what reason do you have to suspect her in particular of being a traitor?"

"Phil is in the palace currently. I just came from a meeting with him and the Emperor Septrine. I do not know where Hans and Poletad are. They must still be out tracking down evil in the countryside. We have no way to recall them at the moment. I have made my case against Constance. We know that the assassins have an insider. Someone has been allowing them passage into the city. That is how they got to U'Stus, that is how they got to Mallelio, that is how they brain washed all those poor party guests."

Tarn looked at Nyx appreciatively. She had articulated well one of the concerns on his mind.

"Look, this Constance is a rude, horrible woman, of that there is no doubt. But Victor specifically charged us with protecting her. Do we throw that aside? Do we attack someone who we have been asked to protect?"

"Yes. I am asking you to throw that all aside. I am asking you to do the right thing as opposed to the thing you were paid to do. At the hospital you were all certain that Constance was not on our side. What has changed? Listen heroes, the world does not serve up evil on a silver platter. Sometimes you are faced with a decision where you do not know all the information."

Constance stands, holding her sword, her eyes trained on Felton.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded at Tarn and clicked, "I can answer what Team was enact. Team was hire by Emperor Rolando, sorry if I mispronounce his name, to kill cultists. After that Team was sent to fort, to collect supplies and kill any Lion Knights there. There Team encounter third group of heroes led by Skrall, who were help Lion Knights. Fight almost happen, but Skrall and Cronk were able to calm both groups. It turn out that the Lion Knights and Skrall's team were try to stop rogue knights, and that Emperors knew they were there and that they were peaceful. Rolando appear to be traitor, as he fled when Heroes found out that, not to mention his soldiers try to kill Team. I am not sure where third group is now, but I believe they successfully protect fort. Those heroes also mention they had earlier fought cultists alongside good Lion Knights, though they found traitor in knights."

"I know almost nothing of Felton," commented De'kra, "or Constance, so I doubt I can make a decision without hear more information. Every group is thoroughly infiltrate so I not too surprise if Constance spy, but I last decision of who innocent and who to kill not work out well. But I can not choose nothing, as that could lead to danger too through inaction. I have not yet encounter evidence that Felton real or false, but he freely admit Team should not trust anyone. He want Team to kill Constance without knowledge of Emperors or Victor, but he has point that emotion ties can blind people to traitors. Evidence he give Team is this. Constance has hatred for U'Kin, and only number of days ago leader of U'Kin in Drakencourt was kill. That same night she sent Heroes elsewhere that led to ambush. I assume those heroes are you? That ambush he said prevent you from protect U'Stus. Likewise he said when Mallello, major educator was kidnap, Felton claim she try to stop Hans, Atramor, and him from search Teacher's house. That search led them to Wren, who was in city. Is all that evidence true? You agree it hard for him to have been replace? If it is, I am tempt to stand and Felton."

OOC: every time I read this Dragon Knight's name I think of Badgers.

Edited June 4, 2012 by Tanma

[Rumble Strike]

"Nice to see you again De'kra!" said Tarn, who had not noticed the small cloaked Rogue initially as the two teams of heroes met up. He listened to the Shade's summary, finding his diction difficult to understand as always, but glad to hear what had happened from someone he knew.

"Thank you for filling us in on what your team has been doing. It is interesting that you ran into the third Heroica team as well. I cannot help but think we are all being manipulated. Regardless, inaction is not something I was taught. It is likely I will side with Felton."

[Pandora]

"And what about you, Constance? You really don't have anything to say? Really? Not even a few proud insults or scornful words? Only that you wish to see our true colours? You don't wish to reason with us, or protest that you're not a traitor?"

[Fugazi]

"Good to see you both Cronk, Galen."

Galen was startled by the familiar voice.

"Nyx!"

He couldn't find words to express both his surprise and joy at this unexpected meeting. He hadn't noticed her at first in the darkness, but there could be no mistake. They had travelled together on their first quest for Heroica, a long time ago -- or so it seemed anyway. He wondered if she still loved shopping. She had changed, her eyes were still youthful but her features more... seasoned? Mature?

Galen decided that this train of thought could only bring him trouble -- he could tell that she was a powerful mage, perhaps even capable of reading his mind. He forced his thoughts back to the dilemma at hand.

"Just imagine the consequences if Felton is wrong. To everyone, it will appear that a party of Heroes sent by Emperor Rolando has attacked and killed the head of the Dragon Knights. It will be war between Septrine and Rolando. We don't even have a proof that Felton really met with Septrine. The Emperor might not even be aware that Constance is in danger."

"I have made my case against Constance. We know that the assassins have an insider. Someone has been allowing them passage into the city. That is how they got to U'Stus, that is how they got to Mallelio, that is how they brain washed all those poor party guests."

"I have not partaken in any of those events. I ask those who have: is there anything that proves Felton couldn't be the insider responsible for the leaks?"

[Rumble Strike]

"I have found Felton to be an honourable man and a capable fighter. When our party were forced by U'Vires to drink tainted drinks before fighting some brainwashed foes, even after two of our party were felled by those drinks, Felton stood resolutely with me and William. We were defeated by their sheer numbers, but it was Constance who ultimately saved us, even though she was too late to prevent the death of U'Stus."

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk never said Cronk was sure Felton was Felton. In fact Cronk was asking other party that same thing.

Galen is wise to be cautious. Party already conned by Rolando. Thankfully, no harm done since Party not steal weapons like Rolando wanted. Only do right by defeating group of Cultists. Cronk take solace in fact Cronk could tell Cultists were evil and Cronk bashed them.

Cronk doesn't know, though, if Cronk can just sit out fight. Like this Tarn, Cronk is not used to inaction. Cronk will pray to Ennoc to help Cronk make just decision.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra clicked, "There might be war between Rolando and Septrine anyway. Remember, Rolando might be traitor to Emperor, his soldiers attack Team, and he sent Team to fight good Lion Knights and other heroes at fort. And I believe commander at fort claim that all emperors knew about good lion knights. Before Team had chance to tell this to Feleton, he inform Team that Rolando traitor, and claim that Septrine know about it too. If what he say is true, then Rolando and Septrine already head to conflict. It also mean he not lie about Rolando's betrayal, though he might have told true to cur losses, no offense."

"Tarn," clicked De'kra, "You say Constance show up after you drank taint fluid, and that Felten stood and you. Can you and other heroes go into more detail about that situation? For instance, were all of you and Felton poison by beverages? Or Felton not drank poison? Likewise you say Constance save you when you were defeat. Was she there whoe time, or she have just come at last second to save you? Is it possible she set you up, and save you at last second to divert suspicion from herself? Can you tell whole story of that event?"

[Rumble Strike]

"Felton drank, along with everyone else. He did not chose his own drink, they were assigned by us. There was no way for him to know what drink he was getting, had he been in on the subterfuge. I think not. He is a good man.

My memory of the rescue is slightly hazy, as I had many enemies to fight and they were beating me down. Constance rescued us at the last minute, but she was with Victor, who is our sponsor for the whole Quest. Victor is the one who convinced Emperor Septrine to use Heroica, as he had met several of you before, in the Arena. He was known as 'Phil' then, if that means anything to the heroes that were on that Quest."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra mused the knowledge over and clicked, " Please, think hard about that event. You ever find out how Constance and Victor knew you need help? Is it possible Constance only save you because Victor found out you were in trouble, and she not want to give herself away? Can any of you fill in blanks of that story? Knowledge is power, and right now there is lot of incomplete power."

[CMP]

"Constance said the whole reason she was there was to pick up her sword, which Thothwick was carryin'. The first thing she asked when we came to after the battle was who was to die 'cause of our failure. As for Phil...he said he had worried. I still trust him."

[posades]

Xander stood by while the other heroes discussed the matters at hand. Politics, and all that came with it, confused him. He had been raised on simpler values, living with the land and respecting it. He did not know what side he would take in this argument; he did know, however, that his questmates were wise and he would heed their advice.

[Tanma]

"Constance said the whole reason she was there was to pick up her sword, which Thothwick was carryin'. The first thing she asked when we came to after the battle was who was to die 'cause of our failure. As for Phil...he said he had worried. I still trust him."

IC: De'kra dipped his head in thanks to his fellow Rogue and clicked, "Okay that information seem important. Base on what I hear I have to agree that Constance most likely guilty. I probably will side and Felten, but I have suggestion to all heroes here. It is clear that not all heroes agree on what to enact, which make sense given situation. And so many betrayals and twists heroes have face, it perfectly understandable to have doubts. And honestly both groups can not be completely sure who to trust. I fully understand if some heroes sit out battle, or if they side and Constance. Felten has ask heroes to kill in secret, it understandable to not trust him. So I propose that if heroes end up fight on different sides here, that heroes still not target each other. So if some heroes side and Constance, then they will not target heroes who side and Felten. And heroes who side and Felten will not target heroes who side and Constance. As soon as either Felten or Constance fall, battle will end, and groups not hold grudges. Situation so confuse that there no point to hold grudge. I am not sure if I explain this thought right, so if heroes are confuse I am sorry.

Edited June 4, 2012 by Tanma

[CMP]

"...No promises, my friend. If anyone's foolish enough to the point of sidin' with Constance, I won't have no trouble with puttin' them in their place.

McCafferey gazed down at De'kra from her perch on Atramor's shoulder, before resuming gazing at the rest of the recent addition to their team.

[Zepher]

"And what about you, Constance? You really don't have anything to say? Really? Not even a few proud insults or scornful words? Only that you wish to see our true colours? You don't wish to reason with us, or protest that you're not a traitor?"

"I've got nothing to say to it. This is why there should not be outsiders in Dastan. Felton claims that the Emperor and Victor are blind to my betrayal because they've known me too long. I say they are certain of my good intentions because of that same reason. We have the blood of Dastan in us. You heroes and the Wren Hunters do not. This is why you should go."

"I have not partaken in any of those events. I ask those who have: is there anything that proves Felton couldn't be the insider responsible for the leaks?"

"I can prove that to you, if you would like. The insider must be Dastainian. Whoever allowed Wren in, for example, must have spoken to the guards at a gate somewhere. I do not have that authority. Phil had to let me and Hans and Poletad in, and he left instructions for safe passage for all heroes. Someone else must have allowed for the passage of Wren and the Assassins. Which reminds me of another interesting point... when we talked to Phil after the battle at Atramors, he said that Constance had refused wanted signs for the assassins, saying it would incite the people. Perhaps she refused them to protect her allies."

Edited June 4, 2012 by Zepher

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra paused, before he replied, "Constance is Dragon Knight, and unless I am wrong she is strong warrior. Likewise I am guess by how many Quests Felton has been in, and potential adventures he might have been in that heroes not know of, that he also strong fighter. So it would probably be good idea to focus on Constance/Felton first, depend on who you agree and. Plus once Felton or Constance fall, all heroes will be able to search them, and can learn/prove who was tell truth. That way if wrong warrior is kill, heroes will know immediately and have strength to take on the real traitor. Afterwards...heroes can...deal and what sides heroes chose later, if they have too."

The echo looked uncomfortable with the last part of his comments, before clicking, "If what Felton say is true, another piece is against Constance. However...I find it odd that Constance is not try to defend herself. She might think that it would be useless, but it still seem odd that spy not have better defense than xenophobia. Spy would not want to get caught, they would try to be more endear to prey so they not grow suspicious. But she openly hostile to heroes since start, at least from what I have heard. It seems out of place. I not sure I see here side and factions outside of Dastan, like Lion Knights...then again, enemies are in at least three groups, and one group appears to have Emperor Rolando in its ranks, so that could explain it. Cultists also seem to be natives of Dastan, so that group could work and her as well. Another explanation is that as Felton and Constance herself say, she is trust by Emperor and Victor, and Felton implies she would be above suspicion. So she was in clear to kill people. But then Victor got e,Perot to hire Heroica. Because heroes are outsiders, they would not necessarily trust her, and could look in places where others won't think to. She kight get expose, and her work might be for nothing. That and naturally xenophobia might pierce her mask, and make her lash out at what she saw as threat. All evidence still seem to point to Constance, at least what I have heard. So unless something changes, I will still side and Felton."

[CMP]

"I'm sick of hearin' people whining 'bout the good of Dastan. Ya'll act like you're the damn gods in this desert. You hire us to save you and by failin' once you try an' kick us out. Ya' know what? Let's screw Dastan just for a second. Forget all that noble blood junk. You're just too bloody proud for help. You're not even defendin' yourself against us, you want to prove the skills you're always yappin' on about. I say; bring on every Dragon Knight you've got, and we'll show you why people call Heroica to stop holes in the desert like this from destroyin' themselves. Everything is against you, you don't have a chance of escaping. The 50 gold is worth putting you down."

[JimBee]

*Flashback* The heroes of Quest 29 listen to Nikolai answer their questions as he led them to the capitol.

"Why do I think Emeraldo is a traitor? Well, he has been leading along this whole time, hasn't he? He was about to take our forts defenses by using you, and that Russel character skipped out of here as soon as he saw more heroes. But I cannot be sure. We must find out, get to the bottom of this. If he's still in Dastan, the emperor will be in Drakencourt. He and the other emperors are well-liked among most citizens (some U'Kin and Tethusials are unhappy), so we must be careful of what we say. Treachery is not to be taken lightly, here or anywhere."

"As for your fellow heroes, they are preparing to depart the fort as well. Where to, I am not sure, they are being led by the Lion Knights."

Quest 29 Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 9 Cleric

Power: 15

Health: 16/16

Ether: 7/12

Gold: 47

Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, Potion, 2x Tonic, Remedy, Nostrum, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Bone, Fire Bomb

De'kra (played by Tanma)

Level 14.5 Rogue

Power: 19

Health: 20/20

Gold: 124

Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Pongcanis Dagger (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, 6x Potion, 2x Remedy, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone

Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi)

Level 8 Rogue

Power: 13

Health: 14/14

Gold: 31

Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Nostrum

Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader*

Level 10 Mage

Power: 17

Health: 14/14

Ether: 5/14

Gold: 38

Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Opal(Ice), Sapphire(Wind), Topaz(Lightning), Potion, Tonic, Bone, Fire Bomb

Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock)

Level 19.5 Paladin *Stunned*

Power: 31

SP: 9

Health: 39/39

Ether: 14/20

Gold: 49

Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Lance (WP:12), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), 2x Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb

Xander Unth'or (played by posades)

Level 13.5 Barbarian

Power: 21

Health: 20/20

Gold: 311

Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP:6, Aim), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Fire Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb, Green Potion

QM Note: Sorry I didn't realize that I didn't update the thread with answers and updated party list.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra suddenly remembered a conversation Nikolai had had with the heroes of Quest 29." The echo clicked, "Felton, Victor found out about Rolando's treachery, right? How he react? What he say to enact when he found out?"

Edited June 4, 2012 by Tanma

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk cannot see anything in favor of Constance. Felton, if Felton is indeed real Felton is Cronk's friend.

Cronk just thought of something. Maybe Constance is not Constance. Maybe Wren replaced Constance with copy. Rolando might also be copy.

Cronk will join Team Felton and trust to Ennoc that Cronk make right decision.

[Pandora]

"My head's going round and round with this, but Cronk's just summed it up pretty well, really. Felton has been reasonable and Constance has nothing at all going for her and I'd feel slightly less bad about smacking her in the face and setting her on fire. "

Nyx pauses, frowning slightly.

"That and I'm not fighting Cronky. I'm joining Team Felton too. And if Felton's the traitor after all, he'll pay. The blood of Dastan means naff all, there are plenty of Dastanians around who've sold out their kinsmen."

[Zepher]

"I will die a noble death if I'm to die, Witch. I will not bring my men down to die with me. Their services are still required. Nor do I plan to escape. I will protect myself for the sake of Dastan. Like it or not, Dastan is in need of me."

IC: De'kra suddenly remembered a conversation Nikolai had had with the heroes of Quest 29." The echo clicked, "Felton, Victor found out about Rolando's treachery, right? How he react? What he say to enact when he found out?"

"Victor and Emperor Septrine told me about the treachery, yes. They have sent word to the final Emperor, and asked him to try to track down Roland. The reason the heroes are in Drakencourt is that the resources of the empire are stretched too thin currently. Emperor Septrine does not have any choice. The other two Emperors left to fight the war, he was left to defend the capital. He must keep all the troops he has here. I do not disagree with this decision. Roland must show his face here if he does indeed wish to win the Empire. Tracking him down would be a waste of time."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen lent down to the echo besides her and said in a soft voice.

Perhaps that Elven cloak you have might shed a little more light on our situation.