Heroica RPG - Quest #72: A Party

[Pandora]

"Ah, Lady Nyx. I believe I recognize your face from somewhere? You were at the Founder's Day, weren't you? A terrible event, but the Houses do owe you some debt. I've still got a headache from where I was beamed over the head by a chair. Didn't see who did it, but I guess we were all a little out of our heads. Thank you for saving us." The Madame gives Nyx a stiff hug.

Nyx nods solemnly as the hug ends.

"Madame, I was doing what was asked of me, and was honoured to do so. It was such a shame that such a wondrous evening should be ruined by such ruffians. I counsel you to beware of that songstress. She is an evil witch who bears ill will to the whole of Eubric. Please do not forget that."

"I heard of that. It is the talk of the hovels," says the waitress, whom none of the heroes had noticed before. "Steerpike the Poisoner, wasn't it? Poison is the weapon of a coward."

Nyx turns, happy to speak to the waitress.

"He had given himself to people who believe they are doing good for Eubric, but are in fact sowing the very seeds of its destruction. The Wolfgang make easy promises to the poor, I have heard them myself, but they bed down with a deceiver who will bring down the walls of Eubric and tear this city apart, the hovels included."

Nyx realises how somber she has become, and so brightens with a smile, remembering that it is a party. She takes yet another drink, with a word of thanks to the waitress, and nod to those with whom she had just been speaking. She seeks out Lord Chauncey in the crowd and approaches him.

"Sir, I am Nyx, a Mage of Heroica, I hope you don't mind me approaching you. Are you enjoying Master Guffington's party?" another bow, another curtsey.

[Zepher]

Guts turns to the wereraven, and asks: "That's... the time. You mind telling me at what time something is supposed to happen?"

"How is anyone supposed to know when something is going to happen?" The Wereraven looks Guts up and down. "Guts Holla? Champion of Heroica?"

Hybros spotted a waitress whom he had not noticed before. Unaccustomed to party manners, he walked over to her, intending to grab a drink like the others. Although he didn't mean to drink it anyway, the tray was too high and the waitress didn't seem to notice him. He tugged on her dress. "Eheh, excuse me, I do not recall seeing you before. Do you work for Guffington regularly?"

"No, the other waiters and I were hired for the evening. I think it's meant to add to the excitement of a Guffington party. Same reason you're here, really. Getting people from all walks of life. And I'm sorry if I shocked you, down in the Hovels I work occasionally as a dancer, so I'm very light on my feet. I think there may have been elf blood somewhere in my past.""

"Madame, I was doing what was asked of me, and was honoured to do so. It was such a shame that such a wondrous evening should be ruined by such ruffians. I counsel you to beware of that songstress. She is an evil witch who bears ill will to the whole of Eubric. Please do not forget that."

Nyx turns, happy to speak to the waitress.

"He had given himself to people who believe they are doing good for Eubric, but are in fact sowing the very seeds of its destruction. The Wolfgang make easy promises to the poor, I have heard them myself, but they bed down with a deceiver who will bring down the walls of Eubric and tear this city apart, the hovels included."

Nyx realises how somber she has become, and so brightens with a smile, remembering that it is a party. She takes yet another drink, with a word of thanks to the waitress, and nod to those with whom she had just been speaking. She seeks out Lord Chauncey in the crowd and approaches him.

"Sir, I am Nyx, a Mage of Heroica, I hope you don't mind me approaching you. Are you enjoying Master Guffington's party?" another bow, another curtsey.

"Perhaps she bent those with weaker wills. The Guild of Invision is prepared to deal with all kinds of dark magic."

"I don't doubt it. The hovels cheer for the Wolfgang, but they don't know what they're cheering for."

"Ms. Nyx. Hello there." Lord Chauncey kisses her hand. "It is a pleasure. I am enjoying the evening quite well, yes. Lord Guffington is quite a remarkable man, and though I find the squabbling of these so called great Houses a little childish, there are still certainly some people here worth talking to. Yourself included, of course. Master Guffington keeps better tabs on the city than you might imagine. I have heard word of you, Ms. Nyx. Let's say that we have some similar interests."

The light in the sky suddenly winks out. The heroes glance up and see that the sun has set. All of the waiters and the waitress suddenly excuse themselves and retreat to the kitchen.

[Brickdoctor]

I look to make sure that there is some other source of light -- torches, chandeliers...

[Pandora]

"Ms. Nyx. Hello there." Lord Chauncey kisses her hand. "It is a pleasure. I am enjoying the evening quite well, yes. Lord Guffington is quite a remarkable man, and though I find the squabbling of these so called great Houses a little childish, there are still certainly some people here worth talking to. Yourself included, of course. Master Guffington keeps better tabs on the city than you might imagine. I have heard word of you, Ms. Nyx. Let's say that we have some similar interests."

Nyx laughs lightly, and smiles warmly.

"Should I be concerned that I am known to you already?" she keeps smiling, wondering what the man knew, but hiding her thoughts "I'm intrigued to hear of our similar interests, but you must forgive me, I don't know how you know Master Guffington, and what interests you have in Eubric?" she blushes and smiles apologetically.

As the light dims, Nyx looks once more around the room for unusual movements and/or suspicious behaviour.

[Zepher]

I look to make sure that there is some other source of light -- torches, chandeliers...

U'Or rushes around lighting torches as the light in the sky fades even more. Docken looks up at the glass ceiling and sees that it seems to be glowing slightly- pulsating almost.

"What do you think of it, Docken? Do you know how it is done?" asks the muffled but smooth voice of Doc Daneeka.

"Should I be concerned that I am known to you already?" she keeps smiling, wondering what the man knew, but hiding her thoughts "I'm intrigued to hear of our similar interests, but you must forgive me, I don't know how you know Master Guffington, and what interests you have in Eubric?" she blushes and smiles apologetically.

As the light dims, Nyx looks once more around the room for unusual movements and/or suspicious behaviour.

"I am not a bad man to be known by. I am a historian, among my many other hobbies and enterprises. Lord Guffington, Lord Hughes and myself all have similar interests. Do you know that Eubric is built on the sight of many other cities? The Temple of Zoot lies below it- but you already know that, I'm sure. There are said too to be the ruins of the Moon Elves city. And, of course, my personal interest, the Temple of the Old Gods. I've heard from a friend of your's that you paid it a visit."

Nyx's response is cut off as Guffington heaves himself onto the single long table at the end of the room.

"Hello all, looks like everyone has finally gathered in one place! I'm glad to see you're all socializing, even you Hybros. U'Or, leave the lights alone, go talk to people. Maybe the only other U'Kin in the room." U'Or blushes.

"I'm just making an exciting announcement. We're about to break out a huge vat of Azzurat spiced wine. My chef Clippard assures me that he can make it properly, and I trust his judgement. This wine is very old, very potent, and very good. A good friend of my retrieved it for me long ago, and so I've decided to share it all with you. Just thought I'd let you know. Dr. Everstein, what time would you say it is?"

The wereraven coughs and sputters before answering. "8:35."

Guffington climbs back down off the table, and Lady Marsh begins talking to him.

[Scubacarrot]

Spiced wine. Another way to ruin a perfectly good drink. The raider mumbled a simple:"Yes that's right, excuse me." to the wereraven. Guts takes another drink from a tray, and pauses a second before taking a sip, the alcohol was starting to reach his head, then drank the whole thing, taking another one, clearly annoying the server, he passed in front of Shawe, and nodded to him in a way as to say: I've got this. Then, the raider walked up to Madame Ladybug, and bowed his head slightly.

"Madame, I hope you remember me, Guts Holla, or Captain Holla as I am now."

[Brickdoctor]

OoC: I hope I'm accurately referring to what I think you're describing.

"What do you think of it, Docken? Do you know how it is done?" asks the muffled but smooth voice of Doc Daneeka.

"Good to see you again, Doctor Daneeka. It's very impressive. My first thought is that it's a lot of lenses working with a lot of prisms to redirect, refract, and focus the light around them. The pulsating effect we now see being the result of the flickering, constantly changing light of the fires as opposed to the steady light of the sun. That being said, I know the Ji Pei have made advancements in harnessing the power of lightning, perhaps that is also a factor."

[Pandora]

"I am not a bad man to be known by. I am a historian, among my many other hobbies and enterprises. Lord Guffington, Lord Hughes and myself all have similar interests. Do you know that Eubric is built on the sight of many other cities? The Temple of Zoot lies below it- but you already know that, I'm sure. There are said too to be the ruins of the Moon Elves city. And, of course, my personal interest, the Temple of the Old Gods. I've heard from a friend of your's that you paid it a visit."

Nyx turns back to Lord Chauncey after listening to Guffinton's announcement and looking forward to sampling the spiced wine.

"Yeah, I've developed a bit of a knack for visiting temples. I'd like to see the Moon Elves' city sometime, too, but it's not like I visit these places purely for sightseeing, more's the pity. What makes you so interested in the Temple of the Old Gods? Have you ever visited it yourself?"

[JimBee]

U'Or rushes around lighting torches as the light in the sky fades even more. Docken looks up at the glass ceiling and sees that it seems to be glowing slightly- pulsating almost.

"What do you think of it, Docken? Do you know how it is done?" asks the muffled but smooth voice of Doc Daneeka.

As the waitress left for the kitchens, Hybros noted Daneeka enter the room and speak to Docken. He glanced over a few times, but then cautiously toed away, towards Guts. He didn't care what people said, Daneeka could still be in contact with his old employers. And if that were true, Hybros would have to say something. He just didn't know what yet.

He noted Guts taking one drink after another, becoming a little tipsy. He shot the raider a look, as if to say, "Careful, we're supposed to be doing a job." There were reasons he didn't drink, besides the awful taste.

"Hello all, looks like everyone has finally gathered in one place! I'm glad to see you're all socializing, even you Hybros. U'Or, leave the lights alone, go talk to people. Maybe the only other U'Kin in the room." U'Or blushes.

Hybros glanced downward with a slight grin.

"I'm just making an exciting announcement. We're about to break out a huge vat of Azzurat spiced wine. My chef Clippard assures me that he can make it properly, and I trust his judgement. This wine is very old, very potent, and very good. A good friend of my retrieved it for me long ago, and so I've decided to share it all with you. Just thought I'd let you know. Dr. Everstein, what time would you say it is?"

Hybros nodded. But he wouldn't drink... unless Guffington insisted. He headed over to the Great Guffington himself, who was speaking to another guest. "Ehm, so, sir Guffington, what are the plans for this evening? Eheh..."

[Zepher]

"Madame, I hope you remember me, Guts Holla, or Captain Holla as I am now."

"Ah, yes, Guts, I remember you well. You helped Dr. Cula and I solve our little bet, or rather, you proved me right. Perhaps I would remember you less fondly if it was the other way around. Are you also a friend of Gerald's?"

"Good to see you again, Doctor Daneeka. It's very impressive. My first thought is that it's a lot of lenses working with a lot of prisms to redirect, refract, and focus the light around them. The pulsating effect we now see being the result of the flickering, constantly changing light of the fires as opposed to the steady light of the sun. That being said, I know the Ji Pei have made advancements in harnessing the power of lightning, perhaps that is also a factor."

"You are not far off. I do not believe we discussed your heritage when last we met. What is it? Any races with higher conceptional thinking? The glass is indeed a series of prisms which redirect the light. I have also infused it with a dust of both topaz and diamond. I have found that by running Alchemical batteries through the glass, I am able to generate light, if only a meager bit of it. It also makes it nearly suicidal to break through."

"8:40, by the look of the sky," says Daneeka after a pause. "Have I mentioned that to you before? I assume not."

"Yeah, I've developed a bit of a knack for visiting temples. I'd like to see the Moon Elves' city sometime, too, but it's not like I visit these places purely for sightseeing, more's the pity. What makes you so interested in the Temple of the Old Gods? Have you ever visited it yourself?"

"I have not, sadly, visited yet. It is said to get into the Temple, the Gods must want you to come. Our mutual acquaintance said that upon your visit, the Master of Regret was waiting for you. I hear also that you met Passion. As for my interest, are we not all allowed a hobby? What did become of Passion, by the way. My friend left before the exciting conclusion of your battle with Wren."

"Ehm, so, sir Guffington, what are the plans for this evening? Eheh..."

"Hybros! How are you enjoying the evening. As for the plans - well, I wouldn't want to spoil a surprise, would I? I think things should heat up considerably once we all have this old wine. I hear its very potent. For now, just see what you think of these people who call themselves my friends. What is your opinion of them so far? It is very important."

[JimBee]

Hybros became increasingly wary of the guests and residents repeating the time. Were they counting down for something?

"Hybros! How are you enjoying the evening. As for the plans - well, I wouldn't want to spoil a surprise, would I? I think things should heat up considerably once we all have this old wine. I hear its very potent. For now, just see what you think of these people who call themselves my friends. What is your opinion of them so far? It is very important."

"Yes, I have been enjoying myself... heh. You have many friends in high places, but it is also important to have them in low places, hehehe." Hybros grinned. He resisted the urge to call a few of Guffy's guests dishonorable. He turned to the one standing next to Guffy, who he was speaking to earlier. "Hybros of Heroica, heheh," he said as he touched the brim of his hat.

[Brickdoctor]

OoC: I see what you're doing, trying to make me write a backstory for Docken.

"You are not far off. I do not believe we discussed your heritage when last we met. What is it? Any races with higher conceptional thinking? The glass is indeed a series of prisms which redirect the light. I have also infused it with a dust of both topaz and diamond. I have found that by running Alchemical batteries through the glass, I am able to generate light, if only a meager bit of it. It also makes it nearly suicidal to break through."

"Ah, yes, alchemical batteries, I believe that's the lightning-powered Ji Pei technology I was thinking of. Is the method efficient as far as cost compared to a magical, Ether-based solution?

"I wonder what would happen if you sent the power of the battery through a thin piece of cotton thread or coiled parchment, but contained it inside a vessel that had no air in it, so as to prevent the thread from burning up even as it is heated until it glows...

"As for my heritage, I do not believe it has any real effect on my mental faculties. It is merely a matter of careful study and memorization of all the things that all the other heroes discover or learn on their quests as well as the ones I go on, as recorded in Heroica's library."

[Scubacarrot]

"Ah, yes, Guts, I remember you well. You helped Dr. Cula and I solve our little bet, or rather, you proved me right. Perhaps I would remember you less fondly if it was the other way around. Are you also a friend of Gerald's?"

"You could say that. I helped him out before. I'll be honest, Shawe has asked us to broker a deal about the military grade bombs. I'd like to hear why you are rejecting him."

[Pandora]

"I have not, sadly, visited yet. It is said to get into the Temple, the Gods must want you to come. Our mutual acquaintance said that upon your visit, the Master of Regret was waiting for you. I hear also that you met Passion. As for my interest, are we not all allowed a hobby? What did become of Passion, by the way. My friend left before the exciting conclusion of your battle with Wren."

Nyx feels a small shiver as the memories come back.

"Sorry, I was meaning to ask what had sparked your interest in your hobby, nothing more. Who is this mutual acquaintance that you speak of? They seem to have told you a lot about me, which is a little disconcerting, I must say." she looks at Lord Chauncey carefully "Passion... he became Chaos, sort of. He was kind of drained by a man named Sphinx, and became a shell for Chaos to inhabit. It was all very messy, and.. well he ended up dead, unfortunately. Or at least his body was, who knows about the rest of him?"

[Zepher]

"Hybros of Heroica, heheh," he said as he touched the brim of his hat.

The woman looks at the small Imp curiously. "I am Lady Marsh of Gull. I have not heard of this Heroica. Where is it? Do all of the people there look like you?"

"Heroica is a Hall here in the city, the Hall of Heroes. They allow you to hire the heroes there for various acts of kindness."

"Ah, I see." Lady Marsh stiffly shakes Hybros' hand, and Guffington excuses himself and walks towards the servers as they pour out of the kitchen holding goblets of wine.

"I wonder what would happen if you sent the power of the battery through a thin piece of cotton thread or coiled parchment, but contained it inside a vessel that had no air in it, so as to prevent the thread from burning up even as it is heated until it glows...

"As for my heritage, I do not believe it has any real effect on my mental faculties. It is merely a matter of careful study and memorization of all the things that all the other heroes discover or learn on their quests as well as the ones I go on, as recorded in Heroica's library."

Erm... perhaps Docken should go work for the Ji Pei. He's smarter than the most advanced technological minds in the game.

"Sounds like a good library. I would like to travel to see what other lands have to teach me. I think we will, sooner or later." Daneeka glances at the servers and then at the sky. "8:45."

Thomas offers the doctor a drink. Daneeka accepts it, and Thomas turns to Docken, offering the second goblet.

"A drink, sir?"

"You could say that. I helped him out before. I'll be honest, Shawe has asked us to broker a deal about the military grade bombs. I'd like to hear why you are rejecting him."

"I am not interested in arming the masses with more and more powerful bombs. The Bonapartes have proven their necessity, what with the riots in the hovels recently. I am not interested in mass destruction, however, which I'm sure Samuel would bring with his distribution. Order is the work of nature and alchemy. If Samuel wishes to spread destruction and power, I advise he talk to the Zeigfrieds. That is their specialty."

"Sorry, I was meaning to ask what had sparked your interest in your hobby, nothing more. Who is this mutual acquaintance that you speak of? They seem to have told you a lot about me, which is a little disconcerting, I must say." she looks at Lord Chauncey carefully "Passion... he became Chaos, sort of. He was kind of drained by a man named Sphinx, and became a shell for Chaos to inhabit. It was all very messy, and.. well he ended up dead, unfortunately. Or at least his body was, who knows about the rest of him?"

Chauncey nods sadly. "Gerald and I suspected as much. Such is the trouble with mortal Gods. As for our mutual acquaintance... I believe when you met him, you were on opposing sides, but the Orc named Zane is the one who spoke to me of you and your allies. He and his companion XX were very helpful. I paid them well for their information, admittedly."

Chauncey accepts a drink from the serving girl. Nyx watches as the girl continues walking and passes a drink to Lord Marsh.

[Brickdoctor]

Erm... perhaps Docken should go work for the Ji Pei. He's smarter than the most advanced technological minds in the game.

OoC: But I think that technology in Heroica isn't advanced enough to efficiently make use of the theoretical knowledge that I have no problem sharing with Docken, so it wouldn't matter.

"A drink, sir?"

"Does it provide any stat buffs? That is to say, would it improve my performance in battle?"

[Zepher]

"I have no idea, sir."

[Brickdoctor]

"I have no idea, sir."

"Very well, then."

I accept the drink but I hold on to it and don't drink it.

[Scubacarrot]

"I am not interested in arming the masses with more and more powerful bombs. The Bonapartes have proven their necessity, what with the riots in the hovels recently. I am not interested in mass destruction, however, which I'm sure Samuel would bring with his distribution. Order is the work of nature and alchemy. If Samuel wishes to spread destruction and power, I advise he talk to the Zeigfrieds. That is their specialty."

"The Shadeaux aren't stupid. They will not sells these to anyone who asks. The strength of the Bonapartes is not in their bombs, but in their cannons, and there is no way to easily manufacture those. In my travels, I have come across many types of bombs, the ones Portia sells, don't even come close. I think allowing the military grade bombs to be sold to other forces around the area, the Shadeaux guardsmen, Heroica - Can only be beneficial. Of course it will not fall easily in the hands of pirates and criminals. Remember that you can set the terms of the contract and the price to however high you like. I admire your idealism, Madame, but think this through."

Edited June 18, 2013 by Scubacarrot

[JimBee]

The woman looks at the small Imp curiously. "I am Lady Marsh of Gull. I have not heard of this Heroica. Where is it? Do all of the people there look like you?"

"Ah, I see." Lady Marsh stiffly shakes Hybros' hand, and Guffington excuses himself and walks towards the servers as they pour out of the kitchen holding goblets of wine.

As Guffington walked away, Hybros added, "No, you will not find another like me... eheh..." He chuckled with a hint of sorrow. "Guffington must be a close friend of yours for you to come all the way out here."

[Pandora]

Chauncey nods sadly. "Gerald and I suspected as much. Such is the trouble with mortal Gods. As for our mutual acquaintance... I believe when you met him, you were on opposing sides, but the Orc named Zane is the one who spoke to me of you and your allies. He and his companion XX were very helpful. I paid them well for their information, admittedly."

Chauncey accepts a drink from the serving girl. Nyx watches as the girl continues walking and passes a drink to Lord Marsh.

What little colour there was in Nyx's cheeks drains away as she hears the name. A wave of nausea washes over her, and she blinks, maintaining her composure.

"When did you see them and where were they going?" she blurts out impulsively "If you don't mind me asking, of course. And.. how is it you come to know these two?" more control, she feels steadier "and naturally... I should like to know what they said about me. " she manages to make a cheeky wink and smile, almost convincingly. The fact that the serving girl had passed her by was something she saw, but it didn't even register in her consciousness.

[Zepher]

"The Shadeaux aren't stupid. They will not sells these to anyone who asks. The strength of the Bonapartes is not in their bombs, but in their cannons, and there is no way to easily manufacture those. In my travels, I have come across many types of bombs, the ones Portia sells, don't even come close. I think allowing the military grade bombs to be sold to other forces around the area, the Shadeaux guardsmen, Heroica - Can only be beneficial. Of course it will not fall easily in the hands of pirates and criminals. Remember that you can set the terms of the contract and the price to however high you like. I admire your idealism, Madame, but think this through."

"I have thought it through," she says stiffly, but then softens a little. "I'll certainly think about it. You seem to be a man with some sense, so your words have at least some weight. I only worry who they may sell them to, you must remember them funding that war in the North of Uland, but if we control the contract... I'll certainly think on it, Guts."

Thomas walks by with his second load of drinks and serves one to Madame Ladybug. He turns to Guts and hesitates- he has already given out his first drink this round. Guts looks and see Guffington holding a huge glass and directing the other two servers towards whoever they're supposed to serve.

As Guffington walked away, Hybros added, "No, you will not find another like me... eheh..." He chuckled with a hint of sorrow. "Guffington must be a close friend of yours for you to come all the way out here."

"Guffington and I have never met before. My husband, Lord Marsh, insisted on coming, and said that I must come with him this time. I'm not unhappy that I did. Guffington is a wonderful host."

The blue creature offers the Lady Marsh a drink, and continues on to Lady Felix. There is a sudden clatter and the female server drops the wine she is holding. She kneels down and collects the goblets.

"I'm so sorry," she says sadly. "I'll get more immediately!"

"Unprofessional," the creature buzzes from nearby. The lady, crying a few embarrassed tears, retreats back into the kitchen.

"When did you see them and where were they going?" she blurts out impulsively "If you don't mind me asking, of course. And.. how is it you come to know these two?" more control, she feels steadier "and naturally... I should like to know what they said about me. " she manages to make a cheeky wink and smile, almost convincingly. The fact that the serving girl had passed her by was something she saw, but it didn't even register in her consciousness.

"I believe they were headed to the High Kingdoms after stopping in Loush. As for my meeting them, Zane found me. He offered me information that I couldn't refuse. As for their words on you - well, Zane was not flattering, but XX song your praises, for the most part. They both told me to say hello if I ever ventured down to Eubric. So, hello." He smiles as Guffington calls all the heroes and guests togethers.

"Now, has most everyone got a glass? Fantastic. Let's make it... to life?" Guffington takes a huge swig of the wine, and most everyone else with a glass does the same.

"8:55," Daneeka remarks sadly to Docken, and then there is another crashing sound and Guffington tumbles to the floor. Thomas runs forward as Lady Marsh shrieks in shock.

"He's dead!" exclaims the faun. The dining room erupts into confusion. Lady Marsh breaks down into sobs, and Lord Marsh turns his head sadly. Lord Chauncey double checks the body, and the blue bodied server rushes into the kitchen in fear. Lady Felix glances over at the heroes with a look of determination, but they have no time to react. Hybros and Docken feel a strangely strong hand holding their shouders, and both turn to see Doc Daneeka.

"Follow me," he orders them firmly. Nyx and Guts feels sharp objects scratch their shoulders, but turn to discover Dr. Everstien holding onto them.

"With me," he says. The two doctors lead the heroes out of the Dining Hall and through one of the first doors in the hallway. The begin to hurriedly descend some stairs. Doc Daneeka tosses each of them a necklace.

"You must wear these. No exception."

Beholder's Eye Necklace - Artifact, accessory. Allows one round of battle to be re-rolled once per quest.

[Brickdoctor]

OoC: Well MegaBloks. You're making us de-equip items again? And now I have to take off my Medal of Glory...

I follow Daneeka and equip the Beholder's Eye Necklace in place of my Medal of Glory.

[JimBee]

Hybros accepted a goblet of spiced wine from one of the passers, and proceeded to mix his own drink with it, adding a flask of Mulled Wine and Nostrum and slowly drinking it down.

Upon seeing Guffington, apparently dead on the floor, Hybros panicked. He looked around the room with suspicion, eyeing all of the guests. Could someone have poisoned him? But then Daneeka gripped his shoulder and steered him towards the exit. No, he thought. There must be some sort of plan. "Another one of the old Guffington's tricks, eheh..." he mumbled to the other heroes. He, Docken and Guts had had experience with the old man's shenanigans, but Nyx was less so. Hybros looked over to her. "Do not worry, this is... all part of the plan... I hope." He himself was unsure of what was to come. The quest notice did anticipate for murder after all.

Daneeka handed each of them a small object, which Hybros recognized as the time traveling pendant Guts had taken from the dragon in their first quest together, and later gifting it to the dragon in the Hovels. "A perfect circle... hehe..." he grinned. And now the cycle... was repeating itself?

He removed his Blessed Amulet, and immediately felt the weight of the Golden Armor on his shoulders. The curse had fallen again. He was so unaware of it previously because of the amulet, but now it was as present as when he first wore the armor on his last quest for Guffy. He replaced the amulet with the Eye of the Beholder.

"Now, care to explain the meaning of this? Eheh..."

[Scubacarrot]

The raider squints his eyes. This necklace. He had seen it before. It was the same thing as the ring he gave to the dragon. Only now there were four? That ring had been an invaluable artifact, apparantly able to twist time and space, not that he had tried it out, but when he gave it to the dragon, it was purring like a kitten. There was no way to recreate such a thing, there was no way there were four. There was only one explanation for this:

"This isn't real." With that stated, Guts removes his Pugilist's Gloves, puts on the necklace, and draws Lifestealer. They must be in a dreamworld again. He hadn't noticed the exact moment they switched from the real world, but, he had been drinking. It could even be the drinks that got them here. "Let's just find out what Guffington wants this time and get it over with."