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

[Brickdoctor]

Throlar leaves the keep and goes to the stables to feed the horses.

You return to the stables.

Ellaria continues smiling, despite the sword pointed at her throat.

"Oh good, it turns out I wasn't lost after all, then! I am a member of the resistance, you see, and Sir Isaac Shawe told me to come ask you if there's anything you need. We have to make you boys feel welcome if you are to make a new settlement here."

Ellaria feels the men suddenly looking at her funny, and realizes what her white lie had sounded like. She was all too familiar with that look the men got.

"Oh, I didn't mean that I was here to cater for your every need! Just... some more food, maybe? Information? Messages to Sir Shawe?"

She prayed Sylvania that Alexander and Ahvialyn were still outside, for if the men had gotten the wrong impression, she might be in some deep trouble...

Sir Zigirôhîn lowers his sword.

"I see. I do not believe we ever said we were planning on establishing a settlement, though."

"Eh, you cannot expect Shawe to have told his soldiers everything.

"We don't need any food or information; our leader is meeting with Shawe right now, and we have plenty of food. Come in, please, lest the Pongcanae spot you. Have you had breakfast yet?"

Raising an eyebrow at the 'ambassador's' outburst, Nerwen watches him leave.

After he is out of earshot she says

Again. My apologies. He appears to be pursuing an agenda of his own. We will speak to him sternly about that.

The day is wearing on. We should leave for the meeting. Are you prepared?

Nerwen turns to leave If Lady Calaryl is ready.

"Yes. Saeavel, Lord Elerylian, let us go."

Nerwen, Arthur, you return to the inn with the three other elves, where you find Boomingham and Sir Isaac speaking with Sir Kadarphazân and Lord Bârbêthân.

"Calaryl."

"Good day, Lady Calaryl. I believe this is everyone?"

"I believe so. Heroes, you asked for us to meet to discuss working together to establish a new government in R'kilf. What is your plan?"

[Sandy]

"We don't need any food or information; our leader is meeting with Shawe right now, and we have plenty of food. Come in, please, lest the Pongcanae spot you. Have you had breakfast yet?"

Ellaria boldly steps in.

"I would love to get me a bite to eat. I'm totally famished! The Pongcanae have been ravaging our wares so there's hardly anything left. It was awful to think that the poor guards watching over these warehouses were butchered so brutally. Any chance you guys would be up for some Pongcanis headhunting any time soon? Me and my friends at the resistance would love to help, if that's in your plans. Oh, I've also been meaning to ask you: what's it like in Patuqun? You certainly have some peculiar names there..."

[Duvors]

Throlar returns to the inn after seeing the horses fed and watered.

[Zepher]

Boomingham raises a thoughtful eyebrow. "What sort of plan is needed for there to be a government in R'Kilf?" he asks haughtily. "Leaders are easy to distinguish. Those who defend the people gain the people's trust. You both want command of this town, so you both defend it. Does it matter much to you who leads after that? Shawe, you want a flourishing place for the Shadeaux to fall back to, should the need arise, correct? First step seems to be making sure that the town is flourishing. Elf, you want... what exactly? A place to live? So, make it a place that you can live. I don't understand the contention. Seems straight-forward enough to me. Hel, I hardly see how the two ideals clash in any way." Boomingham nods to Nerwen. "Perhaps Madame Nerwen can put it better than me, who knows."

[Brickdoctor]

Ellaria boldly steps in.

"I would love to get me a bite to eat. I'm totally famished! The Pongcanae have been ravaging our wares so there's hardly anything left. It was awful to think that the poor guards watching over these warehouses were butchered so brutally. Any chance you guys would be up for some Pongcanis headhunting any time soon? Me and my friends at the resistance would love to help, if that's in your plans. Oh, I've also been meaning to ask you: what's it like in Patuqun? You certainly have some peculiar names there..."

Sir Abârlômi offers you a slice of bread and a piece of chicken as you walk inside.

"In Patuqun? Lots of snow, lots of ice, mountains on two sides leading to some rivers that cut through high plains. Towering cliffs on one side; the plains slope down towards lower ground and swamps on the other."

"Hunting Pongcanae? Now, that's something I like to hear. Action. We know of some Pongcanae staying in the larger houses to the east, where the richer merchants used to live. We could go now, in fact. Kill some of the brutes, keep our fighting skills sharp, return in time for luncheon."

"Kadarphazân told us to stay here..."

Throlar returns to the inn after seeing the horses fed and watered.

You return to the inn, where you see Nerwen, Boomingham, and Arthur speaking with a few humans and Lady Calaryl and her elves.

Boomingham raises a thoughtful eyebrow. "What sort of plan is needed for there to be a government in R'Kilf?" he asks haughtily. "Leaders are easy to distinguish. Those who defend the people gain the people's trust. You both want command of this town, so you both defend it. Does it matter much to you who leads after that? Shawe, you want a flourishing place for the Shadeaux to fall back to, should the need arise, correct? First step seems to be making sure that the town is flourishing. Elf, you want... what exactly? A place to live? So, make it a place that you can live. I don't understand the contention. Seems straight-forward enough to me. Hel, I hardly see how the two ideals clash in any way." Boomingham nods to Nerwen. "Perhaps Madame Nerwen can put it better than me, who knows."

"It's an issue of maintaining the safety and trust of the merchants. We can't attract merchants if the only fortified building in the village is packed full of armed and skilled elven warriors who aren't necessarily on our side. We want to see the elves let us have some space in the keep and — you are correct, Lord Boomingham — we want them to show that they'll help the village grow again by helping protect it."

"What do the elves stand to gain from this? We don't want the villager's trust. We don't need the villager's trust."

[Zepher]

Boomingham snorts at the elf. "Mademoiselle, forgive me," he says after he recovers himself. He then glares at the lady. "That was directed at Nerwen, not at you, elf. You see, she and I have had a bit of trouble with a brash young dwarf, and though I am neither a dwarf nor young, I'm about to be a little brash. So, answer me this, my lady - how much do you value your life?" Boomingham does not move to touch his sword, and doesn't so much as glance at the elves with Calaryl. "I don't mean that as a threat. I'm asking it as an honest question. Assuming you value it as much as pretty much everyone else I know, I'd assume you value it above most everything else. But suppose, just for a second, that my compatriots and I had you at our mercy. Let's say I was holding Scupperer to your neck, and I asked you what value your life had to me. What would you answer then?" Boomingham shrugs. "A life is a life. That is what you gain. The safety and lives of all the people in the town. What do you gain by remaining apart?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen made a small gesture to Boomingham, succinctly indicating that his words were not unwarranted.

She turned to Sir Shawe and said calmly

My apologies my lord but I think you misunderstand the use of the keep now.

It is no longer a fortified building for the defence of the town but an arboretum, observatory and oraculum. It is the home of these elves. Now that they have lost their place among their kin in Brobric, it is their refuge, the place where they can pursue their cultural heritage.

It is unfortunate that they have used a place which might otherwise have had value in the defence of the town, but what is, is. I said before that you would likely not appreciate having a squad of armed soldiers in your own personal home, leaving you not free to relax and be yourself. So you understand their reticence to simply throw open the gates to their sanctuary.

As for your other requests, I wonder if you are not trying to sell your horse as you ride it.

You complain on behalf of the merchants that the elves are armed and skilled in war. But it is those very qualities that you wish to harness. You speak of sides, and expect that they should be on yours, as if they must move and you remain fixed. But that is only stiff-neckedness and does not win friends.

My lady is right to ask, what are you offering that balances the demands you make?

Turning to Lady Calaryl.

My lady, your question is fair, but unimaginative. Since the opening moves of this negotiation seem to be demanding before accommodating, I would ask, what is it that you want? I know you have said that you need nothing, but that in itself is a want. You ought be able to articulate it for These men. If you wish to be free from demands to use the keep say so. If you wish to be free from requests to make use of the prowess and skill of elves in battle, say so. Nerwen's voice gained heat as she continued If you want the village depopulated, salted and left to weed strewn ruin, say so. If you wish the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five mages and a bigger pair of boots as well, say so. State your claim, your want. Name your price, but do not insult this process by saying you have none.

Nerwen drew breath, her sharp words hanging in the air.

Edited September 9, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Duvors]

"How wonderful, I happen to have arrived in the middle of negotiations that are likely to end in violence."

Going to the receptionist Throlar said "Excuse me, do you have a cloakroom, I'd like to borrow it for a minute."

[Flipz]

Arthur spots the dwarven Knight arrive, and his face contorts into a grimace. He moves so that he can intercept Throlar before he can get to the negotiators, diplomatically informing the elves, "You should listen to my companions. They speak wisely," before he goes.

Edited September 9, 2013 by Flipz

[Duvors]

Arthur spots the dwarven Knight arrive, and his face contorts into a grimace. He moves so that he can intercept Throlar before he can get to the negotiators, diplomatically informing the elves, "You should listen to my companions. They speak wisely," before he goes.

Using hand signals Throlar tries to say that he is not trying to join the negotiations.

[Sandy]

"In Patuqun? Lots of snow, lots of ice, mountains on two sides leading to some rivers that cut through high plains. Towering cliffs on one side; the plains slope down towards lower ground and swamps on the other."

"Sounds... lovely", Ellaria, smiling widely as she gulps down the chicken and bread.

"Hunting Pongcanae? Now, that's something I like to hear. Action. We know of some Pongcanae staying in the larger houses to the east, where the richer merchants used to live. We could go now, in fact. Kill some of the brutes, keep our fighting skills sharp, return in time for luncheon."

"Kadarphazân told us to stay here..."

"Killing Pongcanae sounds great. It's due time their tyranny will be put to an end! In fact, I have a couple of friends waiting outside who would love to help. Do you think the five of us are enough to take out the beastmen?"

[Brickdoctor]

Boomingham snorts at the elf. "Mademoiselle, forgive me," he says after he recovers himself. He then glares at the lady. "That was directed at Nerwen, not at you, elf. You see, she and I have had a bit of trouble with a brash young dwarf, and though I am neither a dwarf nor young, I'm about to be a little brash. So, answer me this, my lady - how much do you value your life?" Boomingham does not move to touch his sword, and doesn't so much as glance at the elves with Calaryl. "I don't mean that as a threat. I'm asking it as an honest question. Assuming you value it as much as pretty much everyone else I know, I'd assume you value it above most everything else. But suppose, just for a second, that my compatriots and I had you at our mercy. Let's say I was holding Scupperer to your neck, and I asked you what value your life had to me. What would you answer then?" Boomingham shrugs. "A life is a life. That is what you gain. The safety and lives of all the people in the town. What do you gain by remaining apart?"

For a moment, you see a faint shimmering around Lady Calaryl.

"By remaining apart, we may gain nothing, but considering the fact that we do not want or need to interact with the villagers, we lose less than if we join together and have to risk the lives of our warriors protecting the village, as Sir Isaac desires."

Nerwen made a small gesture to Boomingham, succinctly indicating that his words were not unwarranted.

She turned to Sir Shawe and said calmly

My apologies my lord but I think you misunderstand the use of the keep now.

It is no longer a fortified building for the defence of the town but an arboretum, observatory and oraculum. It is the home of these elves. Now that they have lost their place among their kin in Brobric, it is their refuge, the place where they can pursue their cultural heritage.

It is unfortunate that they have used a place which might otherwise have had value in the defence of the town, but what is, is. I said before that you would likely not appreciate having a squad of armed soldiers in your own personal home, leaving you not free to relax and be yourself. So you understand their reticence to simply throw open the gates to their sanctuary.

As for your other requests, I wonder if you are not trying to sell your horse as you ride it.

You complain on behalf of the merchants that the elves are armed and skilled in war. But it is those very qualities that you wish to harness. You speak of sides, and expect that they should be on yours, as if they must move and you remain fixed. But that is only stiff-neckedness and does not win friends.

My lady is right to ask, what are you offering that balances the demands you make?

"I see. I will respect that, though my job now becomes that much more difficult. This means that I must find another building, most likely the meeting hall, and fortify that, making it even more imperative that I have all the help I can get in protecting the village. I do not complain with the merchants about elves armed and skilled in war; we complain about such elves controlling the stronghold of this village without knowing whether or not they are on our side.

"I will offer the elves the peace of remaining in their keep, free from constant attacks by my men, if they will help me keep the village safe. I doubt based on what has been said that the elves will secretly behind their walls prepare to retake the village, and the merchants will trust them if they see them protecting the village and if the village's leadership is working with the elves."

Turning to Lady Calaryl.

My lady, your question is fair, but unimaginative. Since the opening moves of this negotiation seem to be demanding before accommodating, I would ask, what is it that you want? I know you have said that you need nothing, but that in itself is a want. You ought be able to articulate it for These men. If you wish to be free from demands to use the keep say so. If you wish to be free from requests to make use of the prowess and skill of elves in battle, say so. Nerwen's voice gained heat as she continued If you want the village depopulated, salted and left to weed strewn ruin, say so. If you wish the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five mages and a bigger pair of boots as well, say so. State your claim, your want. Name your price, but do not insult this process by saying you have none.

Nerwen drew breath, her sharp words hanging in the air.

Arthur spots the dwarven Knight arrive, and his face contorts into a grimace. He moves so that he can intercept Throlar before he can get to the negotiators, diplomatically informing the elves, "You should listen to my companions. They speak wisely," before he goes.

"Very well, if Sir Isaac will leave us alone, then we will do our part. Is there anything else that must be discussed?"

If you wish the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five mages

QM Note:

"How wonderful, I happen to have arrived in the middle of negotiations that are likely to end in violence."

Going to the receptionist Throlar said "Excuse me, do you have a cloakroom, I'd like to borrow it for a minute."

"We do not have one."

"Killing Pongcanae sounds great. It's due time their tyranny will be put to an end! In fact, I have a couple of friends waiting outside who would love to help. Do you think the five of us are enough to take out the beastmen?"

"Certainly! Nothing to worry about. We could easily take three or four Pongcanae that make up a patrol."

"At the risk of revealing our position and cooperation with the resistance..."

[Duvors]

"We do not have one."

"Well, do you have any free rooms that I could borrow for, say, five minutes?"

[Sandy]

"Certainly! Nothing to worry about. We could easily take three or four Pongcanae that make up a patrol."

"At the risk of revealing our position and cooperation with the resistance..."

"I don't think dead Pongcanae can talk, Sir Zigzag", Ellaria says with a wink. "Let us go, good sires!"

Ellaria steps outside the warehouse and introduces the two knights to Alexander and Ahvialyn. "These are Alexander and Ahvialyn, fellow members of resistance. Oh, one more question before we depart: you don't happen to have a key that fits the door of that locked warehouse, would you?"

If the knights give a negative response, Ellaria quickly goes around to check the corpses for the key.

OoC: Sorry to put so many things into one post, but I think it's about time we get things moving again.

[Zepher]

"Well, how's about it Nerwen? Anything else we've got to say to the elves? And you, Shawe. Assuming they're going to act friendly, what's our next move." Boomingham steals a quick glance at the elvish leader. "Assuming, of course."

[Flipz]

"If anyone desires my knowledge in creating and defending fortifications, I'd be happy to assist; otherwise, I think we should regroup with the rest of our companions. Ellaria, Alexander, and Lady Ahvialyn are still out there, they should have checked in by now."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen speaks clearly to all.

So. To be clear for both sides.

Sir Shawe renounces any claim to the keep and disavows any violence against the elves.

He asks for military assistance from them

Lady Calaryl offers military assistance to Sir Shawe.

She expects to hold the keep free of any other claim and free of attacks on her or her people.

Is that an accurate summary? If so, let us begin by finding and capturing this dread pie-rat.

[Brickdoctor]

"Well, do you have any free rooms that I could borrow for, say, five minutes?"

*sigh* "Fine. But if you take any longer, I'll come in after you myself."

The innkeeper nods in the direction of her loaded crossbow and indicates with a finger towards a room. You calculate that you'll have enough time for two quick actions before your time is up.

"I don't think dead Pongcanae can talk, Sir Zigzag", Ellaria says with a wink. "Let us go, good sires!"

Ellaria steps outside the warehouse and introduces the two knights to Alexander and Ahvialyn. "These are Alexander and Ahvialyn, fellow members of resistance. Oh, one more question before we depart: you don't happen to have a key that fits the door of that locked warehouse, would you?"

If the knights give a negative response, Ellaria quickly goes around to check the corpses for the key.

"But a live Pongcanis can howl quite loudly even during a battle. I do not support this action.

"We do not have a key to that warehouse. We tried accessing all three in deciding on a spot to camp. It looks like the Pongcanae either can't get in either or are uninterested in whatever might be in it. However, I've heard that there are magical keys which can open any door."

Poking around, you find no key.

OoC: Sorry to put so many things into one post, but I think it's about time we get things moving again.

QM Note:

No problem. I apologize for the pace; I had hoped to be past this point in the quest by now, but the lack of regular internet access for a month really threw things off.

Nerwen speaks clearly to all.

So. To be clear for both sides.

Sir Shawe renounces any claim to the keep and disavows any violence against the elves.

He asks for military assistance from them

Lady Calaryl offers military assistance to Sir Shawe.

She expects to hold the keep free of any other claim and free of attacks on her or her people.

Is that an accurate summary? If so, let us begin by finding and capturing this dread pie-rat.

"It's not so much 'military assistance' as it is a show of good faith in helping protect part of the village. But, yes, that is a fair summary."

"Indeed. Let us prepare then for battle. Sir Isaac, where can these Pongcanae be found?"

"Both my men and Duke Bârbêthân's knights have seen them around the richer homes in the easter area of the village. Heroes, I assume we can count on your assistance, therefore I think it is only right that you have a voice in deciding the course of action. Keep in mind that the resistance can probably get you into any of the residential buildings and the markets."

"And the elves can scout ahead to track and bring back information."

[Sandy]

"But a live Pongcanis can howl quite loudly even during a battle. I do not support this action.

"We do not have a key to that warehouse. We tried accessing all three in deciding on a spot to camp. It looks like the Pongcanae either can't get in either or are uninterested in whatever might be in it. However, I've heard that there are magical keys which can open any door."

"Oh, you're such a spoil-sport, Sir Zigzag! I'm all fired up for a battle already! And if we don't do battles, we won't get enough gold to buy any magic keys. There's a magic shop in town, I have high hopes that they sell those in there."

Ellaria knew that the mead made her act irrationally, but she couldn't be bothered. She looked enthusiastically at the knights and Alexander and Ahvialyn.

"What do you say, just one battle against one of those pesky Pongcanis patrols? That'd be our good deed for the day!"

[Duvors]

*sigh* "Fine. But if you take any longer, I'll come in after you myself."

The innkeeper nods in the direction of her loaded crossbow and indicates with a finger towards a room. You calculate that you'll have enough time for two quick actions before your time is up.

"Thank you very much."

Throlar goes into the room.

(OCC:I asked for the room for purely roleplay purposes, I have something I need to say before the negotiators leave.)

[Flipz]

*sigh* "Fine. But if you take any longer, I'll come in after you myself."

The innkeeper nods in the direction of her loaded crossbow and indicates with a finger towards a room. You calculate that you'll have enough time for two quick actions before your time is up.

"It's not so much 'military assistance' as it is a show of good faith in helping protect part of the village. But, yes, that is a fair summary."

"Indeed. Let us prepare then for battle. Sir Isaac, where can these Pongcanae be found?"

"Both my men and Duke Bârbêthân's knights have seen them around the richer homes in the easter area of the village. Heroes, I assume we can count on your assistance, therefore I think it is only right that you have a voice in deciding the course of action. Keep in mind that the resistance can probably get you into any of the residential buildings and the markets."

"And the elves can scout ahead to track and bring back information."

"Very well. I suggest we return to the Marketplace and do some scouting and questioning. If you'll give me just a moment, I'll meet you outside."

Spotting Throlar enter a room, Arthur stands guard with the innkeeper in front of it, preventing Throlar from leaving until the negotiators have left the building. "Just in case he causes trouble, Ma'am."

Edited September 11, 2013 by Flipz

[Duvors]

"Very well. I suggest we return to the Marketplace and do some scouting and questioning. If you'll give me just a moment, I'll meet you outside."

Spotting Throlar enter a room, Arthur stands guard with the innkeeper in front of it, preventing Throlar from leaving until the negotiators have left the building. "Just in case he causes trouble, Ma'am."

"Just in case he causes any trouble, really, you could have been more original."

Thorlar looking and sounding very different from the last time anyone saw him returns.

"I apologize for the state of my attire, but the past few days have been very, uncomfortable."

(OCC; Blasted phone camera.)

[Wedge09]

"Oh, you're such a spoil-sport, Sir Zigzag! I'm all fired up for a battle already! And if we don't do battles, we won't get enough gold to buy any magic keys. There's a magic shop in town, I have high hopes that they sell those in there."

Ellaria knew that the mead made her act irrationally, but she couldn't be bothered. She looked enthusiastically at the knights and Alexander and Ahvialyn.

"What do you say, just one battle against one of those pesky Pongcanis patrols? That'd be our good deed for the day!"

Alexander isn't sure about what is doing Ellaria but he is sure she is doing the best for their mission and a battle is a battle; his only hope is that the battle is a winnable one. Therefore he smiles to the two men with Ellaria.

[Zepher]

"If you'd afford me a second with my leader," says Boomingham, sweeping Nerwen to the side. "So, then, Nerwen, are you still bent on envoying with the brutes? Seems like now might be your only chance, and seeing as those Patuqun folks want to take the Pogs out quick and quietly, seems we'd have to do it on the down low. So, shall we give our new allies the slip for a moment or two, or lead the charge?"

[Chromeknight]

I would like the leader captured alive if possible, or I will accept his surrender if he presents it. But seeing that we now have an alliance of elves and men, I will not jeopardise it for the faint hope of the Pogs being more than they have appeared to be so far. We lead the charge.