Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl wonders for a second why everyone in the party has gone quiet. She is prepared to strike, as Mage like herself does not posses any diplomatic skills to be effective in situations like that.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen addresses the vibrating party leader.

Would you like me to try some diplomacy or would you prefer to skip to the kicking snakes and stabbing watchmen part of the evening?

[Purpearljellyblob]

Nerwen addresses the vibrating party leader.

Would you like me to try some diplomacy or would you prefer to skip to the kicking snakes and stabbing watchmen part of the evening?

"Why ask the leader when you have already decided, Paladin?"

[Zepher]

OoC: My sincere apologies. I should have let you decide how to enter the room. I assumed you would break and enter, as is the hero's way most of the time ( ) and was trying to save some time after the lag of the last section, but I really shouldn't have assumed anything. My mistake.

​Alexis, you may speak with Shawe! I will not be making a separate thread for it, because we'll be back together soon, but fee free to talk for the time being.

"Granaries! Preposterous! Why would the Hinckwells steal from the common citizen of R'Klif?! That is a ridiculous accusation that I refuse to believe is anything but an excuse for an attack. Who sent you? Was it the Shawes?"

"I told you it was dangerous heading into enemy territory," remarks the other man gruffly.

"These are heroes. I can tell. The last time the Shawes hired them to defeat me they got lucky, but it won't go the same for them this time."

Grady raises his sword, prepared for combat still, though Henry Hinckwell stares sharply at Purpearl, awaiting... something?

OoC: Purpearl/Chrome, it is your call. Once one of you declares fight or negotiate, I'll run the round!

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Granaries! Preposterous! Why would the Hinckwells steal from the common citizen of R'Klif?! That is a ridiculous accusation that I refuse to believe is anything but an excuse for an attack. Who sent you? Was it the Shawes?"

"I told you it was dangerous heading into enemy territory," remarks the other man gruffly.

"We are not hired by the Shawes, if that isn't clear enough. There are people who suspect it was the Hinckwells that robbed the granaries, so the three of you should at least try to clear your name. Tell me, what brings you to R'kilf and why are you seen wandering around?"

[Zepher]

"Oh, I'm sorry, you're right. We must answer all the questions of every vagabond who enters our room with wild accusations. Look around the room! Where is the food we have stolen? Are you agents of the highways? Are we not allowed to travel freely anymore?" Purpearl has clearly made the situation worse.

[StickFig]

With all the commotion Matthias finally shakes himself awake enough to speak up. "I'm not really sure why our crab friend here didn't just knock," he glares at Ruffers, "and I'm terribly sorry to have disturbed you. We should be going." The gnome motions wearily to the rest of the party and walks away, wondering if the others will follow and whether, as tired as he is, he can find his way back to Fenral and the Shawes.

P.S. - I should be home from my trip sometime in the next day or so; hopefully I can be slightly more active!

[Masked Builder]

"For some reason I feel like I've met you before Isaac."

[Chromeknight]

"Why ask the leader when you have already decided, Paladin?"

Decided? Nerwen says calmly, I have decided nothing and as always, was following you.

Speaking to Henry Hinkwell she addresses him diplomatically

We apologise, my Lord, for intruding. You are right. You have no need to answer wild accusations. Perhaps, before we go, you might favour us with some words to take back to the citizens who asked us to come and speak to you. I know your house and that if the Shawes are not in open conflict and that you are free to travel wherever you choose. Still it seems odd that you would linger in a place that is clearly under the benefices of another house. I believe that you do not intent to cause mistrust and concern and perhaps the granery robberies are an attempt to frame you and instigate conflict.

However, if you are innocent, I expect you have the resources to have been informed who is actually at fault. Give us that name to take back and we will be satisfied.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Decided? Nerwen says calmly, I have decided nothing and as always, was following you.

Purpearl lets out a short and reflexive laugh, "My impression of you seem to suggest otherwise."

Speaking to Henry Hinkwell she addresses him diplomatically

Speaking to the Hinckwell Trio,[/i] "Maybe you can recognise that Paladin, maybe not. But let me introduce her to you. Her name's Nerwen Calmcacil and her name's reputable amongst many Houses in Eubric. It doesn't matter if you don't listen to me, but you should at least listen to what the Paladin has to say. Let her words shine through you so that you might be enlightened."

[Zepher]

"For some reason I feel like I've met you before Isaac."

"It is very possible. I have worked with heroes a number of times before. I find your organization very much worth the cost! I travelled the entirety of Uland before with a set of heroes. I also saved this very town with the assistance of Nerwen and some of her fellow heroes, though I don't recall you in that group."

Decided? Nerwen says calmly, I have decided nothing and as always, was following you.

Speaking to Henry Hinkwell she addresses him diplomatically

We apologise, my Lord, for intruding. You are right. You have no need to answer wild accusations. Perhaps, before we go, you might favour us with some words to take back to the citizens who asked us to come and speak to you. I know your house and that if the Shawes are not in open conflict and that you are free to travel wherever you choose. Still it seems odd that you would linger in a place that is clearly under the benefices of another house. I believe that you do not intent to cause mistrust and concern and perhaps the granery robberies are an attempt to frame you and instigate conflict.

However, if you are innocent, I expect you have the resources to have been informed who is actually at fault. Give us that name to take back and we will be satisfied.

"You expect an innocent bystander to know who is behind robberies? Why?" Hinckwell cries, but then he stops short. "But you speak fairly, at least. I am not adverse to answering questions, but perhaps not here. There is no curfew on the common room downstairs. May I lead you down there for some tea? I'm afraid I'm a little tired, and could use a wake me up." Grady's sword still stands strong in the air, and Henry rests a hand on his arm. "Lower the sword. These people come only for answers, who are we to deny them? As long as they do not demand." Grady lowers his sword, and the party feels more experienced, having negotiated the battle without conflict.

"I'll get you yet, elf," growls Grady at Purpearl as they walk down the stairs.

Downstairs, the other man (who I thought had an avatar somewhere in a previous topic, but doesn't, so I'm very sorry) brews some tea as Henry sits down at a table with the heroes. Grady takes up a position sullenly guarding the door.

"That is Eran, a groundskeeper for my family. I believe he thinks highly of you heroes, if my memory serves. So, there are robberies of granaries? I did not know anything about it until moments ago. I feel no need to explain my presence in the town. You are not the Town Watch. Grady believes you are heroes, and I am inclined to agree with him - that or some other form of sellsword, though you look too well equipped to be small time robbers." He pauses. "Regardless of who you are, the accusations you bring are outlandish. Eran, Grady and myself are the only three Hinckwells in town. Eran and myself are old men, not well equipped for breaking and entering, and Grady on his own could probably not steal enough food in an evening to warrant investigation. Furthermore, you came upon us preparing for sleep. I must ask again who in the town has hired you to lobby these claims against us."

[Masked Builder]

"No, you're right I don't think we've met. Though it sounds like you've met some of my friends. How goes whatever it is you do?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I'll get you yet, elf," growls Grady at Purpearl as they walk down the stairs.

"Beware of that anger trap, Grady. Can't you see this confrontation's all planned out? I am the evil Mage and the holy Paladin comes in to save the day? There's no way that Paladin is going to be the bad person around here, so I am left with no choice, since I do not possess the aura to influence one's heart through the light of the stars. Besides, we are only here for information, not to wage war against the Houses."

Clearly what Purpearl said isn't the truth, as there's an essence of sarcasm embedded within.

Edited August 29, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen smiles gently, sitting opposite Henry and sipping tea.

you are right, we are not the town watch. We are in R'kilf on other business, but I know some of the leaders here, having been in the party that removed the Mopag and Pongcanae and secured the agreement between the elves and the Shadeaux.

Clearly you are not personally responsible for the thefts, inter-house conflict is rarely that open. But you are here. Which suggests you have been cultivating agents here to weaken the Shadeaux control of the town.

I believe you when you say you had no knowledge of it until we asked, it is simplicity itself to act at arms remove. But information is power, I expect, being an individual with some power that you could easily find out who was responsible, if you do not know already.

As an act of good faith, I will give you the information you asked for. We came here, directed by the Shawes, yes. But none of us were so naive as to believe he was being completely honest with us regarding the matter. Hence our reluctance to fight, despite our breaking into your rooms.

So, what say you? Will you give us a name in return. The name of those responsible for the thefts?

[Zepher]

"No, you're right I don't think we've met. Though it sounds like you've met some of my friends. How goes whatever it is you do?"

"It goes exceedingly well. The city is secure, and I am preparing to deal with one of the few problems remaining."

"Well, going well except the granary issue," smirks Samuel at his older brother.

"Beware of that anger trap, Grady. Can't you see this confrontation's all planned out? I am the evil Mage and the holy Paladin comes in to save the day? There's no way that Paladin is going to be the bad person around here, so I am left with no choice, since I do not possess the aura to influence one's heart through the light of the stars. Besides, we are only here for information, not to wage war against the Houses."

Clearly what Purpearl said isn't the truth, as there's an essence of sarcasm embedded within.

"It's your attitude I take offense to, not the fact that you're a mage." He pauses. "Though I don't trust mages much either."

Nerwen smiles gently, sitting opposite Henry and sipping tea.

you are right, we are not the town watch. We are in R'kilf on other business, but I know some of the leaders here, having been in the party that removed the Mopag and Pongcanae and secured the agreement between the elves and the Shadeaux.

Clearly you are not personally responsible for the thefts, inter-house conflict is rarely that open. But you are here. Which suggests you have been cultivating agents here to weaken the Shadeaux control of the town.

I believe you when you say you had no knowledge of it until we asked, it is simplicity itself to act at arms remove. But information is power, I expect, being an individual with some power that you could easily find out who was responsible, if you do not know already.

As an act of good faith, I will give you the information you asked for. We came here, directed by the Shawes, yes. But none of us were so naive as to believe he was being completely honest with us regarding the matter. Hence our reluctance to fight, despite our breaking into your rooms.

So, what say you? Will you give us a name in return. The name of those responsible for the thefts?

"I was certain the Shawes were the ones who sent you here. They have played a trick much like this on me before, framing me for raiding warehouses. It is an underhanded tactic, stealing, and not something we would do. The Shadeaux are a house of trickery and deceit. The Hinckwells are not."

"As for my presence here - it is indeed prompted by the Shawes. I wish to know how they have seized control of a second city on Uland. It is a powerful move, I admit, and though the Hinckwells are on good terms with the Lion Knights we do not have the same influence on their fort and growing town that the Shawes have here. I despise the Shawes, but Isaac at least is an intelligent man, and learning from him would not hurt."

"As for the culprit, I genuinely have no idea. I had no knowledge of these robberies until moments ago, it seems unfair to expect me to know who is responsible." Nerwen's superior sense of truth - through her diplomacy - leads her to believe that Henry is telling the truth. "The Shawes are most likely framing us, as I said. Tell you what, if you clear the Hinckwell name with the people of R'Klif, I will be more than willing to mention your names to my brother, if you'd like that."

Russel scuttles up to Matthias.

"Are you angry with me, Matthias? I'm very sorry for picking the lock. It's just in my nature. But I shouldn't have been so gung ho. Please don't be angry at me, you're one of my only friends in the party!"

[Masked Builder]

"What other kind of problems do you guys have?"

[StickFig]

Matthias, having stumbled heavily downstairs, is glad that the party - and the Hinckwells - seem to have followed and put aside bloodshed, at least for the moment.

"Are you angry with me, Matthias? I'm very sorry for picking the lock. It's just in my nature. But I shouldn't have been so gung ho. Please don't be angry at me, you're one of my only friends in the party!"

The gnome's eyes twinkle just a little as the crab addresses him so apologetically. "I'm not angry with you, Master Russel," he says, "I'm just exhausted. The way we've been pushing the pace with no sleep, and all the fighting... it's just hard to keep up. I do hope Lady Purpearl's fight-first-questions-never attitude isn't rubbing off on you...."

"Tell you what, if you clear the Hinckwell name with the people of R'Klif, I will be more than willing to mention your names to my brother, if you'd like that."

Hearing the older man's comments to the ladies, Matthias decides to interject. "I don't know that it's wise for use to insert ourselves into anything right now, Master... I don't think I caught your name? In any case, I'm sure we wouldn't mind helping, but our party has other matters to attend to - pressing matters that will not get better with time."

Finally home - thanks all for your patience with me!

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen shrugs

I am happy to take your task, but for two issues. First, we are in town persuing the Armoured Reaper, a mercenary currently in the employ of Lord Chauncy. Shawe was going to guide us to her once we had sorted out the granary issue. I do not think he would be as accommodating if we assisted you also.

Secondly, where would we start in clearing your name? If you, who have been in town learning it's secrets do not have a lead and profess to have no clue, how would we fare?

[Purpearljellyblob]

"It's your attitude I take offense to, not the fact that you're a mage." He pauses. "Though I don't trust mages much either."

"It's the ones that kiss your boots and lick your shield that you should be wary of. I can't wear that helmet for you, hopefully it isn't too loose." Looking at what's going on. "Perhaps we should tell the Shawes that Hinckwells aren't the culprits, so we can be on our way. They can hire their own heroes if they really want to get to the bottom of this."

[Zepher]

"What other kind of problems do you guys have?"

"Boy, what is this, an interview? You part of the Eubric Herald? My brother has made friends with nearly everyone in the area save for the Pongcanis. They still resist a peaceful town."

The gnome's eyes twinkle just a little as the crab addresses him so apologetically. "I'm not angry with you, Master Russel," he says, "I'm just exhausted. The way we've been pushing the pace with no sleep, and all the fighting... it's just hard to keep up. I do hope Lady Purpearl's fight-first-questions-never attitude isn't rubbing off on you...."

"I will attack a door no questions asked, but not another living thing." Russel nods his head. "And I'm a little tired too, truth be told. But don't tell the others."

Hearing the older man's comments to the ladies, Matthias decides to interject. "I don't know that it's wise for use to insert ourselves into anything right now, Master... I don't think I caught your name? In any case, I'm sure we wouldn't mind helping, but our party has other matters to attend to - pressing matters that will not get better with time."

Nerwen shrugs

I am happy to take your task, but for two issues. First, we are in town persuing the Armoured Reaper, a mercenary currently in the employ of Lord Chauncy. Shawe was going to guide us to her once we had sorted out the granary issue. I do not think he would be as accommodating if we assisted you also.

Secondly, where would we start in clearing your name? If you, who have been in town learning it's secrets do not have a lead and profess to have no clue, how would we fare?

"If you sort out the granary issue, you will be clearing our name. Shawe has accused us of being involved - if you get to the bottom of who is responsible, surely you will have cleared our name as we are not responsible. My suggestion, of course, would be this: if the granary is being attacked every night, would it not be wise to simply stake it out? Perhaps the Shawes did not offer this chance because there are no attacks and they wished only to drive us out of town. Only offer to stake out the granary for the night - something they cannot say no to reasonably if they claim it is being stolen from - and you will have your culprit. And it will not be us, and you will have done us a favor. So, once again; if any of you wish to have good reputation, please, just let me know. If you are worried about angering Isaac, simply don't mention that I'll be mentioning your name."

"It's the ones that kiss your boots and lick your shield that you should be wary of. I can't wear that helmet for you, hopefully it isn't too loose." Looking at what's going on. "Perhaps we should tell the Shawes that Hinckwells aren't the culprits, so we can be on our way. They can hire their own heroes if they really want to get to the bottom of this."

"Ah, you're right, the ones who threaten you are never in the wrong," says Grady, rolling his eyes.

"Yes, please, you may be on your way."

[StickFig]

"And I'm a little tired too, truth be told. But don't tell the others."

"I think we all are, whether we say it or not," the gnome agrees.

"So, once again; if any of you wish to have good reputation, please, just let me know.... you may be on your way."

Matthias, anxious that the party be on its way, speaks up again. "I try to maintain good relationships with all parties, so you may mention the name Matthias to your kin, should we find a way to clear you," he says, "but now I do agree it's time we were on our way." With that, the ranger drags himself out of the inn, once again looking for Alexis and the Shawes and hoping that at some point the party will chose to find a place to rest.

[Masked Builder]

"Boy, what is this, an interview? You part of the Eubric Herald? My brother has made friends with nearly everyone in the area save for the Pongcanis. They still resist a peaceful town."

"Do you have any ideas on what I should be doing right now?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Ah, you're right, the ones who threaten you are never in the wrong," says Grady, rolling his eyes.

"Never say never, there are exceptions of course." Purpearl pulls and straightens her tunic a couple of times, making sure it is taut.

"Yes, please, you may be on your way."

"Seems to me that we're no longer needed here, I, Purpearl, will clear your name with the citizens of R'kilf. If you would put in a good word for everyone here as well, we should get going."

[Chromeknight]

Nodding politely in acceptance to the Hinkwells, Nerwen follows Lady Berthadhiell out.

Edited September 1, 2014 by Chromeknight

[Zepher]

OoC: Just because I'm afraid I'm not being clear, you have the possibility for Hinckwell Rep. This will not slow down or speed up the quest. Right now it seems Matthias and Purpearl have chosen the rep, and Chrome, you have declined.

"Do you have any ideas on what I should be doing right now?"

"You could have been talking to the Hinckwells and figuring out that granary issue, but what you should be doing, no, not a clue. Whatever that means."

At that moment the others march on back to the Shawes.

"Well? How'd it go? Get those bastards to sign a confession or something?"