Heroica RPG - Quest #90: A Trip to the Circus

[Scorpiox]

Guts got some, and only some of the fire back in his eyes, perhaps the Orcish cause was not lost. If blood was not the price of blood, perhaps something else could be. He grabbed his intimidating stick. "Heh. You speak as though the Kingdoms would care about the different Orcish Clans. You know this to be not so. Were the roles reversed, and the orcs razed one of the Kingdoms' cities. The result would not be anything like what we have now. This bridge let that war party through. Valentino did. I say Valentino answers for his crime by proxy, the destruction of Imaestym and the murders that took place there, as will Raguel and the boy David. Trials, of course, chopping off heads is pointless at this point. In return the Orcs will not attack the humans, they'll sign a peace treaty. This bridge will be destroyed, it's a human tool of war, and you already admitted that it was unsafe. The Orcs will be free to raise vessels and start actively trading by sea, unhindered by the Kingdoms in this matter. One old man's head does little to put the burned and hanged to rest and soothe the anger of those left behind. More is needed to pay for peace."

"The roles aren't reversed, and that isn't the point. Letting Raquel and the prince take this one is a cheap cop-out that won't solve anyone's problems. Situations like this aren't going to work both ways. What you're saying is that we should do away with the leaders of one kingdom, despite the criminals being of another and not even present, because all leaders are interchangablefor others. That's the same as old Shadeaux getting executed 'cause the guards are too damn lazy to arrest Hinckwell. How do you think the other kingdoms are gonna view the orcs if they're happy to club the nearest king because another one pissed them off? You can't substitute people for other people - that's a bloody stupid idea."

He keeps looking around the bridge.

"The best way for peace is for both sides to accept that they don't want to fight. Valentino needs to go home and tell his fellow kings that this whole thing was a waste of time and ain't gonna happen again. Killing the prince is another spark for another war no-one wants."

[UsernameMDM]

"The best way for peace is for both sides to accept that they don't want to fight. Valentino needs to go home and tell his fellow kings that this whole thing was a waste of time and ain't gonna happen again. Killing the prince is another spark for another war no-one wants."

"Agreed. No more fighting. The bridge stays in its place. The Kingdoms need to get their act together as well as the orcs. We were hired to do jobs. We weren't hired as political advisers dispensing so called justice for crimes that may or may not be connected to prior events that we do not fully grasp. If this is to end, it is to end here. If the Kingdoms and the Orcs want to kill each, then other so be it. If the orcs want to stay fragmented and clannish, then so be it. It's a fate that these people need to decide, not us."

Edited May 13, 2014 by UsernameMDM

[Scubacarrot]

"We found Four Boulders and Red Lizards both at Imaestym, did you forget?"

Guts waved Hoke away. "We were hired to deal with the bridge issue. This bridge is still an issue. And I understand plenty. I understand what hanged civilians and burning flesh means."

[UsernameMDM]

"We found Four Boulders and Red Lizards both at Imaestym, did you forget?"

Guts waved Hoke away. "We were hired to deal with the bridge issue. This bridge is still an issue. And I understand plenty. I understand what hanged civilians and burning flesh means."

"Are those Four Boulders and Red Lizards dead? Was Prince David or King Valentino among them? Do you know how many innocent civilians were recently killed by the orcs? No, I guess you weren't here for that. I know your ego is big Guts, but it's not big enough to put you in two places at one time."

"Where is King Speros?" Hoke thought to himself. He hoped the King and Prince were not among the dead, and more-so he hoped King Speros did not take part in the slaughter.

Edited May 13, 2014 by UsernameMDM

[Scorpiox]

"Agreed. No more fighting. The bridge stays in its place. The Kingdoms need to get their act together as well as the orcs. We were hired to do jobs. We weren't hired as political advisers dispensing so called justice for crimes that may or may not be connected to prior events that we do not fully grasp. If this is to end, it is to end here. If the Kingdoms and the Orcs want to kill each, then other so be it. If the orcs want to stay fragmented and clannish, then so be it. It's a fate that these people need to decide, not us."

"I'm not going to stand here and let these two lands tear each other apart. I'm in this for the long haul. But you're right that we have to stop this before it gets out of hand - lest all of this crap have been for nothing."

"We found Four Boulders and Red Lizards both at Imaestym, did you forget?"

Guts waved Hoke away. "We were hired to deal with the bridge issue. This bridge is still an issue. And I understand plenty. I understand what hanged civilians and burning flesh means."

"Aye, but unless the Boulders are going to come down here and take their share of the flak, I cannot see how knocking-off David is going to solve anything. Of course, the bridge is still what made all of this possible - but burning it down's just gonna be a giant kick to the kingdoms who put it here in the first place. No more blows, no more breaking even. Let's just have it stop right here."

He nods to Valentino and Tarvalk in turn.

"On the condition that all prisoners be released and the fighting ends right now... would you be up for a peaceful resolution?"

He calls out.

"And if anyone's seen Bastala, bloody speak up. One more dead clanleader makes a hell of a lot of difference."

[Scubacarrot]

"The Orcs have no convenient way to get into the Kingdoms, so my guess would be none, Hoke Feeblesword. Those men are now dead, the same men that got their orders from those with us today. Now, someone tell me what everybody's obsession with keeping this pile of rubble of a bridge standing originates from."

[UsernameMDM]

"And if anyone's seen Bastala, bloody speak up. One more dead clanleader makes a hell of a lot of difference."

"I put her down. I gave her an opportunity to surrender and to peacefully return to her home, but she refused."

[Scubacarrot]

Guts grimaced, paled, then stopped himself from bursting into laughter. This situation was getting more and more ridiculous and senseless. "You bloody oaf. Do you realize what you did? Bastala was clanleader for Clan Irlaz. The closest thing to a King or Queen."

[Scorpiox]

"The Orcs have no convenient way to get into the Kingdoms, so my guess would be none, Hoke Feeblesword. Those men are now dead, the same men that got their orders from those with us today. Now, someone tell me what everybody's obsession with keeping this pile of rubble of a bridge standing originates from."

"Complete isolation is exactly what makes this people kill each other. If they only ever meet to fight, of course they're gonna hate the other side with a passion. The bridge should stand, in the hope that the orcs and kingdoms may find each other on non-combat circumstances. Get some trade going over it, that'd do a world of good."

"I put her down. I gave her an opportunity to surrender and to peacefully return to her home, but she refused."

"So you killed her? Bloody fantastic. Has anyone checked for sure?"

Haldor searches the corpses amongst the orcish side of the bridge looking for Bastala. If he finds her, he will make an attempt to heal her if she still breathes.

[Scubacarrot]

"Complete isolation is exactly what makes this people kill each other. If they only ever meet to fight, of course they're gonna hate the other side with a passion. The bridge should stand, in the hope that the orcs and kingdoms may find each other on non-combat circumstances. Get some trade going over it, that'd do a world of good."

"Yeah. You will excuse me if I don't hold my breath. Karstaal believed that. Imaestym happened."

[UsernameMDM]

"The Orcs have no convenient way to get into the Kingdoms, so my guess would be none, Hoke Feeblesword. Those men are now dead, the same men that got their orders from those with us today. Now, someone tell me what everybody's obsession with keeping this pile of rubble of a bridge standing originates from."

"Now they do have a convenient way, and you see what they tried to do. I admit I am not well versed in Baltarok orc culture, but it seems like the orcs do not like each other and were only united in hate. How do you know the men who gave the orders to raid the orc capital are here? King Valentino had just arrived with us after being held hostage by the orcs for years. Raguel commands only these dead paladins and a few more we previously fought against. Neither of the Kingdoms answer to the paladin's orders. It seems as if all the guilty players are now dead or dying. Speaking of which, you would probably still have your face cemented to these cobbelstones had we not stopped the orcs and helped stopped Raguel."

Hoke looked around one more time at the Heroicans.

"It seems that the consensus is that Raguel, and Raguel alone would be the only one here to continue this nonsense, unless Tarvalk has the same singleminded idiocy. To that I say let those two kill each other and let the hate die with them."

"So you killed her? Bloody fantastic. Has anyone checked for sure?"

Haldor searches the corpses amongst the orcish side of the bridge looking for Bastala. If he finds her, he will make an attempt to heal her if she still breathes.

"Only after she tried to kill us. How does Grishnod fit into all of this? Wasn't he the orc king or a clan leader? We helped free him."

Edited May 13, 2014 by UsernameMDM

[Zepher]

"I did not order your deaths, mercenary. I asked my men to draw you away from the bridge - if they fought, it was to protect themselves as they thought you were a danger to them."

Guts grimaced, paled, then stopped himself from bursting into laughter. This situation was getting more and more ridiculous and senseless. "You bloody oaf. Do you realize what you did? Bastala was clanleader for Clan Irlaz. The closest thing to a King or Queen."

"And yet you ask for my head. I have been in prison for the last few years. What crimes can you level against me, even by proxy."

"This bridge is to encourage trade between the Orcs and Kingdoms. They may build vessels. We do not police their seas. If they encounter any trouble, it is with the Nords. We have signed a treaty with the Nords, but if they do not, that is their issue."

"The Prince of the Four Boulders acted on his own. He has apparently answered for these crimes with his life. If there were Red Lizard's there, it was to stop him from harming the Orcs."

"I have no desire to attack the Orcs. This battle is done. They may have the Paladin, if these heroes decide to forfeit his life, but they will not have me and will not have my son."

Edited May 13, 2014 by Zepher

[Scubacarrot]

"Hoke. What would you do after someone invaded your home, killed your family and burnt your town. 'What they tried to do?' Get over yourself. Grishnod's the old clanleader of Irlaz, and Bastala's father, bet he's going to be chuffed about what you did to his daughter."

[UsernameMDM]

"I did not order your deaths, mercenary. I asked my men to draw you away from the bridge - if they fought, it was to protect themselves as they thought you were a danger to them."

"There was no need to draw us away from the bridge as it is our job to protect it. I think your insane zealotry has rotted your brain. I heard your words, and you offer nothing more than hate."

"Hoke. What would you do after someone invaded your home, killed your family and burnt your town. 'What they tried to do?' Get over yourself. Grishnod's the old clanleader of Irlaz, and Bastala's father, bet he's going to be chuffed about what you did to his daughter."

"Same thing the orcs did: kill those responsible. I do not see anyone responsible here. Why is Grishnod the 'old' clan leader? By what right did Bastala take over her father's claim to leadership if he is still alive?"

[CMP]

"Are those Four Boulders and Red Lizards dead? Was Prince David or King Valentino among them? Do you know how many innocent civilians were recently killed by the orcs? No, I guess you weren't here for that."

"We've killed no innocents, not like the princeling and his followers. Do you see a city destroyed at our hands in the kingdoms?"

Haldor searches the corpses amongst the orcish side of the bridge looking for Bastala. If he finds her, he will make an attempt to heal her if she still breathes.

Haldor came across an unconscious form that stirred when he healed her at the cost of 1 ether.

"...Ugh....did we win?"

"This bridge is to encourage trade between the Orcs and Kingdoms. They may build vessels. We do not police their seas. If they encounter any trouble, it is with the Nords. We have signed a treaty with the Nords, but if they do not, that is their issue."

"Zol. No. Your Kingdoms burned our shipyards to the ground after the Invasion, and we lack the resources to rebuild both them and any significant number of ships. Maybe you don't sit waiting in the seas, but there are other Kingdoms who do. Any orc that dares try and flee their homeland dies, by land or by sea. You know well just what lengths have been taken to keep us isolated here. You fear us. Rightly."

Tarvalk looked around. At David's men, his own men, and the rising sun.

"But I tire of this. There is no point in letting old wounds fester. The Paladin dies here. Get my kin released from the other Kingdoms. Bring up the threat of another orcish invasion if you have to. But do this, and you have no reason to...fear us. I'm leaving a garrison on our side of the bridge, whether it stands or no. Judging by the destruction of Imaestym not everyone is under your influence in the Kingdoms."

Another trio of figures came forward from the tower. Garohn Ironshin and Jaret both supported another figure, who leaned heavily on them, clearly in pain, but it didn't seem to dampen his spirits.

"Now that....would be a waste of a good bridge, Tarvalk. And of good orcs, just to sit and watch. Perhaps, once the bridge is done, both forces could allow open passage between the High Kingdoms and Baltarok. No fees on its use or on trading, either, I know how you kings work." Karstaal chuckled, weakly. "Oh, of course...Karstaal, of Musalnav."

Tarvalk looked sideways at Karstaal for a moment, then simply nodded.

"Is this agreeable?"

Edited May 13, 2014 by CallMePie

[Waterbrick Down]

At this point another figure flanked by two guards arrives on the back of an Aepyornis.

"Seems like we just missed the action." Grishnod spies Bastala, "I also see the deceitful fruit of my loins has managed to survive."

The orc dismounts and strides over to the group with looks of distrust given to Valentino and the Kingdom contingent.

"Not quite the welcome wagon I was hoping for though..."

[Scubacarrot]

The raider crossed his arms and shook his head. These terms were nothing less than ridiculous. Tarvalk was not the best negotiator, it seemed to him, but Guts was no orc. In the end, it would all be up to them.

[Zepher]

"There was no need to draw us away from the bridge as it is our job to protect it. I think your insane zealotry has rotted your brain. I heard your words, and you offer nothing more than hate."

"You are mercenaries hired by a traveling advisor. That is not the most trustworthy group. You had just spared those who had razed a city. Why should I have trusted you then? You are selling me to appease the Orcs, not because of anything I have done."

"Zol. No. Your Kingdoms burned our shipyards to the ground after the Invasion, and we lack the resources to rebuild both them and any significant number of ships. Maybe you don't sit waiting in the seas, but there are other Kingdoms who do. Any orc that dares try and flee their homeland dies, by land or by sea. You know well just what lengths have been taken to keep us isolated here. You fear us. Rightly."

Tarvalk looked around. At David's men, his own men, and the rising sun.

"But I tire of this. There is no point in letting old wounds fester. The Paladin dies here. Get my kin released from the other Kingdoms. Bring up the threat of another orcish invasion if you have to. But do this, and you have no reason to...fear us. I'm leaving a garrison on our side of the bridge, whether it stands or no. Judging by the destruction of Imaestym not everyone is under your influence in the Kingdoms."

Another trio of figures came forward from the tower. Garohn Ironshin and Jaret both supported another figure, who leaned heavily on them, clearly in pain, but it didn't seem to dampen his spirits.

"Now that....would be a waste of a good bridge, Tarvalk. And of good orcs, just to sit and watch. Perhaps, once the bridge is done, both forces could allow open passage between the High Kingdoms and Baltarok. No fees on its use or on trading, either, I know how you kings work." Karstaal chuckled, weakly. "Oh, of course...Karstaal, of Musalnav."

Tarvalk looked sideways at Karstaal for a moment, then simply nodded.

"Is this agreeable?"

"I recognize that you Orcs are different clans, so I ask you to respect that we Kingdoms are also not all one. The Red Lizards, and the Four Boulders also I feel I should note, have never blockaded your shores. I cannot be held responsible for every other kingdom as well. For that same reason I can only promise to attempt to free the Orcs within our own Kingdom, though I assure they are already few."

"As for the burned docks... I believe it would be best if we did not bring up the last war. That seems very much like it will hurt your cause rather than help it." Valentino gives him a steely look.

Finally, Valentino turns to Karstaal. "I would welcome a garrison on your side. If I had not been imprisoned by Bastala, I would have personally invited it before now."

Heweyrt watches Guts' disappointment and chuckles lightly under his breath.

OoC: Three active Kingdoms heroes, your votes decide Raguel's (and technically David's and Valentino's, if you want to consider offering either of them to the Orcs) fate. Please give your input. Hoke seems for giving up Raguel, but not David/Valentino. How do you feel?

[StickFig]

Haldor came across an unconscious form that stirred when he healed her at the cost of 1 ether.

"...Ugh....did we win?"

Grishnod spies Bastala, "I also see the deceitful fruit of my loins has managed to survive."

Matthias is at first ambivalent that Bastala has survived, decides that enough death has occurred today. He only hopes that she and Grishnod will find a way to live together.

...The Paladin dies here. Get my kin released...

...both forces could allow open passage between the High Kingdoms and Baltarok...

"Is this agreeable?"

The sound of terms finally being offered is sweet to Matthias' ears; perhaps something good will come of all this. He wonders, though, if giving Raguel to the orcs is not just one more act of vengeance. Would it not be better if King Valentino were responsible for justice - be it a noose or freedom - for those in his nation? In the meantime, he continues to pile battle debris as neatly as possible for disposal and begins to push and pull orc bodies into peaceful, respectful positions where they lie, shuddering a little occasionally at the sight of blood pools and dead faces frozen in pain.

Edited May 13, 2014 by nstickney

[CMP]

"As for the burned docks... I believe it would be best if we did not bring up the last war. That seems very much like it will hurt your cause rather than help it." Valentino gives him a steely look.

"In your eyes, maybe."

"Well, even if you can't free the orcish slaves, perhaps you'd be willing to serve as intermediaries between us and the other Kingdoms. With trade open, maybe a more diplomatic means of getting them back could work."

Olmstyr raised an eyebrow at his clan leader.

"It heartens me to see you alive, Karstaal, but you have very high hopes."

"They've already paid off, somewhat. Maybe bloodshed wasn't avoidable. But all-out war might just be. As predicted! I'll have to have some words with the king of the Four Boulders when this is over....secure reparations and rebuild our city. Hardship is in our nature, Olmstyr. All we have to decide is what to do about it. Dwell on it, fight it out...or work past it."

[The Legonater]

Justice must be paid. Blood was shed for these crimes, it is only fair that the instigator of them do likewise. If it is to merely be the Paladin, fine - he did have a role in corrupting David, so it seems.

About the bridge... perhaps a team of both orcs and humans could work together on its completion? Help the beginnings of peace between the two. No matter what prices are paid and what deals are met, it will mean nothing if it doesn't bring some kind of unity between Baltarok and the Kingdoms. If unity, trade, friendship isn't forged, than this will all only happen again.

Is there anything the orcs can offer the Kingdoms in this trade? I know you have already paid with blood, but this deal seems to be coming pretty heavy on the Kingdoms' side, if all your requests are met.

Edited May 14, 2014 by The Legonater

[UsernameMDM]

"I did not order your deaths, mercenary. I asked my men to draw you away from the bridge - if they fought, it was to protect themselves as they thought you were a danger to them."

"Deception. It's all you are good at. How did we prove dangerous to anyone? WE fought because your paladins threatened us. You really need to develop better hospitality skills."

"We've killed no innocents, not like the princeling and his followers. Do you see a city destroyed at our hands in the kingdoms?"

"What about the unarmed citizens working on the bridge? Do they not count?"

Blah blah kingdoms/orcs history/culture snippets.

"As I suspected. We are truly small players with limited knowledge is a game that spans time and cultural boundaries. I truly do not want anymore blood shed while we are here, but I will let those who live here make the terms for peace."

Edited May 14, 2014 by UsernameMDM

[CMP]

"What about the unarmed citizens working on the bridge? Do they not count?"

"Our scouts reported nobody but soldiers on the bridge."

[Chromeknight]

"But I tire of this. There is no point in letting old wounds fester. The Paladin dies here. Get my kin released from the other Kingdoms. Bring up the threat of another orcish invasion if you have to. But do this, and you have no reason to...fear us. I'm leaving a garrison on our side of the bridge, whether it stands or no. Judging by the destruction of Imaestym not everyone is under your influence in the Kingdoms."

"Is this agreeable?"

"You are mercenaries hired by a traveling advisor. That is not the most trustworthy group. You had just spared those who had razed a city. Why should I have trusted you then? You are selling me to appease the Orcs, not because of anything I have done."

OoC: Three active Kingdoms heroes, your votes decide Raguel's (and technically David's and Valentino's, if you want to consider offering either of them to the Orcs) fate. Please give your input. Hoke seems for giving up Raguel, but not David/Valentino. How do you feel?

Seeing Bastala up and walking, Nerwen raised an eyebrow. No one, except nameless soldiers had died here today. She wasn't sure whether that meant no one would be swearing vengeance for the death of their friends or leaders, or that those friends and leaders were still around, smarting from the beating they had just taken.

Speaking first to Raguel she said.

Yes you are being sold to appease the orcs. Your death buys freedom from fear of the orcs. Their threat will end. Is your life worth any less? Are the people you serve not worth your service even to the point of death? If your death keeps your prince from the same fate, do you not go gladly?

Speaking to the Orc she says

Your terms are acceptable. You will need to take the Paladin's head off yourself however. And be warned, he is favoured by the gods, his body is likely to burn when you do, you might not end up with a head to display.

Loot Distribution

Dyric and Thormanil flip for Tarok's wrath. >Dyric

Guts, Thormanil, Hoke and Cinna flip for Emergency Essences > Thormanil, Cinna

Alexis, Baradok, Benji, Guts, Haldor, Hoke Jess and Tesni all have selections to make (see below)

Alexandre - 60g (10g already taken), Heavy Armour(already taken), grand potion(already taken) (returning one elixir)

Alexis - 60g

Baradok - 60g

Benji - 60g

Cinna - 60g, Ether Core, Grand Tonic, Smelling Salt, Emergency Essence

Dreyrugr - 60g (already stolen), Helm of the Lord of Light (Immune to Light and Jinxed, Headwear, Suitable for Knights), Elixir

Dyric - 60g, Tarok’s Wrath (WP: 20, 1/2 chance to instantly kill orcs, dagger)

Guts - 60g, smelling salts,

Haldor - 60g

Hoke - 60g, Elixir, Elixir, Ether Core + one more choice

Jess - 60g

Matthias - 60g, Sword of the Red Lizard(WP:10, fire-elemental, longsword), Grand Potion

Nerwen - 60g, Robes of the Disciple of Ennoc (+5 Health, +5 ether, Immune to Darkness, a roll of meditate replenishes 2 ether, body-wear), Remedy

Purpearl - 60g, Heavy Armour, grand tonic

Tesni - 60g

Thormanil - 60g, Sword of the Warrior of the Light(WP: 14, Light Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Emergency Essence

The loot list

Alexis, Baradok, Benji, Guts, Haldor, Jess and Tesni get one choice from this list

This will be first in best dressed. Those who haven't chosen in 24hrs will get a random allocation

Topaz

Seductive Perfume

Sword(WP:10,fire-elemental, longsword)

Heavy Armour

60g

60g

smoke bomb, neutralizer, remedy

Consumable List

Alexis, Baradok, Benji, Haldor, Hoke, Jess and Tesni get one choice from this list

This will be first in best dressed. Those who haven't chosen in 24hrs will get a random allocation

Grand Potion

Remedy

Neutralizer

Remedy

Neutralizer

Remedy

Smoke bomb

[Scubacarrot]

Ill take the Topaz.