Heroica RPG - Quest #29: Journey to Dastan

[Fugazi]

Galen rose to his feet painfully and looked around him in disgust. He didn't know what hurt the most, the humiliation of falling in combat or the feeling that he was only a burden to his party.

"I suggest we try to bury these men before we leave, they were only innocent soldiers misled by Cultist lies."

And without waiting for an answer, he started gathering rocks to cover the bodies.

[Tanma]

Galen rose to his feet painfully and looked around him in disgust. He didn't know what hurt the most, the humiliation of falling in combat or the feeling that he was only a burden to his party.

"I suggest we try to bury these men before we leave, they were only innocent soldiers misled by Cultist lies."

And without waiting for an answer, he started gathering rocks to cover the bodies.

IC: De'kra nodded and clicked, "It possible that opponents were traitors too, if that laughter meant what I though it meant. Still, it is best to give them benefit of doubt."

After a pause he asked at a pace slightly quicker than his usual speed, "You okay? Last hero I saw who had fell in battle not all of his mind came back. And when I die in battle on I first quest, I lost all of I memories, include knowledge of Uland language. Although from what heroes and I could tell you had not die like I had, and that other hero I mention had seem...off...before he fell in battle. Sorry, I might be get off topic."

Calm down, he did not fall because of you. You did what you could.

The echo paused his slight rambling, as he heard the slow strong voice speak to him. The source of the voice was still unknown, and still undetected by other individuals, but the calming voice was welcomed regardless.

Edited June 2, 2012 by Tanma

[Fugazi]

After a pause he asked at a pace slightly quicker than his usual speed, "You okay? Last hero I saw who had fell in battle not all of his mind came back. And when I die in battle on I first quest, I lost all of I memories, include knowledge of Uland language. Although from what heroes and I could tell you had not die like I had, and that other hero I mention had seem...off...before he fell in battle. Sorry, I might be get off topic."

"I still have my mind and my memories, even though sometimes I wish I didn't. I'm actually starting to get used to this. Back in the Cultist caves, it also happened. I fell down and Cronk revived me. Ever since... ever since I took to the road it's as if Lady Luck had forsaken me. You know her, you're a rogue too, even though a strange one. You must have heard the blessing... May Lady Luck stand between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk. Well, she doesn't anymore."

Galen made a sign of resignation and gestured at the dead soldiers.

"But I'm alive, so I shouldn't complain too much. Worse things can still happen."

[Xarrzan]

Sarick looked down on the fallen mage. He bent down, picked up the Sapphire Gem and placed it in one of his pouches. He then searched the bodies before Galen started to bury them. Sarick collected the gold and the lance, discarding everything else as worthless. Sarick then...

handed the Lance to Cronk,

handed 12 gold to Nerwen,

handed 12 gold to Xander,

handed 12 gold to De'kra,

and handed 14 gold to Galen.

Sarick surveyed the scene of the battle as he reached his hand into his pouch to pull out his tonic. He grabbed the Blue Potion by accident, uncorked the top and swallowed the contents. Only when the bottle came away from his lips did Sarick realize what he'd done. 'Hrm...I should have written a will' thought Sarick before the potion took effect.

[Tanma]

"I still have my mind and my memories, even though sometimes I wish I didn't. I'm actually starting to get used to this. Back in the Cultist caves, it also happened. I fell down and Cronk revived me. Ever since... ever since I took to the road it's as if Lady Luck had forsaken me. You know her, you're a rogue too, even though a strange one. You must have heard the blessing... May Lady Luck stand between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk. Well, she doesn't anymore."

Galen made a sign of resignation and gestured at the dead soldiers.

"But I'm alive, so I shouldn't complain too much. Worse things can still happen."

IC: De'kra piled some earth over the fallen opponents as he waited for the other heroes to communicate. Finally he clicked, "I not familiar and concept of laddie luck, but I know of idea of luck. At start of I first Quest I suppose I could be said to have no luck, or only bad luck. Could not hurt single foe, and I die in battle too. When I return from Void to Uland, I lost all I memories again, only to get them back in Eubric. I not remember exact details even of how I memory came back, heroes on that Quest shy away from tell I. I trust them so what return I memories was probably something bad."

"I not really regret those lost fights though," clicked De'kra, "those failures force I to keep try, and eventually I got stronger."

[JimBee]

Sarick downs the blue potion, but instead of dropping dead he feels more powerful (+1 Power, permanent).

Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 9 Cleric

Power: 15

Health: 6/16

Ether: 2/12

Gold: 47

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

De'kra (played by Tanma)

Level 14.5 Rogue

Power: 19

Health: 5/20

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: 1/14

Gold: 31

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

Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader*

Level 10 Mage

Power: 17

Health: 9/14

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: 20/39

Ether: 19/20

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

[CorneliusMurdock]

Since Nerwen down on Ether, Cronk will take time to heal Nerwen, Dekra, Galen, Sarick, and Cronk. Cronk not use healing as much in battle so it not matter so much to Cronk.

[posades]

Xander helped Galen with the burial of the bodies; although the rogue didn't always give off the impression of being a selfless hero who was concerned about others, he knew the true value of people were shown at the most critical of hours -- he believed in Galen and all the other heroes on the quest. Russell, however, was another matter.

"We should hurry to the emperor, I fear we shall soon have a confrontation that will not end well."

[Chromeknight]

Thank you for the healing Cronk. And the gold, Sarick.

Encouraged by seeing Sarick drink the blue potion, Nerwen then took the red potion and a tonicfrom her bag and drank them both.

The she checked that Galen was indeed fine after Cronk's healing. She took a nostrum from her bag and gave it to the battered rogue.

Perhaps this will help you be luckier in battles to come.

As soon as we are done burying these soldiers, we should go. Clearly they were sent to delay us and they have achieved that purpose, even at the cost of their short lives.

Edited June 3, 2012 by Chromeknight

[Chromeknight]

Doubled post removed

Edited June 3, 2012 by Chromeknight

[JimBee]

Nerwen drinks the red potion, and feels her stomach turn inside out. Her elvish skin turns even paler, and her mouth becomes dry. She has just consumed poison, which will last until the end of the next battle or it is remedied.

With nothing left to do, the heroes try to determine which way the emperor went, but it is impossible to tell with all the footprints and track marks on the ground. Russel and Emeraldo have disappeared, so the party decides to return to Fort Drakon to see if Nikolai knows anything.

"Welcome back, I assume you lost track of the emperor? Not to worry, the fort has been defended. I sense that something very suspicious is going on here, and I don't think that Russel is the only one involved." He brings his voice down to a whisper. "Keep this between us, but to me it seems like the emperor is fully aware of Russel's actions, maybe he's even in on it. I don't know what's happening, but we need to find out. They no longer need me here, so I feel that it is my duty to go with you to get to the bottom of this. Our capitol, Drakencourt, is not far from here. If the emperor fled, that is where he'll be."

Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 9 Cleric ~Poisoned~

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), Remedy, 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

[Fugazi]

Galen thanked Cronk for healing him and Sarick for the larger share of soldiers' gold.

Nerwen then pulled out a nostrum vial from her bag and offered it to Galen.

"Cheating Lady Luck? Oh, I guess she asked for it! Thank you Nerwen, I hope to be able to make it up to you one day."

Nerwen drinks the red potion, and feels her stomach turn inside out. Her elvish skin turns even paler, and her mouth becomes dry. She has just consumed poison, which will last until the end of the next battle or it is remedied.

Galen offers a Remedy to Nerwen.

"Please drink this, we should get you rid of this poison as soon as possible."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra mused in his chirping voice, "It is possible that emperor knew about Russel, his troops seem to know about Russel. Why you think he would enact that? I remember he seem belove by citizens of that town, that might factor in. Commander, what is public opinion of other emperors? They belove by Dastan too, or are they less popular?

[Chromeknight]

The red liquid shimmered as Nerwen drank it. Normally she would be very wary of eating or drinking anything she did not prepare herself, or at least that came from a trusted hand. The benefit to Sarick from his potion had assuaged her doubts, but the potion, whose colour indicated health, was having the opposite effect. Her insides burned and she clasped her stomach. The potion was worse than the juice of foxberries, the poisonous seductive little red berries that grew near her home. Fortunately she wasn't in the woods alone, rather adventuring with a party who werelooking out for her. Nerwen gratefully accepted Galen's remedy in exchange and drank it.

Now at the fort with no sign if the Emperor or Russel, she feared their quest was in peril and needed to moved quickly. There was one other matter first however.

Turning to Cronk she spoke in a low voice for his ears only.

Strength and power to you mighty warrior. You fought hard, but I wonder if the fight inside rages still. At the end of the battle you became angry, and tried to use brute force rather than letting your actions flow from the calm center. Your strikes missed and you took damage, slight to be sure, but yet...

I knew many Orc warriors, though to be honest, few like you, and they always struggled to contain the red darkness that invaded their souls. They called it the curse of Martok, it drove the invasion of Ennon, and those it took for it's own it left as mindless beasts.

[Fugazi]

Galen was starting to feel confused. Was the Emperor playing games with them? What was the point of sending them to fetch weapons only to try and stop them afterwards? No, Emperor Rolando couldn't be part of whatever conspiracy Russel and his allies were setting up. On the other hand, this Nikolai wasn't beyond suspicion himself -- could he also be a traitor? He would have to be watched carefully, lest he led them in some trap just like Russel did.

"Nikolai, what happened to the party of Heroes who were defending the fort?"

[Zepher]

The party follow Nikolai back to Drakencourt, seeing no other options. The trail of Russel had gone cold, and the Emperor was no where to be found. Though many odd glances were thrown at Nikolai, he never did anything out of the ordinary.

The heroes walked into the sprawling city of Drakencourt, surrounded by high spiraling mountains, lying on the giant lake of Glaz. Nikolai left the party at the giant gate at the edge of the city, with instructions to the palace. The party thanked him for his time.

"I will stop and talk to Constance or Emperor Septrine for further instructions, and then I must return to the front lines. Thank you for your service, heroes. Dastan will not forget it."

The party walked through the city. It looked cobbled together. The tall buildings with towers that reached for the sky cast long shadows in the night. The party was stopped near the palace by a procession of quiet U'Kin, marching with candles in hands, all in black.

After the mourners passed, Cronk was shocked to see a familiar face. The last time Cronk had seen the face had been inside an Arena in the High Kingdoms. Now, months later, in Dastan, he had run into Felton once more.

"Cronk, it is a pleasure to see you once more! And another party from Heroica! I have just left Atramor, Tarn, Thothwick, Nyx and William. I will not bore you with details of our time in Dastan so far. I have a pressing matter, and you must be terribly confused as to what is happening, so I will be frank with you. I have just come from a meeting with Emperor Septrine and Victor... or Phil, as you may remember him. He is, it turns out, a trusted adviser of the Emperors here in Dastan. You will no doubt have time to catch up later."

"This is my news. After searching Emperor Roland's private quarters, and his wing of the palace, it has been determined by Emperor Septrine and Victor that Roland is a traitor to the Dastan Empire. He has been siphoning money from the Royal Bank and passing it along to many enemies of the state, including the Lion Knight forces. You have been serving a traitor."

"I cannot say that I am surprised. This is not a slight to you heroes, but it seems all to often that people have hired the brave heroes of Heroica under false pretense. Cronk, you know this to be true from the Arena, and if any of you have heard what occurred in Haddon, you will know that my likeness has been used to this very purpose. You must not blame yourselves. You must move forward to right these wrongs. I am offering you a chance to do that."

"I did not tell Victor and the Emperor my suspicions as she is too close to their hearts, and their vision will be clouded, but I am certain I have found a traitor in Constance, the head of the Dragon Knights. We must kill her. I understand that you would not do this without fully understanding the situation, so I will present you with my evidence and you can decide for yourself. I am sure that you will agree with me. First, she has a hatred for the U'Kin, and a number of days ago, the leader of the U'Kin in Drakencourt was killed. That same night, she sent the heroes of Heroica on a fool's errand which ended in an ambush. It was this errand and ambush that prevented us from protecting U'Stus. Likewise, when Mallelio, a prominent teacher and adviser was kidnapped, she tried to prevent Atramor, Hans and myself from investigating his house. This investigation led us to Wren, who was in the city. The Assassins, it appears, have access to every nook and cranny of this city. They must have an inside man in a high position. Constance fits the bill."

"Please, ask me any questions you need, but follow me with haste. Constance must be stopped. The other heroes would calibrate everything that I've said, and no doubt will. They are stalling Constance currently. Please, speak and think quickly, and then come with me."

[Tanma]

OOC: and so our questions go mostly unanswered.

IC: De'kra clicked in response, "I mean no disrespect to you, but Team's guide Russel was spy, Roland was traitor, and in I first quest I was manipulate by employer to start war in Uland. That war cause situation that led rogue Lion Knights here. So and so many betrayals, and fact that Wren copy your image in recent past, I must point out I am not sure if Team can trust you. Please understand that it is no fault of your, and I not necessarily distrust you, but I not think Team can trust you. If Cronk says Team can trust you I will, but I would still prefer if you have more Protosteel evidence that what you say is true. You are tell Team to kill someone heroes and I know nothing about, and in secret from rulers of this land, that just seem suspicious. Again, I mean no disrespect. You have any solid proof that what you say is true other than you word? Might Team speak to other heroes you spoke of about this, since you just left them? They might not be too far away. I have already kill innocents because of employer urge and rash decisions, so I prefer not to enact that again."

[Zepher]

"I understand. You can trust no one. That is true for everyone. Trust only what your eyes see and your ears hear. I have said that we will go to the other team before you act on anything, and they will be more than willing to calibrate my story. They are with Constance now. I want to prepare you as best as possible before taking you to them. They can confirm what I say, but you might not have much time to discuss things before she defends herself. If nothing else, Constance is a force to be reckoned with."

[CorneliusMurdock]

Turning to Cronk she spoke in a low voice for his ears only.

Strength and power to you mighty warrior. You fought hard, but I wonder if the fight inside rages still. At the end of the battle you became angry, and tried to use brute force rather than letting your actions flow from the calm center. Your strikes missed and you took damage, slight to be sure, but yet...

I knew many Orc warriors, though to be honest, few like you, and they always struggled to contain the red darkness that invaded their souls. They called it the curse of Martok, it drove the invasion of Ennon, and those it took for it's own it left as mindless beasts.

Without darkness Cronk would not know what light is. Maybe anger can be dark. Cronk would like to think that Cronk is able control Cronk's anger and channel anger to something positive. Cronk prays to Ennoc for guidance. Cronk trust that Righteous Light give Cronk power over darkness. That all Cronk can do.

Friend Felton?! Cronk is glad to see Felton and Felton's nifty hat.

But Cronk has heard that Wren made false Felton before. Cronk would like to believe Felton is the real Felton. If other heroes can back up Felton's claims once friends reach Constance, Cronk think party should go.

One thing confuse Cronk. Why did Rolando send heroes to kill Cultists if Rolando in league with Cult? Is battle for Dastan a three way deal?

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded vaguely and softly clicked, "...if Team can not trust Team's senses here, then Team only trust each other...."

After a pause he chirped, "Sorry...flashback of sorts. On topic, I misunderstand your earlier words then, but thank you for explanation. I not very familiar and heroes you name, but I think some of heroes there are well known to some heroes here, if I remember records correctly. One thing I would like to know, what you think will happen if heroes and I succeed in kill Constance? If heroes and I are successful, will heroes and I probably have to flee quickly, as Emperors will misunderstand and think them traitorous? Or will her tracks likely be expose, and Emperors, though sad, accept actions of both groups? If Constance truly guilty I will still enact this, but I would like to know if Team will need to prepare to flee."

De'kra nodded at Cronk's words, he hadn't considered the cultist battle. Once again Cronk proved himself to be the highest calibre of hero.

Edited June 4, 2012 by Tanma

[Zepher]

"Friend Cronk, I will take to heart your compliments of my hat. Even in times of great peril, it is indeed important to look nifty." Felton winks at the Orc. "It truly is good to see a trustworthy friend. I am sorry that you cannot share the same comfort. I understand, I am forever to not be trusted after Wren stole my personality and appearance. I do not say that bitterly, I say it in appreciation for Heroica's collective wisdom. I do not, however, believe that Wren would use the same trick twice."

"Small... critter. I apologize, I do not mean to mock you, I only do not recognize your species. It appears that Dastan is in a duel that is more than three way. The Cultists have their own agenda, and Wren told us that she has her own agenda. U'Vires, an assassin,m has said he does not plan to side with Wren and Sphinx, if things came down to that, though he is in league with the Lion Knights and Roland. Even Lyons, a Rogue Lion Knight we have encountered, does not appear to want to take orders from the Assassins. Factor in where the Dragons stand on all of this... well, it's enough to confuse anyone. I know only that I am supposed to battle evil. When Wren took me out of my town in the High Kingdoms, she changed my purpose. I learned that my ittelect can be put to use doing other things, and that the highest calling is wading through the grays of the world and rooting out the darkness in whatever form it may take, be it Rogue Lion Knight, Wren, or Constance."

"Follow me, heroes. It appears that the only thing to do is to bring you to where you should be."

The heroes follow Felton through the streets of Drakencourt until they arrive outside of a building. There are five or six darkened figures standing outside the building. As the heroes approach, they recognize a number of familiar faces...

"Stand down, Constance. Your day of reckoning has come. You are a traitor to Dastan, and you will be cast out."

The party steps forward.

[JimBee]

The Party:

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

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

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), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, Fire/Wind Elemental, Suitable to Knights and Rogues), 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

Nyx (played by Pandora)

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

Nikolai meets up with the heroes at the exit of the courtyard where Constance's funeral was held. He wears a drained expression.

"Heroes... I know you mean well, but I am at a loss of what to do. We've killed one of our own, and Emperor Roland is locked up in the palace, guarded by his traitorous men. We cannot get to him, but we are sure he has betrayed us. Refusing to be held for trial means only one thing: death. With all of our men fighting off Lion Knights, we are useless to try to take him down here and now. It won't be long before more of his forces arrive, and we fear that he might put the capitol under siege. We must act quickly."

"There is one option, and I hate to resort to it, but we have no choice. The Dragons have resigned, and a large portion of our army remains loyal to Emeraldo. We must ask the Rito for help. They are an old race of Dastan, long cut off from the rule of our emperors. They live on their own, in small villages high in the mountains, and are rarely seen. Heroes: I ask of you, the only ones left in Dastan who can complete this task, appeal to the Rito. Prove yourselves worthy, gain their trust. We need their help to bring Emeraldo to justice, and if there's any hope, save this empire. Please heroes..."

Nikolai looks up, distraught.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra clicked, "I will try. Before group arrives, can you tell I what you know about Rito? Team had heard a little of them in Dastan, though only that they dislike emperors yet not actively fight them. Civilian inform Team though, so it is easily possible that they are wrong. Can you tell Team why you hate to ak Rito for help? I heard someone at palace describe them as war-love, is that part of it? Can you tell group how one should act around Rito? Is submissive best, or assertiveness respect? What you suspect will have to be done to gain their trust? And will there web fall out from alliance, one that should be prepare for? I am sorry if I ask too many questions, but and Constance I think I ask too few."

[posades]

Xander arrives just outside the courtyard in time to hear De'kra questioning Nikolai. He waited to hear Nikolai's responses; it would be in the best interest of the party to not anger the Rito -- Xander knew firsthand the dangers of trying to use force to gain support of a people.

[JimBee]

"I probably don't know much more than you do. The Rito keep to themselves, but are always ready for a fight. They are well-trained in battle, but so much good that does when they won't even speak to us... I am reluctant to approach them because they have completely rejected us in the past, humiliating the emperors. I couldn't tell you how to act, I've never encountered the race myself. That is something you'll have to decipher."