Heroica RPG - Quest#92: The Prophetess and the Warrior

[Rumble Strike]

With the party stopped due to the appearance of Henry Hinckwell, the device was starting to strain Tarn's arms, but he did not let the fatigue show in front of Ella. Instead he put on a courteous smile.

"Well met, Mr Hinckwell. We can spare time for a few words only, I am afraid. Speak freely, and we shall see if we can aid you."

[Palathadric]

"Ah! Heroes, I've been looking for you!" The man clears his throat uncomfortably. "My name is Henry Hinckwell- oh, hello Daneeka. I've got something to say to the heroes."

"Looking for us? As in, 'us' in particular? Or just heroes in general. If it's the former, how did you know we'd come this way? If it's the latter, why didn't you just go to the hall?"

"In any case, what can we do for you?"

[Zepher]

Henry's eyes flick to the sword in Arthur's hand. He stares at it for a second, and then clears his throat again.

"Well, to be perfectly honest, I was looking for you in particular. I heard you'd come down this way after seeing the Oracle - the guards at the gates to the hovels are good for something, at least. Don't understand why they're on the outside, to be honest - doesn't seem like that'd do a good job of keeping the riff raff in... but that's a conversation for another time." Henry Hinckwell clears his throat once more. "I hear that you helped Sir Grady in a fight this morning. That you may have saved his life. The Gods know that I'm not the hugest supporter of your organization, and Grady himself has expressly forbidden me from doing this... we've had some bad run ins with your fellow adventurers in the past... but..." Henry looks at the sky for strength. "My family rewards kindness and good service. We must! It is the right thing to do. And Grady has served me well for a long time. I am very thankful that you saved his life, and in return I'd like to offer a favor. I'd give you gold, but I thought high minded heroes such as yourself might want something else?" He shuffles uncomfortably and glances at Arthur's sword again.

"Oh! How grand!"

"I can think of at least one favor we need from an influential man."

[Flipz]

"Hmm...what sort of favor, exactly?" Noting the Hinckwell's frequent glances at his sword, he gently inverts it and folds his hands atop the hilt.

Edited February 3, 2014 by Flipz

[Rumble Strike]

"Yours is an honourable family, Mr Hinckwell. I have helped them in the past. Pray tell, what is this favour you speak of? Any assistance for myself and my companions here would be greatly welcomed."

[Palathadric]

"I hear that you helped Sir Grady in a fight this morning. That you may have saved his life. The Gods know that I'm not the hugest supporter of your organization, and Grady himself has expressly forbidden me from doing this... we've had some bad run ins with your fellow adventurers in the past... but..."

I grunt.

"You can't blame as for any bad run-ins you may have had. Our organization has become so known that there are many out there who try to impersonate members of Heroica. It's a shame really, but not much we can do about it. Our organization is not at fault it's just those who try to use our name to mask their deeds."

"My family rewards kindness and good service. We must! It is the right thing to do. And Grady has served me well for a long time. I am very thankful that you saved his life, and in return I'd like to offer a favor. I'd give you gold, but I thought high minded heroes such as yourself might want something else?"

"Well, I wouldn't mind the gold..." I mutter, trailing off.

"I can think of at least one favor we need from an influential man."

I let out a very quiet growl. "This fellow thinks he can take our good deeds and the favours we get for them and use them to benefit himself. I bet the next thing he'll be asking Mr. Hinckwell for a ship," I grumble only loud enough for Tarn and Arthur to hear.

[Zepher]

"Any sort of favor!" says the Hinckwell, a little put off by the heroes confusion. "Surely you know what a favor is?" He turns to the Monk. "But I would of course be willing to pay you gold instead. I know that's what your sort takes, sometimes, instead. I have had encounters with people of your Hall, and I know that they are heroes of your Hall. I remember quite a few of their names and how they betrayed me." He shakes his head. "But that's that."

"I will not use your favor to ask for a ship. I am not looking for an ancient book. I can wait to test my device."

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn frowned as he tried to work through what Henry was saying. "So you wish for us to name this good deed, this favour, to then see if it is something you can fulfill? As the Monk noted, usually a reward is given through gifts of gold or helpful consumables. These help sustain our effectiveness to Heroica when we are called to Quest."

[Zepher]

Henry scowls.

"It's not a reward. It's a favor. You took time out of helping this lovely lady," Henry inclines his head in an awkward bow towards Ella, "who I assume if you're benefactor for the time being. Since I inadvertently took up some of her time, I was hoping you'd be able to think of a way for me to speed along whatever she needs done. Maybe I should just address the lady directly. Is there anything I can do for you, to repay you for the services your heroes rendered?"

"Even when under my employ, they act of their own will."

"Don't I know it."

"If they wish to use your good will to benefit me and my quest, I will be most grateful, but if not, I will certainly not hold it against them."

Edited February 4, 2014 by Zepher

[Flipz]

"...well then, if you've got a ship we could borrow, it would definitely speed us on our way." He rubs his brow frustratedly--it was difficult trying to determine the Hinckwell's ulterior motives. Shifting a bit in his uncomfortable armor, Arthur returns his sword to its sheath, confident that no one was planning to ambush them.

[Rumble Strike]

"Yes, we will need the use of a ship soon," agreed Tarn.

[Palathadric]

How did I know that a ship is what they'd settle for?

I speak diplomatically. "Apologies, Mister Hinckwell. Perhaps my ears failed me at first. Yes, we will be needing a ship in order to test this...um...equipment. is it possible to provide us one for the next..." I turn to Ella. "How long do you think it will take us?"

"I turn back to the Hinckwell. "Naturally, if you have have a ship that wouldn't encounter any problems with the Bonapartes we would be doubly grateful."

[Zepher]

"Only a day or three."

"Hm, a ship that won't run into trouble with the Bonapartes..." Henry smiles slyly. "I think I can do that for you. Follow me."

The Hinckwell leads the heroes towards the docks, and once they're there he makes a beeline for a specific dock. A man stands there, smelly and salty and stern looking.

"What can I do you for, Hinckwell?" asks the man, chewing on something or other. "Got another shipment that ain't gonna show up?"

"Don't get short with me." Hinckwell glares at the Bonaparte, but the Bonapartes stone-like face doesn't waver, and soon both men are smiling at each other again. "I've a favor to ask for some... friends, actually."

The Bonapartes appraises the heroes. "Oh yeah?"

"I owe them. I'll pay for the ship."

"What you got there?" asks the Bonaparte, glancing at the device. "Don't seem like something I'd want on one of my ships. Is it going to explode? I've seen some stuff explode before."

"I should hope not."

"Who the Hel are these people, anyway? They from the Ji Pei? You know I'd get in trouble transporting any Ji Pei."

"The Ji Pei don't need your ships," scoffs Hinckwell, "so clearly not. These are..." he turns to Ella.

"Explorers."

The Bonaparte looks at Ella hard for a second.

"Hm. And who are you?" he asks, turning to the heroes.

[Flipz]

"Her escorts," Arthur explains Diplomatically. He resists the urge to wave his hand in front of the Bonaparte's face. "We keep her safe, she leads us to heretofore-undiscovered wonders of the world. It's quite a good arrangement, actually, if I do say so myself."

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn lets Arthur speak, knowing that diplomacy and a slight bending of the truth are needed here.

[Palathadric]

"Monk Pretzel, at your service. Upholder of law and truth and all that is good and honest; and these, here, are my...erm...associates. For the record, we certainly have nothing to do with the Ji Pei, you have my word on that," I say diplomatically, spitting for emphasis to signify my distaste for the mentioned house.

[Zepher]

"Hello Monk Pretzel and fellow escorts," says the Bonaparte man. "My name is Captain Pierce Lane. Glad to hear you're not with the Ji Pei." The captain glances again at the device. "Alright, Hinckwell, I've got a ship I can put them on. Follow me."

The heroes follow the captain down the docks a short way as he speaks. "See, thing is, I can't take out a ship just any old time. Bonapartes keep tabs on everything. But some of their older ships, and I mean real old - some of the smaller ones that don't make sense to run anymore but they haven't bothered to deconstruct yet, those I can get my hands on. And between you and me, I like them better. Creak in the wood means the ship has proven it's worth. Hasn't sunk yet means it won't start now. Besides, we'll be needing a small ship. Not likely any of you know how to sail, is it?" The captain stops, turns onto a gangplank, and faces the heroes. The ship he's on is small, but it looks sturdy, and is spacious enough for all of them to fit more than comfortably.

"Welcome aboard the Old Kraken. First ship I ever sailed aboard as a cadet. How's she look to you?"

The Hinckwell looks at the warped old wood, discolored with age and years of salt. He turns to Ella. "Will she do?"

"Oh, she'll do."

"You know how I pay, Captain. Half now, half upon a safe return."

"Climb aboard, heroes."

"Oh how I hate the sea," moans U'Voros quietly as he helps Daneeka get the device on board.

[Palathadric]

"This certainly isn't the first time I've boarded a ship since returning to Heroica. Let's hope this journey is as smooth as our last one. Glad to have such an experienced captain with us."

I turn towards Henry Hinckwell.

"My thanks to you, Mr Hinckwell. Send our greetings to Grady. I can't say I've met any of the other members of your house, but it was a pleasure meeting the two of you today."

I look off towards the ocean for a moment then turn back to the captain.

"Tell me Captain Lane, are you still working for the Bonapartes? Where has your time in their service taken you?"

Edited February 6, 2014 by Palathadric

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn nods appreciatively to Henry Hinckwell. "Your assistance is most welcomed by myself and my companions. Thank you, Mr Hinckwell. Let me know if you need any gold as recompense for hiring this ship."

He turns to Captain Lane. "Greetings Captain, I assure you we will be no trouble on this voyage."

[Flipz]

Arthur nods in gratitude to both men and steps aboard the ship, slotting a Remedy into his Duplovian Halberd as he does so.

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn also takes a moment to equip the Overkill gloves he had been leant by Arthur.

[Zepher]

"This certainly isn't the first time I've boarded a ship since returning to Heroica. Let's hope this journey is as smooth as our last one. Glad to have such an experienced captain with us."

I turn towards Henry Hinckwell.

"My thanks to you, Mr Hinckwell. Send our greetings to Grady. I can't say I've met any of the other members of your house, but it was a pleasure meeting the two of you today."

I look off towards the ocean for a moment then turn back to the captain.

"Tell me Captain Lane, are you still working for the Bonapartes? Where has your time in their service taken you?"

"We haven't had the best relationship with Heroica. It makes me glad to see heroes doing what they're supposed to do - helping those in danger. I had a son who joined your organization. He lost his life there. I am glad to see that it wasn't all for naught and that there are at least some noble heroes left. I will tell Grady that his debt to you has been repaid."

"Aye I still work for them. Wouldn't have access to the ship if I didn't. I've been all over - the Free Isles, Moone, High Kingdoms, Lower Kingdoms, even to Charis and Dastan a few times. We handle shipping all over Olegia. Can't say I've transported many explorers before."

Tarn nods appreciatively to Henry Hinckwell. "Your assistance is most welcomed by myself and my companions. Thank you, Mr Hinckwell. Let me know if you need any gold as recompense for hiring this ship."

He turns to Captain Lane. "Greetings Captain, I assure you we will be no trouble on this voyage."

"It wouldn't be a favor if I asked for gold back. Smooth sailing, heroes, Captain Lane, Daneeka." Henry Hinckwell gives an awkward stiff bow and steps off the ship.

"Best not be. Ready to set sail?"

[Flipz]

"We haven't had the best relationship with Heroica. It makes me glad to see heroes doing what they're supposed to do - helping those in danger. I had a son who joined your organization. He lost his life there. I am glad to see that it wasn't all for naught and that there are at least some noble heroes left. I will tell Grady that his debt to you has been repaid."

"A son who...?" Arthur's brow furrows, the gears turning in his head. He turns a suspicious eye to Henry. "If I may ask--what was his name?"

[Rumble Strike]

Not knowing what to expect on the voyage, Tarn thought it wise to take a Mead and a Nostrum. He then turns to Captain Lane, "I cannot speak for my companions, but I am ready to set sail."

He smiled shyly at Ella. "Is this going according to what you saw? It will be nice spending some time with you."

[Palathadric]

"We haven't had the best relationship with Heroica. It makes me glad to see heroes doing what they're supposed to do - helping those in danger. I had a son who joined your organization. He lost his life there. I am glad to see that it wasn't all for naught and that there are at least some noble heroes left."

"I'm most certainly glad to say there are some of us left. We may be few, but we try to make a difference where it counts," I beam. "A son, you say? Fascinating! When was he with Heroica? I can't recall any hero going under the name of 'Hinckwell' but perhaps he used a different name. Many heroes do that, for one reason or another. It's almost common practice to not use one's real name."

Hearing Lane's call, I holler over, "Ready when you are!"

I turn back to the Hinckwell, "A pleasure to meet you, truly it is. Have a most pleasant day and I pray that your house has no more issues with such thugs."