Heroica RPG - Tidings of Comfort and All That Sh*t

[Tachyon]

Dear Thormnil

Merry Grogmas, hope your'e having a good time wherever you are in the world. In the spirit of Grogmas, I'd like you to take this Grand Potion and this Venom. May the odds ever be in your favor.

~Mizuki

Edited December 26, 2013 by Zakura

[Tachyon]

Dear Romulus

Merry Grogmas. Good luck in whatever task your doing right now. In the spirit of Grogmas, I'd like you to take this Grand Potion and this Venom. May the odds ever be in your favor. I hope that Combrys serves you well.

~Mizuki

[Tachyon]

Dear Kukulkan

Merry Grogmas. Hope that your task of freeing the orcs goes well. In the spirit of Grogmas, take 3 potions and a heavy shield (SP 5). Maybe you can find some use in them. May the odds ever be in your favor.

~Mizuki

Edited December 26, 2013 by Zakura

[Tachyon]

Dear Copper Fox

Merry Grogmas. Thank you for teaching me the techniques of being an assassin. Recently they've helped me out a lot. Hope you have a good time celebrating Grogmas. Out of gratitude, I'd like to gift you this Deadly Venom, Remedy and a Health Core. Thank you for being such a great teacher and mentor to those of us in Heroica. May the odds ever be in your favor.

~Mizuki

[Tachyon]

Dear Shaun

Hope your'e having an alright time. Do you still see Skuld ? Anyway, Merry Grogmas, you can have this remedy and this bone. May the odds ever be in your favor.

~Mizuki

[Sisco]

Dear Portia,

I hope that this Grogmas sees you and your potion business in good health and spirits. I've bought many a health potion from you! Every one I've taken from you has been top quality, with a seemingly minty aftertaste! It takes a special person to put that much care into their work, and I'd like to thank you for that by sending you this Diamond of Thoric. It's no different than a regular diamond, but it has a cool name! Perhaps it'll be of more use to you than it has been to me. Best wishes to you this holiday!

-Jess Islanti

[JimBee]

Hybros, even in the hit of battle, notices a slip of paper floating down. He reads it, and quickly writes a letter.

Dear Jun Ji Pei,

It has been a very long while, my friend, since we first met in the Pagoda with the 108 Stars in Xu. I must apologize again for our my failure to rescue you. If we had had any other option, we would have stayed with you. The enemies, however, were overwhelming, though I do regret not fighting to the death by your side. I have received word that Tesni, Tarn, and others rescued you from their lair beneath the mountains, and I am glad to that you are safe. Since then, I have been working closely with your family and associates on a number of quests. I have known Doctor Daneeka, who now works for the Great Guffington, for over a year now, and I value his knowledge and advice. I have recently saved another member of your family from the debacle in the Hovels, with an attempted coup taking the face of the Guild of Invision. Not to worry, we put a stop to them quickly while keeping a Tritech-crafted device from breaking along the way. I have attached a Copy of the Eubric Herald (consumable, gives transcended- and inspired-effects) so you can read about it. The technology of the Ji Pei is most impressive, and I have no guesses as to how they work. In fact, I am on a quest in Eubric right now delivering a top-secret device that mimics a Minstrel, from the Tritech Company to you.

I have also made some new friends, and learned new skills. I have learned to dispatch my enemies more quickly than any I have seen in combat, but I still admire your balanced fighting style and mindset. I admit that I (there are several scribbled out words) envy this, and wish to someday learn from you and become even closer with the Ji Pei.

And now I must tell you something Jun, something very important. This is a critical time for myself and my (more scribbled out words) people. I am not sure if you know, but there are others like me. I know it. And I believe that I know where they are hidden. If the powerful and advanced Ji Pei could help with finding them, using their influence and technology to aid me in this feat... the debt to be repaid would be immeasurable. We are more alike than you may think, Jun. The imps are a suppressed people, just as the Aoi are fighting threats from all sides. I have seen it both in Eubric and in Xu. If our people could somehow unite... our abilities would be unmatched. Think about this over Grogmas for me, Jun.

As a last note, I hope you and your family are doing well. I have not heard of your mother, Lady Shanxian since I returned from Xu. Please send my regards as well.

To the future,

Hybros

[swils]

Fabian,

Finding myself in the company of Orcs again, and having just written another of these letter that opened up something of an old wound, some uncomfortable memories were stirred. I've got this pair of Fighter's Boots. They're not particularly heavy, but they're weighing on my conscience. I'm not quite sure what I was thinking when I turned on my employers and demanded 'em. I wish I could go back and redo those last few moments with Rogue and Ranger... They deserved better. A pair of boots. Can you believe it? I hope that I was somehow acting under the Archivist's--he was the big-bad-guy that time around, y'know how it goes--control, though I know I wasn't. Please take these boots and pass them along, but leave the history behind. If you can find a set of feet they'll fit, I'm sure they'll strengthen the owner's resolve, Rogue fought hard til we... Anyway, have a good Grogmas and expect a visit once I return from across the sea!

-Thormanil

[Flipz]

The letter had been sent, yet still more paper remained. He thought and thought--who would truly be worth supporting the theft of his father's invention?--but only two individuals came to mind. Sighing, he began his second letter.

Dear Master Isaac Shawe,

I hope that things in R'klif are going well. We never really got to speak after the warlord was defeated--I just wanted to let you know how much I admire your foresight in preparing a place for your House should worse come to worse. I only hope that Heroica will take heed and make similar preparations of its own. Regardless, I am proud to have helped House Shadeaux in strengthening its position in Uland, and hope I may aid you again soon. In the meantime, please allow me to offer you these Sticky Gloves--they have aided me greatly in earning Gold in the past, and I hope that they may aid you and House Shadeaux in doing the same.

Humbly yours,

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

Edited December 26, 2013 by Flipz

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen spends some time answering her mail.

Dear Nerwen

Its been quite some time, since we last quested. I think the Darkstar buisness was our last ? Anyway, in the Spirit of Grogmas, take this Smoke Bomb and this Grand Potion. They should serve you sufficiently well in the future. Please use your tatical mind to make the quests you are on, have a higher chance of sucess. May the odds ever be in your favor.

~Mizuki

Dear Mizuki.

I remember you fondly. Both our quest to end the dark general and later conversations in the hall. Here is a Dragon scale which you may find useful.

Quel Yenearsira, Nerwen

[Haven't got anything special, didn't realize this would be a thing. Merry Grogmas.

Raider.

Your generosity belies your lack of preparation. I fear you may find me rather different when next we meet, my path has taken a strange turn. But your gifts will still be useful. I reply in kind, knowing you always enjoy a drink.

Quel Yenearsira, Nerwen.

A Grand potion, Dragon Scale and Mead accompanied Nerwen's note.

Dear Nerwen,

I'd like to thank you for your perfect commanding in our last quest, as a token of appreciation, please accept this Venom. Hoping to meet again,

Merry Grogmas

Alexander Vandangant

Quel Yenearsira, Alexander.

I wish you good hunting this season. And for those things that hunt you, I enclose a smoke bomb that you may find safer ground to strike from.

Nerwen

Taking a fresh parchment she wrote

Dear Lawerence.

This is a time of celebration, and knowing how you prefer to do that, I have enclosed a particularly fine Mulled wine we recently looted from some hairy Vikings. Enjoy it in good health. Tell Barty hello and do not let him steal your present. We will have much to talk about when I see you next.

Quel Yenearsira, Nerwen

Finally with a heavier heart, she wrote another letter

To Hestia Bonaparte.

My Lady.

I wish you Quel Yenearsira, and pray that this letter finds you well with you and your husband finding some cheer this season.

I had hoped in time to train with your guards as a cannoneer, but I now must walk a different path.

I send you these Barbarian’s Boots (Restoration; footwear) and Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle) knowing that you will find better use for them than I. Particularly with the waters northwards becoming more dangerous.

I remain, however, a stalwart ally of you and yours.

Nerwen Calmcacil,

Hero of Heroica, Ear'quessir of the Wind Thief.

Edited December 26, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Flipz]

At last, pen dragging across the paper with hesitation, Arthur writes his final letter. Its motion continued by morbid curiosity or some other force, Arthur didn't know, but as he dragged out word after word, he felt a growing compulsion to complete his bizarre task.

'Dear' Valentine Zeigfried,

I want to know one thing: why?

From the moment I first met you, you've brought me nothing but ill fortune. When the truth about you and my father came out, you shattered his standing amongst our community, and so when he vanished my family struggled to recover. When you reappeared with the V-mail system--which, let me remind you, you stole from my father--it heralded a downturn in my battle and my journey as a Hero, and the start of my journey back into darkness. In last year's Lottery, you sent me a worthless prize, this year none at all, and the gifts you sent out last Grogmas marked the beginning of the end for us all. Now this? Why do you insist on tormenting me? Is it not bad enough that you stole my father's work for your own gain, without appearing at the worst times of my life to rub in how alone and rejected I am?

So tell me: why did you find it necessary to barge into my life? And why do you keep showing up, in spite of the pain you know it brings?

I look forward to an honest and thorough response.

--Arthur Justus Regulus VII

At the last minute, Arthur encloses 2 Grand Tonics. Before he can think better of his decision, the letter is gone--and there would be no recalling it. He didn't know what had drawn him to address the woman who had shattered his family this time instead of any other, but what was done was done, and he'd have to hope the answers would bring him some measure of peace.

[Scubacarrot]

"Adressed to Nemo Bonaparte,

I suggest you have your engineers reverse-engineer this Pumpkin Bomb, it's effective.

Written by Guts Holla, member of Heroica, captain of the Wind Thief."

[Tachyon]

Dear Portia

Thank you for supplying Heroica with your wares over the years. I can tell you that your mixtures have saved a lot of heroes a lot more than once, my life included. Anyway, Merry Grogmas. I'd like you to take this Dragon Scale, maybe you could find some use of it. May the odds ever be in your favor.

~Mizuki.

[Palathadric]

Hmm, time to have some fun I think.

Great Monk,

I thank you greatly for your well thought gift but I have now seen the light and converted to being vegetarian. No blood or meat on a bone for me. I'm sorry that this means your wonderful gift has gone to waste so I'm hoping this tea will compensate. In this wonderful season of giving I hope we can sit down for a chat sometime.

Sincerely, the humble Dreyrugr

With the letter there is enclosed 3 vials of venom.

I write back:

Dear demon,

Here is my corpse, a Skeleton decoy lies in the package. You have succeeded in ending me. Beware for my spirit lives on and will come back to haunt you wielding a hefty steak. Your worst nightmare is upon you.

[Flare]

Benji sends an affectionate letter to Guts.

"Dear Guts.

You suck.

Sincerely,

Hoke Ablesword."

Attached is a bone.

[Palathadric]

Dear Warlock Hoples,

It was a pleasure working with you and with the Town Watch. At least there is someone trying to do some good in this wretched place! I noticed you appeared to not be feeling too well and as my mind was preoccupied on the task at hand, I forgot to offer my healing services, but here, this Remedy should get you feeling better, if you aren't already and should remove some of the stress and worry. I also couldn't help but notice that you didn't have a pair of Shackles with you, so here, have my Shackles of War. They should serve you well in apprehending any troublemakers in the area. Even if you do already have a pair, I'm sure one more couldn't hurt. Much success may be yours,

--Monk Pretzel

[joeshmoe554]

Dear Karie,

It has been a while and I am not unhappy to hear you are in good health. Shame that the harvester was destroyed, it was a powerful tool and there are likely not many similar to it. I also am wary when you say the stealer has "turned over a new leaf" as they say. The man deceived us once, and he could be doing it again. If you feel satisfied he has changed than I suppose I will have to take you at your word, given I have not seen this new man. I have been somewhat occupied battling demons and the undead as of late. I am currently standing facing a multitude of what have been referred to as occuloids. We seem to be in a staredown at the moment, with battle all but imminent. Have a merry grogmas, and try to stay out of trouble, failing that I have attached a Grand Potion to assist when trouble finds you.

Sincerely,

Jeaux

[Bricksandparts]

Dear Karie,

It has been a while since I saw you last, so I thought I'd ask how you are doing? Are you and your boyfriend getting along ok? On another note, however, the Oculoids are back. they are apparently trying to destroy the Proggs now, and I am not sure why. Any ideas or suggestions that we might've learned with our last experience with these creeps? Hopefully this venom'll come in hand at some point down the road.

Sincerly,

Johon

Attached: 1 Venom

[Pandora]

Nyx stands in a desert, the least Grogmassy place she can think of, and watches as Grogmas letters appear in front of Atramor.

"That time again already." she mutters to herself.

In the lull of activity she pens a few letters.

Dear Larry,

So, I'm here in another desert, with Atramor. He's really grown up, y'know? I'm glad of his company, but it'd be even more fun if you were here. It's dry here, so I'm keeping my drinks old man, but here, have a bite to eat. It's a special mushroom, I'm afraid it might be best for you to give it to someone else when the time is right, though. It might get you out of a pinch, and I know how you are for getting into trouble. See you by the fire when we get back, and give Barty a kiss from me.

Be good, if you can.

Best wishes, Nyx

And she includes her Oneupshroom (works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten) with her letter to Boomingham. Whilst digging through her items her shiny helmet falls on her foot, causing her to swear under her breath. She picks it up and looks at it, wondering what she can do with it, and an idea forms where she might make someone else happy.

Dear Fabian,

my favourite purveyor of bespoke and couture items, in the spirit of Grogmas I'd like you to have my Shiny Helmet (max health +1). I really don't think I suit hats, and I'm sure you agree. It's so.. metallic and it really messes up my hair, but I know that if there's anyone in Eubric who could make it fabulous, you could, so I hope you enjoy something to practise your millinery on. You know I'll be back to spend more money in your store, so I'm sure I'll see you again soon. Happy Grogmas.

Best wishes, Nyx.

Nyx somehow manages to finagle the helmet into the envelope to Fabian before sending it off. She sighs and turns her attention to one last letter.

XX,

This time last year we were together. It seems so long ago, and against my better judgement, I miss you. I'm not even sure I want to know what you're doing, but at this time of year... well, I'm thinking of you. I would send you something, but you've already taken everything I have to give you.

Nyx

With the last letter written, she sighs again and sends it off, her head full of memories.

[Palathadric]

Dear Monsieur le Baron,

It was a great pleasure to visit and stay the short while in your city. What a splendid place! I have told you before how fascinating I have found it. I just wish that someday I will feel free to retire from my difficult life of trying to change the world and be able to live a peaceful life in a place such as yours. Unfortunately, as we live above ground, we see so much evil and there is no way that I can, in all good conscience turn my back on the world and let it slip on in its abysmal state, so I'm forced to keep plugging on and doing what I can to make this world a better place for all. I still worry for your establishment. I pray to God that no evil will befall you, but I still think it's only a matter of time before the enemy seek to destroy your peaceful city, so here, take this Teleportapple. It should enable you to transport yourself out of harm's way should you ever need it. I'm not sure how it works or how many people it can transport, but let it be a last resort should you need it. I wish you well and hope to visit you again someday!

--Monk Pretzel

[CMP]

Ellaria-

Where have you been? It finally occurred to me why the hell I ending up facefirst in the ground in this hellhole of a desert; nobody in this party can heal worth a damn, save for some idiot djinn. Where'd you end up after the four of us kicked megablocks in that theatre? Run into Boomingham much? Now that I think about it, probably best I'm over here and he's back in Eubric, we've got nothing to do but talk in this sand bowl, if I had to listen to one more war story I'd've swallowed my last venom. If there's anyone I'd rather have than this damn ape, it'd be a healer. Maybe I could stay on two feet long enough to hit something.

On a slightly related note, are you sure that rag Russel gave me actually works? Or is this desert actually that deserted? Ah, whatever. From where I stand, it looks like the only animals worth talking to are the ones that can use a sword. Why the hell isn't every crab and frog a rogue or a paladin? Actually, no, bad idea. I don't think humans would last very long against the oceans of sea life in the world.

It feels like months since I've seen a drop of water outside of this damn canteen, but I don't think it's been more than a day. Demons screwing up perceptions of stuff, probably. You know, I've got two demons around with me constantly, and it feels like ever since I got here a third has been staring at me, yet I can't stand the damn things. Namyrra's still dragging around her undead, too, which would be just as bad if they weren't on our side. Still don't like them. People like this ape give demons much more attention than they deserve. Does it take that damn much willpower just to outright hate the things? If there's anyone I can trust on that it's you and Boomingham - Nyx is a good friend but warps the very souls of her humans victims beyond repair a little too often for my liking. Not that they don't (usually) have it coming, but frying them like fish seems more wholesome. In a way. Smells worse, though.

Here's a Soma. It's supposed to have some sort of religious meaning or something, I think. Hell if I know. Wine tastes better, and keeps me alive longer to boot. Maybe you'll get more use out of it. Hope we'll get a chance to quest together again at some point (Strivvi comes to mind, all four of us have business to finish there), maybe with you there I'll be able to soak up some hits without getting flattened by a bunch of damn vermin. Worked in that rathole of a theatre.

- A.G

Edited December 26, 2013 by CallMePie

[Tachyon]

Dear Elphaba,

Thank you for supplying Heroica with your magical wares. Your visits are of great importance to those of us in Heroica. I believe that a lot of us have benefited from the goods you sell to us and by extension of that, the people who employ Heroica. Anyone Merry Grogmas, please take this Explosive Handcannon(WP 8/16 against rock monsters.) I don't know whether you'll need it in the future but you can always pawn it off for some extra gold or trade for some materials or items you might desire. May the odds ever be in your favor

~Mizuki

[Kintobor]

Karie does not return Johon's letter with a card, but a wrapped up remedy.

Edited December 27, 2013 by Kintobor

[Duvors]

To Nerwen.

I have a strange feeling you didn't receive my last letter, is that so?

Throlar.

Edited December 27, 2013 by Lord Duvors

[Chromeknight]

I did recieve your note. Thank you for the essence, it will be useful. I have been busy and had not found time to answer before now. I expect that I will see you in the hall when I return. We can talk more then. Tenna' ento lye omenta, Nerwen.