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

[Wedge09]

Ellaria takes out her notebook once again, and makes a list of all the groups the sergeant mentions.

"So there's the Mopags, the Pongcanae, the Brobric Elves, the Lion Knights and the Hinckwells, as well as drunken citizens, all aiming to take control of this area. Anything to add to that, good sergeant?"

"Didn't he say that the Lion Knights and the Hinkwells had no interest in R'klif?"

"I don't directly eliminate the Lion knights and the Hinkwells from the list, I would keep them in parentheses, as said the Sergeant Saunterton they are still heavily armed and they could became a serious threat."

[Brickdoctor]

Perhaps we had best wait for Commander Pinnock to return. We should not simply barge in on the Warlord. Whilst we wait, could you show our dwarvish ambassador here some useful moves with his chain mace? Train him and improve his level of fighting prowess? I am sure we can compensate you appropriately.

"I'm not sure if I would be allowed to do that. While I've met heroes before and trust you, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to train someone who my superiors might regard as an individual who might not be working with us. I don't even know who hired you."

[Duvors]

"Well, are you going to answer me?"

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Sorry, didn't see your edit.

"The fortifications aren't in very good shape, as you can see. Most of the walls are broken down and replaced by wooden barricades or nothing at all. The keep is in fairly good condition; the elves are holding that position. But the Pongcanae come from both outside and from within the village, so repairing any walls wouldn't do much good. We think they have a contact on the inside."

[Duvors]

QM Note:

Sorry, didn't see your edit.

"The fortifications aren't in very good shape, as you can see. Most of the walls are broken down and replaced by wooden barricades or nothing at all. The keep is in fairly good condition; the elves are holding that position. But the Pongcanae come from both outside and from within the village, so repairing any walls wouldn't do much good. We think they have a contact on the inside."

"Yes but some things can't be foreseen by a contact, like a..."

Throlar stops, turns away, walks over to a clear bit of road, and turns back to the heroes.

"Come over here a second will you? You can stay where you are solder, it's just the heroes I want."

Edited July 26, 2013 by Lord Duvors

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen moves to hear what Throlar has to say so quietly.

[Sandy]

While they were waiting, Ellaria started to hum a tune she learned as a child growing up in Tumpkin Village.

"...If you're bored and you know it clap your hands.

If you're bored and you know it clap your hands.

If you're bored and you know it and you're not afraid to show it,

if you're bored and you know it clap your hands..."

I took her a while to notice everyone staring her oddly. She then realized that she had actually clapped her hands. The familiar red rose to her cheeks.

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Not sure what Lord Duvors wants to do, but let's make something happen so I can move you along more quickly once I get back to my collection later today or tomorrow.

"...if you're bored and you know it, claaa — oh!"

You see the rest of the squad of Mopag hoplites return, as Commander Pinnock approaches from...the...same direction as last time... he must've circled around inside the village... or something.

"Sergeant Saunterton, travelers, do you know anything more about this incident?"

"Uh, Commander Pinnock, sir!"

[Duvors]

"No."

Turning to the heroes Throlar said

"Look, although this contact may or may not be real,I do know that his role would be primarily as an informant as there is no need for someone to help the Pogs get inside R'kilf."

drawing out the map Throlar pointed to the forested side of the town.

"As you can see the forest runs right up to the town, what is more, there is no wall on that side, so the Pogs can just walk in there."

"Although we can wait for them in the forest the chances of catching one are nil, what is more, they could probably capture us there."

"As you have probably gathered, I plan to trap one of these Pogs, interrogate him, and find his headquarters."

"Although it is not likely we can capture one who knows the location of the main camp, we can still find a Pog who knows the location of a small camp at least, and a raid on any Pog camp might not only provide a clue to the location of the main headquarters, but also disrupt operations in that quarter."

[Chromeknight]

Your plan is admirable ambassador.

However, much as Masters Arthur and Boomingham do not wish to admit it, the Pongcanae are more than brutish beasts. They have language and culture of their own. Some suggest they are even native to this island and predate all but the lost moon elf tribes. It is conceivable that they could be a valid party to cede control of the town to rather than being an occasional raiding nuisance.

If that is the case, we will not need to look to hard for the contact, once he hears of our task he will find us and take us to this new Pongcanis leader.

Speaking to the returned Hoplite Nerwen said.

Commander Pinnock! I am glad to see you unharmed. I take it you were not successful in locating your adversaries? We have had an interesting chat with your Sergeant, but, you understand, he is naturally cautious about speaking of things we need to know to complete our task here. It is good that you have returned, perhaps you can be more candid with us before we let return to your patrol.

The first question is, can you direct us to a sergeant-at-arms or similar, one who trains your troops. Our ambassador is keen and has a good head on his shoulders, he merely needs som direction in how best to wield his weapons.

Secondly, what is the disposition and state of the Mopag forces in the area? As I said before, we are here to help settle the question of who would best be put in control of this town. It is a strategic point on the road. If your Warlord had no interest in it, you would not be he. Conversely, if you are reticent about working with us, it reflects badly on your superior's likely intent. Therefore, I encourage you to be more forthcoming than your underling.

Thirdly, where is the best place to get a drink. Standing here in the sun talking to you is thirsty work and I can see Lord Boomingham's attention wandering already. Even our gentle Druid seems to be suffering a little heatstroke.

[Brickdoctor]

"I don't believe I ever expressed intent to work with you, nor did you ever before tell me what your purpose here was. Sergeant Saunterton was wise to avoid revealing too much. If you wish to know more of the details that you have mentioned, then we must take this matter to Warlord Kaherdin.

"As for a drink, you might try the Dragon's Head Tavern."

[Chromeknight]

You are right, I apologise. On reflection I spoke of our purpose to your subordinate. No matter.

Thank you for your time however.

Nerwen waits for others to speak to Pinnock then says

Shall we go get a drink?

[Zepher]

"It seems that Ellaria needs something in her system. We may as well make it a mead." Boomingham smiles kindly at his young friend. "I'd be more than happy to go get a drink. I think it's best that we get a feel for the town first, anyway, before we go meet any savages or warlords."

[Sandy]

"It seems that Ellaria needs something in her system. We may as well make it a mead."

"Sir Lawrence, for shame!", Ellaria gasped in jest. "Do not use me as an excuse to have a drink! But I reckon we can mingle with the locals at the tavern, so let's go."

[Wedge09]

"Sir Lawrence, for shame!", Ellaria gasped in jest. "Do not use me as an excuse to have a drink! But I reckon we can mingle with the locals at the tavern, so let's go."

"That's a good point, Ellaria. Speaking with the locals, we can start studying the other factions." says Alexander then he follow the rest of the group to the taver.

[Duvors]

"Has everyone forgotten the farmer already? Who in there right mind would cede control of an entire town to someone who would do that? If you chose to do so I will not condone such an action, nor will I witness it."

Throlar turned and leaped into the saddle.

Turning back to the heroes he said "If you chose to do nothing about these villains, I shall go after them by myself."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen gently took the horse's reins before Throlar could go galloping off.

Peace ambassador.

No one has forgotten anything. But you would be wise to avoid judging a whole people by the actions of a few.

As for finding and murdering the Pongcanae singlehanded, do you fancy yourself more skilled at war than the redoubtable Commander Pinnock standing before us? Are you a hardened Hoplite? Or perhaps a wily ranger to track them, a stealthily thief to sneak close and a ravening barbarian to cut them all down in one blow?

You have a purpose in this party, never fear. And you will see your purpose revealed in time. For now, patience. Watch and wait and learn.

Nerwen releases the horse.

Though if your heart still burns within you and you would rush off to your death, I will not stop you. But, tell us who is your next-of-kin that we might laud your end.

[Sandy]

Turning back to the heroes he said "If you chose to do nothing about these villains, I shall go after them by myself."

Ellaria bends down so that her eyes meet the dwarf's.

"Yes, Mr. Wineghilm, listen to Nerwen. We have been banded together as a party for a common purpose. To stray to your own path would be unwise, even if the power of Heroica does protect you from meeting your maker when you are on a mission. Please, let us head into the city together now. I have a bad feeling this isn't the last time we will see those Pongcanae..."

[Flipz]

Nerwen gently took the horse's reins before Throlar could go galloping off.

Peace ambassador.

No one has forgotten anything. But you would be wise to avoid judging a whole people by the actions of a few.

As for finding and murdering the Pongcanae singlehanded, do you fancy yourself more skilled at war than the redoubtable Commander Pinnock standing before us? Are you a hardened Hoplite? Or perhaps a wily ranger to track them, a stealthily thief to sneak close and a ravening barbarian to cut them all down in one blow?

You have a purpose in this party, never fear. And you will see your purpose revealed in time. For now, patience. Watch and wait and learn.

Nerwen releases the horse.

Though if your heart still burns within you and you would rush off to your death, I will not stop you. But, tell us who is your next-of-kin that we might laud your end.

Ellaria bends down so that her eyes meet the dwarf's.

"Yes, Mr. Wineghilm, listen to Nerwen. We have been banded together as a party for a common purpose. To stray to your own path would be unwise, even if the power of Heroica does protect you from meeting your maker when you are on a mission. Please, let us head into the city together now. I have a bad feeling this isn't the last time we will see those Pongcanae..."

"They speak the truth, Ambassador," Arthur says, speaking up after a long bout of silence. "Take it from one who has fought them, who has witnessed their true power on multiple occasions--the Pongcanae are not to be underestimated."

"But hear this, Lady Nerwen. When my allies killed Vonnetate, the previous Pongcanis leader, who had allied himself with a world-threatening Chaomancer--" Arthur faltered for a miniscule fraction of a moment here--a rookie like Throlar or even the two experienced humans wouldn't notice, but to Nerwen and Alexander's keen Elven senses the pause would stand out like a beacon on a midnight shore "--their people had a chance to change their ways and seek a route of peace and diplomacy...but clearly they did not take it. From the way they rampaged in Dastan...in Eubric...and, as Captain McColt or Dyric Rone could tell you, in Haddon...there is no hope for them. Savagery is inherent in their nature, and that will never change. To hand the city over to them would be to hand it to a race of tyrants, and they would devour this city like a dire wolf devours its prey...both figuratively and literally. You have, of course, heard what they do to their enemies when some greater force does not drive them off?" Another miniscule pause. "I cannot in good conscience--and so will not--turn this city over to monsters. Let them stay in the forests and devour each other, and let us instead choose leaders who will defend the civilized peoples from them."

"In the meantime--let us go to the tavern."

[Duvors]

"I have spent years in Baltarok and you think I don't know how to handle myself? Well, thats not to bad as you know nothing about that."

"And as for my next of kin, there are none who would not be glad to hear of my end, they would probably reward you for bringing news of my death."

[Flipz]

"I have spent years in Baltarok and you think I don't know how to handle myself? Well, thats not to bad as you know nothing about that."

"And as for my next of kin, there are none who would not be glad to hear of my end, they would probably reward you for bringing news of my death."

"Then our personal situations are not dissimilar. But you still cannot hope to defeat them alone--and until we have more information, the rest of the party, myself included, will not be prepared to engage in a direct engagement. Better to wait until we hold all the cards and engage the enemy when victory is more likely."

[Wedge09]

"Then our personal situations are not dissimilar. But you still cannot hope to defeat them alone--and until we have more information, the rest of the party, myself included, will not be prepared to engage in a direct engagement. Better to wait until we hold all the cards and engage the enemy when victory is more likely."

"Wise words." says quietly the elven archer.

[Brickdoctor]

"Well then, thank you for your assistance. If you wish to contact us again, you know where to find us."

Realizing that you can continue to talk along the way, you make your way into R'kilf. The door in the 'gatehouse' gives way easily, and you walk through the nearly deserted town to the Dragon's Head Tavern.

The tavern is constructed of large, neatly fitted dark tan stones, its roof supported by stout wooden beams curving out towards you from the walls. The establishment has only a few customers in it despite the quality of its construction, an image of the delusions of grandeur of the citizens and founders of R'kilf.

With a gurgling voice, the Teuthisal bartender speaks.

"Welcome, travelers to the Dragon's Head."

"Yes, welcome to the glorious city of R'kilf! A center of arts and learning, protected by the elves! I am Lord Baelanith."

[Duvors]

Completely unimpressed Throlar says "I've seen worse."

[Brickdoctor]

Completely unimpressed Throlar says "I've seen worse."

"Master Dwarf, welcome to our city, where you will experience the awe-inspiring culture of the elves!"