Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods in response to Matthias. She heals Alexis, Purpearl and XX.

You are welcome Amos.

As I said to Master Zathwin and Master Hairbelly, I have access to a ship which has current Boneparte accreditation. If you need things moved, let me know through the hall or leave word with the novice, Johero Blackhorn at the temple of Sem. He will see that I receive it.

With that Nerwen nods in a friendly way to the pale trembling barkeep and says

I am ready to leave.

[Masked Builder]

OOC: Hey guys, I will be without internet until Saturday at the earliest. Sorry! PL has control of Alexis. Don't do anything dumb.

[Zepher]

Alright folks, I'm back! A big thanks to Kintober for helping out with the experiment!

"Oh, that's fine," says XX as he watches the gold be passed out. "I didn't really help anyway, I guess. And Matthias, that weapon back, please."

"A true hero helps even if he doesn't get gold," says Russel as they set out of the Inn and continue on the road.

"Of course, not getting any gold, we're forced to wonder if we really did help, and are we true heroes," intones Pigley in his macabre timbre.

The heroes watch as the sun arches through the sky as they continue their walk. They will, they are sure, going to reach Eubric by night time. This gives them time to think, talk, discuss what they know so far, make jokes about people who deal arms (weapons? body parts? who is to say!), discuss Olegia and mortality, whatever they feel like.

[Kintobor]

I hope you guys enjoyed your time with me, sorry for how long that battle took! I now release you back to your regularly scheduled QM!

-Kintobor

[StickFig]

Matthias ... hands the XX Hand Cannon back to 'XX' as well as his share of the gold. "I believe I owe you two coins more, 'XX'," he says, subtly pronouncing the single quotes as he wonders if the man has a 'real' name, "plus a chance to test the Fireball once the Tritech people finish with it. Thanks again."

"And Matthias, that weapon back, please."

Done.

I hope you guys enjoyed your time with me...

It was great! Thanks, Kintobor!

"Oh, that's fine," says XX as he watches the gold be passed out. "I didn't really help anyway, I guess...."

"Of course, not getting any gold, we're forced to wonder if we really did help, and are we true heroes," intones Pigley in his macabre timbre.

As the party heads out into the sunshine, Matthias moves close to Purpearl and whispers, "I think our non-Heroican friends would appreciate some loot next time. They're starting to complain." Smiling somewhat forcedly, the ranger strolls along next to Ruffers on his pig-steed. "It's a beautiful day today, don't you think? By the way, that was some really nice sword-work back there, continually poking that assassin in the eyes. Well done."

[Purpearljellyblob]

As the party heads out into the sunshine, Matthias moves close to Purpearl and whispers, "I think our non-Heroican friends would appreciate some loot next time. They're starting to complain."

Purpearl hears Matthias and replies,

"Although it is always nice to share with non-Heroicans, XX and Russel Pigley should know how our organisation works and how Heroes like us go about with our routine."

[StickFig]

"Hmmmm." Like most gnomes - at least the ones he's known - Matthias knows that gold is the key to ingenious and wonderful widgets, gizmos, and the occasional explosion, but it still doesn't satisfy him to share so strangely. Was there a Welcome to Heroica brief he'd missed that talked about Heroic routines? The tiny ranger ponders as they walk.

Edited November 18, 2014 by StickFig

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen listens to Pigley and the ensuing conversation between Matthias and Purpearl. She speaks softly to the the downcast swine.

<I expect you enjoy carrots as much as rabbits do. Please accept this a gift and accept my thanks for your efforts also.> as she hands him the carrot from her satchel.

Edited July 10, 2014 by Chromeknight

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Hmmmm."

Purpearl whispers a few words to Matthias.

[Zepher]

The sun is setting by the time the heroes arrive in Eubric. Pigley munches on a carrot.

"Doesn't make me more of less sure if we did good or bad," orates the pig between chomps, "but you take what pleasures you can get. Thank you, Lady Nerwen."

"Thank you, Matthias! We do what we can!"

The heroes pass through the Northern Gate and enter the city. Their companions turn to them.

"Lady Nerwen, yesterday I promised you a Phoenix Essence. If you will excuse me, I will be on my way to the Marketplace to find just that for you." The crab and Pig begin to trot off, but XX calls out to them before they go - it appears he has picked up that while he can't understand them, they can understand him just fine.

"Hold on, little fellows." The two stop. "I've got an errand to run as well, and it would be best if we had a meeting place. I suggest the Winking Gargoyle Inn - it's got rooms for the night, and we can't keep traveling after a full day of it. Let's all reconvene there." The animals nod, and then they're off. XX too says a quick farewell to the heroes. "Got to go find a little gun for the little fellow," he says with a nod and smile to Matthias. He too walks down an alley way.

The heroes make their way towards the Winking Gargoyle, but before they get too far they are stopped by a strange and sudden call.

"Nerwen Calmcacil!" cries out a voice foreign to all of them. The accompanying figure, lurching forward, does little to clarify how they might know their new friend or foe. He is youthful, but wears heavy armor. He looks prepared for battle, but carries no weapon on him. "I have been dreaming of you," is all he says to clarify.

What will the heroes, more specifically Nerwen, say?

OoC: Picture forthcoming, sorry.

Edited July 10, 2014 by Zepher

[StickFig]

Matthias gives Calmcacil another quizzical look.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen stops and stands still and ready for the encounter. Stars shine on our meeting then. Yet I have not been dreaming of you. You had best introduce yourself and explain your dream. But be quick and very honest, if your dream has spoken of me truly you wi know that I have little patience for those who try to deceive me for there own ends and for those who do not keep their word.

She looks around seeing who might be listening in to the conversation, wary of giving to much away in loud discussion on the street.

[Zepher]

The man looks offended at her curt manner.

"I come for answers, I don't bear any ill will. I believe." The man licks his lips. "That seal you carry," he says, indicating Nerwen's Seal of the Warrior Priestess, "tells me that we are of the same order. I am Samuel the Doubly Blessed Warrior Priest. I believe you knew my deceased mentor, Raguel. His body and head were sent back here not too long ago, with a curt note from King Speros of the Four Boulder Kingdom telling us that Raguel served his duty to the end of his life. It did not elaborate, except to say that we are not welcome back in his Kingdom. I do not think he is a friend to the Paladin Order. All Warrior Priests are prepared to lay down their lives... but I still wish closure. I do not know for what grand purpose Raguel died, and I know too that Ennoc would not allow one of his greatest servants to die for nothing. In my dreams I continue to see you, surrounded by Orcs, a daughter of light. I see a figure, beautiful but deadly, glowing green eyes shrouded in a cloak of shadow, descending on Raguel and freeing his spirit from his body. What do these dreams mean, Lady Calmcacil? What happened to my teacher?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

The bridge, what a memory. Purpearl remains silent as she looks at Samuel.

[StickFig]

"I believe you knew my deceased mentor, Raguel.... What happened to my teacher?"

Purpearl remains silent as she looks at Samuel.

Matthias' breath catches in his throat and he too stares at the newcomer. Those are memories he's certain none of them want to re-live - if not because of the horror, at least because it's easier not to dredge up those questions. Matthias voted for Raguel's death, as did many of the Heroicans, but things didn't seem as clear afterwards as they did in the heat of the battle. Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around? I wish I had followed 'XX' down that alleyway, the diminutive ranger thinks, looking ruefully behind him.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen drew breath.

I apologise for your reception, I did not recognise your armour pattern immediately.

All of us were there on that day, but as your dream indicates, I was closest to what happened.

The tale is complicated and fraught with the politics of both the High Kingdoms and of the clans of Baltarok.

The street is not the best place for telling it, perhaps we might adjourn to sit inside somewhere? and I will answer your question as fully as I can.

[StickFig]

The street is not the best place for telling it, perhaps we might adjourn to sit inside somewhere?

Matthias wholeheartedly agrees with this suggestion; he begins walking towards the Winking Gargoyle without waiting for the man to answer.

[Zepher]

"Certainly," says Samuel, following them to the Winking Gargoyle Inn.

Outside the Inn are a series of scaffolds. It appears that the Inn is under construction, but the way in is left open, so the heroes step inside and glance around.

They are greeted by a myriad of familiar faces. They spy at a table XX caught in conversation with a Halfling. He waves to them cheerily.

At the bar are two faces that two of the heroes recognize.

And behind the bar is a face that the heroes saw earlier that very same day:

"Oh no," cries Justin. "I knew my day had come. You've tracked me down again! Are you here to cause more trouble? Please don't *sniffle* hurt me."

[StickFig]

Matthias has half a mind to go punch Justin, just because... but he's more interested to see if 'XX' has completed his errand. He approaches them. Nodding to 'XX', he extends his hand to the halfling. "Peace to you. I'm Matthias."

[Masked Builder]

Alexis goes over to the girl. "Nice to see you again Samantha. How are you doing?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl notices Keith as she enters the inn, and approaches him, "Keith, what a coincidence. How's everything going?"

[Chromeknight]

Sitting down with Samuel the doubly blessed, she begins recounting the tale.

The short answer is, Raguel gave his life for peace between the clans of Baltarok and the High Kingdoms.

It does not surprise me the King Speros has placed the order under edict, the conflict cost him his son.

The dream you had is a true one. I was there, with others from Heroica, standing between the armies of Baltarok and the Kingdoms, trying to prevent wholesale slaughter and achieve a just outcome that made peace a possibility. The dark figure is an Orc assassin named Tra-Serral, the daughter of one of the clan chiefs.

I will answer your questions, but I do not think the others will be able to add much to the story, it was a traumatic battle that they will not want to relive, even in memory. What else would you know?

[Zepher]

Matthias has half a mind to go punch Justin, just because... but he's more interested to see if 'XX' has completed his errand. He approaches them. Nodding to 'XX', he extends his hand to the halfling. "Peace to you. I'm Matthias."

"Name's Midge," says the Halfling solemnly. "It's like midget. That was my parent's sense of humor."

"Midge and I were just discussing getting another round of something. What do you say, Matthias? Or is your purse still a little tight?" XX looks at Justin suspiciously. "How do you suppose he beat us here?"

Alexis goes over to the girl. "Nice to see you again Samantha. How are you doing?"

"Alexis!" cries Samantha. "So good to see you again! I thought you had left yesterday afternoon for Bric'Lin. Have you not been able to go yet? Treacherous roads, or did your job get put off?" She scowls flippantly, "mine did. Can't seem to get their ducks in a row - I only just got the... 'package'... this morning." She watches as Purpearl greets Keith. "Oh, look, you're a friend of a friend's friend. Who'd have thunk!"

Purpearl notices Keith as she enters the inn, and approaches him, "Keith, what a coincidence. How's everything going?"

"Hey, Purpearl," says the man jovially - apparently when not being assaulted by rats, he's even-tempered and happy. "Good to see you! Did you ever happen to find Everyman? Is he here? Or have you already parted ways? He always seems to do that, doesn't he, Sam."

"He's a very busy job. He finds you a job, and when you look back, he's gone!" She laughs. "Apologies, Alexis, this is my friend and business partner, Keith."

"Oh, and my apologies..." gushes Keith, not be be out done in politeness, "this is my business partner, Samantha."

"How do you do? What did you say her name was, Keith?"

"I... I don't believe I ever got her name. I'm sorry, Miss Elf..."

"Well, anyway, this is Alexis. See, I got my new friend's name."

"Yes, yes," says Keith dismissively before turning to Alexis and beaming. "It is a genuine pleasure to meet such a lovely lady and loyal friend, Alexis."

Sitting down with Samuel the doubly blessed, she begins recounting the tale.

The short answer is, Raguel gave his life for peace between the clans of Baltarok and the High Kingdoms.

It does not surprise me the King Speros has placed the order under edict, the conflict cost him his son.

The dream you had is a true one. I was there, with others from Heroica, standing between the armies of Baltarok and the Kingdoms, trying to prevent wholesale slaughter and achieve a just outcome that made peace a possibility. The dark figure is an Orc assassin named Tra-Serral, the daughter of one of the clan chiefs.

I will answer your questions, but I do not think the others will be able to add much to the story, it was a traumatic battle that they will not want to relive, even in memory. What else would you know?

"Tra-Serral..." Samuel repeats gravely. "Thank you. I don't wish to make you relive unpleasant memories. I just wish to understand what happened. Raguel told me that if you did right, Ennoc would watch over you. But you say that he gave his life for peace, and still Ennoc abandoned him. My dreams horrify me not because of his death - that is something I saw and knew in the waking world - but because of the shadows that extinguish the light. I just wish to understand, Lady Calmcacil, how light can be swallowed by the darkness. What is the darkness? How can we possibly hope to fight it if it swallows the light of even Ennoc's most just servants? I am prepared to fight, but I don't know who to turn my sword on, and I don't know how to learn that, and worst of all, I don't know if it would do any good anyway."

[Masked Builder]

"Alexis!" cries Samantha. "So good to see you again! I thought you had left yesterday afternoon for Bric'Lin. Have you not been able to go yet? Treacherous roads, or did your job get put off?" She scowls flippantly, "mine did. Can't seem to get their ducks in a row - I only just got the... 'package'... this morning." She watches as Purpearl greets Keith. "Oh, look, you're a friend of a friend's friend. Who'd have thunk!"

"Things seem to keep happening..." Alexis sighs, not elaborating. "Seems we're both on the same page. Glad to see you're still safe."

"Yes, yes," says Keith dismissively before turning to Alexis and beaming. "It is a genuine pleasure to meet such a lovely lady and loyal friend, Alexis."

"Nice to meet you too Keith." She says smiling and then tosses her hair.

[StickFig]

"Midge and I were just discussing getting another round of something. What do you say, Matthias? Or is your purse still a little tight?" XX looks at Justin suspiciously. "How do you suppose he beat us here?"

The gnome dutifully answers 'XX' before jumping to his own query - the anticipation is killing him. "My purse is empty," he begins, "and I don't even want to talk to that sniveling excuse for a bartender anyway. Who knows how he got here so fast - maybe he has a Hel horse, or an airship, or something. Anyway, did you manage to find a peashooter I can borrow?" Matthias works hard to avoid jumping up and down in excitement.

Speaking of empty purses, is it allowed for Matthias to nip out to the Marketplace and sell a couple of things? Or no? Not saying he will, but I just want to make sure I understand the intent.