Heroica RPG - Quest #30: Ambassadors to Dastan

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded at Galen's words, and took the blade. "I not worthy to hold sword," he clicked, "But I will try to keep it safe until you decide. I know I words are worthless, but I still apologize for what has happen. It should not have happen. It...should not have happen.."

Carefully he walked over to Sarick, and handed him the blade. "I know you can not use this sword," he clicked, "But you were one to rally better heroes to make right choice. Please watch this blade, until Galen ask for it. If he not ask for it then give it to another, or keep it for yourself. I am sorry to you leader, I should have put more faith in you. One time I am cautious, it was when I should have trust."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen stepped over to Cronk.

I'm sorry that it was necessary to raise a weapon against you, I did use only my staff and stood back so as not to hurt you.

Now Nerwen had a chance to look at the other party better, outside the chaos of battle. She saw a metasimian holding up one of the others. It was the barbarian with nice hair that was polite to her when she first entered the hall. Moving across to him she asked,

Are you healed of your hurts?

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn looked at the Elf warily. It didn't seem more than a few seconds ago they had been on opposing sides.

"My wounds from the explosion are my burden, I ask not for any healing. There is no balm for such regret that I carry, save to continue our mission here and hope we end up making a difference to the people of Dastan.

But I thank you for your concern, it touches me and shows that there may be some light approaching this nightmare."

[CorneliusMurdock]

Let heroes not argue, friends. What happen here not Heroica's finest moment but is over. What use is arguing? Cronk does not condemn any being for decision that being made this day. It is obvious now that Wren contrived this battle and made it one that no hero could win. It is Wren that would have friends embrace bitterness and despair. If heroes do just that all heroes will continue to lose.

Let all heroes cast aside the pain of today and look to the future. There are still great evils to overcome. There are still innocent people here in Dastan to save. Work is not done. It not time to wallow in self pity. It time to pick self up, brush self off, and venture forth to right this injustice. Only in defeating Wren can heroes hope to wash selves clean. Let both parties remember why parties are here. Time has come to band together, not drift apart.

Cronk intends to help people of Dastan. Cronk hope all Cronk's friends will do same.

[Tanma]

Let heroes not argue, friends. What happen here not Heroica's finest moment but is over. What use is arguing? Cronk does not condemn any being for decision that being made this day. It is obvious now that Wren contrived this battle and made it one that no hero could win. It is Wren that would have friends embrace bitterness and despair. If heroes do just that all heroes will continue to lose.

Let all heroes cast aside the pain of today and look to the future. There are still great evils to overcome. There are still innocent people here in Dastan to save. Work is not done. It not time to wallow in self pity. It time to pick self up, brush self off, and venture forth to right this injustice. Only in defeating Wren can heroes hope to wash selves clean. Let both parties remember why parties are here. Time has come to band together, not drift apart.

Cronk intends to help people of Dastan. Cronk hope all Cronk's friends will do same.

IC: De'kra untensed his body as Cronk spoke, before he dipped his head and clicked, "Of course, people of Dastan must come first. I should have learn that lesson back in Quest 4, I will not complain while there is work to be done and lives to save. But what you think heroes should enact now? Rolando hire Team and he traitor, are heroes and I sure Dastan will have Heroes and I? I will try to help either way, but what is Team's next move? You have plan?"

The echo's eyes had defaulted to a fiery orange, as he looked at Cronk hopefully.

Edited June 8, 2012 by Tanma

[Xarrzan]

Sarick moved forward with his team to defend Constance. He struck Felton with his staff instead of using his magic, it would cause less permanent damage that way. The first attack went well until the heat, horrible heat that came from the thrown device. Sarick was far too close to the explosion. His scales were burned, melted and fused together. He could still hear but movement was not an option. Cronk's healing waves were a welcome relief. With them he was able to shed his skin quickly and grow back some soft scales. They would harden over time. Sarick looked at the body of Constance, saddened that she did not have scales to protect her form and that a defender of Dragons had fallen in this disagreement.

Sarick accepted the Dragon's Heart sword from De'kra and stuck it into his belt. The burnt belt was easily sliced and fell to the ground. Sarick picked it back up and froze the belt [at the cost of 1 ether] to keep it in place. The sword stayed awkwardly in place.

Sarick blinked a few times, surveying the scene, then said "Thank you, those who stood by my side. I am glad none of the heroesss from either side received death as Constance did. We were employed to hunt cultists. Our employer hired us to find enemies of the state. We did that and slew the cultists. We found out that our guide was a traitor and it seems everyone is now well aware of thisss. We have done our job. If we cannot find another employerer then it seems like it is time to return home to Heroica."

Sarick began slithering to the palace, he paused for a moment and said "We will see what the morning has to offer. Rest will clear our mindsss." With that Sarick slithered off in the direction of the palace to retire for the night.

[CorneliusMurdock]

Sarick is correct. Party was hired to defeat Cultists. And while party did defeat some, friends have seen evidence in the papers suggest that there are more. Perhaps, friends could seek Phil's advice on where remainder might be and stop Cultists. Or perhaps remaining Emperor could use heroes for some other purpose like finding and defeating Rolando. Cronk not sure.

But Cronk does not want to return to Hall like this. Taste of being manipulated still bitter in Cronk's mouth. Cronk would feel better if Cronk could find some redemption by helping Dastan. Cronk not care so much how. Cronk swore duty to Ennoc to uphold justice. Cronk will do so any way Cronk can.

[Zepher]

The Heroes

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

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:

14/14

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

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

Atramor Gibbin

, Level 19 Witch *Acting Party Leader*

Power: 28

Health: 22/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest)

Defense: 2

Ether: 8/8 (-9 for remainder of Quest)

Gold: 12

Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core

Cronk

(played by CorneliusMurdock)

Level 20 Paladin

Power:

32

SP:

9

Health:

40/40

Ether:

8/21

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

Nyx

, Level 19 1/2 Battle Mage

Power: 32

Health: 29/29

Ether: 24/24

Gold: 0

Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale

De'kra

(played by Tanma)

Level 15 Rogue

Power:

20

Health:

21/21

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, 3x Potion, 2x Remedy, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone

Tarn Valco

, Level 15 Barbarian

Power: 25

Health: 22/22

Gold: 13

Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade, Grand Potion Stored), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Dragon Scale

William Harkenshire

, Level 13 1/2 Ranger

Power: 18

Health: 18/18

Gold: 20

Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (2), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX

Edited June 8, 2012 by Zepher

[CMP]

Atramor rolled his eyes as the sword was handed off to Sarick, and to his surprise, the Mead and Nostrum were returned to him by Tarn. Somewhat annoyed, he asked the party at large.

"Does anyone want either of these, or is everyone gonna assume Constance is gonna haunt 'em through 'em or somethin'?"

[Tanma]

OOC: it appears that we have slowed back down

OOC: sorry for this long monologue, but the pace seemed slow enough to justify it. Hopefully it doesn't seem too out of the blue.

IC: De'kra nodded at the words of Cronk, before following Sarick towards the palace. As he traveled, the echo heard the voice speak within his mind,

"You still blame yourself, don't you."

The echo replied softly in his native chirping language;

"I definitely share part of the blame, there is no denying that. I could have figured it out if I really thought about it, and I almost realized what was happening at points. I should have questioned the situation more. I did not advocate what Tuyet and Nidhiki did, but I did not approve of what the Shadeuax used us to do either. But as I told Cronk, I remember the lesson from that quest. Sitting around will do nothing but allow new pain to enter this world. I will keep moving forward."

"And what lesson will you take from this?"

De'kra paused, before he responded again in his tongue,

"I can't do something like that. I can't charge into a battlefield creating massive destruction, or create chaos like that. It is not in my spirit. I need to be precise and effective, not blunt and destructive."

"And what of the Matoran? What of Gali or Jaller?"

De'kra winced at the words, as his mind replayed that "battle." Finally he answered in his language of clicks and chirps,

"I know, I remember what Gali did to Karzahni. But the difference is the Matoran can handle that power, they are not fragile like these people. Humans are not made of metal, and from what I know they live for a much shorter time at peak conditions. Even the Agori are more sturdy. And our Toa use far greater restraint than any hero, they had a Code. They limited themselves, they were protectors, not murderers. Saviors, not weapons.

"And of the Empire?"

De'kra froze, and his entire body tensed. Finally he whispered in old Matoran,

...You know a lot, don't you?"

The voice replied with a vocal smile,

"You easily know more than me, I just see it in a different way. Either way I think you know where to go from here."

De'kra waited for another comment, but there was none to be found. Carefully De'kra resumed following Sarick, though suspicion flowed from his mind.

Edited June 8, 2012 by Tanma

[Pandora]

Nyx feels the chill in the air, and doesn't like it. Nobody is happy, but all for different reasons, and the mood is low all round. Some other members of the group have begun to peel off, but despondency hangs heavy in the air. She looks around, concerned that the fight between the heroes has done irreparable damage, but she'd stood for what she believed and had apologised. A deep sigh escapes her lungs.

"Hey Atramor, you know I never say no to a free drink so if no-one else wants those, chuck them my way. Or you could keep them yourself. So... shouldn't we head back to the palace? I vaguely remember someone saying something about going back there, and they have fluffy pillows, and... well, we can't hang around here forever and we should probably be doing something. I guess. "

[CMP]

Atramor shrugged, tossing Nyx the Mead and Nostrum.

"Feel bad for the next cultist to come our way. I'm ready to head back to the palace...if I'm still leadin'?"

I think you forgot about Thothwick.

[Professor Flitwick]

OoC: I thought we were just waiting for Zepher. He did say we were ahead of the other two Quests, and I assumed that we were having a cooling off period whilst they caught up.

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn was glad that none of the heroes seemed to blame him too much for using the bomb, not that he had stopped blaming himself. Cronk was right, the best way to move on was to fulfill their mission. They still had Victor to protect.

He was keen to know if their ranks had swelled, if the heroes they had met would be sticking around.

[Zepher]

OoC: Sorry guys, we're waiting for the other Dastan Quest to catch up, but we should be with us in a day or two tops, and then we can move forward! We're past half way at this point.

[Fred Daniel Yam]

OoC: Sorry guys, we're waiting for the other Dastan Quest to catch up, but we should be with us in a day or two tops, and then we can move forward! We're past half way at this point.

I dug with my shovel

IC: "So....." "This is a bit awkward. How's life everyone?"

[Fugazi]

With the pain and adrenaline subsiding, Galen was feeling more chatty.

"Nyx, I wish we could have met in happier circumstances, but it's still so good to see you again! We might as well catch up on the gossip, tomorrow our ways could part again. I can't believe that our paths never crossed since our return from Draida Bay, it's been almost a year! Adventuring seemed so simple back then! A potion, a bedroll and we were on our way to become heroes.

Do you have any news of Rufindel? I heard he's a powerful cleric now, but haven't seen him in the Hall lately. And what about D'Eficcio, Shadina, Purple? It's as if they had disappeared from the face of Olegaia, I never heard from them after our first mission. It's so strange, I hope nothing bad happened to them."

[posades]

A fair amount of time had passed, and Xander was almost fully recovered from the previous battle. His memory was still hazy regarding the events that had transpired, but he did vividly remember attacking a fellow barbarian; he also remembered the blast that originated from that very same hero. He did not blame the barbarian for what happened; he was doing what he thought was right, and Xander could not fault someone for following his conscious.

He noticed that some of his party had begun to retire to the palace. Gathering his belongings, he followed Sarick and others to where they would spend the night.

[Pandora]

Nyx whirls round to face Galen as he speaks, and as she listens a warm smile spreads across her face. She had feared she'd lost Galen's friendship with the recent events.

"Galen I couldn't be happier to see you, and in Cronk's company too. It seems we've both come such a long way from those old days; you led us well, I shall never forget that. Little d'Efficio, hmm I'm not sure what happened to him, but then again he is easily lost being so small, and Shadina and Purple, well last I heard they were drinking Sheherazade out of business. Rufindel is indeed a more accomplished Cleric, but he's still a bit crap at actually healing anyone. He and I recently tried to help the Town Watch back in Eubric, along with Cronk who you obviously know, and Atramor here (the chicken dude). That's where I got this nice book, and it's got nice pictures of various beasties disembowelling each other and eating their giblets, and every so often a little spider crawls out and he's really sweet so I called him Edgar and the book's really quite heavy, but I sort of became half barbarian so it's really not that heavy to me and I don't have to worry about opening jars of pickles anymore, and when I punch people I don't break a nail and they tend not to get back up again."

Nyx stops to take a breath before adding

"So yeah, I'm good, and old pointy ears is ok I think, but you, yeah, it's really, really good to see you and I really hope you get to stick around for a while. I'd so much like to once more fight side by side with you, Galen. Oh and you should totally take the sword that little running-around dude offered you (what is he anyway?), it'd really suit you, you know?"

[Tanma]

IC: As he walked De'kra spotted Xander, and cautiously approached the barbarian, "I sorry for that battle," he clicked awkwardly, "I should have stood and Team. Not and Tuyet and Nidhiki."

OOC: feel free to ask about the nicknames

[Fugazi]

Galen smiled at Nyx in awe.

"Half barbarian! That's so... unexpected! Not that it's a bad choice, far from it -- physical strength and magical powers in equilibrium, what a wonderful mix! I did notice you looked brawnier than I remembered! I'll call you for sure next time my pickle jars misbehave. But questing together would be even better, of course!

It's good to be travelling with a full party again, for the last year I kept wandering here and there looking for clues of my sister's whereabouts but I couldn't keep going without more gold. So I came back to Heroica and joined the first quest I could qualify for. As you must have heard it hasn't gone so well and I almost died three times, but Cronk and the rest of the party were there to patch me up. I think I have been lucky to quest with good companions, trustworthy and honest. Even the little rogue, he's certainly a strange guy but he's not acting like any rogue I've ever met. He's got principles and he's a good soul, he could have made knight or cleric. But we all made choices for a reason, right?

I don't know about the sword, its power is so... daunting. And I was thinking about leaving Dastan, to resume my own quest. I have gathered a bit of gold, it wouldn't last me long but I'm not a big spender! I have this bad feeling Nyx, there's something terribly wrong with Dastan and I can't wait to be on my way again."

[posades]

IC: As he walked De'kra spotted Xander, and cautiously approached the barbarian, "I sorry for that battle," he clicked awkwardly, "I should have stood and Team. Not and Tuyet and Nidhiki."

OOC: feel free to ask about the nicknames

Xander gave De'kra a warm smile; although his adoption as a child by nomadic Beast Masters in the Northwest Plains did not allow him to know the true meaning of family and siblings, De'kra felt like a little brother to him. He began to speak to the shade in a low but comforting tone.

"One day, De'kra, you will realize your true potential. I sense a fair amount of self-doubt and pity for your previous actions; everything happens for a reason, and soon you'll realize that your past experiences will better shape who you are as a hero and person later in life. We all make mistakes, that is not important; what truly matters is how we cope with what we've done and learn from those wrongdoings."

Xander felt uncomfortable speaking on such a serious topic, so he quickly changed the subject. "Who is this Tuyet and Nihiki you speak of? You have a particular way with words that is refreshing," he added as he winked at the shade.

[Tanma]

Xander gave De'kra a warm smile; although his adoption as a child by nomadic Beast Masters in the Northwest Plains did not allow him to know the true meaning of family and siblings, De'kra felt like a little brother to him. He began to speak to the shade in a low but comforting tone.

"One day, De'kra, you will realize your true potential. I sense a fair amount of self-doubt and pity for your previous actions; everything happens for a reason, and soon you'll realize that your past experiences will better shape who you are as a hero and person later in life. We all make mistakes, that is not important; what truly matters is how we cope with what we've done and learn from those wrongdoings."

Xander felt uncomfortable speaking on such a serious topic, so he quickly changed the subject. "Who is this Tuyet and Nihiki you speak of? You have a particular way with words that is refreshing," he added as he winked at the shade.

IC: De'kra shuddered violently, before he clicked, "Sorry. it not hurt as much if I say it..."

The echo paused, as he debated something in his head. Finally De'kra muttered something about a terror dock, before he clicked, "You see, I remember a lot more of I homeland now, compare to Quest 4. What you ask about is sad tale, one that can repeat if not prepare for. Now I suppose you could say that close to I home was island city, guarded by eleven heroes. Each had great command over element, like fire, air, or water. They defend their island city for ages, but something happen."

"There was "hero" call Tuyet," clicked De'kra as his body began to tighten, "One who grew tire of Heroes' code. You see in I home, heroes not allow to kill or torture enemies, unless conditions are absolutely dire. I mean fate of world dire. It is way of make sure their incrediable power not corrupt them, and way to help public trust them. But Tuyet grew tired of defend citizens, and decide it would be best to destroy every enemy, so that there no longer threat. She became fanatical, and began to leech power from her fellow heroes. One of heroes name Lhikan try to stop her, but self serving teammate name Nidhiki help Tuyet kill him. Tuyet took over island city, and slaughter all evil doers. Other heroes saw peace this made, and join her in her purge, moving on to other islands. I homeland was spare, but her empire was still close enough. But soon she move on to groups who had done no crime but might be threat one day, in attempt to maintain order. Peaceful inventors were kill because they might make weapons against her, villagers who speak against her or just behave differently were lock up, and soon beautiful city was dystopia, rule by Tuyet. And despite her claims that her rule was for greater good of all people, she would abandon that city in blink of eye if things went wrong. Any honor she had was lost. Eventually some true heroes rose up, but it took over 3000 years for rebels to muster their forces, and city was destroy in final battle. Last I ever hear of that city it had still not recover. I call them Tuyet and Nidhiki, because I see...similaritiesl."

The echo glanced down at his blades as he concluded this, before letting out a final shudder. "You right," he clicked, "Heroes have to learn from mistakes."

[CMP]

Atramor hovered somewhere near the back of the group. There was no current goal, and he was certainly in no mood for idle conversation. Nyx was catching up with the taller rogue, the hammer-wielding barbarian with the shorter, but he paid neither any attention. Instead, he merely took his time examining, quite closely, the Witch's Talisman. Thothwick had been foolish enough to question its past...he knew well enough who'd possessed it before him, but he never really had a chance to look at it more thoroughly. It was makeshift, lined with various teeth and small bones, but nevertheless had a dark, tired magic surrounding it. For what it was, he enjoyed the amulet.

Plus, Thothwick seemed to hate it. Subjected to weakness because of it. Atramor chuckled, in almost cackling sort of way, before letting the necklace fall to his neck again. No, he would stand by his decision to become a Witch until his power exceeded what it would give him. He still felt somewhat poor, though...there'd better be something damn good later on to make this trip worth it. 100 coins he'd already manage to let slip through his fingers...by his own hand. But of course, Constance had been asking for it, right?

"Shoulda' brought some rum...."

[Zepher]

William digs with his shovel. He finds soot, and then below that, ground!

The heroes retire for the evening, quiet, angry, and fractured. They sleep fitfully, but regain health and ether all the same.

The Heroes

Nerwen Calmcacil

(played by Chromeknight)

Level 9 Cleric

Power:

15

Health:

16/16

Ether:

12/12

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

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:

14/14

Gold:

38

Inventory:

Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, Fire/Wind Elemental, Unsuitable) Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Opal(Ice), Sapphire(Wind), Topaz(Lightning), Potion, Tonic, Bone, Fire 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

Atramor Gibbin

, Level 19 Witch *Acting Party Leader*

Power: 28

Health: 22/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest)

Defense: 2

Ether: 8/8 (-9 for remainder of Quest)

Gold: 12

Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core

Cronk

(played by CorneliusMurdock)

Level 20 Paladin

Power:

32

SP:

9

Health:

40/40

Ether:

21/21

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

Nyx

, Level 19 1/2 Battle Mage

Power: 32

Health: 29/29

Ether: 24/24

Gold: 0

Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale

De'kra

(played by Tanma)

Level 15 Rogue

Power:

20

Health:

21/21

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, 3x Potion, 2x Remedy, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone

Tarn Valco

, Level 15 Barbarian

Power: 25

Health: 22/22

Gold: 13

Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade, Grand Potion Stored), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Dragon Scale

William Harkenshire

, Level 13 1/2 Ranger

Power: 18

Health: 18/18

Gold: 20

Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (2), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX

Thothwick

, Level 16 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader*

Power: 31 (21 Ranged)

Health: 0/27

Gold: 481

Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venom, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence

The next morning, Phil greets them.

"Follow me. We are honoring Constance. I have arranged for you to be there to show your respect." He glares at Atramor. "I expect you to at the very least play the part expected of you. I know that Dastan still needs you, but others require some convincing."

The heroes follow Phil northward through the city to a small courtyard. Mist clings to the building and the early morning sun lights it. The city looks like it has been filled by wispy golden fire.

"This is the courtyard of Fallen Heroes." The heroes are quiet as Emperor Septrine enters the courtyard, bearing Constance's helmet. He is followed by Ella and a hobbling Mallelio. Ella nods quietly at the heroes and gives them an encouraging smile. Mallelio holds Phil's gaze.

The heroes and the royal party observe a short period of silence. The Emperor goes onto one knee.

"May the Dragons set fire to your heart and fly it away," he whispers, and then stands. The royal party whispers the same. The Emperor approaches the heroes.

"Victor has convinced me that your presence here is required, so I'm letting your assassination slide. I hate it, but he's convinced me it's what the people of Dastan need, and that you acted as you saw fit. I will never fault anyone for trying to protect the people of Dastan. We have acted rashly before as well. It is in our nature. As the old saying goes: when a Dragon is cornered, he burns everything in sight."

"I have, however, devised a punishment for you heroes. You must go with the General Nikolai to the Rito." The Emperor grins. "We need their help, and you're going to win it for us. The Rito are a war loving people. Good luck, heroes. May you return yourselves to my better graces." Emperor Septrine curtly nods to them, and begins to exit. He then turns back. "My daughter Ella has also requested two body guards. If she selects you, you keep her safe. Emperor Alandri tells me that the Lion Knight forces move closer everyday. We live in dangerous times, heroes." With that, the Emperor takes his leave.

"Hello, heroes." Ella greets the party with a grim smile. "I hear that you have joined the ranks of murderers." She seems offended at her own joke. "I apologize. I do not know how to rationalize what you've done. I know you acted with the Empire's best interests in heart. I can see that. I had a vision, moments before your bomb exploded. I saw the internal damage it would deal you. And I know what you have suffered. Father will forgive you when he understands. I luckily already do." She turns to Tarn. "It is not your fault, brave Tarn. Do not blame yourself. You acted according to what you thought was right. You defended your ideals. That is what the heart of Dastan asks of all of us. I have selected you as one of my guards."

Ella turns next to Atramor. "And you, my friend, you must come with me. You have work to do. You have more penance to perform than all the others. I have seen inside you, and I must steer you in a different direction than you are going. I have selected you as one of my guards. Follow me, you two. McCaffrey, stay at your respectful distance, if you'd please. Thothwick, you are in my debt for taking this Witch off your hands. I would take you as well, but you will shortly have something else to do."

Atramor and Tarn follow Ella, disappearing into the city. (Your PM will be on it's way shortly!)

"As you can see, heroes, I am back on my feet. I have you all to thank for that. I will not forget my debt to you, and I do not forget that you are friends of Dastan. I have used up all my kind words for you with the Emperor for the time being, but I am certain that he will come around. I must go meet with him. But I beg you, heroes, as I will not forget my debt to you, do not forget your debt to Constance."

Mallelio leaves the courtyard, and the heroes are alone with Phil.

"At the moment, we have bigger fish to catch. We did not mention it to the Emperor because we are not sure how he would react, but we have a pressing concern. You have no doubt noticed the fog that has covered the city. Ella told me it's reason. I did not want to believe her. Mallelio just confirmed what it means to me. Your assassin hunting will have to be put on hold. I know that you are sick and thirsty from hearing this, but I can handle myself. I truly can. I have a more important mission for you."

The party hears the sound of small wings, and Vipera lands.

"HEROES!" Vipera booms in their minds. "I bring greetings from the Dragons. I must enlist your help. The Chimera has been summoned. She rests now in the mountains to the north. My brethren refuse to act. They are resigned to their fate. They tell me the age of Dragon has passed. But this is not their choice. The Chimera is not alone their foe. She is foe to all. Friends of Dragons, Thothwick, William, Cronk, and Galen, you are to follow me. Prepare today, we will set out tomorrow. I have asked my old ally Poletad to bring Skrall and Isabella. We will meet in the mountains, and we will kill this threat." Vipera says all this with conviction. The heroes feel compelled to do as she asks.

"I can strum some strings for you, heroes. I will can excuse the four that Vipera asks for from duty, but the rest of you must go to the Rito to appease Emperor Septrine. Xander, De'Kra, Nerwen, Sarick, and Nyx, go to the Rito. Nikolai awaits you outside the walls of Drakencourt. Do as he commands. The rest of you must remain here. Constance was trying to open back up communication with the Dragons. We owe this to them and to her."

The party says quick good byes. Xander, De'kra, Nerwen, Sarick, and Nyx head out of Drakencourt to meet with Nikolai while the others remain behind.

The Party

Cronk

(played by CorneliusMurdock)

Level 20 Paladin

Power:

32

SP:

9

Health:

40/40

Ether:

21/21

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

Thothwick

, Level 16 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader*

Power: 31 (21 Ranged)

Health: 0/27

Gold: 481

Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venom, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence

William Harkenshire

, Level 13 1/2 Ranger

Power: 18

Health: 18/18

Gold: 20

Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (2), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX

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

Edited June 11, 2012 by Zepher