Heroica RPG - Quest #29: Journey to Dastan

[Tanma]

"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."

IC: De'lra clicked, "you say they reject and humiliate emperors in past, you know way they enact this? Are there patterns to rejection in history? Is rejection more apathetic than hostile? Like they just not care about emperors, rather than hate them? Also, you seem to describe culture and strong military. Since you imply Rito not attack Dastan Empire but ignore it, I am guess that Rito military reactive rather than active. That make sense to you? You know what they might react to? Ancient prophesy, bad history and Dragon Knights/Lion Knights, or maybe just dangers on mountain?"

[Zepher]

OoC: Sorry to cut in, but Sarick, Galen wants your blade. Would you be okay with having left it with him before you departed for this mission. I don't know if you're reading the other threads, I know some people aren't!

[Chromeknight]

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

"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.

Nerwen looked around. After the failure in Drakencourt, Cronk and Galen had left again. She hoped the paladin would look after Galen and that he'd be able to work out his hero's path. And that he had better luck in battle. For now they were joined by a young girl carrying a heavy book. From overhearing her conversation with Galen, Nerwen knew a little about her, but what she was like as a travelling companion was yet to be seen. Nerwen hoped she'd fit into the group well, unlike the other groups Sarick's party seemed mostly united.

Listening to De'kra's questions, Nerwen smiled to herself. The little rogue was certainly coming out of his shell. With every encounter he seemed to grow, become more confident and talkative. Not for the first time, Nerwen wondered where he came from, his story seemed so, well, odd.

And now they all were traveling into the mountains to speak to the Rito. Drawing one more faction into the cauldron that was Daastan wracked by civil war. Nerwen fervently prayed for order for the troubled land. She could almost touch the chaos, like a dischordant melody jangling at her senses. Galadrya and Celebryon were beings of order and civilization, and the people they created no less so.

So many thoughts chasing around. But it was good to have a goal to work towards, even if was a step into the unknown.

[JimBee]

IC: De'lra clicked, "you say they reject and humiliate emperors in past, you know way they enact this? Are there patterns to rejection in history? Is rejection more apathetic than hostile? Like they just not care about emperors, rather than hate them? Also, you seem to describe culture and strong military. Since you imply Rito not attack Dastan Empire but ignore it, I am guess that Rito military reactive rather than active. That make sense to you? You know what they might react to? Ancient prophesy, bad history and Dragon Knights/Lion Knights, or maybe just dangers on mountain?"

"You do ask too many questions, little one. I've told you all I know, I do not know or pretend to know the Rito's motives in remaining independent. One can only guess that they don't like the way things are being run around here, but we must ask them for help."

[posades]

OOC: Are we allowed to still read quest #30, because I'm kind of interested to see how that part is going to go.

Xander turned to De'kra, "It seems from what Nikolai knows that the Rito are not necessarily enemies with the Dastan empire, simply keeping to themselves. I wonder what their opinion is of the chimera and dragons? It might be best to not associate with the Empire when we visit the Rito; they may have the means to ignite the dragons out of their apathetic slumber."

He continued, "The Rito have no reason or incentive to help the Empire that we know of. How do five outsiders gain the trust of the Rito? By assisting them in their greatest trouble. Who knows what that may entail, but I believe if we prove to them we are friend and not foe then they will be more than willing to return the favor."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded, and clicked, "Odd that so little is known about Rito. Sure they keep to themselves, but I would think at least some legends about them would emerge. I agree that help Rito and their greatest trouble might help, but I worry what their greatest problem might be. Dragons can fly to great heights, easily up to mountains. And Rito probably are well train for reason. It might be possible that reason Rito are skill in battle is because of dragons. I believe remaining dragons are wild, so empire would not know if wild dragons and Rito are at odds. I worry that if that case, Team will have to decide between allies of wild dragons or Rito...Sorry if that idea offend Leader. I have no proof of this, it just speculation. And Hammer Hero probably can tell you of I habit of make theories any chance I can get, base on Quest 4. But it something to consider, difficult decisions and tricks seem common in Dastan, and Olegaia in general. Either way, if nothing more to tell heroes and I, heroes and I can leave now."

The echo paused to listen if the voice had a comment, but it was silent.

OOC: I won't put it past these quests.

Edited June 11, 2012 by Tanma

[Xarrzan]

OOC: Sarick is holding the Dragon's Heart Sword in his possession.

Sarick had an eventful night. He had tried to sleep but the sword leaning near his bed would not allow it. The sword vibrated for most of the night and when Sarick grabbed it, he was connected with the dragon within. It was angry, furious, frustrated and sorrowful all at once at the loss of Constance. It was too angry to speak in a language Sarick could understand but it continued to rage. Sarick wrapped his tail around the blade while he slept, it seemed to calm it a bit.

In the morning Sarick had a few nicks and cuts on his tail but he would live. The blade was still silent but Sarick could tell it was smoldering. Sarick joined the rest of the heroes and bid goodbye to those that split off.

"Sarick, if you still agree I will take the Dragon Heart now, and perhaps put an end to the spell of bad luck I've had since setting foot in Dastan."

Dragon's Heart: "NO!" responded the sword angrily in Sarick's mind. "You do not properly protect my partner and then you all pass me around like I am a common utensil! None of you are worthy!"

"I am unable to part with the sword at thisss time Galen but I am sure your skill will keep you alive until we next meet. Good luck and be safe," said Sarick.

Sarick tried to prob the sword for more communication but it was silent and still angry. He then listened to Nikolai and the members of the team. "I am ready to appeal to the Rito. How do we get there? Do we have a guide?" asked Sarick.

[JimBee]

OOC: Are we allowed to still read quest #30, because I'm kind of interested to see how that part is going to go.

QM Note: We haven't been forcing anyone to do anything, and the same still applies. If you want to read the other quests there's no one stopping you, but there are some who still choose to wait until the end. I would think the latter would enrich the experience, but it's up to you.

OOC: Sarick is holding the Dragon's Heart Sword in his possession.

QM Note: Got it, I've added it to the party list.

Now we're just waiting on Nyx to check in, then we can move on.

[Pandora]

Nyx said some quiet and subdued goodbyes to the other heroes; not because she wouldn't miss them, quite the opposite. All the people she trusted were leaving, and the group that she remained with were completely unknown to her. There was the elf, who emulated an aura of calm, which was a welcome and soothing sensation; then the clicky-chirpy-running-around little guy, who was incredibly inquisitive; the barbarian who she knew less about but had seemed to speak sense about these new people they had to convince... and then there was the Naga. She really didn't know what to make of him, he'd asked Constance to target her when the little guy had been asking everyone to only target Felton and Constance, and there was an uncomfortable chill in the air around him, too, which she found unsettling. She moves closer to the elf, subconsciously relaxing a little.

"Nikolai, you have no idea how happy I am to see you still alive and well. It sounds like the little guy's asked you all you know about the Rito, and really I could have sworn that Rito was a bar near the docks of Eubric, but that's another story. So they like fighting? Well, then they and I have something in common, so that should be a conversation starter."

Nyx looks around at the rest of the team

"Uhm, I'm Nyx by the way. I'm a battle mage, and uhm, Hi. I'm sure we'll get along just great. "

OoC Sorry, I've been busy flying across the Atlantic and now suffering with jetlag. Updates might be patchy while I'm at Brickworld, but I'll check in as often as I can.

[Chromeknight]

"Uhm, I'm Nyx by the way. I'm a battle mage, and uhm, Hi. I'm sure we'll get along just great. "

OoC Sorry, I've been busy flying across the Atlantic and now suffering with jetlag. Updates might be patchy while I'm at Brickworld, but I'll check in as often as I can.

Stars shine on our meeting, Nyx. My name is Nerwen. The small rogue is De'kra, this is Xander; De'kra calls him hammer hero as he used to wield a hammer, and our leader is Sarick, a mage like yourself. You look like you prefer the element of fire, Sarick is partial to ice, coming as he does from the cold deeps of the sea. I am glad to hear you like battle, I have a feeling we will see more trials before we leave this place. Though I must saw Ihave never seen a book wielded as a weapon before.

Enjoy Brickworld!

[JimBee]

QM Note: No problem, I didn't even know you were going to BW. Have an excellent time.

Nikolai looks up from his troubled face. "Ah, Nyx, it is good to see another familiar face, although I'm sorry it had to be in times like these... Well then, are we ready? Then let us depart."

Nikolai led the party out of Drakencourt. Fortunately no threats were to be seen, it would be at least a while before reinforcements arrived. They headed out on foot for a half-day's travel in the hot sun before arriving at the foot of a huge mountain.

"Last we've heard a large settlement of Rito was at the top of this mountain, but with these people you can never be sure. It's our best bet, however, so we must climb."

And they did, for several hours until the sun began to set. Finally they were reaching the top of the mountain, when two winged creatures quickly swooped down from above, blocking their path.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

"These are forbidden lands, and you are trespassing. Turn back now."

How will the party respond?

[Chromeknight]

Finally they were reaching the top of the mountain, when two winged creatures quickly swooped down from above, blocking their path.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

"These are forbidden lands, and you are trespassing. Turn back now."

How will the party respond?

The party was rendered speechless by the sudden appearance of the warriors from on high. Nerwen recovered first and began assessing the situation.

By the descriptions, these must be Rito. Nerwen was surprised to hear them speak common, she had thought they would shun the language of Dastan as they shunned it's people. And with the exception of the wide wings, they were clealy human-like. Both these factors suggested a common ground. She half bowed, signaling with her hand suggesting the others do the same. Saying,

We are travelers, warriors from a distant land, from a organization called Heroica.

We have heard of your prowess and skill in battle and came to see if the tales are true. We do not come seeking to fight you, nor to cause offense by trespassing, but simply wish to meet with you and learn from you.

Edited June 12, 2012 by Chromeknight

[Xarrzan]

Sarick followed Nerwen's initial reaction and bowed as well, making sure to not break eye contact. He decided to wait for their response.

[Pandora]

Nyx performs her customary curtsey, bowing her head deferentially before saying:

"Indeed, as my elf friends says, apologies for any offense implied by our presence, we merely seek an audience with you as we have heard that you are brave and fearless fighters."

Nyx then turns slightly, maintaining her curtsey, and whispers to Nerwen so the encountered beings do not hear:

"They've got wings! How cool is that?! I'd just love to have wings, that'd be awesome! I bet they're a real pain to keep clean, though."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra is unsure how to respond, though he is pretty sure his first instinct is inappropriate. Such glorious wings, with such elegant feathers. De'kra already knew that if things turned sour he would probably be of little help, he could not harm a bird, even though the Rito had human features too. They were too...majestic.

Noticing that he was staring with awe, the echo dipped his head in respect, against all instinct.

[posades]

Xander noticed the party bowing before the winged creatures, and he followed suit with a solemn bow of his head. He did not want to break the silence from Nerwen's introduction, though he was curious and of course ready for any action that may follow.

Xander also noted he did not have the time to introduce himself to the new mage; he would have to do that after this encounter.

[JimBee]

We are travelers, warriors from a distant land, from a organization called Heroica.

We have heard of your prowess and skill in battle and came to see if the tales are true. We do not come seeking to fight you, nor to cause offense by trespassing, but simply wish to meet with you and learn from you.

"Do not try to fool us. We have seen the peril taking place down below. Dastan is in great danger, you are not simply here to visit."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra winced, as Nerwen's introduction had not helping. Hoping against reality that he might help, De'kra clicked with reverence, "You are right, this landmass of sand and rock is in peril. It is both threaten by traitors in empire that border this mountain, Gigantic beast, and by old foes that seek vengeance. This land might not survive these days. It is indeed why Team is here, to try to save this landmass."

Edited June 12, 2012 by Tanma

[Chromeknight]

"Do not try to fool us. We have seen the peril taking place down below. Dastan is in great danger, you are not simply here to visit."

Nerwen heard De'kra shift nervously beside her. Introductions with new peoples were rarely easy. But she herself was not yet concerned. The weapons the warriors carried were drawn, certainly, but not currently aimed at the party.

I have spoken nothing but truth in what I said. That you are aware of what goes on in these lands, though you hold yourselfs aloof does you credit. What my friend here says is also true. We are here to see if the reports about your strength and prowess mean that you are able to aid these people in their time of need. If you are able, then it is merely will that keeps you from intervening. Or perhaps you do not have the strength and wish to turn us away to hide your weakness. Or perhaps the other parts of the rumours are true and your people are over-proud, arrogant and self-centered.

However, all this is just talk. You guard the entryways, a trusted position of responsiblity to be sure. But I doubt that you have authority to speak for the whole of your People on this subject. We have answered your questions and spoken plainly. Yours is the choice now. To lead us to your people where we can speak our case to all who decide and prove the truth of our words by whatever deeds you deem necessary, or turn us back, cowering in weakness and fear until the chaos that is ravaging these lands turns its attention to you and devours you. For do not think that you can remain apart untouched forever, the chimera has been awoken and even the dragons fear to rise against it. Prove yourselves. Choose your course wisely.

With that, Nerwen stepped back slightly. She had not realized her voice had become raised a little as she presented the stark choice that lay before the wayguards. Would they lead the party on or turn them back? Nerwen could see they were indeed proud, perhaps the challenge to their strength would spur them, or the mention of the chimera. No doubt they knew of the beast and understood the peril the whole land was now in.

Edited June 12, 2012 by Chromeknight

[JimBee]

"How dare you! You trespass on our sacred grounds and then you insult us?! We Rito are proud people, and do not simply resort to ranking ourselves, I assure you that we represent our people. But worry not, for your sinful acts will not go unpunished. Prove yourselves worthy, and then perhaps we shall speak in a more civilized manner."

Prepare for battle!

Enemies:

Rito Tribesman Flavius

Flying, Humanoid

Level: 12

Health: 412/412

Special: Soar - Takes to the skies, making him untargetable for the next round.

Drops: Winged Helmet

Rito Tribeswoman Denerii

Flying, Humanoid

Level: 16

Health: 342/342

Special: Piercing Shot - Fires an arrow directly at the foe, cutting their health in half (rounded up) and stunning them for the next round.

Falcon A

Flying

Level: 8

Health: 103/103

Special: Claw Eyes - Claws the foe's eyes so that they are blinded for the next three rounds or until remedied.

Drops: Remedy

Falcon B

Flying

Level: 8

Health: 103/103

Special: Claw Eyes - Claws the foe's eyes so that they are blinded for the next three rounds or until remedied.

Drops: Potion

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

[posades]

Xander wanted to reason with the Rito, but it seemed they did not share the same sentiment. Unsheathing his axe, he aims an attack towards the Rito Tribesman Flavius from the front row.

[Chromeknight]

"How dare you! You trespass on our sacred grounds and then you insult us?! We Rito are proud people, and do not simply resort to ranking ourselves, I assure you that we represent our people. But worry not, for your sinful acts will not go unpunished. Prove yourselves worthy, and then perhaps we shall speak in a more civilized manner.

Hah. You prove the truth of my words. Admitting to pride and arrogance. Any insult you have taken is from your own choosing, not my words. You called us for trespass, which we answered, yet now these grounds are sacred to your gods. Others might have said such first rather than later proffering it as a pretext for violence. You talk lightly of what is sacred and of sin, but fail to see your place in the wider sacred music. The air you soar on is the air that others breathe, the air that whips the waves of Sarick's home, that shivers the grass of Xander's and moves the leaves and branches of mine. To cut youselves off from the breath of the world is impossible. I would hold such willful deafness to the music sin.

But if it is to be trial by combat, so be it. That is honorable. Let us have no weasel words of insult or punishment. A fair trial it shall be and you will see by our actions that we do not come lightly or without good purpose.

Finishing her speech, Nerwen turns her sharp eyes to the track of the second falcon (b) and judges her hammer blow to intercept it's dive, stepping forward to the front row for maximum impact.

[Tanma]

OOC: let me see if I understand this right, the Team cannot kill them, right? If we are victories we gain a more civilized discussion, but they will still live? If the latter, don't count De'kra as sitting out just yet.

IC: De'kra clicked with sadness between shudders, "Nerwen, I not expert on this land or Olegaia, but where I from usually when people ask for aid and they not like you already, it usually not help if you insult them. Probably not good to insult Rito, as they can fly. Xander, Nerwen and I won't be able to attack if they fly out of range, while their arrows will still prove quite lethal. And since sky is three dimensional space, it will be much easier for them to dodge spells. Also, I was hope to mention this in better times, but I not really able to fight birds, or apparently Rito. Too many memories of birds back home, it hard to register them as threat, harder to harm. I c-c-c-could t-r-r-y, but I will not k-severely damage any of them. It could be harder though, if they were large land creatures and large horn."

[Chromeknight]

OOC: let me see if I understand this right, the Team cannot kill them, right? If we are victories we gain a more civilized discussion, but they will still live? If the latter, don't count De'kra as sitting out just yet.

IC: De'kra clicked with sadness between shudders, "Nerwen, I not expert on this land or Olegaia, but where I from usually when people ask for aid and they not like you already, it usually not help if you insult them. Probably not good to insult Rito, as they can fly. Xander, Nerwen and I won't be able to attack if they fly out of range, while their arrows will still prove quite lethal. And since sky is three dimensional space, it will be much easier for them to dodge spells. Also, I was hope to mention this in better times, but I not really able to fight birds, or apparently Rito. Too many memories of birds back home, it hard to register them as threat, harder to harm. I c-c-c-could t-r-r-y, but I will not k-severely damage any of them. It could be harder though, if they were large land creatures and large horn."

Nerwen listened to De'kra's words.

I only spoke truth to them. They registered as insult out of the pride of their hearts. But I think they would have found some reason or other to fight us. As for battle, to hurt us they will need to draw close like any fight, they will not stay out of reach. Besides, both Nyx and Sarick can manipulate the wind, it is hard to dodge when falling from the sky.

But if you want to hold your weapons I understand. Have Sarick throw you his healing staff and you can care for the team while we prove our worth. That way you will not raise a hand against those you cannot, but will still contribute to the task we are given.

As for killing them that's up to the QM. I expect we will just knock them out like any hero in battle. We can clearly state that any finishing blows are pulled to be non-lethal. I would have had Nerwen say as much, but you posted the question OOC.

Besides, I think we were unlikely to dodge this battle regardless of what was said. I think we're still firmly within the plot track that was set...

Edited June 13, 2012 by Chromeknight

[Tanma]

OOC: this is completely unrelated to Heroica, but by the Great Beings themselves Kat is glorious! No wonder all those robots worship her, Karzahni I could jump on the "metallic angel" religion myself!

OOC: more on topic, I figure that, but I will wait for the Quest Masterto comment before posting, just in case.

IC: De'kra nodded sadly and clicked, "True, Rito might be look for fight, but claim that they might be too weak to help or too proud might not have help matters. And and wings like that I understand how they could be proud. To fly on such elegant wings, from what I remember of flying is that half of it is laugh at ground and gravity, to enact flight on those wings is even greater. Point is, Team was told that Rito love war, though that could easily be Dastan empire lies. But assume it was true, I believe one of fastest ways to enrage war loving culture is to imply that they are bad fighters. At least, from what I remember of Skakdi."

Edited June 13, 2012 by Tanma