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

[Zepher]

Boomingham grins and winks. "Wonderful. Glad to see you're a lady of action." Boomingham turns back to Shawe, the Duke, and the elves. "Might as well go scouting out these encampments."

[Flipz]

"Fine. But remember, Dwarf, new clothes don't make a new man--and a new man is what you'll have to be if you'd have us trust you." Not waiting for Throlar to reply, he returns to the main group just in time to hear Boomingham's suggestion.

"Indeed. Let us boldly go."

Edited September 12, 2013 by Flipz

[Duvors]

"Fine. But remember, Dwarf, new clothes don't make a new man--and a new man is what you'll have to be if you'd have us trust you."

"I am not a 'new man' as you put it, I am a 'noble man', if you see my meaning."

Throlar follows the group.

[Sandy]

Ellaria makes her decision.

"Sirs Abarbar and Zigzag, let us go kill some Pongcanae. They have made life in R'kilf hell, killing people, raiding our wares and blocking trading routes, and it is high time someone put an end to that. Alexander seems to be with us, I hope Ahvialyn is as well."

[Duvors]

Suddenly stopping Throlar goes back into the inn and heads over to Cruril (the Hobgoblin).

Edited September 14, 2013 by Lord Duvors

[Zepher]

Boomingham whistles a jaunty if out of key tune as he waits for the others to be ready...

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods and goes

[Brickdoctor]

Ellaria makes her decision.

"Sirs Abarbar and Zigzag, let us go kill some Pongcanae. They have made life in R'kilf hell, killing people, raiding our wares and blocking trading routes, and it is high time someone put an end to that. Alexander seems to be with us, I hope Ahvialyn is as well."

"Excellent! You have my shield. Zigirôhîn, stay here and watch our camp."

"Of course."

Sir Abârlômi joins the party!

The Party at the Warehouses:

Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09)

99 year-old male elven Hunter

Level 15

Power:

22

(Level 15 + WP: 7 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Defense:

5

(SP: 2 + SP: 3)

Health:

28/28

(Base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 14 + Class bonus: 6 + Artifact bonus: 2)

Gold:

100

Equipment:

Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 7;

Darkness

-elemental; Hollow Blade [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis Armor (Max HP +2; SP: 2; bodywear), Tricorne (SP: 3; headwear)

Inventory:

Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 5), Giant Club (WP: 8), Standard-Issue Saber (WP: 5; longsword)

•

Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing)(2), Sterile Gloves (Immune to

Poisoned

and

Badly Poisoned

; handwear),

•

Grand Potion, Potions (2), Venoms (4), Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Bones (4), Meads (3), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple

•

Bedroll, Shovel

Ellaria Arbour (Sandy)

22 year-old female human Druid

Level 22.33

*Invisible*

*Immune to

Sealed

*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

Power:

35

70

(Level 22 + WP: 10 +

Power Bonus:

3)

Defense:

3

(SP: 3)

Health:

38/38

(Base HP: 9 + Level bonus: 21 + Class bonus: 7 + Permanent Bonus: 1)

Ether:

34/34

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 21 + Class bonus: 1 + Artifact bonus: 5 + Permanent bonus: 2)

Gold:

28

Equipment:

Ignis Fatuus (WP: 10;

Fire-

,

Lighting

-elemental; staff), Black Bandana (Power +3; pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to

Sealed

; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Wearer is invisible for the first 3 Rounds of battle so they do not take Free Hits; backwear)

Inventory:

Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts

Jinxed

; throwing weapon), Sylvania's Crossbow (WP: 7;

Wood

-elemental; crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP: 1;

Fire

-,

Wind

-,

Water

-,

Earth

-elemental; staff), Pongcanis Spear (WP: 7), Standard-Issue Saber (WP: 5; longsword)

•

Tricorne (SP: 3; headwear), Sterile Gloves (Immune to

Poisoned

and

Badly Poisoned

; handwear),

•

Scroll of Inspiration (

Inspired

; costs 10 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing,

•

Potion, Grand Potions (2), Health Cores (4), Tonic, Grand Tonics (6), Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essences (2), Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bombs (2), Flash Bomb, Fire Bombs (3), Ice Bomb, Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Holy Bombs (2), Bones(2)

•

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass

Ahvialyn (NPC)

Female elven Rogue

Level 17

Power:

37

(Level 17 + WP: 20 +

Power Bonus:

0)

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

Sir Abârlômi (NPC)

Male human Berserker

*Immune to

Weakened

*

Level 20

Power:

31

(Level 21 + WP: 8 +

Power Bonus:

2)

Health:

39/39

(Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 19 + Class bonus: 10)

Defense:

7

(SP: 7)

Gold:

25

Equipment:

Longsword (WP: 8), Shield of Patuqun (SP: 7), Pugilist’s Gloves (Power +2; immune to

Weakened

; handwear)

Inventory:

Grand Potion

•

Bedroll

You move towards the eastern section of the city, where you spot a group of Pongcanae guarding the area.

You spot three of the beasts: One unarmed, dragging a chest, approaches a spear-wielding Pongcanis, accompanied by one with a sword. You realize that they haven't spotted you yet, and you have time to prepare.

[Sandy]

Ellaria whispers to her party mates. "There's our targets! Ahvialyn, could you check out their strength with your Cloak of the Elven Spy, please?"

She then proceeds to use the Scroll of Inspiration on all four of them, drinking Grand Tonics to replenish her ether if it runs out until everyone is inspired.

[Brickdoctor]

Ellaria whispers to her party mates. "There's our targets! Ahvialyn, could you check out their strength with your Cloak of the Elven Spy, please?"

"Certainly. Let's see... three Pongcanae, one of them unarmed but still dangerous."

The Pongcanae:

Pongcanis Swordsman

Humanoid Beast

Level:

15

Health:

60/60

Defense:

5

Special:

Cry for Help

- The Pongcanis Swordsman lets loose a high-pitched roaring growl for help. Another Pongcanis Swordsman will join the battle after 5 Rounds. If the heroes can end the battle before then, they will get to face the summoned swordsmen in another battle, gaining the opportunity to gain XP and prepare themselves.

Drops: 20 Gold

Pongcanis Spearman

Humanoid Beast

Level:

20

Health:

50/50

Defense:

10

Special:

Spear Thrust

- The Pongcanis Spearman lunges forwards and rams his spear at the target, knocking him back to the Back Row for the next Round.

Passive Special:

Free Healing

- The Pongcanis Spearman, if untargeted and either inflicted with a negative effect or below maximum HP, will use his Free Hit to use the appropriate consumable from his Drops; negative effects taking precedence over lost HP.

Drops: Potions (2), Remedies (2)

Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior

Humanoid Beast

Level:

12

Health:

55/55

Defense:

0

Special:

Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis

- The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out.

Drops: 100 Gold

QM Note:

I'll let you look over the stats before deciding whether or not to spend Ether and/or consumables in preparation.

[Sandy]

Ellaria decides to cancel her scroll-casting. "These guys don't seem to pose much of a threat to us. Alexander, if you're ready, let's rumble!"

[Wedge09]

"I'm ready, Ellaria." says the elven archer nocking an arrow.

[Duvors]

(OCC; well, o all powerful Brickdoctor?)

[Sandy]

"I'm ready, Ellaria." says the elven archer nocking an arrow.

"Good! Let's get those Pongcanae!"

Ellaria leads the party to attack the beastmen.

[Zepher]

OoC: I hope its okay with you if we roleplay the walk a little, BD. If something should have happened while leaving the inn, I guess we can do it retroactively?

Boomingham bounces down the street with a purposeful walk that jostles all of his extra flesh. He whistles through his teeth. "Things are certainly looking up," he says the Nerwen merrily. "I have to admit, I wasn't so sure about the elves and Shawe being fast friends, but they both seem to be at least willing. Strange, isn't it." He shrugs. "I don't think I've ever helped folks make friends before, in a quest. Its mostly been slaughtering beasties. I was once in Strivvi, and I think these two young lads could have done with some friendship making." Boomingham's gaze wanders a little, looking at one of the broken houses. "You think the elves can be trusted? I don't like what they've done with the town, I'll make no secret of it."

[Flipz]

"It's more of what they haven't done, really. And while that's despicable...everyone deserves second chances. If we can just show the Elves that interaction with the transient races can be its own reward, perhaps we can start a change that their children--and the humans' great-grandchildren--will benefit from for generations to come."

"I know some of us were worried about the Shadeaux wanting a safe haven for them to be able to regroup from. Frankly, I don't think it's a bad idea at all, and I think Heroica should look into doing the same. Eubric is going down in flames, Boomingham--maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even within the mortal lives of anyone living today, but it will happen. I have seen it--in the Pandemonicon, in my own visions...even the literature of the established gods--Isiris, Mercutio, even the Wizard Priests of Ennoc--speak of a coming reckoning of days, when darkness eclipses the light. There are forces at work far larger than any of us, and though we are mighty to resist them, that strength is unique to Heroica alone--we don't commonly realize it, but we are heir to and bolstered by grand, ancient magicks that grant us far more power in the great affairs than small beings like us can possibly comprehend, or handle, or deserve. We will falter. And when that happens, Eubric will fall. I don't want the end of Eubric to be the end of Heroica as well. I've seen the remote corners of the world where Heroes never walk, where there might as well be no Heroica. And I don't like it."

"I used to think that I could spread the philosophy of Chaos among the people, that when that day came, they would be prepared to live in the coming Chaos. That dream is dead now. All I can do is try to delay the inevitable as long as I can, and sow the seeds of succession in hope that somehow, when the time comes, there will be one last bastion of hope, of Heroes, who might guide the people to a better life--or at least stand in the way, ere all things end utterly."

[Zepher]

Boomingham cocks his customary eyebrow.

"You're as yappy as ever, mage, and not about anything cheery either. I know you think that everyone deserves a second chance." Boomingham sighs, and his face sags a little bit. "You're waiting on a ending day, are you? I suppose it does have to come, one way or another. Kingdoms rise and fall." He scratches the back of his head. "We live pretty small lives, I suppose." He laughs briefly and loudly. "Maybe we should stop in the bar before we go and kill a bunch of fur-balls."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen looked at the men she was walking with.

There is some irony in you asking me if these elves can be trusted, given that I myself am an elf and you trust me. But, I have said before that we ought not judge the whole from singular examples. I understand your reservations, elves are fallible too. All you can do is look forward to the keeping of their word, call them to account if they do not and keep close watch on your own promises also.

As for the town, I am naturally disposed to share their point of view. It is a shame you did not get to see inside the keep, it might have given you an insight into where their priorities lie and how insignificant the lives of men can seem from the perspective of a few centuries. In time everything breaks. That is the great sadness of life. And is it made all the more grievous when the focus on the immediate drowns out the longer plan to preserve and protect.

Arthur, you did see the arboretum. You saw what it is now, but can you imagine what it will be like in a century if it is cared for an tended carefully? I do not wish to be too blunt, but at two decades, half of one of which you have nearly no memory of, I expect that such a span of time is only dimly conceivable. And even if it is not, could you dedicate yourself truly to serving a purpose that takes so long to come to fruition? Could you deny yourself many good things now for an end two generations later might see, and could you inspire others to follow you in such privation for a purpose like that? If so, I applaud you. For I have met vanishingly few men who could, and only on who actually has.

And your premonitions about the world? Here is wisdom. Everything breaks. Everything fails. Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold.

But I am a servant of Galdrya, of Celeborn, those who bring order and civilisation. Who stand against self interest and self centredness. Who say, we are not strongest alone. Who say to be at our most free, to fulfill our potential the best, we must choose sometimes to not insist on our rights but to give them up in the service of others. Who say that to love something truly is to give even oneself up for it. Anything less is but a weak shadow of love.

That is the power you see at work in heroica, individuals putting aside their own petty goals, standing side by side against the blood-dimmed tide and saying together "No, this shall not be."

And Heroica is not the only place where that happens. Though it may be the only place in Eubric, the only hope for a city corrupt and ripe for destruction.

Politics! To whomever is reading this quest, not merely my fellow questmates, as always feel free to PM to dig into my own personal beliefs and opinions if you want. But they're not too far off what Nerwen has said here.

Edited September 16, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Thanks, Zeph. I appreciate it.

"Muuu na ya!"

"Kill them!"

"Alexander, why don't you lead us and let me know what to do. I'm sure Miss Arbour can handle Sir Abârlômi.

"Prepare for battle!"

The Party at the Warehouses:

Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09)

99 year-old male elven Hunter

*Acting Party Leader*

Level 15

Power:

22

(Level 15 + WP: 7 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Defense:

5

(SP: 2 + SP: 3)

Health:

28/28

(Base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 14 + Class bonus: 6 + Artifact bonus: 2)

Gold:

100

Equipment:

Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 7;

Darkness

-elemental; Hollow Blade [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis Armor (Max HP +2; SP: 2; bodywear), Tricorne (SP: 3; headwear)

Inventory:

Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 5), Giant Club (WP: 8), Standard-Issue Saber (WP: 5; longsword)

•

Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing)(2), Sterile Gloves (Immune to

Poisoned

and

Badly Poisoned

; handwear),

•

Grand Potion, Potions (2), Venoms (4), Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Bones (4), Meads (3), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple

•

Bedroll, Shovel

Ellaria Arbour (Sandy)

22 year-old female human Druid

Level 22.33

*Invisible*

*Immune to

Sealed

*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

Power:

35

70

(Level 22 + WP: 10 +

Power Bonus:

3)

Defense:

3

(SP: 3)

Health:

38/38

(Base HP: 9 + Level bonus: 21 + Class bonus: 7 + Permanent Bonus: 1)

Ether:

34/34

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 21 + Class bonus: 1 + Artifact bonus: 5 + Permanent bonus: 2)

Gold:

28

Equipment:

Ignis Fatuus (WP: 10;

Fire-

,

Lighting

-elemental; staff), Black Bandana (Power +3; pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to

Sealed

; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Wearer is invisible for the first 3 Rounds of battle so they do not take Free Hits; backwear)

Inventory:

Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts

Jinxed

; throwing weapon), Sylvania's Crossbow (WP: 7;

Wood

-elemental; crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP: 1;

Fire

-,

Wind

-,

Water

-,

Earth

-elemental; staff), Pongcanis Spear (WP: 7), Standard-Issue Saber (WP: 5; longsword)

•

Tricorne (SP: 3; headwear), Sterile Gloves (Immune to

Poisoned

and

Badly Poisoned

; handwear),

•

Scroll of Inspiration (

Inspired

; costs 10 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing,

•

Potion, Grand Potions (2), Health Cores (4), Tonic, Grand Tonics (6), Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essences (2), Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bombs (2), Flash Bomb, Fire Bombs (3), Ice Bomb, Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Holy Bombs (2), Bones(2)

•

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass

Ahvialyn (controlled by Wedge09)

Female elven Rogue

Level 17

Power:

37

(Level 17 + WP: 20 +

Power Bonus:

0)

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

Sir Abârlômi (controlled by Sandy)

Male human Berserker

*Immune to

Weakened

*

Level 20

Power:

31

(Level 21 + WP: 8 +

Power Bonus:

2)

Health:

39/39

(Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 19 + Class bonus: 10)

Defense:

7

(SP: 7)

Gold:

25

Equipment:

Longsword (WP: 8), Shield of Patuqun (SP: 7), Pugilist’s Gloves (Power +2; immune to

Weakened

; handwear)

Inventory:

Grand Potion

•

Bedroll

The Enemies:

Pongcanis Swordsman

Humanoid Beast

Level:

15

Health:

60/60

Defense:

5

Special:

Cry for Help

- The Pongcanis Swordsman lets loose a high-pitched roaring growl for help. Another Pongcanis Swordsman will join the battle after 5 Rounds. If the heroes can end the battle before then, they will get to face the summoned swordsmen in another battle, gaining the opportunity to gain XP and prepare themselves.

Drops: 20 Gold

Pongcanis Spearman

Humanoid Beast

Level:

20

Health:

50/50

Defense:

10

Special:

Spear Thrust

- The Pongcanis Spearman lunges forwards and rams his spear at the target, knocking him back to the Back Row for the next Round.

Passive Special:

Free Healing

- The Pongcanis Spearman, if untargeted and either inflicted with a negative effect or below maximum HP, will use his Free Hit to use the appropriate consumable from his Drops; negative effects taking precedence over lost HP.

Drops: Potions (2), Remedies (2)

Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior

Humanoid Beast

Level:

12

Health:

55/55

Defense:

0

Special:

Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis

- The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out.

Drops: 100 Gold

Party Leader, choose the order of actions.

All combatants, choose your targets and the Row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, move, heal, cast a magic spell, use an item instead of attacking, or attempt something else outside the box.

Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

[Zepher]

OoC: Yeah, of course! I want to further Lawrence's relationships with Nerwen and Arthur anyway, I think that they could both be interesting.

"Wow, you've got quite a mouth on yourself as well, Nerwen. I know you're an elf and I trust you, but its like I say, I know you by your actions, not by your words. If you told me a tale or two about being a hero, I wouldn't trust you any more than I would a stranger on the street, but having seen you actually work for the Hall. Well, you get what I'm saying. I could promise to not stab Arthur here, but it wouldn't stop me from stabbing him." Boomingham shrugs again.

"As for all your blood-dimmed tides - poetry, by the by - I can see why you're saying it, but its dangerous for the mage to hear. No doubt he'll try to befriend the blood-dimmed tide. He's got a knack for it. Say, Arthur, if these animals happen to have a crush on Nerwen, are we going to spare them too?" Boomingham snorts. Barty on his shoulder shimmers angrily. "As for the Gods, Nerwen, well, you know what my opinion on them are. This little fellow can tell you," a jerked thumb to Barty- "that mortals do what mortals do. There aren't any gods. If you're saying no to that blood-dimmed tide, its because you, Nerwen the elf, said no to that blood-rimmed tide. The gods are just an excuse for those who are too weak to own up to their own actions, good or bad."

"There's no point trying to fight with him on it," sighs an ever dejected Barty.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen's keen ears picked out the sound of battle. But she was unable to determine exactly where it was or who was fighting.

Between words and actions are expectations. And powerful things they are too. When you say that you will not stab Arthur, I understand that the mere words do not physically restrain you. Nor do the words deprive you of your free will. No, they set the expectation between us, within our relationship, that you choose, and will continue to choose, not to stab Arthur.

You are right to say that has no force outside what we already know of each other. Now understand the elvish point of view. When speaking to another elf that one has known for decades or centuries even, there is a depth of relationship and shared history that is simply not available when befriending men. I like you both, but I can say you are each different from when I first met you. You have each changed in these last two years. Possibly the same can be said of me, but it is more likely that you simply me better than that I have significantly changed.

And we have discussed the gods also. I said before, everything breaks, everything fails. If that is true of tangible things in this world, is it not true of the intangible as well? Even gods, in the right circumstances can die. Certainly their avatars and agents can. But does that mean their power, limited as it might be, is still not worthy of respect? Just as you would have young Arthur here acknowledge your age, experience and skill, should you not also acknowledge theirs? Is a modicum of humility beyond your grasp? An acceptance that this world is far bigger than you and there are authorities, dominions and forces at work before whom you are but a playing piece in a great game?

Nerwen sigh gently at Barty's words.

You are right. He is like a man floating on the sea denying there are currents moving him along for he cannot measure where he is and where he is going.

Let us leave discussions of gods then. We still agree on much regarding men and their works.

Edited September 16, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Flipz]

Nerwen looked at the men she was walking with.

Arthur, you did see the arboretum. You saw what it is now, but can you imagine what it will be like in a century if it is cared for an tended carefully? I do not wish to be too blunt, but at two decades, half of one of which you have nearly no memory of, I expect that such a span of time is only dimly conceivable. And even if it is not, could you dedicate yourself truly to serving a purpose that takes so long to come to fruition? Could you deny yourself many good things now for an end two generations later might see, and could you inspire others to follow you in such privation for a purpose like that? If so, I applaud you. For I have met vanishingly few men who could, and only on who actually has.

And your premonitions about the world? Here is wisdom. Everything breaks. Everything fails. Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold.

But I am a servant of Galdrya, of Celeborn, those who bring order and civilisation. Who stand against self interest and self centredness. Who say, we are not strongest alone. Who say to be at our most free, to fulfill our potential the best, we must choose sometimes to not insist on our rights but to give them up in the service of others. Who say that to love something truly is to give even oneself up for it. Anything less is but a weak shadow of love.

That is the power you see at work in heroica, individuals putting aside their own petty goals, standing side by side against the blood-dimmed tide and saying together "No, this shall not be."

And Heroica is not the only place where that happens. Though it may be the only place in Eubric, the only hope for a city corrupt and ripe for destruction.

"Wow, you've got quite a mouth on yourself as well, Nerwen. I know you're an elf and I trust you, but its like I say, I know you by your actions, not by your words. If you told me a tale or two about being a hero, I wouldn't trust you any more than I would a stranger on the street, but having seen you actually work for the Hall. Well, you get what I'm saying. I could promise to not stab Arthur here, but it wouldn't stop me from stabbing him." Boomingham shrugs again.

"As for all your blood-dimmed tides - poetry, by the by - I can see why you're saying it, but its dangerous for the mage to hear. No doubt he'll try to befriend the blood-dimmed tide. He's got a knack for it. Say, Arthur, if these animals happen to have a crush on Nerwen, are we going to spare them too?" Boomingham snorts. Barty on his shoulder shimmers angrily. "As for the Gods, Nerwen, well, you know what my opinion on them are. This little fellow can tell you," a jerked thumb to Barty- "that mortals do what mortals do. There aren't any gods. If you're saying no to that blood-dimmed tide, its because you, Nerwen the elf, said no to that blood-rimmed tide. The gods are just an excuse for those who are too weak to own up to their own actions, good or bad."

"There's no point trying to fight with him on it," sighs an ever dejected Barty.

"I did indeed see the arboretum. And in a hundred years, despite all its wonders, there is exactly one thing it will still be: lonely."

"A century alone in a gilded cage is still just that: a century alone in a cage. It is hard enough to be confined with the same people for a few months--no matter how much you care for them--let alone years, decades, or longer. I cannot imagine spending a hundred years with the same few folk, even the fair folk, with no respite. Could you, Lady Nerwen, bear that long, with naught but those same few dozen faces for company?"

"Know this, Nerwen: there is one thing mortal men fear above all else, even death: loneliness. Women can withstand it both better and longer, but males in particular are susceptible to it. I can only truly speak on behalf of the humans, but from what I've seen, it is a shared fear, common to all living things--even elves. Functionally, all would be well if the elves kept to their fortress of solitude and the humans kept away, but in time the hearts of the elves would wither and die. The races of this world were never meant to live apart; rather, they were meant to commingle in harmony, to revel in their differences and celebrate their cooperation. In that way, by encouraging the Brobric Elves to reach out, we are in a way saving them from themselves."

"And as the races are meant to support each other by their differences, so too individuals' uniqueness ought to be celebrated. If we had not any differences, we could not show how much we care by setting them aside to unite together in one cause, nor could we indeed stand together. Were the Hall only Knights, there would be none to heal; if all Clerics, none to fight; all Barbarians, none to understand the arcane. Were we all one race, or one gender, time would inevitably bend us towards prejudice; one philosophy, and our mistakes would be universal and inevitable. I intend no offense, but the way of the lawful seems one of unification; too often I see those devoted to Order seeking to mold others to their own image, to force all to adopt a singular way of mind. I cannot condone those who seek to take away others' freedom--for without the freedom to stand up in the first place, how could anyone stand together? If even one person is not free, then in truth we are all in chains. All must be treated fairly."

"I know not if I can inspire others to follow me, but still I struggle on, trying to do what good I can, in the hopes that it will make a difference. It is not an easy road, nor a liberating one, but still I gladly walk it. And I suspect--or rather, hope--that there are others in Heroica who do the same. I simply fear what happens when no one is around to do it anymore--if we ought not to follow the Shadeaux's example and prepare a way to keep our tradition of service alive."

"Lord Boomingham, you speak as if in jest, but you know not what I've seen of these creatures, the toll they've taken--on Dastan, on Eubric, on me. One of my dearest friends is dead and dust--less than dust--because of what they've done. Yes, still I will offer them a second chance, but it will be in the form of a single word--and those that fail to heed that word will be taken down without further mercy. If they want to sue for peace, then they will turn against the ways of their kind and come to me; if not, they will be shown exactly as much mercy as they showed Triad. People earn their fates, of that much I am still certain."

Nerwen's keen ears picked out the sound of battle. But she was unable to determine exactly where it was or who was fighting.

Between words and actions are expectations. And powerful things they are too. When you say that you will not stab Arthur, I understand that the mere words do not physically restrain you. Nor do the words deprive you of your free will. No, they set the expectation between us, within our relationship, that you choose, and will continue to choose, not to stab Arthur.

You are right to say that has no force outside what we already know of each other. Now understand the elvish point of view. When speaking to another elf that one has known for decades or centuries even, there is a depth of relationship and shared history that is simply not available when befriending men. I like you both, but I can say you are each different from when I first met you. You have each changed in these last two years. Possibly the same can be said of me, but it is more likely that you simply me better than that I have significantly changed.

And we have discussed the gods also. I said before, everything breaks, everything fails. If that is true of tangible things in this world, is it not true of the intangible as well? Even gods, in the right circumstances can die. Certainly their avatars and agents can. But does that mean their power, limited as it might be, is still not worthy of respect? Just as you would have young Arthur here acknowledge your age, experience and skill, should you not also acknowledge theirs? Is a modicum of humility beyond your grasp? An acceptance that this world is far bigger than you and there are authorities, dominions and forces at work before whom you are but a playing piece in a great game?

Nerwen sigh gently at Barty's words.

You are right. He is like a man floating on the sea denying there are currents moving him along for he cannot measure where he is and where he is going.

Let us leave discussions of gods then. We still agree on much regarding men and their works.

"I don't believe in the gods as solely individuals. It's far too simplistic--but for the sake of conversation, I'll often refer to or even think about them as such. Language is a funny thing--it will often fail you just as you attempt to speak of the most important things." He shrugs. "That's all I can really say about that."

Edited September 16, 2013 by Flipz

[Zepher]

"Really, language fails you sometimes? You'd never know it." Boomingham gives a hearty 'ho ho ho'. "As for you using only one word on the ooglies, we'll just have to see about that."

"And you'll have to forgive my resurrecting a topic you've declared dead, my dear, but you can't simply have your say and then put the gods away. I do believe that there is are things that affect my life that don't come out of me - they're you and Arthur and the Shawe man and the elves. Nothing high and holy. Besides, don't you figure that gods that can die aren't really gods? Isn't that the whole point?"

Barty zips around a little and floats by Nerwen.

"They are young, Nerwen. You say that they can change, but I don't see it. They seem to be one tracked to me. It is the races that evolve, not individual men. Elves are different, they have more time to change, more of the world moves about them, but I haven't ever seen a man change. And I've seen many men - probably even more than you."

"But none of them were as charming as me, I'm sure." Boomingham caresses Scupperer's hilt. "It is the fate of man to be lonely, Arthur. You've got that right, at least, amid all your mumbo jumbo. And then at the end you die." Boomingham laughs meekly. "I guess that's why we make allies, so someone at least remembers us a bit after we've gone."

Edited September 16, 2013 by Zepher

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen's features took on a distant look. From experience, her companions knew she walked in living memory, seeing as vivid and present things that had passed and were gone.

I think you failed to notice which side of the door the lock was on Master Regulus. The keep is a haven and a sanctuary. A bulwark against change and a place of preservation. In truth, what the elves are doing there is not different from what the Shadeaux are seeking to establish.

As for spending extended time with a few, to whom I would give myself in community and common purpose, how could that be but a joy? Unless I were infected with some kind of greediness for things that drags one away from such partnership.

But I acknowledge that such a life is not for all, and most especially not for the race of men,

Elves do not fear being without others around. We have memory, which for us is clear and close. Yes there is the pain of loss there, everything breaks. But there is peace as well. We are not driven by fear into the future such that we neglect the past or are unmindful of the present. And besides, even solitude ends. But if one cannot bear one's own company, how will anyone else. A bit of seperation is good for the soul.

I agree with your points about diversity and individuality. You will recall I said I believe "we are not strongest alone". Though it think you fight a straw man when you characterise my love of civilisation and order as a desire for totalitarian uniformity. But I do point out that participating in society carries as a minimal requirement that one chooses to participate in society. It makes no sense that people might have the benefits of order without accepting that, in some limited ways, order is beneficial. This is not a case of one taking another's freedom, but of one freely giving up one's freedom for the freedom of others. We choose to chain ourselves together so that we might do what cannot be done by one alone.

As for fairness, it seems you now are the one obliterating difference and individuality by proposing one law for all. There is nothing wrong with unfairness that lifts people up, only with that which grinds people down. The fault lies not in inequality but in its application. But I fear we wander far from the situation here in R'kilf, or even in Eubric.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen laughed with Boomingham's jovial tone.

I only closed the topic because I feared to bore you. It is apparent that we think different things. I am happy for that to be so, since it does not stop us from working together. I also hope you accede there is a reality to things which I hope neither of us are arrogant enough to claim we fully comprehend.

As for gods, perhaps I ought be more clear. Sometimes when using that word, I mean it as shorthand for 'very powerful being'. As in, "from the point of view of these ants, you are a god". It does not necessarily connote goodness or separateness or holiness. There are plenty of examples of gods that are neither good nor worth worshiping.

And dying? I have been taught that is the price of entering the world, of having power over it. To bring in what Arthur has been saying, to choose to subject oneself to the world that one might influence it. But that is never a one way process. The act of acting changes the actor. And so, just as the nature of the world is that everything breaks, so to for gods acting in this world. Their power here can break, can fail, can die. Are they still gods then? In the sense that they are mightily powerful, yes. In the sense you might mean of being remote, unchanging and impassible, no. But how would we know such a god who stands outside the world, since we ourselves cannot leave?

Nerwen extended her palm, that Barty might alight whilst they spoke.

Perhaps the change is visible to me because I too have changed. On the other hand, perhaps the change I see in them is part of their circumstances and path. And viewed from a distance that includes all the influences on them, they are never anything more that what they will always have going to have been. I grant that you know more many more than me. That your perspective is as different from mine as mine is from theirs. I hope though that you have not lost your capacity for surprise. That one day a man might do the unexpected.