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

[Zepher]

"I can't fault you for helping out the town, especially if you plan to keep a hand in it. Having a strong presence that respects the town would be pretty swell for the folks, seems to me," Boomingham says cordially. "So, let's hear it, Shawe. How are you actually helping these townies. Words are words, sure, but I am a man of action. We know the troubles by now, what are your solutions?"

[Brickdoctor]

"I can't fault you for helping out the town, especially if you plan to keep a hand in it. Having a strong presence that respects the town would be pretty swell for the folks, seems to me," Boomingham says cordially. "So, let's hear it, Shawe. How are you actually helping these townies. Words are words, sure, but I am a man of action. We know the troubles by now, what are your solutions?"

"The first step is to finalize the treaty with Patuqun. They have the skill of a centuries-old order of knights; we know the village well enough to get them into just about any building. While we work on that, I am letting the Pongcanae and the Mopag fight it out, but we must be the ones to drive off the Dread Pirate Indiacca, in order to gain support from the citizens. Once the Pogs are gone, the Mopag should have no reason to be here, but my spies tell me that their ultimate goal is to conquer this village and rename it Kaherdria. So, we will assassinate Warlord Kaherdin. We must infiltrate the keep and force Lady Calaryl to surrender to us, so that she can jointly rule with the humans who will be hailed as heroes who negotiated peace, and the Shadeaux will be able to influence both of them through me. But we will wait to deal with the Pogs until the end, so that the Knights of Patuqun will help us attack the elves and so that the public will see our new elven-human government at work defending the village."

[Sandy]

Ellaria's eyes widen as she listens to Shawe's plans. Again she turns to the other resistance members.

"You are okay with this? Doesn't assassinations and sieges sound a bit too much for honest farmers and artisans like yourselves? I was raised in a village even smaller than this one here, so I know what it is to lead a simple life with none of the worries of the big world. Would you rather return to that sort of life, or become underlings to one of the great houses of Eubric? I am asking you in all sincerity, what do you want? We cannot help you unless we know what you really think about this all."

To Isaac Shawe Ellaria gives a suspicious look.

"It sounds an awful lot like you're trying to form a kingdom of your own right outside Eubric. I wonder what the other houses would have to say about that. They are all only a day's ride away."

[Brickdoctor]

Ellaria's eyes widen as she listens to Shawe's plans. Again she turns to the other resistance members.

"You are okay with this? Doesn't assassinations and sieges sound a bit too much for honest farmers and artisans like yourselves? I was raised in a village even smaller than this one here, so I know what it is to lead a simple life with none of the worries of the big world. Would you rather return to that sort of life, or become underlings to one of the great houses of Eubric? I am asking you in all sincerity, what do you want? We cannot help you unless we know what you really think about this all."

"Sir Isaac has given us the organization we need and now offers us a chance for a free city with a major House to get trade going again. He has earned our trust, and we would die for him. We know that there is a chance that his superiors may eventually try to take control of the village, but that is a risk we are willing to take."

To Isaac Shawe Ellaria gives a suspicious look.

"It sounds an awful lot like you're trying to form a kingdom of your own right outside Eubric. I wonder what the other houses would have to say about that. They are all only a day's ride away."

"A kingdom? No, it is our hope that there never comes a time when we need to rule this village, even temporarily. My greatest hope is that this never becomes more than a smaller village where some of our lesser Shadeuax merchants can operate out of, away from the prying eyes in Eubric, which remains the hub of trade in the Free Islands. But we would be fools if we did not take the chance to establish our influence in the government, considering the current state of the Ever-Changing City."

[Duvors]

"You will get your money, my good woman."

Turning back to the hobgoblin he said"I am sorry, but I do not understand what you just said, tough I take it as a salutation, Baltar is the only orcish language I know."

[Flipz]

The Party at the Inn:

"I had hoped that he would provide some Diplomacy and versatility in skills to the party, but from what I've seen, he could just as easily turn the whole town against him in a matter of minutes. Best to wait and see what he does, I think."

"All right...I just hope that if he DOES bring the place down on our heads--literally OR figuratively--we won't live to regret it. Better to die stopping a crazed madman than to live having failed to do so." He shakes his head in disappointment. "So what do you think? Stick with Throlar, or try and find out where the others went? And why did Ellaria not come into the magic shop with you, anyway?"

[Brickdoctor]

Turning back to the hobgoblin he said"I am sorry, but I do not understand what you just said, tough I take it as a salutation, Baltar is the only orcish language I know."

"Ah, marvelous, you speak the common tongue!"

"All right...I just hope that if he DOES bring the place down on our heads--literally OR figuratively--we won't live to regret it. Better to die stopping a crazed madman than to live having failed to do so." He shakes his head in disappointment. "So what do you think? Stick with Throlar, or try and find out where the others went? And why did Ellaria not come into the magic shop with you, anyway?"

"We have to stay somewhere for the night; I believe the others can take care of themselves. But it will be hard to avoid be recognized as Throlar's companions if we stay with him, if you are worried about that."

[Flipz]

"That's what I thought. Mind sharing a room? It's cheaper, and unless he inherited a Gold mine while we were apart, I'm going to have to pay for his room anyway."

"I think I know how I can do that while making sure people know we aren't connected to him, though."

[Zepher]

Boomingham nods at Shawe. "Sounds straightforward enough. If you'd allow me a moment." Boomingham pulls his two allies aside. "So, let's hear it, boy, Ellaria. What do you think of Shawe?"

"He's an evil man," pipes up Barty, bursting radiantly into vision.

"There are many evil men. It's the question of his actions being beneficial or not. I haven't seen anyone but the elves, and they seem to being doing little to nothing. The furry fellows obviously can't have the city, so it's between these folks and the Mopags. The Knights of Pataqun appear decent enough, and if the citizens here support Shawe..." he shrugs. "What say you?"

[Brickdoctor]

"That's what I thought. Mind sharing a room? It's cheaper, and unless he inherited a Gold mine while we were apart, I'm going to have to pay for his room anyway."

"I think I know how I can do that while making sure people know we aren't connected to him, though."

"I, ah...suppose I do not mind sharing a two-bed room. And may I point out that you do not have to pay for his room, especially if you don't want to be associated with him."

[Flipz]

"True...I just figured that 'paying to keep that lunatic in the farthest room from mine' would leave a strong impression that I don't wish to associate with him...which is actually the truth. Your way makes a lot more sense, though--I just hope the dwarf doesn't cause us any trouble."

Having heard the innkeeper's price quote to Throlar, Arthur readies his coin pouch, speaking to the innkeeper as quietly as possible. "Two-bed room, please. Just for the night. I believe I heard you say it was 15 gold?" He passes over the Gold, and then waits quietly for the innkeeper to show him and Ahvialyn upstairs, hoping Throlar wouldn't spot him and ruin his cover.

[Brickdoctor]

Having heard the innkeeper's price quote to Throlar, Arthur readies his coin pouch, speaking to the innkeeper as quietly as possible. "Two-bed room, please. Just for the night. I believe I heard you say it was 15 gold?" He passes over the Gold, and then waits quietly for the innkeeper to show him and Ahvialyn upstairs, hoping Throlar wouldn't spot him and ruin his cover.

"Yes sir. A two-bed room accommodates up to four individuals for 15 Gold, and I guarantee that the R'kilf Inn is an establishment in which you can Rest undisturbed for the night to regain Health and Ether. This way."

The innkeeper leads you upstairs to your room.

QM Note:

We can't skip the night phase since the party is split up and some of them are doing stuff, but you can't do anything else or you won't regain HP. It's what you have to give up in order to get fairly cheap restoration of full HP and Ether. If you want to roleplay or discuss the situation with Ahvialyn, though, you can do that.

The Party Upstairs in the Inn:

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

, a Hero Who is Actually Worth Something

(Flipz)

21 year-old male human Mystic Knight

Level 26.33

*Immune to

Poisoned

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

Power:

38

(Level 26 + WP: 12 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Health:

41/41

(Base HP: 5 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 7 + Permanent bonus: 4)

Ether:

31/31

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 1)

Defense:

12

(SP: 7 + SP: 5)

Gold:

348

(Owed 128 Gold by Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) and 70 Gold by En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

Equipment:

Sir Roderick's Sword (WP: 12; longsword), Arm Shield (SP: 7), Duke's Coat-of-Arms ( SP: 5; Immune to

Poisoned

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

; suitable for Knights, Dragoons, Skirmishers, and Regulators; bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to deal

Electric

-elemental Damage to an opponent who has dealt Damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; accessory), Overkill Gloves (+1 gold for every point of Damage extra when defeating an enemy; handwear)

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; staff), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP: 6; Hollow Blade [Mulled Wine]; dagger), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5;

Light

-elemental; +2 Ether on rolls of 2, 3, 4), Healing Staff (WP: 5; Healing effect), Ammit (WP: 6; +5 Ether for each kill; great sword),

•

Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the

Jinxed

effect on every third round; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Cloak of Deception (Free Hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals

Cursed

-effect; headwear), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50%, suitable for Rogues and Beast Warriors; accessory), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from the wearer; handwear)

•

Opal

,

Amethyst

,

Topaz

,

Diamond

,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

•

Scroll of Recklessness (

Encouraged

and

Fragile

; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Weakening

•

Grand Potions (11), Remedies (8), Elixirs (4), Nostrums (5), Smelling Salts (3), Meads (5), Jinxy Juices (2), Ether Core, Noxious Venom (

Badly Poisoned

and

Confused

; 3 Rounds), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (100 random elemental Damage), Tesla Bomb (20

Lightnng

-elemental Damage), Tonic, Grand Tonics (12), Double Rainbow (

Encouraged

,

Lucky

,

Confused

, and

Poisoned

), Bright Polish, Ambrosia, Exterlate, Phoenix Essences (2), Emergency Essence, Grating Stone, Smoke Bombs (5)

•

Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

Ahvialyn (NPC)

Female elven Rogue

Level 17

Power:

37

(Level 17 + WP: 20)

Health:

23/23

(Base HP: 7 + Level bonus: 16)

Defense:

3

(SP: 3)

Gold:

10

Equipment:

Mythril Dagger (WP: 20; may be used as a melee or a throwing weapon), Elven Plate Armor (SP: 3; bodywear), Cloak of the Elven Spy (Wearer may examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear)

Inventory:

Backup Dagger (WP: 5)

•

Health Core, Grand Potion, Potion, Elixir, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom

•

Bedroll

[Chromeknight]

Forgive me, but why do you say this place has no hope? Could not a new hope be found?

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Oh, MegaBloks, sorry if you saw Chromeknight's post disappear there. I accidentally hit the 'Delete' button instead of the 'Quote' button, and evidently there is no confirmation dialog box to check to make sure you want to do that on mobile. I think I got it restored properly.

Forgive me, but why do you say this place has no hope? Could not a new hope be found?

"We have tried, Lady Nerwen. The men of this village, their thirst for power is impossible to satisfy. They demanded that we give control of the village back to them, but when we retreated and regrouped after my lord Keveak's death, they complained that we weren't governing the village. They want the power without the responsibility. But we are elves; we will survive when they have grown old; we are accustomed to a secluded life. So we have concentrated on the improvement of this keep, as you can see, and when this generation of men has passed, then we will see if it is time for us to emerge."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen stood. Her pose relaxed and her thoughts meditative. For her, this place was more conducive to rest than a room in an human inn.

I understand the dilemma, and the short-sightedness of the edan.

Your plan to bide time seems wise.

If the town is organised and forms a governing body, will you send a representative? Would you send martial aid if requested?

For, your path entails that you are well provisioned and can procure what is lacking. You can defend the keep, I have seen that. But if you cannot move about the town unmolested then this place becomes a cage no matter how beautiful. We walk to a different music to them, still, we are in the world for good or ill, the same sun shines on all, the same rain brings water. Seclusion is a profitable path, though it cannot be total isolation. Will you have me as an emissary until one of your own steps forward to take that mantle?

Edited August 20, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Brickdoctor]

Nerwen stood. Her pose relaxed and her thoughts meditative. For her, this place was more conducive to rest than a room in an human inn.

I understand the dilemma, and the short-sightedness of the edan.

Your plan to bide time seems wise.

If the town is organised and forms a governing body, will you send a representative? Would you send martial aid if requested?

For, your path entails that you are well provisioned and can procure what is lacking. You can defend the keep, I have seen that. But if you cannot move about the town unmolested then this place becomes a cage no matter how beautiful. We walk to a different music to them, still, we are in the world for good or ill, the same sun shines on all, the same rain brings water. Seclusion is a profitable path, though it cannot be total isolation. Will you have me as an emissary until one of your own steps forward to take that mantle?

"We are willing to do our part, but we also tire of wasting our resources attempting to work with the men who want nothing more than our keep and our position of power, that which we have rightfully conquered and which we will not give up. I welcome your help as an elf who is not of Brobric in resolving this situation, but it is the men who must demonstrate their trustworthiness to us, and I must warn you that they have much work to do in order to prove that. We have no reason to make any more effort to hasten the return of peace and order, not when we can wait out the storm indefinitely within our fortress."

[Chromeknight]

The keep is yours. It is your home and your ongoing work. Those in the town must accept that if they are to be trusted.

But what is your position of power? My masters taught that power only exists in its use. Strength unexercised withers and iron unforged is brittle.

I know you fought at Bric'Bay to repulse the lions and are prepared to defend this keep but you know how men think. They think in concrete terms, like children. If you are not for them you are against them. And when the village is quieted they will turn on you. And should you win, it will be at the cost of Elven blood and destroy the men who come against you, leaving a void to be filled with unrest yet again.

It seems to me that if you give aid where asked then those who emerge as leaders in this town have credible reason not to refuse your place here in the strong keep.

How else might the men demonstrate trustworthiness?

[Brickdoctor]

The keep is yours. It is your home and your ongoing work. Those in the town must accept that if they are to be trusted.

But what is your position of power? My masters taught that power only exists in its use. Strength unexercised withers and iron unforged is brittle.

I know you fought at Bric'Bay to repulse the lions and are prepared to defend this keep but you know how men think. They think in concrete terms, like children. If you are not for them you are against them. And when the village is quieted they will turn on you. And should you win, it will be at the cost of Elven blood and destroy the men who come against you, leaving a void to be filled with unrest yet again.

It seems to me that if you give aid where asked then those who emerge as leaders in this town have credible reason not to refuse your place here in the strong keep.

How else might the men demonstrate trustworthiness?

"Our power is a potential one in some ways; it lies in the fact that we can simply wait for death to overtake the men, and we will remain strong in our keep; we don't have to do anything about it. Understand that we do not desire to rule the city in order to impose our will on it. We wish to rule the city because we have seen what men will do, and it makes this city unfit to be our home, yet we will not abandon my lord Keveak's work here in R'kilf. We know that men will seek to betray us; that is why they must together prove the quality of their race. I will not give you any ways by which they could do that, for if I did, then I would not know if their actions were of their own decision."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen frowned slightly.

Trust is not forged in the making of promises but in their keeping. What does it matter if men's words are prompted, only that they by their actions prove themselves faithful to their commitments.

No parent says to their child 'do as thou wilt' and then complains of disobedience. How much more then should we guide the actions of men by wise council?

I know some of your sad history and the betrayals you have suffered and thst these have made you wary. Though, it seems to me that if you expect betrayal that is what you will often receive, fostered by your own suspicion and lack of acceptance.

Nerwen paused, sensing the conversation was reaching an impasse

You have said that you are willing do your part. That is all that I am here to ask, that when I call on you, you will answer me and uphold my trust in you.

When speaking to the men at the gates I will recount your position clearly. That the keep is yours and that you do not wish to lay down your arms. In return for those you will contribute to the welfare of the town seeing that doing so makes the city a fit place for you. Is that a fair summary of our conversation?

Nerwen looked up at the stars, the constellation of the hunter now past zenith and the hour growing late.

If that is acceptable, I would beg for a place to rest and reflect on my day ready for the work ahead tomorrow.

[Wedge09]

Boomingham nods at Shawe. "Sounds straightforward enough. If you'd allow me a moment." Boomingham pulls his two allies aside. "So, let's hear it, boy, Ellaria. What do you think of Shawe?"

"He's an evil man," pipes up Barty, bursting radiantly into vision.

"There are many evil men. It's the question of his actions being beneficial or not. I haven't seen anyone but the elves, and they seem to being doing little to nothing. The furry fellows obviously can't have the city, so it's between these folks and the Mopags. The Knights of Pataqun appear decent enough, and if the citizens here support Shawe..." he shrugs. "What say you?"

"I think, the elves think to simply wait for the humans die, they are sure to survive it if you don't see around. About Sir Shawe will even be evil but he has the support of the local population and this makes him an important player in what is the game for the control of R'kilf." says Alexander "The best options would be that Shawe, elves and Mopag unite to drive out Pongcanes and then to sit down at a table to discuss the fate of the city but I think this is nearly impossible: the elves won't leave the Keep and the Mopag see the resistance movement as a momevent to crush. The resistance has on his side the population which feels the elves and the Mopag as invaders, as much as the Poncane. In conclusion I think that without a battle of some sort this three factions won't unite, everyone thinks he is better than others; is up to us to choose which faction has to come out winner, I think." ends the elven archer.

[Sandy]

Boomingham nods at Shawe. "Sounds straightforward enough. If you'd allow me a moment." Boomingham pulls his two allies aside. "So, let's hear it, boy, Ellaria. What do you think of Shawe?"

"I think we should regroup with the others to find out what they have learned, before making any decisions. So far I've personally only learned one side of the story, and although the resistance seems to be siding with Sir Isaac, I'm not convinced his plan is in the best interest of the town."

Ellaria looks at Shawe and the resistance members.

"Our only problem now is whether these people are willing to let us go..."

[Zepher]

"They will be," Boomingham assures her. "Shawe! We would like a night to think on all the stuff we've learned. I'm sure that you'll understand. We'll find you tomorrow, hopefully. Send out one of your beggars or stable boys, and we'll follow them home with our answer. Sound fair?"

[Brickdoctor]

You have said that you are willing do your part. That is all that I am here to ask, that when I call on you, you will answer me and uphold my trust in you.

When speaking to the men at the gates I will recount your position clearly. That the keep is yours and that you do not wish to lay down your arms. In return for those you will contribute to the welfare of the town seeing that doing so makes the city a fit place for you. Is that a fair summary of our conversation?

Nerwen looked up at the stars, the constellation of the hunter now past zenith and the hour growing late.

If that is acceptable, I would beg for a place to rest and reflect on my day ready for the work ahead tomorrow.

"Very well. I will allow you to speak this for us with the men. Saeaval?"

The other elf leads down a level to a similarly constructed room, but smaller, with a bed in it. You realize that you can Rest safely here as long as the elves will let you.

"They will be," Boomingham assures her. "Shawe! We would like a night to think on all the stuff we've learned. I'm sure that you'll understand. We'll find you tomorrow, hopefully. Send out one of your beggars or stable boys, and we'll follow them home with our answer. Sound fair?"

"Certainly, Lord Boomingham. A word of warning: the streets aren't safe for anyone at night. Find a place to Rest."

QM Note:

Not sure if you want to reply to Shawe, so I'll leave you here until you post your leaving as an action.

[Zepher]

"Thank you, Shawe. We will see you in the morning, and will be sure to rest safely. Besides, it sounds like you know that a hero of Heroica can handle themselves." With an impish grin upon his lips, Boomingham leads his party out into the city.

[Duvors]

"Certainly, How do you do? My name is Throlar Wineghilm, ambassador, at your service." Throlar bows "May I ask what brings one of the Orocund to this festering hellhole?"

Edited August 20, 2013 by Lord Duvors