Heroica RPG - Quest #104: Ace Assassin: Dual Dragoons

[KotZ]

"Sorry about that happening, I hoped it wouldn't have turned into a fight. I was hoping to lead him on and then cross him when we get back and use our skull companion here as a fake emperor head to trick him and then distract him to get enough Dastan guards in place. Either way this rebellious hairy creature is dead, and he won't be hurting his people or other others of Dastan any longer."

Kiray gave a small, slightly cold smile to Actaeon. She turned to Diana and flashed a warm, seemingly protective grin.

[Actaeon]

Kiray gave a small, slightly cold smile to Actaeon. She turned to Diana and flashed a warm, seemingly protective grin.

Well, I'm glad some people are closer because of this. "I understand. It was a good plan," Actaeon says trying not to sound sullen.

[Siercon and Coral]

Siercon gratefully accepts the

Robe of the Dastanian Pongcanis Champion

and gives Warlen both the

Spellbound Gloves and

Robe of the Magi

"Con-man is fine with me" Siercon said with a laugh. "But now I'll have to come up with something for you...humm"

He then continues over to Kiray and gives Kiray 16 gold. (leaving him with 60) "I think this is the least I can do to chip in, and I believe you made the right decision, though I'm sure we'll be wanting another one sometime soon."

Lastly, Siercon said. "We've lost some valuable time here. Though it was time well spent, we should hurry to the settlement and try to get some rest and weapons we will need for Dragoon control. Mallelio, I wouldn't tell you to go against your conscience in this matter, but if the party fails, or even more likely, along the way, more lives than two will likely be left in your healing hands." Still, it saddened Siercon greatly as he considered his amphibious friends in great pain.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Siercon and Coral

[KotZ]

Kiray accepts the 16 gold from Siercon and the 10 gold and Mediocre Pongcanis Brew from Actaeon, bringing her gold up to 31.

"That wasn't necessary Siercon, but thank you." Kiray gives a nod of the head to her friend. "I agree, we must hurry now to the settlement."

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Calmly, Actaeon responds to the loud mage, "Why are you shouting? I can hear you perfectly fine without it," good grief, one mistake and everybody hates you.

"I wasn't aware that the cloak didn't work for my class. Siercon, I'm willing to give the robe to you. However, it is worth 60 gold. I'm sure you understand that in the next loot division you probably won't get as much."

Actaeon divides the loot-

Kiray- Mediocre Pongcanis Brew- 10 gold

Warlen- (keeping Siercon's gifts should be plenty)

Siercon- Robe of the Dastanian Pongcanis Champion

Germ- 15 gold

Diana- (Already got 43 gold from the battle)

Actaeon- 20 gold

Actaeon speaks up after the division, "Well, now where do we go?"

"Sheesh. I just shouted to get your attention I didn't shout at you." says Warlen.

Ooc: if you look at my "shouting, you'll see I only shouted your name to get your attention, as you were talking to Dianna.

[Actaeon]

"Sheesh. I just shouted to get your attention I didn't shout at you." says Warlen.

Ooc: if you look at my "shouting, you'll see I only shouted your name to get your attention, as you were talking to Dianna.

OoC: Ah, I see. Sorry, it kind of fits your character, but I misread.

Actaeon decided it's best to just stay silent. He'd done enough.

[The Chosen Minifigure]

OoC: Ah, I see. Sorry, it kind of fits your character, but I misread.

Actaeon decided it's best to just stay silent. He'd done enough.

Ooc: Yeah, I does kind fit Warlen. So does this:

Warlen raised an eyebrow at Actaeton, but just continued his talk with Quarion.

[Flipz]

QM Note: All right, this should be correct, but don't hesitate to let me know like samuraiturtle did if something's not right!

The Party:

Actaeon Artus (Actaeon)

*Party Leader*

21 year old male human

Level 3 Ranger

Power:

6

Health:

8/8

Gold:

50

Equipment:

Bow (WP:3)

Inventory:

Smoke Bomb, Potion, Dragon Scale, Remedy, Bedroll, Scroll of

Frailty

Siercon (Siercon and Coral)

Male, Age and species unknown

Level 9 Mage

Power:

17

(9 levels + 8 WP)

(20 in Front Row)

Power Bonus:

+3 in Front Row

Defense:

3 in Back Row

Health:

13/13

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Ether:

4/13

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Gold:

60

Equipment:

Lullaby Wand (WP:8, deals

sleep

-effect; wand), Robe of the Dastanian Pongcanis Champion (Wearer gains Power +3 while on the front row or SP:3 while on the back row; bodywear, suitable for barbarians and mages)

Inventory:

*Sylvania's Cowl (Artifact, Head Wear, Animal Talk),

*Diamond (

Light

), Scroll of

Sleep

, Bedroll, Topaz (

Lightning

) (borrowed from Mallelio), Scroll of

Sealing

(borrowed from Mallelio)

*Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale,

The Demon Germ (Samurai Turtle)

??? years old ; Half Demon; Male

Level 3 Rogue

Power:

6

Defense:

0

Health:

9/9

Ether:

0

Gold

43

Equipment:

Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon)

Inventory:

Copper Dagger (WP:3; dagger), Venom, Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, Bedroll

Warlen Melimane

and

Quarion

the floating skull

(The Chosen Minifigure)

17 Year old Male Half-Elf

Level 3 Mage

Power:

6 (11 for spells)

Power Bonus:

+5 for spells

Health:

7/7

Ether:

2/7

Gold:

20

Equipment:

Gold-Coated bat staff (Wp:3), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells)

Inventory:

Potion, Amethyst (

Darkness

), Sapphire (

Wind

), bedroll, Robe of the Magi (SP:1),

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk),

A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something

*Immune to

Fire

*

*Secondary Party Leader*

24 year old female human

Level 6 Knight

Power:

9

Defense:

3

Health:

13/15

Gold:

31

Equipment:

Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Scutum Shield (SP:2; shield), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, immune to

Fire

; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged)

Diana N. Justus

(NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions)

17 years old female human Assassin

Level 3

Power:

6

Power Bonus:

+0

Defense:

0

Health:

11/14

Gold:

301

Equipment:

Ace Assassin's Crossbow (WP:3, crossbow), Belt of the Ace Assassin (Successful Assasination rolls on enemies immune to sudden death deal an extra Aim instead. Bodywear, Suitable for Assassins only.)

Inventory:

Potion x5, Mead x3, Smelling Salts x3, Nostrum x3, Remedy, Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors)

Mallelio

(NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions)

Level 18 Sage

Power: 19

Health: 30/33

Ether: 4/25

Gold: 15

Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff),

Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2

I think you better come. Especially if every one keeps whining during a fight.

Thinking to myself, Maybe next time I will just join the other side. Then I check the dead for anything the others might have missed, thinking: They should have more for "fighters" than what they dropped. Then stating: Have you figured out who is getting what "leader".

OoC: Flipz, you did to me again with my power.

Germ finds nothing of real value besides clumps of blood-matted fur--it seemed that Diana's explosive ordinance had shattered even their bones beyond usability. He does find a larger-than-average Pongcanis tooth that he could perhaps take as a trophy if he so wished.

Kiray gave a small, slightly cold smile to Actaeon. She turned to Diana and flashed a warm, seemingly protective grin.

"Con-man is fine with me" Siercon said with a laugh. "But now I'll have to come up with something for you...humm"

Diana smiles back, slightly, though the look in her eyes remains. At Siercon's remark, she actually studies Warlen for a moment.

"Hmm...maybe 'War-lord'? I don't know, I kinda suck at nicknames."

Actaeon speaks up after the division, "Well, now where do we go?"

He then continues over to Kiray and gives Kiray 16 gold. (leaving him with 60) "I think this is the least I can do to chip in, and I believe you made the right decision, though I'm sure we'll be wanting another one sometime soon."

Lastly, Siercon said. "We've lost some valuable time here. Though it was time well spent, we should hurry to the settlement and try to get some rest and weapons we will need for Dragoon control. Mallelio, I wouldn't tell you to go against your conscience in this matter, but if the party fails, or even more likely, along the way, more lives than two will likely be left in your healing hands." Still, it saddened Siercon greatly as he considered his amphibious friends in great pain.

Kiray accepts the 16 gold from Siercon and the 10 gold and Mediocre Pongcanis Brew from Actaeon, bringing her gold up to 31.

"That wasn't necessary Siercon, but thank you." Kiray gives a nod of the head to her friend. "I agree, we must hurry now to the settlement."

"All right. I will guide the way."

Just then, a guard rushes from the Palace towards them carrying a mass of brown cloth.

"Cleric Mallelio! I am pleased I caught you before you left. U'Voros wished you to have this."

Mallelio unfolds the cloth to reveal U'Voros' Secondhand Cloak of Deception, which he fastens gratefully over his shoulders.

"Thank him for me, please, Markus."

"Of course. I was also given a message for a Mr....Siercon from Princess Ella." The guard hands Siercon a small envelope bearing the Septrine seal. "I believe that was all. We will handle things here, Cleric Mallelio. Good luck!"

"Thank you, Markus."

Mallelio leads the party out of the city. Though they traveled quickly, the half-day journey in the hot sun was still exhausting, and by the time they reached the foot of the mountain only the last rays of light from the setting sun remained.

"Now we must climb," Mallelio informs them. "I apologize for not getting us here sooner, but I am afraid I can do nothing to halt the passage of time. Dastan is a vast and old land. We are stronger for having to face its challenges."

They begin to climb, though unlike the first group of Heroes who had traveled there, the party now has a rough, if still treacherous, path to follow. Mallelio happens to look back at Diana.

"I must admit...it is strange, trusting my life to an Assassin--one who specializes in explosives, nonetheless--when not so long ago they were trying to kill me. There was a bomber by the name of XX, I wonder--"

"He's not my dad, if that's what you're wondering. Dad did sell him a little pea-shooter just before we left, though. Apparently XX is working with Heroica these days."

Mallelio seems incredulous, but doesn't press the matter further.

"I've noticed you speak much of your parents. Are they--"

"I don't want to talk about them." Diana bites her lip, then looks pointedly away from the Sage.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."

Silence reigns once again as the Heroes continue on their way to the Rito Settlement.

QM Note: Talk amongst yourselves for a bit! I'll move things forward to the Rito Settlement and your much-needed rest shortly.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Flipz

[KotZ]

Kiray began to eavesdrop on Mallelio's and Diana's conversation. Once the sage fell silent, Kiray eased her way up to Diana. "You did good work back there, thanks for taking those Pongcanis out. I, uh, noticed some stuff back there though. You didn't seem too happy to kill them. I think you and I should talk about it, and if not now, at least when we make camp. Alright?"

[samurai-turtle]

@ Warlen - Are you going to give everyone a stupid nick name?

@ Siercon - What was in the note one of the princess "prophecies"? And, if I was going to give you a stupid nick name it would be "ghost man", I think.

@Kiray - I am bored. So, do you got a story like the other around here?

@Flipz - I though you just did not like me.

Edited August 1, 2014 by samuraiturtle

[Actaeon]

Actaeon walks alone for a while. He doubted he could say anything without getting a glare. Why does it feel like that was the biggest mistake I've ever made? All I did was shout at some girls and get myself knocked out. We won the battle anyways. Why does it seem like my skills in the first battle where I managed two triple shots and two normal hits didn't even happen. Not to mention the fact that I strategized very well and led us to victory. Why is that suddenly forgotten?

He watches as the others begin to converse. I guess people forget the good you've done when you screw up.

His thoughts wandered to the scenery until he realized something. The only thing that will help this situation is by proving that I am still who I was before the commotion. I just don't know what to say to anyone. Maybe they'll approach me, he thought hopeful.

[Flipz]

Kiray began to eavesdrop on Mallelio's and Diana's conversation. Once the sage fell silent, Kiray eased her way up to Diana. "You did good work back there, thanks for taking those Pongcanis out. I, uh, noticed some stuff back there though. You didn't seem too happy to kill them. I think you and I should talk about it, and if not now, at least when we make camp. Alright?"

"I'm fine." Diana pauses. Even she knew no one would be fooled by that lie. She sighs. "All right, I'm not. The thing is..." Diana runs her hand across her crossbow again. "That shouldn't have bothered me. I mean, I'm an Assassin. I kill stuff. Hell, I've killed people--well, at least, they're dead because of my actions. It's never really bugged me. But that...those Pongcanae. It was like...killing family. Like it was 'Tan or something, even though I know she's somewhere else. This was the first time it felt like...well, murder." Diana abruptly lifts her fingers from her weapon. "They were right, you know. I mean, Tarban was a jerk and all, but he had the right idea: when your people are oppressed, you do something about it. That's what Dad believes, anyway--and I believe it, too. Even before I...left Mom." Diana looks at the rising moon, as if reliving a memory.

[KotZ]

"I'm fine." Diana pauses. Even she knew no one would be fooled by that lie. She sighs. "All right, I'm not. The thing is..." Diana runs her hand across her crossbow again. "That shouldn't have bothered me. I mean, I'm an Assassin. I kill stuff. Hell, I've killed people--well, at least, they're dead because of my actions. It's never really bugged me. But that...those Pongcanae. It was like...killing family. Like it was 'Tan or something, even though I know she's somewhere else. This was the first time it felt like...well, murder." Diana abruptly lifts her fingers from her weapon. "They were right, you know. I mean, Tarban was a jerk and all, but he had the right idea: when your people are oppressed, you do something about it. That's what Dad believes, anyway--and I believe it, too. Even before I...left Mom." Diana looks at the rising moon, as if reliving a memory.

"I don't disagree with that, about Tarban maybe having the right idea. Did he do it correctly? I'm not sure I can say, I've killed people too. Were you raised by people similar to Tarban? Pongcanae? Want to talk about your mom? I could tell you a little about mine if you want, make it easier for you to tell your story."

[Flipz]

"I don't disagree with that, about Tarban maybe having the right idea. Did he do it correctly? I'm not sure I can say, I've killed people too. Were you raised by people similar to Tarban? Pongcanae? Want to talk about your mom? I could tell you a little about mine if you want, make it easier for you to tell your story."

"I'd like that."

[KotZ]

"She was a pretty woman, dark black hair and green eyes. They looked like the color of the dragon scales we saw. She was much taller than me, though." Kiray cast her eyes down. "I was the result of an... unhappy... at least that's putting it lightly, marriage. I never knew my father, and my mother never spoke of him. Luckily we were from a small town where everyone knew everyone, and everyone helped everyone. My mother worked hard to give me as close to a normal life as possible. She didn't yell often. She always said there was too much pain in the world for her to yell; she didn't want to add to it." Kiray's eyes began to water. "She died maybe two years ago. I was out getting food that morning. The sun was really bright, children were laughing, the smith's boy helped me carry the basket full of fruit home. I walked in my doorway, and saw my mother... dead. Just laying there on the floor. Blood was coming from her body. First I thought she had committed suicide. I looked closer and saw her throat had been slit and bones had been crushed. By what or who, I don't know. I didn't even talk to her that day, the last I saw her was the night before."

Kiray swiped at a falling tear. "I do remember a happy time with her, when I was much younger. She and I went to the apple trees just outside of town. We picked apples and played by the stream and found two small rabbits, a mother and daughter. Just like us. We took them home with us actually. Fig and Dig were their names."

[The Chosen Minifigure]

"Yes, Germ, everyone gets a Nickname.

Hmmmm...

Con-Man, Q, Act... Hair DyeAna, ThreeHay, And The demon learn.

Hah."

Noticing Actaeton by himself, Quarion leaves Warlen to talk to Germ and goes to talk to Actaeton.

"Hey. You okay? You seem kinda down."

[Siercon and Coral]

"Of course. I was also given a message for a Mr....Siercon from Princess Ella." The guard hands Siercon a small envelope bearing the Septrine seal. "I believe that was all. We will handle things here, Cleric Mallelio. Good luck!"

"Thank you kindly Sir. Please thank Princess Ella, and let her know that I will read it soon." Siercon then tucked the envelope away, assuming that they might set camp or find a more relaxed moment. He honestly wondered what was in the message but did not think in the present mood, with blood and tension hanging in the air was the best time.

@ Siercon - What was in the note one of the princess "prophecies"? And, if I was going to give you a stupid nick name it would be "ghost man", I think.

@Flipz - I though you just did not like me.

Siercon replied to Germ "Huh, yeah perhaps, that could be helpful! I honestly hadn't gotten that far yet, I'll probably read it tonight once we have a bit of time to relax."

OoC Haha, yeah I've found that there is FAR more rolling of dice than one might think, in games like these and D&D... So usually the Mod doesn't hate anyone, just laughs at you along with fate and chance ;D

"Yes, Germ, everyone gets a Nickname.

Hmmmm...

Con-Man, Q, Act... Hair DyeAna, ThreeHay, And The demon learn.

Hah."

Noticing Actaeton by himself, Quarion leaves Warlen to talk to Germ and goes to talk to Actaeton.

"Hey. You okay? You seem kinda down."

"You'll just want to be careful" Siercon said with a chuckle... "Those who give out nicknames too much, often have a hard time getting many of theirs to stick. And then they've usually made enough people desirous of playful nickname revenge that they in return get a terribly stupid one that does stick.... " With this he trailed off with a comical but low 'mwahaha'

[The Chosen Minifigure]

"You'll just want to be careful" Siercon said with a chuckle... "Those who give out nicknames too much, often have a hard time getting many of theirs to stick. And then they've usually made enough people desirous of playful nickname revenge that they in return get a terribly stupid one that does stick.... " With this he trailed off with a comical but low 'mwahaha'

"What, like... say... Floor-Len? Actually, I thought of some pretty mean ones, but I'm not a mean guy..."

He glanced at Quarion, remembering his recent "Deep freeze.

"...Usually."

[samurai-turtle]

"Thank you kindly Sir. Please thank Princess Ella, and let her know that I will read it soon." Siercon then tucked the envelope away, assuming that they might set camp or find a more relaxed moment. He honestly wondered what was in the message but did not think in the present mood, with blood and tension hanging in the air was the best time.

Siercon replied to Germ "Huh, yeah perhaps, that could be helpful! I honestly hadn't gotten that far yet, I'll probably read it tonight once we have a bit of time to relax."

OoC Haha, yeah I've found that there is FAR more rolling of dice than one might think, in games like these and D&D... So usually the Mod doesn't hate anyone, just laughs at you along with fate and chance ;D

"You'll just want to be careful" Siercon said with a chuckle... "Those who give out nicknames too much, often have a hard time getting many of theirs to stick. And then they've usually made enough people desirous of playful nickname revenge that they in return get a terribly stupid one that does stick.... " With this he trailed off with a comical but low 'mwahaha'

OK, I thought you already read the note. No need to tell me what is in it. And, a nick name for Warlen could be "skull head", adding to that part of the conversation.

OoC: I was referring to my stats Flipz forgot to change twice in a row. I was just being silly at the time.

"Yes, Germ, everyone gets a Nickname.

Hmmmm...

Con-Man, Q, Act... Hair DyeAna, ThreeHay, And The demon learn.

Hah."

Noticing Actaeton by himself, Quarion leaves Warlen to talk to Germ and goes to talk to Actaeton.

"Hey. You okay? You seem kinda down."

What? No, The Epic Legendary Vile Demon Germ.

[Flipz]

"She was a pretty woman, dark black hair and green eyes. They looked like the color of the dragon scales we saw. She was much taller than me, though." Kiray cast her eyes down. "I was the result of an... unhappy... at least that's putting it lightly, marriage. I never knew my father, and my mother never spoke of him. Luckily we were from a small town where everyone knew everyone, and everyone helped everyone. My mother worked hard to give me as close to a normal life as possible. She didn't yell often. She always said there was too much pain in the world for her to yell; she didn't want to add to it." Kiray's eyes began to water. "She died maybe two years ago. I was out getting food that morning. The sun was really bright, children were laughing, the smith's boy helped me carry the basket full of fruit home. I walked in my doorway, and saw my mother... dead. Just laying there on the floor. Blood was coming from her body. First I thought she had committed suicide. I looked closer and saw her throat had been slit and bones had been crushed. By what or who, I don't know. I didn't even talk to her that day, the last I saw her was the night before."

Kiray swiped at a falling tear. "I do remember a happy time with her, when I was much younger. She and I went to the apple trees just outside of town. We picked apples and played by the stream and found two small rabbits, a mother and daughter. Just like us. We took them home with us actually. Fig and Dig were their names."

"Jeez, that's rough, I'm sorry. Hope it wasn't Dad's work--doesn't sound like it, though, not his style."

"You're not too far off from me, actually--I left my mother behind two years ago, too. For us, though, it was a...less than perfect relationship." Diana looks away guiltily. "Let's just say she and Dad split up for good reason, and I'm more my father's daughter." The teenaged Assassin rolls her eyes. "Not that she didn't know that--I'm pretty sure she took me just to spite Dad. Anyway, on my fourteenth birthday, 'Tan and Nic--he was another old friend of Dad's--showed up and told me Dad wanted me back with him in Eubric. They left me a couple gifts on behalf of my father--this crossbow was what Tan brought me then, actually. I...wasn't ready to...leave...then, but a couple years of constant yelling later and I'd had enough. When I found out 'Tan was back in town, I got in touch and she helped me skip town. She taught me to track, to shoot, to forage...in the six months it took us to get back to Eubric and contact Dad, that druidic Pongcanis was a better mom to me than my real mother had been for sixteen years. You can see why it's hard for me to shoot them."

Diana looks awkwardly around in silence for a bit, unsure of what to say.

"You know," she adds suddenly, "I could ask around town when we get back. You know, about your mother. If you want. There's a surprising number of us based in Eubric, you know, maybe you and I could Track Down some answers." Diana shrugs awkwardly, for a moment more like the teenaged girl she could have been rather than the hardened Assassin she is.

What? No, The Epic Legendary Vile Demon Germ.

Diana throws Germ a look.

"What, you planning to suck out our souls while we're sleeping or something? I'm pretty sure we all could take you in a fight if that's the case."

Mallelio seems uncomfortable, even alarmed at the direction the discussion seems headed.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Flipz

[The Chosen Minifigure]

OK, I thought you already read the note. No need to tell me what is in it. And, a nick name for Warlen could be "skull head", adding to that part of the conversation.

OoC: I was referring to my stats Flipz forgot to change twice in a row. I was just being silly at the time.

What? No, The Epic Legendary Vile Demon Germ.

"Nope, Fleaman Worm."

ooc: Warlen is the half elf. Quarion is the skull.

[samurai-turtle]

Diana throws Germ a look.

"What, you planning to suck out our souls while we're sleeping or something? I'm pretty sure we all could take you in a fight if that's the case."

Mallelio seems uncomfortable, even alarmed at the direction the discussion seems headed.

That is a pain in the rear to do. If I want your souls I would take them after your are dead. Then adding: Don't worry I am not that desperate to do something so dumb.

"Nope, Fleaman Worm."

ooc: Warlen is the half elf. Quarion is the skull.

OK, Warped Skull. Then asking: Quarion is your pet, right? Or, are you his pet?

[KotZ]

"Jeez, that's rough, I'm sorry. Hope it wasn't Dad's work--doesn't sound like it, though, not his style."

"You're not too far off from me, actually--I left my mother behind two years ago, too. For us, though, it was a...less than perfect relationship." Diana looks away guiltily. "Let's just say she and Dad split up for good reason, and I'm more my father's daughter." The teenaged Assassin rolls her eyes. "Not that she didn't know that--I'm pretty sure she took me just to spite Dad. Anyway, on my fourteenth birthday, 'Tan and Nic--he was another old friend of Dad's--showed up and told me Dad wanted me back with him in Eubric. They left me a couple gifts on behalf of my father--this crossbow was what Tan brought me then, actually. I...wasn't ready to...leave...then, but a couple years of constant yelling later and I'd had enough. When I found out 'Tan was back in town, I got in touch and she helped me skip town. She taught me to track, to shoot, to forage...in the six months it took us to get back to Eubric and contact Dad, that druidic Pongcanis was a better mom to me than my real mother had been for sixteen years. You can see why it's hard for me to shoot them."

"I'm sorry that we had to fight those Pongcanae, especially since you were close with some."

"You know," she adds suddenly, "I could ask around town when we get back. You know, about your mother. If you want. There's a surprising number of us based in Eubric, you know, maybe you and I could Track Down some answers." Diana shrugs awkwardly, for a moment more like the teenaged girl she could have been rather than the hardened Assassin she is.

"You could?" Kiray's eyes lit up. "I'd love that, as much as it would hurt, you know? I don't know if I could ever repay you, but I'd love to come with you."

[The Chosen Minifigure]

That is a pain in the rear to do. If I want your souls I would take them after your are dead. Then adding: Don't worry I am not that desperate to do something so dumb.

OK, Warped Skull. Then asking: Quarion is your pet, right? Or, are you his pet?

"Pet?!! Pet!!!!!!! I am not his pet! We are partners in crime, the two musketeers, amigos, but I am not his PET!"

"Calm down Q. I understand your annoyance, but explain to the Fleaman Worm our... origin story."

"Ok, ok. Let's do this.

Long ago, and by long I mean 3 years ago, Warlen was still living with his kind, and I was still... living.

I was a rouge, who had come to the kingdom of the elves to help them defeat a dragon, by the name of Nebulae.

I was bored for the first few days, so I wandered the forest, and it was by the river Darguill that I met Warlen Melimane.

He was practicing his forest Magic, and we soon became friends.

On the day when I was deemed to fight Nebulae, the great dragon burned me with dark flame from the pits of hell, scarring me and setting in motion events that no Elven cleric could heal without corrupting themselves.

And so up came Warlen, a young Elven mage back then, and he cast a spell that meant I would live... with both reward and price.

The reward? I was alive, and without my body, my mind could think freely, therefore allowing me to be amazingly intelligent.

The Price? I was reduced to a floating, flaming head, and stripped of my Rougish powers.

But Warlen paid a far worse price.

The darkness corrupted him and his staff, so that now he is a practitioner of dark Magyk, against his will.

Ever since, him and I have traveled the land, looking for a cure to my bodylessness, and the corruption of his soul. "

"And... cut", Joked Warlen.

"And for confirmation, I AM NOT A PET!!!"

[Actaeon]

"My parents were both alive when I left," Actaeon finds himself saying, thought he's barely aware of the words coming out of his mouth, "My father is probably dead by now," he says, as if it is the first time he himself realized it. "Terminal disease. Some doctors figured it out when I was young. I barely remember it. It never stopped dad from doing the things he wanted to and needed to do. He was the best dad I could ever ask for. He spent his last years planning and working 16 or more hours a day. We owned an inn, though business wasn't common in our town." Actaeon pauses.

"He figured out exactly how much money it would cost my mother to survive after his death. He also calculated how much getting started at Heroica would cost. Travel, weapons, food- all of the stuff I would need. He spent over a decade working to save up for my mother and the rest of the time he spent getting the money for me to get started. I had always wanted to join Heroica. Ever since... well... a long time ago."

Actaeon's face turns darker as he continues to speak, "My mother never liked me. I never understood what I did to her, but I never remember her saying anything kind to me. Ever. She never approved of me or my dreams to become a hero. She didn't think I could do it. I never understood why my father loved her. Yet he did. A few months after my father finally got enough money for my mother to live without him and for me to leave for Heroica, we got some bad news. He had just a few days, hours even, to live. Immediately he told me to leave for Heroica. He didn't want to die unless he knew I was gone and living my dreams."

Actaeon takes a deep breath. Now fully aware of his words, "He planned everything out. Everything. You can't even imagine how many details he worked out for my mother and I to live our lives. I guess... I guess I inherited that mentality. I try to find all the little details and put them together like a perfect puzzle," he pauses looking at Diana and Kiray, "I guess that's why I exploded. The pieces didn't quite align the way I wanted to."