Heroica RPG - Quest #77: Your Elves are Better than Ours

[Brickdoctor]

Boomingham picks up the glass bottle, seeing if there are any remaining liquids, and then investigates the surrounding area, looking for any weapons or patches of cloth or really anything at all.

You pick up the bottle, which proves to be empty. It smells like it probably once contained a cheap, weak ale, nowhere near the quality of anything in Scheherezade's Saloon and probably providing no beneficial effects in a battle.

You can't find any cloth. Broken weapons seem common, though. Spear shafts snapped in two, swords shattered, bows warped and bent out of shape...if you had to, you figure that you might be able to use one of them for a short while if necessary.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen raises an eyebrow in amusement

Why, Master Mopag, are you not quite the charmer, asking me to perform for you like some painted strumpet or beggar's simian!

She stepped closer to the armoured 'fig, looking down a little bit.

I do not know how long your kind live so telling your age would be a blind guess. But I know this, I am older than you. And with that age comes experience. It is no mere boast when I say I have done many things, been many things, learnt and taught, fought and healed, torn down and built up.

I do not know what you would consider impressive, but as a military fig I hazard that feats of arms may get your attention.

Know this then, I am Nerwen Calmcacil, Blood Mage of heroica.

With stout compainions at my side, I have bested a dragon changeling, a renegade Boneparte captain, a demon chained beneath the city, the Dark General and his handmaiden, the traitorous Emperor of Dastan and more beside. And that is merely my last two years, a fraction of my lifetime.

I ought be the one asking you, how earnt you the appellation 'awesome'? Impress me with your own tally and with how you might assist us.

[Sandy]

"Are you part of the resistance? I've worked for them; I didn't know we had the resources to hire warriors."

Ellaria shakes her head.

"Actually, we were hired by the elves of Brobric. My companion Ahvialyn here can assure you of their noble intentions. Please, come with us. I'm sure we can find you something to eat and a proper set of clothes."

[Wedge09]

Boomingham nods thoughtfully as they walk down the street, the barracks now to their right. "Seems every hero I meet has a tale to tell," he remarks jollily and then glances over at the barracks. "Hello! Resistance? Come out come out wherever you are!"

"I'm Barty," says his angel, whipping into view and offering his petit hand to Alex. "I'm sorry for him." Then, to Boomingham: "Be quiet, you idiot."

"Hi, Barty, no problem." answers Alexander, shaking Barty's hand.

You can't find any cloth. Broken weapons seem common, though. Spear shafts snapped in two, swords shattered, bows warped and bent out of shape...if you had to, you figure that you might be able to use one of them for a short while if necessary.

After arriving to the barracks "I think here we won't find anythng." says the elven archer watching the devastation "Why don't we go to the stables, before going to the warehouse? They aren't so distant from here." asks Alexander to Lord Boomingham

[Brickdoctor]

Nerwen raises an eyebrow in amusement

Why, Master Mopag, are you not quite the charmer, asking me to perform for you like some painted strumpet or beggar's simian!

She stepped closer to the armoured 'fig, looking down a little bit.

I do not know how long your kind live so telling your age would be a blind guess. But I know this, I am older than you. And with that age comes experience. It is no mere boast when I say I have done many things, been many things, learnt and taught, fought and healed, torn down and built up.

I do not know what you would consider impressive, but as a military fig I hazard that feats of arms may get your attention.

Know this then, I am Nerwen Calmcacil, Blood Mage of heroica.

With stout compainions at my side, I have bested a dragon changeling, a renegade Boneparte captain, a demon chained beneath the city, the Dark General and his handmaiden, the traitorous Emperor of Dastan and more beside. And that is merely my last two years, a fraction of my lifetime.

I ought be the one asking you, how earnt you the appellation 'awesome'? Impress me with your own tally and with how you might assist us.

"You underestimate my power! I am 'the Awesome' for many reasons, in this case because I am the one commanding an army of Mopag hoplites, and you are not! I do not need your assistance, nor do I have now any reason to give you mine. If you're not with me, then you're my enemy."

Ellaria shakes her head.

"Actually, we were hired by the elves of Brobric. My companion Ahvialyn here can assure you of their noble intentions. Please, come with us. I'm sure we can find you something to eat and a proper set of clothes."

The man's eyes widen.

"The elves of Brobric?! My commander was right; you elves are planting spies among our ranks!"

The man tries to push himself up, collapsing against the wall before rolling onto his side and scrambling to his feet, backing away from you.

[Sandy]

The man's eyes widen.

"The elves of Brobric?! My commander was right; you elves are planting spies among our ranks!"

The man tries to push himself up, collapsing against the wall before rolling onto his side and scrambling to his feet, backing away from you.

Ellaria looks confused, but then gets mildly irritated. It's as if nobody in this town even wants to do anything about the sad situation!

"Don't be absurd, Mr. Garrie. Do I look or act like a spy to you? I believe I have been very upfront about my intentions. And might I remind you that 'your ranks' are all gone because of the Pongcanae? If you don't want to help us restore order here, I advice you to leave this town behind and go find your fortune elsewhere. The gold I gave you should be enough for a ride to Eubric. But I honestly hope you stay and help out. I fear we will need every capable warrior on our side when the push comes to shove, Sylvania forbid."

Ellaria looks at her elven companion.

"Have you any idea what this man is talking about, Ahvialyn? Spies, really?!"

[Zepher]

Boomingham nods. "Lead the way to the stables, Hunter, but after that I say we take a look at the areas we know are populated. I've had enough ruins for one day."

[Wedge09]

Boomingham nods. "Lead the way to the stables, Hunter, but after that I say we take a look at the areas we know are populated. I've had enough ruins for one day."

"Very well." says Alexander, thenthe elf and the Human Lord heads to the stables.

[Brickdoctor]

Ellaria looks confused, but then gets mildly irritated. It's as if nobody in this town even wants to do anything about the sad situation!

"Don't be absurd, Mr. Garrie. Do I look or act like a spy to you? I believe I have been very upfront about my intentions. And might I remind you that 'your ranks' are all gone because of the Pongcanae? If you don't want to help us restore order here, I advice you to leave this town behind and go find your fortune elsewhere. The gold I gave you should be enough for a ride to Eubric. But I honestly hope you stay and help out. I fear we will need every capable warrior on our side when the push comes to shove, Sylvania forbid."

Ellaria looks at her elven companion.

"Have you any idea what this man is talking about, Ahvialyn? Spies, really?!"

"To be fair, Lady Arbour, he did mention that he was working with the resistance, and you said that you'd been hired by the Brobric Elves..."

"You won't learn anything more of the resistance from me! Your elven rule will fail; my commander will see to that!"

The man raises his fists, as if that would protect him.

[Sandy]

OoC: Sorry, there's just so much going on that it's hard to keep track of everything. Hope you understand, Brickdoctor.

Poor naïve Ellaria...

"To be fair, Lady Arbour, he did mention that he was working with the resistance, and you said that you'd been hired by the Brobric Elves..."

Ellaria pouted her lips.

"Well, this was the first time I've heard about any resistance - how was I supposed to know it was against the elves? Perhaps you should go with Mr. Regulus, Ahvialyn. Let us not stir the pot any more, and if the Magic Shop is really run by a monster, Mr. Regulus might need a hand in there."

As Ahvialyn left them, Ellaria turned back to Benedict.

"So you know where this resistance hides, then. Could you maybe arrange a meeting with your commander, so we could perhaps find an agreement to this mess. You and I both must agree that this status quo cannot go on for much longer, or else R'kilf will be doomed for certain. If you fear of assassins or spies or some other nonsense like that, I can come with you alone, blindfolded. In the name of my goddess, the Lady of the Forests, I swear I wish you no harm."

Ellaria gives her most charming smile to the young man.

[Brickdoctor]

OoC: Sorry, there's just so much going on that it's hard to keep track of everything. Hope you understand, Brickdoctor.

Poor naïve Ellaria...

QM Note:

No problem; you're trying to find information, you decided to go to different places and do this as quickly as possible, you don't know anything other than what you gain from NPC's responses and behavior, so now you're confused because you don't know exactly what's going on. It's perfect!

I love open-world quests.

"...very well. Don't do anything too hasty, Lady Arbour."

The elf walks away from you into the magic shop.

As Ahvialyn left them, Ellaria turned back to Benedict.

"So you know where this resistance hides, then. Could you maybe arrange a meeting with your commander, so we could perhaps find an agreement to this mess. You and I both must agree that this status quo cannot go on for much longer, or else R'kilf will be doomed for certain. If you fear of assassins or spies or some other nonsense like that, I can come with you alone, blindfolded. In the name of my goddess, the Lady of the Forests, I swear I wish you no harm."

Ellaria gives her most charming smile to the young man.

"I've heard that your kind can talk to the trees and command supernatural powers, even if you are Blinded. No, I must ask that if you are to come with me, you come not just blindfolded, but with hands Bound and mouth Sealed as well. If you agree, then I will take you to my commander; he will know what to do about this."

QM Note:

Don't worry about the stats; I know that Ellaria is Immune to Sealed. But Benedict doesn't.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen bows her head briefly. Whether it is sadness or obsquience is unclear. Raising her head she steps lightly around the Warlord. As she completes her circle around he she drags one finger across his burnished chest plate.

Kaherdin... she breathed softly, I was so hoping to hear of the fig who fills this fine armour.

You are indeed the commander of many hoplites. And no doubt you have earnt your commission. No one is taking that from you nor denying your power, your awesomeness in that arena.

But, there are many forms of power and many sources. You are aware that not every problem can be solved by the shield and spear of your loyal troops. Not every challenge is answered by muscle and sharp metal. The world is more than black and white, and there is more to others than simply being tools or enemies.

We began this discussion by noting we have similar goals. I say to you this. We will not oppose you or your forces in your pursuit of the purpose you have spoken to us, with the exception that we will defend ourselves if you offer violence. We are not your enemy and will not act like it. But it is a shame that you do not value wisdom and skill such as to hold us as friends.

Nerwen stepped to the edge of the tent, lifting the flap to make space for the ambassador to go past she said to Kaherdin

When you grasp all that I have said and wish to speak to me again, I am certain your troops will be able to find me. I will come when you ask. I wish you luck in completing the task before you.

Saying that, Nerwen leaves.

Let us go and see how Arthur and Ellaria are going with the elves. And see this festering heart for ourselves.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Aw, missed opportunity to say, "Only a Mopag deals in absolutes." I'll wait for Sandy's response before moving you to the Marketplace.

[Duvors]

"Go on ahead of me Nerwen, I'll catch up with you."

Throlar turns to Karhedin.

"You have insulted me, you take warnings as threats, you say I insult you when I do not, you refuse a sensible offer with the manner of a self-important know-it-all, and you have rejected the help of not only myself and Nerwen, but also of Heroica, The seven clans of Titaan and there allies, the Moon Elves and human clansmen of Moone, the Halfling rangers of Greenhold, the warriors of Gnomiora, and the Orcish warriors of Baltarok." Throlar shakes his head "You are one sad little man who does not have the wit to realize that he has the same faults I confess to, arrogance, stupidity... and a foolish and well merited pride."

With these words Throlar strides out of the tent and the camp and into the mist witch is making its way to the town and the market with Throlar.

"What a town this is, the real mist swirls with that of intrigue and despair."

[Chromeknight]

I should go and re watch the saga...

As for moving, Nerwen doesn't know they've left the keep and assumes they are there talking with the elves. So that's where she's headed. Sorry it was unclear.

Nerwen looks about the camp and toward the town, the keep looming over the buildings that remain. She sighted upon it and walked in its direction.

You might consider working on your diplomacy Ambassador. I am sure you could be good at it if you were bold about it.

[Flipz]

"It is no small thing to celebrate a simple life, Master Regulus."

OOC: Apologies for the OOC only post, but I'm having trouble parsing this sentence. Does she approve of Arthur asking, or disapprove? Translation please?

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Ah, I see. I forget that other players have limitations like in-character knowledge.

Nerwen, Throlar, you approach the keep. Ellaria, Arthur, and Ahvialyn are nowhere to be seen.

[Duvors]

I should go and re watch the saga...

As for moving, Nerwen doesn't know they've left the keep and assumes they are there talking with the elves. So that's where she's headed. Sorry it was unclear.

Nerwen looks about the camp and toward the town, the keep looming over the buildings that remain. She sighted upon it and walked in its direction.

You might consider working on your diplomacy Ambassador. I am sure you could be good at it if you were bold about it.

"Silence, the mist is a medium for brooding."Nerwen gets the felling that diplomacy is something of a sore spot for Throlar.

On coming to the keep Throlar looks at the building, clearly unimpressed.

"Hmmpf, might be alright I suppose, there isn't anybody watching right now, if there was we would have known by now, lets see what's going on in there."

Throlar spat on his hands and Clambered up the door and on to the arch and looked in one of the arrow slits to see what was going on in there."

Edited August 13, 2013 by Lord Duvors

[Brickdoctor]

OOC: Apologies for the OOC only post, but I'm having trouble parsing this sentence. Does she approve of Arthur asking, or disapprove? Translation please?

QM Note:

It's a Fellowship of the Ring quote. You asked her why she came to R'kilf; she's saying that even though she can turn people to stone and master magic, she doesn't want a life any more exciting than that of a magic shop keeper's. It's not approval or disapproval, just explanation.

When this quest is over, I think part of the QM Commentary will have to be a tally of all the quotes I've decided to work into the quest.

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Lord Duvors, don't be afraid to make more posts rapidly and/or double post in Heroica quests. It makes it easier for QMs to avoid missing actions that you add through editing.

The Party at the Keep:

On coming to the keep Throlar looks at the building, clearly unimpressed.

"Hmmpf, might be alright I suppose, there isn't anybody watching right now, if there was we would have known by now, lets see what's going on in there."

Throlar spat on his hands and Clambered up the door and on to the arch and looked in one of the arrow slits to see what was going on in there."

The keep is pitch black inside, dark enough that you can't see anything, except for a slight glint of metal that accompanies a creak of wood and string.

The Party at the Stables:

Boomingham, Alexander, you walk across the courtyard to the stables. They appear to have escaped most of the damage sustained by the barracks, either that or they were somewhat repaired. As you approach them, presumably prompted by your footsteps, two figures dressed in sleeveless hauberks drop down from the supporting beams in the roof of the structure.

"At last, I thought they'd never leave the keep...wait."

"...these aren't our targets; they're not even Brobric Elves."

[Flipz]

QM Note:

It's a Fellowship of the Ring quote. You asked her why she came to R'kilf; she's saying that even though she can turn people to stone and master magic, she doesn't want a life any more exciting than that of a magic shop keeper's. It's not approval or disapproval, just explanation.

When this quest is over, I think part of the QM Commentary will have to be a tally of all the quotes I've decided to work into the quest.

Ah, good one, I didn't even recognize it. I should re-read those as well--just finished reading the first and third Thrawn Trilogy books (I sadly do not own the second ).

"...I hold much admiration for you, Lady Dala. And no small measure of envy. 'Tis a shame that the choices made early in life--even in childhood--may conspire to conscript one permanently into larger events. I hope that the people of this town--and, for that matter, all people in general--may have more freedom in their own choices." Arthur's voice is heavy with the twin burdens of sadness and shame. Arthur feels a twinge of surprise at how easily he was trusting this witch with information on his own life, but he pushes his distrust--irrelevant at this point--away.

"So, of the Rebellion, the Brobric, and the Mopags, who would bring such peace and freedom to the others of this town?" He pauses, considering. "And is there anyone in R'kliff you know of who would be well-qualified to rule, but who would feel a healthy amount of reluctance to perform such a task?"

Edited August 14, 2013 by Flipz

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Ah. Once you finish reading all of Zahn's stuff, get some of Kevin J. Anderson's novels. Then you can find the other Star Wars reference in this magic shop.

"R'kilf has never been well-governed. Its descent from aristocracy to tyranny to anarchy was predictable. Perhaps it would seem irresponsible of me to do nothing, but I see no hope in the citizens and leaders of R'kilf. If the village finally destroys itself, I will simply move on to another city.

"I wish you good luck in your endeavor, Master Regulus, but neither Warlord Kaherdin nor Lady Calaryl and definitely not the Dread Pirate Indiacca is fit to rule the city. I would offer an opinion on this resistance leader, but no one has seen him. If the resistance does something of note, perhaps then my view will change."

[Chromeknight]

Despite his height, Throlar was agile and could climb like a shadowcat.

Shaking her head in amusement, Nerwen stepped in clear view of the doors, planted her staff and said in flawless Quenya, though an archaic mode

Am Calmcacil Nerwen, I. To speak to Calaryl Lady have I come. Open the door will you? And meet with me?

[Flipz]

"R'kilf has never been well-governed. Its descent from aristocracy to tyranny to anarchy was predictable. Perhaps it would seem irresponsible of me to do nothing, but I see no hope in the citizens and leaders of R'kilf. If the village finally destroys itself, I will simply move on to another city.

"I wish you good luck in your endeavor, Master Regulus, but neither Warlord Kaherdin nor Lady Calaryl and definitely not the Dread Pirate Indiacca is fit to rule the city. I would offer an opinion on this resistance leader, but no one has seen him. If the resistance does something of note, perhaps then my view will change."

"I see. Thank you for your honesty. Few people respect me with such candor these days. I truly appreciate it." The strength of his respect rings forth through his tone as clearly as the bells of the Cathedral of Commerce on a still day.

"On that note, I must be off...but there is a strong chance I will return. I hope to see you again, and soon."

With this final exchange, Arthur leaves the Magic Shop and heads for the blacksmith.

Edited August 14, 2013 by Flipz

[Brickdoctor]

Despite his height, Throlar was agile and could climb like a shadowcat.

Shaking her head in amusement, Nerwen stepped in clear view of the doors, planted her staff and said in flawless Quenya, though an archaic mode

Am Calmcacil Nerwen, I. To speak to Calaryl Lady have I come. Open the door will you? And meet with me?

A voice is heard from the arrow loops.

(Unseen Elf)

"Ela! Quetindë lambëlwa. Aiya, heri Nerwen. Á nyarë i Nauco i qui ualennanúnssë, haryuvas pilin mí antarya."

Look! A speaker of our language. Hail, Lady Nerwen. Tell the dwarf that if he does not get down, he will have an arrow in his face.