The Legonater Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Arthur give Rone a funny look. "You and I seek similar things, I think, merely in different forms." Arthur sighs. "Sometimes pursuing destiny is painful. It has been so in my past, and I always thought it would be in my future, but somehow I didn't expect it to hit me so hard. I am still so weak in my craft. A mature user of Chaos would ride with the eddies of fate, be able to take disaster in stride...that is, after all, the whole point of the philosophy. And yet...I feel so...so powerless. And still to know, that, in the end, I must face her? That I, and I alone, am responsible for the redemption of all of Chaos, in the eyes of my supposed 'friends,' in the eyes of the world? I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known. I don't know where it goes, but I'm the only one, and I walk alone. My path is an empty street upon the boulevard of broken dreams; all the while, the city sleeps in its ignorance, and I'm the only one, and I walk alone." "Many people are bothered by their...'inner darkness', their 'shadow side'. The part of them they think is negative. But that's the thing: so-called 'negative' aspects aren't in themselves good or bad; they're just...there. Natural. It's what we do with them that counts. As for me...my shadow's the only thing that walks beside me. My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating. Sometimes I'd wish someone out there would find me, and 'till then I'd walk alone. But now..." the Sorcerer looks to Alexis. "I've finally found someone who's happy to take me as I am, someone I can care about without fearing she'll rip my heart out, literally OR figuratively...and all I do is worry, and cry, and tear myself up with guilt and fear and anguish. I embraced Chaos to get away from judgement...especially self-judgement...so why am I still trapped in it?" Because that judgement and self-judgement is in our nature. In many ways, how we judge ourselves is what drives us forward. You say that your shadow is all that follows you. For a time, I was the same. I had just been betrayed by the very throne I swore to protect. I was sure that there was something wrong with myself, something I had missed, and I judged myself as they would. And I became bitter, and angry. I embraced the grayness which you embrace now. But when I saw the duty I had to defend Eubric until the chaotic times it is in passed, I found a new judgement. I saw that it was not my fault I had been exiled, and that there was nothing I could do to redeem myself to the throne. It was the King's fault. Thus, I began to live with freedom and hope for the future. The reason you are still trapped, Regulus, is because you refuse to let go. You believe you alone are responsible for the fate of Wren. You berate yourself with this loneliness. If you were to accept those around you for who they were, people who could assist in their own ways with this task of yours, then you could achieve your freedom. I am not here to block you, Arthur, no matter if we disagree or not. I am here to assist you, and you me. Quote
CorneliusMurdock Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 "Thanks my friend. May I borrow your Twin Broadswords? They may come in handy in battle, and you do not look like you will be using them soon in your blessed state. And if we have time, I would like to rest on my bedroll." Hmm.. Cronk is not currently using Broadswords but likes to keep options open for strategy. Let Cronk think about it for a while. Cronk does not think party has time to rest right now. Friends should finish up shopping so that party can rejoin others to fight Wren. Cronk will buy Remedy. Will Mr. Clerk be rounding up or down for half off? Quote
Zepher Posted January 4, 2013 Author Posted January 4, 2013 "I can't sell you that for 60, sir, or my bosses will kill me. Trust me, if I told them you saved my life, they'd think nothing of it. 75 is the price I can go to." "The remedy is all your's! I'll round down, why not, a nice Paladin like you." Quote
CorneliusMurdock Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 So 12 gold, then. Cronk thanks Mr. Clerk. If Atramor would like to have Cronk's remaining 8 gold to try to purchase stone, Atramor can have it. Atramor would only have to find 7 more. Quote
CMP Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Atramor rolls his eyes at the clerk, but merely chuckles at Cronk as he hands over the 75 gold in exchange for the Grating Stone. "I have the cash, just figured it'd be worth a shot at hagglin'." The rounding down of the Paladin's purchase wasn't lost on him. He didn't care much for diplomacy, but it had its perks... "Shall we head out, then?" Quote
CorneliusMurdock Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Once all friends have had oppurtunity to make purchases, party can leave. Cronk want make sure Nyx and Thothwick get chance to take advantage of sale price. A being can never tell if one item may be difference between victory and defeat. A lot is riding on friends' victory and cost has already been too great. Quote
Scorpiox Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Because that judgement and self-judgement is in our nature. In many ways, how we judge ourselves is what drives us forward. You say that your shadow is all that follows you. For a time, I was the same. I had just been betrayed by the very throne I swore to protect. I was sure that there was something wrong with myself, something I had missed, and I judged myself as they would. And I became bitter, and angry. I embraced the grayness which you embrace now. But when I saw the duty I had to defend Eubric until the chaotic times it is in passed, I found a new judgement. I saw that it was not my fault I had been exiled, and that there was nothing I could do to redeem myself to the throne. It was the King's fault. Thus, I began to live with freedom and hope for the future. The reason you are still trapped, Regulus, is because you refuse to let go. You believe you alone are responsible for the fate of Wren. You berate yourself with this loneliness. If you were to accept those around you for who they were, people who could assist in their own ways with this task of yours, then you could achieve your freedom. I am not here to block you, Arthur, no matter if we disagree or not. I am here to assist you, and you me. At this point, Haldor walked over to see what was going on. It was Arthur rambling on again, with Dyric offering sensible words in response, but this discussion sounded, different, from the usual lectures that the boy seemed to spurt out. The nord felt compelled to speak his mind, to speak out what things truly were, gone was the arrogance guiding his decisions. "Ah, what Dyric speaks is the truth here, Regulus. I don't see you as a bad person, a cracked one maybe, insane perhaps, but not bad. Your problem is that you isolate yourself from those that could help. No matter what you think, you can't take on all the evils in the world, you need friends to help you along the way. We have all here experiance of Wren, we know her and how she works. She is no evil monster, inflicting death and destruction on the world, she's just a person, even more so cracked than you, Arthur; and she has been swept up by her own insanity and forces that she cannot control. She cannot be bargained with, so therefore, she must die, to protect the innocents that are be caught up in the chaos. We will have to work together and put our best faces on to beat her, she will be waiting to pounce on any sign of weakness. You know her better than most, you feel the most alike to her, so when the time comes, I'm saving that final shot for you." He paused, unsure of what to do next. "I offer you my hand, Arthur, to help you in whatever way I can in your quest for redemption. Take it or leave it, it's been a long time since I've fought alongside someone that I would be willing to die for their cause. I want you to fix yourself, lad, and what a brilliant time to do it, standing on the doorstep of many hells. Time's come that I stopped making this journey about me, and that you come out of the shadow and show us what you can be. Just don't go eating the patrons, alright?" Quote
Professor Flitwick Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Once all friends have had oppurtunity to make purchases, party can leave. Cronk want make sure Nyx and Thothwick get chance to take advantage of sale price. A being can never tell if one item may be difference between victory and defeat. A lot is riding on friends' victory and cost has already been too great. Thothwick browes through the Hinckwell merchants wares, murmuring to himself as he does so. "Hmp! The smith at the market could upgrade my weapon for less than that, surely? Typical Hinckwell attitude... Thank you, Mr. Cronk, for allotting me time before we depart to look through the vendors wares, but nothing mandates a purchase." OoC: Zepher, I only just noticed when I was editing Thothwick's statistic page, but you've accidentally missed several items I bought in the Market place just before I left for the Quest. Sorry! Quote
Zepher Posted January 4, 2013 Author Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) OoC: Everyone, please re-check your stats, I feel like something may have slipped through the cracks between Grogmas gifts/loot distribution/shopping. Thothwick, this goes for you in particular, I just copy pasted from your Hero Statistics page, but I don't know if that is up to date! Pandy, I saw you check the thread, so I decided to move ahead. If you wish to have made a purchase, then you can do so in *flashback*. With their shopping done, the party makes it's way back to the City Watch Barracks as well. Johnny tosses the second party their Grogmas gifts, grinning, but with less fan-fare than the previous party had. "Merry Grogmas, heroes." The Party Cronk Level 27 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstirking* Power: 39 Defense: 15 Health: 45/45 Ether: 22/28 Gold: 8 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Bright Polish, Remedy Nyx Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Party Second-in-Command* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite* Power: 36 Defense: 3 Health: 33/33 Ether: 31/33 Gold: 60 Equipment: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health) Inventory: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Mead, Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Holy Bomb, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), High Heels (+1 Power), Remedy Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* *Counterstriking* Power: 33 Health: 43/43 Ether: 9/21 Gold: 116 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear) Inventory: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Dragon Scale (Gives Lucky and Blessed effects on consumption), Shovel, Pickaxe, Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged, Enraged, Inspired), Chicken Drumstick Thothwick Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 30 (28 Ranged) Defence: 10 Health: 7/35 Gold: 215 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smelling Salts, 3 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10) Hoke Ablesword Level 19 1/2 Mystic Knight Power: 31 Defense: 9 Health: 37/37 Ether: 1/19 Gold: 19 Equipment: Vintul (Great sword: WP 13), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Inventory: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 2 Grand Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), 2x Tonic, Grating Stone Hans Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Orderly* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Defense: 6 Gold: 56 Equipment: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Mead McColt (NPC - Takes Orders from PL) Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target.[/left] Skrall 80 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 22 2/3 *Secondary Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid and Demon Enemies* *Immunity to Fragile* *Natural Respite* Power: 35 Defense: 8 Health: 32/36 Gold: 16 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11, +4 vs. Beasts), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile effect, body wear) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Plaything, 3x Mead, Grand Potion, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), Potion, Minimizing Dust Alexis Fenral Level 26 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile, and Blinded* Power: 39 Defense: 3 Health: 42/42 Ether: 22/30 Gold: 75 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, Milk, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, 3 Phoenix Essences, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond) Haldor Skovgaard Level 23 Shaman. *Immune to Weakened, Fragile and Blinded* *Natural Respite* Power: 39 Defense: 7 Health: 40/40 Ether: 29/29 Gold: 45 Equipment: Zoot er Isen (WP:14, Ice and Light Elemental) Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether, Blinded Immunity), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity), Heavy Armour (SP:+5, Fragile Immunity). Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Water Elemental), Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Scroll of Sealing, Health Core, Potion (x3), Grand Potion, Remedy (x2), Mead (x2), Nostrum (x2), Smelling Salts (x2), Soma (x2), Venom, Mulled Wine Phil (Victor) Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* Power: 35 Health: 38/38 Defense: 2 Gold: 50 Equipment: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2) Inventory: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 19 1/2 Sorcerer, *Immune to Sealed* *Lucky* Power: 31 Health: 29/29 Ether: 22/29 Defense: 3 Gold: 224 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory) Inventory: Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth) Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Consumables: Ether Core, Remedy (x3), Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Nostrum (x5) Dyric Rone Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Lucky* Power: 27 Health: 28/28 Gold: 1223 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory), Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 4 Remedies, Mead, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandels Sir Earl Poletad Level 17 Frog Paladin Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Ether: 15/17 Gnash Level 14 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 0/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) The two parties talk as Felton and the Gray Wizard pour over books. Bennetton sits restlessly in a corner, and Johnny paces around. Vipera seems particularly troubled, cocking her head this way and that and trying to think. Edited January 4, 2013 by Zepher Quote
CMP Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Atramor blinks as he's handed the Chicken Leg. McCafferey makes a vague scoff-like noise on his shoulder. After staring for a few moments, he chuckles, devouring it at once. His own chicken rolls her eyes, but says nothing, while the witch feels his endurance increase. He then glances over at Vipera. "How's Triad? And Mallelio? No word?" Quote
Zepher Posted January 4, 2013 Author Posted January 4, 2013 <No bad word. I had told Skrall earlier, in all likelihood Wren does not know that those spires exist. Sycamore, whoever she was, did a good job of hiding them. They don't show up in the Spirit Pools, or the Ethereal Plane. Every other spire that Master Felton and the Gray Wizard has found, I've been able to sense, once they tell me where to look. These ones are more troublesome.> Vipera cocks her head more. <You live in a truly magnificent city, Master Gibbin. I have never seen more magic in one place, other than perhaps Drakencourt, and we have existed for a much longer time. You have an oracle, those are rare, and I sense many more things. These Aoi, what are they? I have never felt something like them before? And the Zeigfrieds? I sense a Dragon somewhere below too, I have tried to contact it, but there is so much magical noise, I am having trouble.> Quote
CMP Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Atramor shrugs. "I think aoi are those blue guys that run the Ji Pei. Architects or somethin' or other. Ziegfrieds are a buncha' deranged wizards. I wouldn't get involved with 'em," he added, absently touching the scar on his cheek. Atticus' sword seemed to have kept it from healing as easily as other injures. To his surprise, McCafferey spoke up to Vipera. 'Perhaps the Plane of Azazot? I am unsure as to whether your kind are at all attuned to it. It is possible, given this Court of Demon's, and Sycamore's close relationship to both Abraxas and Mephisto, that they may draw their energy there instead.' Atramor merely frowned. "You been runnin' off to the library again?" She didn't seem inclined to respond, a 'yes' in his book. Quote
Pandora Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 "Hey, what? Nooooo! I was totally going to buy something! When would I ever give up an opportunity for shopping?!" Nyx then feels the walls of her world start to wobble and wibble impossibly... almost unbelievably, she's having a flashback! "Hello Mr Hinckwell Store Clerk, I shall also buy a Remedy for the same price you gave lovely Cronk here. Specifically, 12 gold. I note that your superiors would not mourn your loss, and I'm sure you note that I just did 382 damage to an enemy (and not the advertised 191), so that'll be 12 gold then? Lovely! " The wibbles and wobbles fade again, and she's having a pair of red high heels chucked at her most unceremoniously back in the present day. "Uhm, thanks!" And she runs off to try them on in front of a mirror. Quote
Flipz Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Because that judgement and self-judgement is in our nature....I am not here to block you, Arthur, no matter if we disagree or not. I am here to assist you, and you me. "Ah, what Dyric speaks is the truth here, Regulus. I don't see you as a bad person, a cracked one maybe, insane perhaps, but not bad....You know her better than most, you feel the most alike to her, so when the time comes, I'm saving that final shot for you." He paused, unsure of what to do next. "I offer you my hand, Arthur, to help you in whatever way I can in your quest for redemption. Take it or leave it, it's been a long time since I've fought alongside someone that I would be willing to die for their cause. I want you to fix yourself, lad, and what a brilliant time to do it, standing on the doorstep of many hells. Time's come that I stopped making this journey about me, and that you come out of the shadow and show us what you can be. Just don't go eating the patrons, alright?" Arthur opens and closes his mouth a couple times, unsure of what to say. Finally he nods, but before he can speak further, the others walk in. Seeing the arrival of Nyx, he presents her with the Ancient Crown. "Here, hold on to this, you'll make better use of it than me right now." Quote
CMP Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 "Actually, Arthur, I was wonderin' if I could borrow that, and also maybe your scarf. When used with this whip, they could be real beneficial. Could offer you these gloves in return, obviously all for the duration of the Quest." Quote
Zepher Posted January 4, 2013 Author Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) 'Perhaps the Plane of Azazot? I am unsure as to whether your kind are at all attuned to it. It is possible, given this Court of Demon's, and Sycamore's close relationship to both Abraxas and Mephisto, that they may draw their energy there instead.' <I'm afraid that my species is not able to access the Plane of Azazot. I guess that could be a possibility. Your city is very hard to navigate by magical means, there are many anomalies I cannot understand.> The Gray Wizard looks up from his readings. "Sycamore hid the towers using ether. We just don't have the time to figure out how she did it, and in all honesty, we wouldn't take their cloaking off them if we could. The Court likewise does not draw its power from Azazot, I believe. Or, at least no more than one of them do. I have looked at the wanter posters that Bennetton has been distributing, and I have reason to believe-" The Gray Wizard is cut off as Wren's voice floods into the hero's heads. "Hello dearies. I thought I'd come and say hello. I've gotten some reports from my generals saying that you're not taking my advice and staying out of my way. I thought I'd made our positions perfectly clear this time. You stay out of my way, I don't kill you. It's very very simple, you see? But you're not playing the way I wanted you to, which I guess should be no surprise. So I've thought up a game to keep you busy. I'm hearing a lot of blah blah blah about the Court of Demons, but what good is talk, right? Wouldn't ya'll just jump at the chance to meet them? Three spires, one in the Hovels, one in the cemetery, one at the apothecary. Don't stretch yourselves too thin, my loves. These ladies and gents pack a punch." Wren's voice recedes as quickly as it came upon them, and Vipera cries out sharply. Felton dashes to her as the Gray Wizard begins to viscously thumb through books. "What was that?" asks Gnash, holding his head. "Why can she speak inside our heads?" "You will get used to it," Felton says as sardonically as ever. "Vipera, what is troubling you?" <I do not know, Master Felton. I- I sense something strange. Something unworldly. I believe Wren was hiding it before, but now she has uncovered it. There are- they are moving towards where she said. Three strange creatures. They do not make sense in the Spirit Pools. They are both alive and dead, but they are not undead.> "Well, Wren is right about a few things. Talk can only do so much. It is time for us to see what this Court of Demons is all about. She's also right in saying we can't stretch ourselves too thin. It may be important that we allow some spires to be opened. If we try to stop every spire, we may not have enough man power. This time, heroes, I am coming with you. Hans, stay here and help the Gray Wizard with his grunt paper work. Vipera, you must remain behind as well to coordinate." "Gnash must head to the Hovels, if there is a group going there. My section of the City Watch is meant to protect that area, and we will when we can. Cronk, divide up your men, and let's get rolling." [iNTERLUDE - LUOSH] Two seasoned Proggs sit in an underground cavern, their eyes occasionally glancing up over their hands - hands of cards, of course. A large stone table separates the two comrades, locked in a battle of wits and will power. Or, in other words, poker. 2 spaces are unfortunately empty, their normal occupants slain in combat. A single candle lights the room as the Proggs compete in the dank cavern, isolated from the rest of the Progg forces. Water drips from the ceiling of the room, providing an eerie yet seren atmosphere for the two "combatants". The Suffering and The Regret eye their cards carefully, and converse with each other over their game. "Yet another member of the Gladius Unit slain." "Apparently so. Even Vanguard's colossal ego wasn't enough to save the pompous Progg." "In the Murkwood, Prometheus. Why didn't you kill them? Why are letting all of the princes... all of our friends... die?" "Come now, Bellum. Surely you know that when ever I am involved, the line between the living and the dead is blurred pass recognition." The Regret snickers, but The Suffering glares at him. "You're planning something, Prometheus. I know you are. I can feel it, you old man. The snickering ceases, and this time it is Prometheus glaring. "Odd, I am feeling something too. Annoyance at your remark calling me "old man", for starters. Secondly. Chaos." "What? So you're saying there is a disturbance in the force or some sort of other demon dung? With all due respect, Sir: I think you're going mad." "I am currently sustaining 25 conversations, 24 of them with dead people, and one with the likes of you. My mind is a formidable thing, Bellum. I think I can detect something as simple as a raise in Chaos. The avian Progg was getting frustrated with his superior, to say the least- he was dangerously close to nearly jumping over the table and throttling him. he instead lashes out with his tongue, not his fists. "Are you sure you are not simply detecting the heroes slaughtering more of our men?!" The Regret remains unfazed by The Suffering's anger, and continues. "Calm down, child. I already told you: the line between life and death is blurred when I am around. And no, I am not. I have the feeling that this entire invasion is just one little blip in the grand scheme of things. Sure, it may seem large to us all right now, no doubt. But I think something far bigger is brewing here in Uland. Something that reeks of chaos. And I can't stand it." [iNTERLUDE - CONCLUDED] Edited January 4, 2013 by Zepher Quote
CorneliusMurdock Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Bright polish? Cronk likes shiny things. Cronk will use Bright Polish to make Paladin Armour extra shiny. Maybe armour will blind Wren's allies! Cronk is willing to listen to suggestions of friends for dividing up party. Friends cannot take too long to do so, so speak now. Quote
UsernameMDM Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Hoke accepts the Grating Stone with a nod of thanks. He listens to all of the chatter around him, and then Wren's voice breaks in. He closes his eyes and does not resist the witch's words. Her obtrusions were going to be something to get used to, just as in the last encounter. After her voice fades away, Hoke opens his eyes and quickly glances around comrades and surroundings, looking to see if the witch had something else up her sleeve. Quote
Flipz Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 "Actually, Arthur, I was wonderin' if I could borrow that, and also maybe your scarf. When used with this whip, they could be real beneficial. Could offer you these gloves in return, obviously all for the duration of the Quest." "Hmm...I suppose. You do realize you'd have to swap out that Talisman if you wanted to wear the scarf. And obviously it'd be best, if you wear the scarf, for you to remain in the same group as Dyric and I. If you still want them, you can borrow them, and if that's the case I'll borrow your gloves." Bright polish? Cronk likes shiny things. Cronk will use Bright Polish to make Paladin Armour extra shiny. Maybe armour will blind Wren's allies! Cronk is willing to listen to suggestions of friends for dividing up party. Friends cannot take too long to do so, so speak now. "I'd wish to go to the Hovels, though I would not argue with the Apothecary. Either way, I believe Atramor, Dyric, Alexis, and myself could form a party on our own, while Hoke, Nyx, you, and Skrall would be another good party. Haldor, Thothwick, and the rest would round out the final group." "Also, Nyx, please lend Atramor your Explosive Staff, so that Atramor can lend Alexis' whip to Dyric. It'll be highly beneficial to all of us." Quote
CMP Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) Atramor looks up at the ceiling, as if to see Wren, then just grumbles to himself as her voice trails off. "I would suggest Nyx, Cronk, Arthur, Alexis, Haldor, and Felton - that is, if you're feelin' Orderly - go to the cemetery, in case any undead need takin' care of. If she gets undead reinforcements for any later assaults, half of us will be useless. Skrall, Thothwick, Hoke, Dyric, Gnash, Poletad and I could go to the Hovels, mainly because every man counts, and Gnash is goin' there anyway. If Felton's more Chaotic now, he probably shouldn't be headin' over there, and should probably be switched with Poletad." "...Unless ya' feel like we could hit all three spires. Hell, I had my doubts about savin' Ella in the palace, and we pulled that off." Atramor nods to Arthur, taking the Scarf of Misfortune and the Ancient Crown, equipping the latter in place of his Counterstrike Gloves, which he gives to Arthur. I don't think you counted my purchase of the Grating Stone, Zepher. I should have only 41 gold due to it. Sorry for all the item borrowing/trading, by the way. Edited January 4, 2013 by CallMePie Quote
The Legonater Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 <I do not know, Master Felton. I- I sense something strange. Something unworldly. I believe Wren was hiding it before, but now she has uncovered it. There are- they are moving towards where she said. Three strange creatures. They do not make sense in the Spirit Pools. They are both alive and dead, but they are not undead.> Well, it would seem to me we can expect to find little more than cats in boxes. An odd thought, but a non-threatening one all the same. Unless I'm wrong, of course. Or something. Quote
Flipz Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 Atramor looks up at the ceiling, as if to see Wren, then just grumbles to himself as her voice trails off. "I would suggest Nyx, Cronk, Arthur, Alexis, Haldor, and Felton - that is, if you're feelin' Orderly - go to the cemetery, in case any undead need takin' care of. If she gets undead reinforcements for any later assaults, half of us will be useless. Skrall, Thothwick, Hoke, Dyric, Gnash, Poletad and I could go to the Hovels, mainly because every man counts, and Gnash is goin' there anyway. If Felton's more Chaotic now, he probably shouldn't be headin' over there, and should probably be switched with Poletad." "...Unless ya' feel like we could hit all three spires. Hell, I had my doubts about savin' Ella in the palace, and we pulled that off." Atramor nods to Arthur, taking the Scarf of Misfortune and the Ancient Crown, equipping the latter in place of his Counterstrike Gloves, which he gives to Arthur. I don't think you counted my purchase of the Grating Stone, Zepher. I should have only 41 gold due to it. Sorry for all the item borrowing/trading, by the way. "I'm certain we can do it. If you really think it wouldn't be possible, then just send Alexis, Hoke, and I alone to the Apothecary. Between the three of us, we could (barely) scrape out a victory, thanks to having Artifacts that would help us with Free Hits and Alexis having Scroll advantages." Quote
CMP Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 "If we're tryin' to hit all three, I'd come with 'ya, but I dunno Cronk's decision on that bit." Quote
Waterbrick Down Posted January 4, 2013 Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) Skrall shook his head to clear Wren's voice from it. "If I know Wren, we're never goin' to be able to cover all possibilities, so we'll do our best to shore up any weakness we can. Dyric, you should go with anyone who has that scarf and right now that's Atramor. If we're dealin' with chaos users, then we need to split up those totin' either diamonds or light imbued weapons. I also think we should split up some of the defendin' members of our party, meanin' Hoke, Cronk, and Arthur. How does this sound? Skrall Hoke Haldor Arthur Cronk Alexis Gnash Felton McColt Nyx Thothwick Atramor Dyric Poletad That way we've got our healers, light damage dealers, effect dealers, and defenders spread out." Edited January 4, 2013 by Waterbrick Down Quote
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