On 8/4/2014 at 9:53 AM, samuraiturtle said:

Then another thought come in his mind. Were the Dragons were the one talking to him? Then Telling Actaeon: I hope you can talk to Dragons. We might be able to get them to help us.

Actaeon considers it for a moment. "Yeah, actually, I should be able to. I didn't even think of that. Good idea, Germ."

  On 8/4/2014 at 8:42 AM, The Chosen Minifigure said:

Ooc: Do I have some immunity against darkness due to having a gem?

"Wow," says Warlen. "That's interesting..."

QM Note: No. You could imbue your Amethyst into an Artifact at the Eubric Marketplace for 50 gold to grant an immunity to Darkness, but then you would not be able to cast spells through it. That service is not offered here, however.

On a similar note (that I meant to mention earlier, sorry ), Artifacts that provide immunity to an element may have the respective elemental gem taken out of them at the Marketplace for 50 gold. Something to keep in mind.

  On 8/4/2014 at 12:23 PM, KingoftheZempk said:

Kiray accepts Siercon's offer if still valid. "I'll repay when I can," Kiray said.

"Also, I am not a fan of this letter we have received," the knight began. "If it is her handwriting, could she possibly be under duress and it's a way she's trying to communicate with us?"

QM Note: By the power of retcon...Shazam! Fixed.

"I don't get it. Why would someone make her write us a letter? And for that matter, why was a letter for all of us addressed to Siercon, anyway? Wouldn't it have made more sense to send a message to our Party Leader instead?"

"I'll admit, the message is rather wordy for something from Ella, but I'm almost certain it's her handwriting--I ought to know, I taught it to her. If it's a forgery, it is a very good one." Mallelio glances back toward the trail that had brought them to the Rito settlement. "I worry for the princess. Part of me wonders if we should not be back in Drakencourt to defend her, but she has Tarn--he would not allow her to be endangered while he still lives. We cannot forget our mission here, however--we must move quickly if we hope to mount a defense of Domus."

Just then, Denerii arrives, the scent of smoke growing stronger as she enters the hut.

"Heroes! We must fly! To arms!"

Startled, the party hastily gathers their belongings and rushes to follow Denerii through the crags and passes of the mountains. After about half an hour of walking, they pass through a darkened cave, and upon their emergence they discover, to their horror, the source of the smoke.

Domus...destroyed.

It is another hour and a half before they can reach the plains, and more time stretches on before they reach the ruined city. Hundreds of sobbing refugees mass around a group of tents hastily-erected a short distance away from the city. One tent, marked with black-and-green livery, seems to be being used as an impromptu medical facility, and several dozen sheet-covered forms lie unmoving behind it, a somber reminder of the toll the Dastanian people have paid this day.

Mallelio leads the group to a somewhat-smaller tent bearing the same green-and-black stripes as the medical tent, but before they can go inside, an axe-wielding U'kin female bursts out to confront them.

"Where were you?!" She demands.

How will the party respond?

OoC: Would my shield's SP have gone up as well since Siercon said I could do that since I had my full 31 gold or did I miss that?

Kiray covered her nose at the stench of smoke and watched the refugees. She looked to Actaeon when the U'Kin approached, seeing what he had to say.

  On 8/4/2014 at 7:00 PM, KingoftheZempk said:

OoC: Would my shield's SP have gone up as well since Siercon said I could do that since I had my full 31 gold or did I miss that?

QM Note: I edited your stats in the previous listing; your shield is now SP:3, bringing your total defense up to 4.

  On 8/4/2014 at 6:17 PM, Flipz said:

"I don't get it. Why would someone make her write us a letter? And for that matter, why was a letter for all of us addressed to Siercon, anyway? Wouldn't it have made more sense to send a message to our Party Leader instead?"

Siercon replied, "No clue, it doesn't seem to be manipulating us to do anything. but I suppose that is just from a superficial reading... And I suppose he was knocked out for a bit?" Siercon chuckles for a second, but then holds it up to the light and ponders.

  On 8/4/2014 at 6:17 PM, Flipz said:

"I'll admit, the message is rather wordy for something from Ella, but I'm almost certain it's her handwriting--I ought to know, I taught it to her. If it's a forgery, it is a very good one." Mallelio glances back toward the trail that had brought them to the Rito settlement. "I worry for the princess. Part of me wonders if we should not be back in Drakencourt to defend her, but she has Tarn--he would not allow her to be endangered while he still lives. We cannot forget our mission here, however--we must move quickly if we hope to mount a defense of Domus."

"Mallelio, maybe you might see something? Want to help me inspect this again?" Siercon figured if there was anyone who could help dissect such a generic message it would be him.

Siercon pulls Mallelio aside in hopes to gain some insight.

......

  On 8/4/2014 at 6:17 PM, Flipz said:

"Where were you?!" She demands.

How will the party respond?

Siercon steps forward with a slight bow and a respectful nod. "Lady U'Daras, we were delayed by an assassination attempt on the Emperor at the hands of Tarban. This unfolded directly in our path as we were on our way rushing to this city. I believe this and the injuries sustained have delayed us the most. Is there anything we can do to help, or are they perhaps close enough to pursue?"

Edited August 4, 201410 yr by Siercon and Coral

OoC: Dangit Siercon, I didn't have time to respond :P

Actaeon steps next to his companion, "We're here to provide assistance. Whether that means helping clean up or killing the monsters that did this," he says, determination once again apparent in his voice.

Edited August 4, 201410 yr by Actaeon

  On 8/4/2014 at 9:56 PM, Actaeon said:

OoC: Dangit Siercon, I didn't have time to respond :P

Actaeon steps next to his companion, "We're here to provide assistance. Whether that means helping clean up or killing the monsters that did this," he says, determination once again apparent in his voice.

Turning to U'Daras, Siercon says: "This is Actaeon, our party leader. I spoke first only out of urgency." Siercon stepped back and gave an open hand gesture to Actaeon.

The then walked to Germ and asked. "What exactly happened when you were at the training grounds?" He continued. "I assumed we would be facing lightning and dark magic... I simply forgot I could remove the gem, If I had purchased the Unicorn horn , as it was somewhat weak and helmet defense can hardly ever be increased."

Edited August 4, 201410 yr by Siercon and Coral

  On 8/4/2014 at 10:08 PM, Siercon and Coral said:

Turning to U'Daras, Siercon says: "This is Actaeon, our party leader. I spoke first only out of urgency." Siercon stepped back and gave an open hand gesture to Actaeon.

Actaeon nods to Siercon then turns back to the conversation.

  On 8/4/2014 at 10:08 PM, Siercon and Coral said:

The then walked to Germ and asked. "What exactly happened when you were at the training grounds?" He continued. "I assumed we would be facing lightning and dark magic... I simply forgot I could remove the gem, If I had purchased the Unicorn horn , as it was somewhat weak and helmet defense can hardly ever be increased."

I saw the two Dragoons fighting each other. I guess it was a "dream" I was sleeping at the time, but I might of started reading the Dragons minds. Don't ask me why, the Dragons might of started it. And for the Lighting and Dark Magic, if either one of the Dragoons attack us, we could be facing those attacks.

I guess we should help clean up. Then I start looking for "anyone" or "anything else helpful".

Kiray nodded at Germ's idea of helping to clean up. She helps search as well.

Ooc: I would help search, but it's confusing chronologically to search while I'm in conversation

Warlen gets Quaruon to use his amazing sight to help Germ and Kiray search, and horas over to assist Actaeton and Sirecon with their talking.

Edited August 5, 201410 yr by The Chosen Minifigure

Inserted at some convenient point during the chaotic scene... Siercon notices Kiray's armor, and is reminded that it is pretty cool.

Flameproof Armor - (SP:1, immune to Fire; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Was bored and made a picture for your armor, if you so desire. It was already lying around the house from this moc :)

Edited August 6, 201410 yr by Siercon and Coral

QM Note: Sorry about the lack of specific quotes, the editor randomly decided to start eating the previous quote as I hit the button for the next quote, so for now I can only include the one quote.

Some of the party searches what little of the city is accessible from their position, but they see nothing but fire and rubble. When they attempt to leave, U'Daras puts herself in their path, her glare still demanding an expectation.

  On 8/4/2014 at 7:56 PM, Siercon and Coral said:

"Mallelio, maybe you might see something? Want to help me inspect this again?" Siercon figured if there was anyone who could help dissect such a generic message it would be him.

Siercon pulls Mallelio aside in hopes to gain some insight.

......

Siercon steps forward with a slight bow and a respectful nod. "Lady U'Daras, we were delayed by an assassination attempt on the Emperor at the hands of Tarban. This unfolded directly in our path as we were on our way rushing to this city. I believe this and the injuries sustained have delayed us the most. Is there anything we can do to help, or are they perhaps close enough to pursue?"

After he says his piece, Siercon and Mallelio step away from the group, passing out of sight around the edge of the still-burning city. U'Daras makes a move to stop them, then realizes she would have to leave the rest of the Heroes be. She huffs indignantly.

"You Heroes overestimate your importance as usual you think too much of yourselves. I do not imagine an assassination attempt would be more than the palace guards could have handled, I do not imagine. Moreover, you have unwittingly robbed the U'kin among our troops of the opportunity to protect the Emperor, unwittingly. You will not always be here to protect us, so our troops must be prepared to defend us since you Heroes will not always be here."

U'Daras' tone and expression soften. She turns away as if to return inside the tent, but stops, and comes back out to the Heroes.

"I know you mean well, Heroes, I know, but as advisor and named successor to Emperor Phyllius I must think of the long-term future of Dastan, for I am both named successor to Emperor Phyllius and his advisor. I advise you to do the same as me is my advice to you; you were not present to aid Emperor Phyllius, so he very nearly died because you were not here to aid the Emperor. You cannot afford to make that mistake in the future, such a mistake cannot be afforded."

"Blame not them alone!" U'Daras appears startled by the Denerii's outburst, and the Rito looks to the ground in shame. "I, too, am at fault. I longed to adventure with them once more. Knowing this, my mate Flavius invited them to roost at our people's nest for the night. Even then, we might have flown swiftly to your aid, but in my joy to see Heroes, I forgot the urgency of our hunt, and allowed them rest for the eve. But we will not fail again, for we are Rito! We have lived in the high mountains of this land for ages before humans came grubbing along! We revere the Dragons these humans have turned toward evil, and we will free them from their riders' lies!" Denerii searches her companions' faces, seeking a passion in their eyes that would match that which burned in her own.

Denerii has joined the party!

U'Daras opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. She sighs.

"I hope the aid of the Rito will be worth it, I hope." The U'kin does not seem confident in Denerii, but there is trust in her gaze as she surveys the Heroes. "We truly need your aid now, Heroes, now you are needed. Before you begin your pursuit you should ask the Emperor for information on what he encountered, you should seek out Emperor Phyllius before you depart. He is at the front gates to the city is where he is at."

Will the party say anything else to U'Daras?

QM Note: Rather than listing the whole party, I'll just give you Denerii's stats here and add them to the next party listing.

Reveal hidden contents

Denerii

(NPC, takes suggestions/controlled by QM) *currently listens to Germ*

30-year-old Rito female

Level 18 Winged Warrior

Power:

26 (23 ranged)

Power Bonus:

0

HP:

24/24

SP:

1

Equipment:

Handmade Bow (WP:5), Leather Armor (SP:1, bodywear, suitable for barbarians, knights, rogues, rangers, minstrels, cannoneers, dragoons, beast warriors, skirmishers, harlots, inflitrators, regulators and winged warriors.)

Inventory:

Stone Longsword (WP:8), Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, 2x Rito Feather

Edited August 6, 201410 yr by Flipz

Actaeon is a bit startled by her reaction. Not from the anger, but from the lack of it near the end of the conversation. "Thank you," he says, sincerely.

OoC: So yeah, I'm ready to move on when everyone else is.

  On 8/4/2014 at 6:17 PM, Flipz said:

QM Note: No. You could imbue your Amethyst into an Artifact at the Eubric Marketplace for 50 gold to grant an immunity to Darkness, but then you would not be able to cast spells through it. That service is not offered here, however.

On a similar note (that I meant to mention earlier, sorry ), Artifacts that provide immunity to an element may have the respective elemental gem taken out of them at the Marketplace for 50 gold. Something to keep in mind.

OoC; I got two questions about that. I am going to use my Shadow Cloak for an example. 1) If I put another "Dark Gem" in it would I absorb Dark Attacks? 2) If I yanked out the "Dark Gem" from my cloak would I have a "Cloak" & "Gem" or just the "Gem"?

  On 8/6/2014 at 1:27 AM, Flipz said:

"You Heroes overestimate your importance as usual you think too much of yourselves. I do not imagine an assassination attempt would be more than the palace guards could have handled, I do not imagine. Moreover, you have unwittingly robbed the U'kin among our troops of the opportunity to protect the Emperor, unwittingly. You will not always be here to protect us, so our troops must be prepared to defend us since you Heroes will not always be here."

Will the party say anything else to U'Daras?

First off we were ambushed and had to fight the "hairy guy" off. Not like I wanted to fight him.

And now to the Dragoons, you would not have an idea where they might be at this time?

I guess now we should talk to the Emperor.

  On 8/6/2014 at 11:56 AM, samuraiturtle said:

OoC; I got two questions about that. I am going to use my Shadow Cloak for an example. 1) If I put another "Dark Gem" in it would I absorb Dark Attacks? 2) If I yanked out the "Dark Gem" from my cloak would I have a "Cloak" & "Gem" or just the "Gem"?

First off we were ambushed and had to fight the "hairy guy" off. Not like I wanted to fight him.

And now to the Dragoons, you would not have an idea where they might be at this time?

I guess now we should talk to the Emperor.

QM Note: As it currently stands, your Shadow Cloak already absorbs all Darkness-elemental damage (so, for example, if Warlen became Confused and cast a Darkness spell at you, you would take no damage because the cloak would absorb it); putting a second Amethyst in it would not be possible. If you pulled out the Amethyst, you would still also have an SP:1 cloak, it just wouldn't protect you from Darkness-elemental attacks anymore.

"Emperor Phyllius will know where the Dragoons have gone only the Emperor knows."

QM Note: I'll move you on in a few minutes.

Edited August 6, 201410 yr by Flipz

The party says goodbye to the future Empress of Dastan, leaving her to her healing duties. They follow Mallelio and Siercon's footprints, which eventually bring them around to the front gates of the city. There they spot two familiar figures--Siercon and Mallelio--conversing with the Emperor. For the first time they get a sense of just how much destruction had been wrought.

"--much as I can to make sure the people here recover before I'm forced to go back--assuming U'Daras doesn't tie me up and ship me back 'for my own good', of course. Very protective, that one."

Emperor Phyllius notices the party approach.

"Well! I guess this is the rest of your party? Welcome to Domus...or what's left of it. We'll be a long time rebuilding, that's for sure."

How will the party respond?

Siercon mingles back among the heroes. He informs the party: "I've just been informing Emperor Phyllis as to why we were delayed, and that we did our utmost to get here."

In addition Siercon mentions to anyone who asked about what Mallelio and He figured out about the letter on the outskirts/without invading the main conversation: "We're still not sure what her letter completely means, but we were able to conclude that Ella isn't in any danger.

Lastly Siercon asks. "Have we learned where the Dragoons have headed so we can cease this wake of damage?" This question seemed to be directed at anyone.

Edited August 6, 201410 yr by Siercon and Coral

"Thank goodness she is safe," Kiray chimed in. "U'Daras said that the emperor would most likely know where the Dragoons are." She cast her eyes to the emperor.

Actaeon considers speaking, but decides he has no reason to until the emperor responds.

OoC: I Guess,I did not word my question right. I was trying to figure out if Dark Attacks could heal me. But it dos not sound like it.

So, Sir, any clue to where the Dragoons went, or a nest they could be hanging out in? Trying not to sound like a "Jerk" to the Emperor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought this could be used for the Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart's picture. http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=98338

Edited August 7, 201410 yr by samuraiturtle

"They headed south, best I can tell. Denerii might be able to tell you more, the Rito know the winds better than we do."

"The winds have not shifted from our predictions. They will enter the Lost Forest, and if unckecked will fly on to Charis..."

"...you cannot allow that to happen, Heroes. Charis is home to an enormous population--if you don't stop them, they will die." Victor again surveys the ruins of Domus. "You know, it's funny. I might have stopped them if it was just the red rider, or at least grabbed his attention. It wasn't 'til the purple one urged his dragon to start shooting lightning all over the place that the city caught fire." The Emperor looks to the party in warning. "Make no mistake--the purple rider and his dragon are the most dangerous."

"Let us hurry! We have a second chance to mend our errors. We must not waste it!"

Will the party say anything else to the Emperor before they leave?

"Thank you, Emperor," Kiray said as she bowed. "Now we should be off."

  On 8/7/2014 at 10:37 PM, Flipz said:

. It wasn't 'til the purple one urged his dragon to start shooting lightning all over the place that the city caught fire." The Emperor looks to the party in warning. "Make no mistake--the purple rider and his dragon are the most dangerous."

Will the party say anything else to the Emperor before they leave?

Did you see the Purple Armored one shoot the Lighting? Sorry, I just want to confirm his ability. And, just to have conformation on the Red Armored one did he use Dark Attacks?