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

[Siercon and Coral]

"Y'know, Siercon, we do have a Winged Warrior in the party. Maybe you should lend those feathers to her? It's not like they're doing any good sitting around."

OoC: When it said "SP ... When incorporated into wings..." I was somewhat unsure in light of not knowing too much about winged warriors, if one got their wings and slowly made them better by equipping feathers, or if this was just a strait up backware. basically I didn't offer cause I figured it was like fusing a gem to a staff? And that winged warriors just sort of collected feathers to glue on :P.

Siercon turns to Denerii with a cheerful tone. "Sure! Don't really know how these work, but If you can return them after the quest, I wouldn't mind loaning them to ya. But I do need them back, I'm afraid they may already be spoken for."

[Actaeon]

OoC: Sorry Flipz, thought I saw two sleep bombs. If you haven't already, take away the one from Siercon. Also, if I apply my venom now, it will last all next battle, right?

"Alright, let's get out of this forest. Denerii, lead the way to the flames you saw," Actaeon says, so we can serve justice to these dragons and their riders.

[Siercon and Coral]

OoC: Sorry Flipz, thought I saw two sleep bombs. If you haven't already, take away the one from Siercon. Also, if I apply my venom now, it will last all next battle, right?

"Alright, let's get out of this forest. Denerii, lead the way to the flames you saw," Actaeon says, so we can serve justice to these dragons and their riders.

Siercon kept it to himself... but was not happy when he went back to his bag and noticed the sleep bomb was gone.

"Unbelievable, that none of us have a magic compass." Siercon mumbled... "Denerii, Im assuming you can't tell if the smoke you saw was south in the direction we were already headed?"

[Flipz]

QM Note: Yes, Venom lasts for a full battle.

I apologize for not having the next portion of the Quest ready. As soon as I have everything I need, I'll get things moving forward.

[Flipz]

QM Note: I have the photos ready, but unfortunately I am too tired to manage to post this battle without making tons of incoherent mistakes and typos. You have until I wake up in the morning to make any last preparations for the next battle.

[Actaeon]

OoC: If he hasn't already, Actaeon applies deadly venom

[Flipz]

QM Note: The Guardian Feathers are a simple Artifact; the description was worded that way becasue different people may roleplay different ways of making their wings, but it is purely roleplaying, as the wings are not improved over time outside of normal Artifact customization rules (i.e. binding gems and Scrolls to them to add immunities).

QM Note: Yes, two songs this time. Because reasons. Be sure to read the notes below enemies as well as at the very end of the battle description!

The party presses forward, Denerii in the lead, and prepares themselves for what could be their most trying challenge yet. The atmosphere is somber, all of them remembering the sacrifices already made and the dire consequences of failure. They had failed once, and the people of Domus had paid with their lives. If they failed again, the toll of death would soar on the wins of dragons into the tens of thousands. The weight of their responsibility weighs heavily on all of their hearts, not the least of which the teenaged Assassin at their side, whose tight-lipped grimace exemplifies the tension surrounding them all. Thunder booms again, and a humid rain trickles down through the canopy, producing a damp stickiness that serves only to make the journey that much more uncomfortable. The discomfiting drizzle sums up the party's mood.

Just when the Heroes begin to believe that Denerii is leading them on a wild goose chase, they hear a pair of telltale roars...

"...Dragons!"

The party race forward into a nearby clearing, spotting their quarry in person--and in battle--for the first time, a blur of colors and elements swooping up, down, all around the clearing, barely staying still long enough to confirm that yes, these are the dragons they're looking for.

It is only when Diana and the rest raise their weapons that the great creatures notice the Heroes' presence--and just barely at that. Two very different voices, one female and the other male, reverberate within the Heroes' minds, just as Vipera's had.

<You know not in what you interfere, humans. Turn back now.>

<That is the most sense you have made this day, Velquoriel. It seems your reason has not abandoned you entirely.>

<And you have been told even less than they, Kreika. 'Tis a pity you refuse to hear it.>

<I listen not to the allies of fools and traitors.>

<Your ignorance betrays you. I will not leave my righteous partner to those of such destructive whims.>

<Says he whose breath has lit towns ablaze.>

<Only in attempt to save dozens more.>

The Dragons resume their battle, rivulets of rain having soothed their flame-licked wounds. Above, the Heroes can hear the two Dragoons shouting at each other as well, but their words are impossible to discern over the clamor of the fight. If the Heroes truly wanted to stop the feud, they would have to...

Darius Kaan

*Immune to

Fragile

and

Weakened

*

*Confused*

Type:

Humanoid

Level:

8

Defense:

2

Health:

213/260

Special:

High Assault - Darius jumps into the air and hovers there aided by Kreika until the end of the next Round, avoiding all damage. At the end of the next Round Darius lands on the target, dealing 13 damage.

Drops:

45 Gold, Gauntlets of the Crimson Dragoon (Power +2, protects from the

Weakened

- and

Fragile

-effects. Handwear, suitable for anyone.)

Note: When Darius drops below 90 HP, he and Kreika retreat to the Back Row, giving and receiving half damage from melee attacks.

Note: Is killed if HP drops to 0.

Kreika

*Immune to

Sleep

and Instant Kill* *Deals

Darkness

-elemental damage*

*Confused*

Type:

Dark/Fiery/Flying

Level:

13

Health:

377/430

Special:

Dragon's Wrath: Elemental Breath - The dragon's elemental breath damages the hero and the heroes above and below them in the Battle Order for 3-6

Darkness

-elemental damage (determined by a separate die roll), ignoring row.

Drops:

45 Gold, Dragon Scale, Amethyst

Sirone Valishter

*Immune to

Bound

and

Slowed

* *Attacks deal Stunned*

*Confused*

Type:

Humanoid

Level:

6

Defense:

2

Health:

142/280

Special:

High Assault - Sirone jumps into the air and hovers there aided by Velquoriel until the end of the next Round, avoiding all damage. At the end of the next Round Sirone lands on the target, dealing 16 damage.

Drops:

45 Gold, Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from the

Bound

- and

Slowed

-effects. Footwear, suitable for anyone.)

Note: When Sirone drops below 90 HP, he and Velquoriel retreat to the Back Row, giving and receiving half damage from melee attacks.

Note: Is killed if HP drops to 0.

Velquoriel

*Immune to

Sleep

and Instant Kill* *Deals

Lightning

-elemental damage*

*Confused*

Type:

Electric/Fiery/Flying

Level:

15

Health:

418/450

Special:

Dragon's Wrath: Elemental Breath - The dragon's elemental breath damages the hero and the heroes above and below them in the Battle Order for 3-6

Lightning

-elemental damage (determined by a separate die roll), ignoring row.

Drops:

45 Gold, Dragon Scale, Topaz

The Party:

Actaeon Artus (Actaeon)

*Party Leader* *deals

poisoned-by-10

(Sanctified Rito Bow)*

21 year old male human

Level 4 Ranger

Power:

10

Health:

9/9

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Sanctified Rito Bow (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; bow) *deals

poisoned-by-10

*

Inventory:

Bow (WP:3), Smoke Bomb, Dragon Scale, Remedy, Bedroll, Scroll of

Frailty

, Stun Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Stunned

-effect to all opponents when used.), Trial Brew

Siercon (Siercon and Coral)

Male, Age and species unknown

Level 10 Mage

Power:

18

(10 levels + 8 WP)

(21 in Front Row)

Power Bonus:

+3 in Front Row

Defense:

3 in Back Row

Health:

14/14

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Ether:

9/14

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Gold:

30

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

Inventory:

*Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; spear)

*Hood of the Dark Druid (wearer absorbs

Wood

- and

Darkness

-elemental damage, converting it into HP; headwear, suitable for druids only)

*Diamond (

Light

), Scroll of

Sleep

, Bedroll, Topaz (

Lightning

) (borrowed from Mallelio), Scroll of

Sealing

(borrowed from Mallelio)

*Potion, Remedy, Dragon Scale,

Warlen Melimane

and

Quarion

the floating skull

(The Chosen Minifigure)

17 Year old Male Half-Elf

Level 4 Mage

Power:

9 (14 for spells)

Power Bonus:

+5 for spells

Health:

8/8

Ether:

6/8

Gold:

35

Equipment:

Staff of the Dark Druid (WP:5,

Wood

-elemental; staff), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells)

Inventory:

Potion, Amethyst (

Darkness

), Sapphire (

Wind

), bedroll, Robe of the Magi (SP:1), Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Gold-Coated bat staff (WP:3, staff)

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk),

A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something

*Immune to

Fire

*

*Secondary Party Leader*

24 year old female human

Level 7 Knight

Power:

13

Defense:

4

Health:

16/16

Gold:

6

Equipment:

Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Scutum Shield (SP:3; shield), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, immune to

Fire

; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Potion x2, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Stun Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Stunned

-effect to all opponents when used.), Sleep Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Asleep

-effect to all opponents when used.), Remedy, Trial Brew

Diana N. Justus

(NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions)

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

*deals

poisoned-by-11

(Precision Bow)*

18 years old female human

Level 4 Assassin

Power:

9

Power Bonus:

+0

Defense:

0

Health:

10/15

Gold:

219

Equipment:

Precision Bow (WP:5, AIMs become HITs; bow) *deals

poisoned-by-11

*, 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:

Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Ace Assassin's Crossbow (WP:3, crossbow), Potion x4, Mead, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 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 18.5 Sage

Power: 19

Health: 31/33

Ether: 19/25

Gold: 0

Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff), Secondhand Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent)

Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2, Bedroll (borrowed from Germ), (5 gold, Remedy, Venom) *held for Germ*

Denerii

(NPC, takes suggestions/controlled by QM)

30-year-old Rito female

Level 18.5 Winged Warrior

Power:

26 (23 ranged)

Power Bonus:

0

Flying Multiplier:

1x

HP:

18/24

SP:

3

Equipment:

Handmade Bow (WP:5), Leather Armor (SP:1, bodywear, suitable for barbarians, knights, rogues, rangers, minstrels, cannoneers, dragoons, beast warriors, skirmishers, harlots, infiltrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Guardian Feathers (SP:2, SP is multiplied by the Winged Warrior's Flying multiplier; backwear, suitable for Winged Warriors only) (borrowed from Siercon)

Inventory:

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

Party Leader, choose the order of action.

All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking.

Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

Note that the battle will end as soon as a human is killed.

Edited August 21, 2014 by Flipz

[Actaeon]

OoC: Just to clarify, "The dragon's elemental breath damages the hero and the heroes above and below them in the Battle Order" means just the person directly above and below the hero, right? Not everyone above and below? Also, does my bow deal double damage to everyone since they're all in the air, or just the two dragons?

Actaeon concentrates and responds to the dragons in their native tongue, "What is this conflict between you? Is it really worth the death of hundreds of innocent people?" he asks, sternly, so that he is not ignored. Yet he tries to keep the anger out of his voice.

[Flipz]

QM Note: Yes, the special does mean "directly above and below". The Sanctified Rito Weapons will deal extra damage to Flying-type enemies (in this case, the Dragons).

[Siercon and Coral]

Note that the battle will end as soon as a human is killed.human is killed.

Does this mean. any human or just one of the two of them? Can we kill both dragons and put both the boys to sleep or something... or is this literally one of THEM, hAS to die in order for the battle to ever end...? Or perhaps nominate a sacrifice O.o lol does getting K.Oed count as 'dying'? like say we ko someone or one of them, and revive them?... then we stop the battle, and have both dragoons alive...?

​Cause currently it looks tempting to just "kill" one of them, end the battle, and use a phoenix essence on him to bring him back to life.... Can we do that?

Edited August 22, 2014 by Siercon and Coral

[Flipz]

​Cause currently it looks tempting to just "kill" one of them, end the battle, and use a phoenix essence on him to bring him back to life.... Can we do that?

QM Note: These NPCs follow the Zepher/CallMePie school of death: if they are Knocked Out at the end of the battle, they are dead, period. Normally I'd allow a Phoenix Essence to be used on a KO'd character in-battle to revive them, but in this case the battle ends immediately if either Dragoon is killed. The dragons may be KO'd without ending the battle.

As for your plan...try it and see.

[Siercon and Coral]

"This seems quite different than what we have been told... Why does the one who apparently sparked the flames of Domus sound most logical... Maybe the Dark one was doing something darker than fire" Siercon mentioned for anyone in the group to hear. "Regardless, they wont listen to us unless we bring them down a notch."

Siercon attacks Kreika with a light spell with his diamond from the back row.

"Speak with us as equals. We will not leave. How were you saving others in what you did?" He directed this last bit loudly towards Velquoriel

There has to be a way to bring them both back alive... Siercon ponders...

"Guys lets try to focus mainly on the dragons and possibly Darius... Sirone is already half dead..."

Edited August 22, 2014 by Siercon and Coral

[KotZ]

Kiray attacks Kreika from the front row.

[Actaeon]

Actaeon targets Velquoriel from the back row with his sanctified bow.

Battle order soon.

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Warlen casts a wind spell at Kreika from the back row.

[Flipz]

QM Note: As soon as I get actions for the NPCs and a Battle Order, we can get this party started.

[KotZ]

Kiray noticed Actaeon hadn't told everyone the battle order. She knew they had to attack soon or all of them would be wiped out. She shouted out that battle order.

Battle order:

Kiray

Diana

Denerii

Actaeon

Germ

Siercon

Warlen

Mallelio

*edited because the names didn't bold for some reason.

Edited August 23, 2014 by KingoftheZempk

[Actaeon]

Actaeon glances at Kiray, slightly annoyed, I was getting to that. I was just talking to the dragons first. Yet he know that they need to stay unified to win the battle, so he doesn't say anything.

[Flipz]

Kiray (Sanctified Rito Longsword) vs. Kreika (front): Hit (Kreika: 6*2=12+7=19 damage)

>Diana (Precision Bow) vs. Darius Kaan (back): Hit Damage (5, No Assassination; Darius Kaan: 5+4=9*2=18-2=16 damage, Poisoned-by-11)

>Diana (Precision Bow) vs. Sirone Valishter (back): SHIELD Special Damage (Grim Reaper: 4,5 No Assassinations, Diana: 8+13+6+15=+42 gold)

>Denerii flies (back): No Flying (Denerii: Flying multiplier reset)

>Actaeon (Sanctified Rito Bow) vs. Velquoriel (back): Hit (Velquoriel: 6*2=12+4=16 damage, Poisoned-by-10)

>Siercon (Light, Lullaby Wand) vs. Kreika (back): Great Spell (Kreika: 8*2=16+10=26*2=52 damage)

>Warlen (Wind, Staff of the Dark Druid) vs. Kreika (back): Spell (Kreika: 5+4=9+5=14*2=28 damage)

>Mallelio does nothing (back): (nothing happens)

Darius Kaan: -11 HP (poisoned)

Velquoriel: -10 HP (poisoned)

The Enemies:

Darius Kaan

*Immune to

Fragile

and

Weakened

*

*Confused*

*poisoned-by-11*

Type:

Humanoid

Level:

8

Defense:

2

Health:

186/260

Special:

High Assault - Darius jumps into the air and hovers there aided by Kreika until the end of the next Round, avoiding all damage. At the end of the next Round Darius lands on the target, dealing 13 damage.

Drops:

45 Gold, Gauntlets of the Crimson Dragoon (Power +2, protects from the

Weakened

- and

Fragile

-effects. Handwear, suitable for anyone.)

Note: When Darius drops below 90 HP, he and Kreika retreat to the Back Row, giving and receiving half damage from melee attacks.

Note: Is killed if HP drops to 0.

Kreika

*Immune to

Sleep

and Instant Kill* *Deals

Darkness

-elemental damage*

*Confused*

Type:

Dark/Fiery/Flying

Level:

13

Health:

278/430

Special:

Dragon's Wrath: Elemental Breath - The dragon's elemental breath damages the hero and the heroes above and below them in the Battle Order for 3-6

Darkness

-elemental damage (determined by a separate die roll), ignoring row.

Drops:

45 Gold, Dragon Scale, Amethyst

Sirone Valishter

*Immune to

Bound

and

Slowed

* *Attacks deal Stunned*

*Confused*

Type:

Humanoid

Level:

6

Defense:

2

Health:

142/280

Special:

High Assault - Sirone jumps into the air and hovers there aided by Velquoriel until the end of the next Round, avoiding all damage. At the end of the next Round Sirone lands on the target, dealing 16 damage.

Drops:

45 Gold, Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from the

Bound

- and

Slowed

-effects. Footwear, suitable for anyone.)

Note: When Sirone drops below 90 HP, he and Velquoriel retreat to the Back Row, giving and receiving half damage from melee attacks.

Note: Is killed if HP drops to 0.

Velquoriel

*Immune to

Sleep

and Instant Kill* *Deals

Lightning

-elemental damage*

*Confused*

*poisoned-by-10*

Type:

Electric/Fiery/Flying

Level:

15

Health:

392/450

Special:

Dragon's Wrath: Elemental Breath - The dragon's elemental breath damages the hero and the heroes above and below them in the Battle Order for 3-6

Lightning

-elemental damage (determined by a separate die roll), ignoring row.

Drops:

45 Gold, Dragon Scale, Topaz

The Party:

Actaeon Artus (Actaeon)

*Party Leader* *deals

poisoned-by-10

(Sanctified Rito Bow)*

21 year old male human

Level 4 Ranger

Power:

10

Health:

9/9

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Sanctified Rito Bow (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; bow) *deals

poisoned-by-10

*

Inventory:

Bow (WP:3), Smoke Bomb, Dragon Scale, Remedy, Bedroll, Scroll of

Frailty

, Stun Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Stunned

-effect to all opponents when used.), Trial Brew

Siercon (Siercon and Coral)

Male, Age and species unknown

Level 10 Mage

Power:

18

(10 levels + 8 WP)

(21 in Front Row)

Power Bonus:

+3 in Front Row

Defense:

3 in Back Row

Health:

14/14

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Ether:

9/14

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Gold:

30

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

Inventory:

*Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; spear)

*Hood of the Dark Druid (wearer absorbs

Wood

- and

Darkness

-elemental damage, converting it into HP; headwear, suitable for druids only)

*Diamond (

Light

), Scroll of

Sleep

, Bedroll, Topaz (

Lightning

) (borrowed from Mallelio), Scroll of

Sealing

(borrowed from Mallelio)

*Potion, Remedy, Dragon Scale,

Warlen Melimane

and

Quarion

the floating skull

(The Chosen Minifigure)

17 Year old Male Half-Elf

Level 4 Mage

Power:

9 (14 for spells)

Power Bonus:

+5 for spells

Health:

8/8

Ether:

6/8

Gold:

35

Equipment:

Staff of the Dark Druid (WP:5,

Wood

-elemental; staff), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells)

Inventory:

Potion, Amethyst (

Darkness

), Sapphire (

Wind

), bedroll, Robe of the Magi (SP:1), Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Gold-Coated bat staff (WP:3, staff)

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk),

A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something

*Immune to

Fire

*

*Secondary Party Leader*

24 year old female human

Level 7 Knight

Power:

13

Defense:

4

Health:

16/16

Gold:

6

Equipment:

Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Scutum Shield (SP:3; shield), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, immune to

Fire

; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Potion x2, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Stun Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Stunned

-effect to all opponents when used.), Sleep Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Asleep

-effect to all opponents when used.), Remedy, Trial Brew

Diana N. Justus

(NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions)

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

*deals

poisoned-by-11

(Precision Bow)*

18 years old female human

Level 4 Assassin

Power:

9

Power Bonus:

+0

Defense:

0

Health:

15/15

Gold:

261

Equipment:

Precision Bow (WP:5, AIMs become HITs; bow) *deals

poisoned-by-11

*, 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:

Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Ace Assassin's Crossbow (WP:3, crossbow), Potion x4, Mead, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 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 18.5 Sage

Power: 19

Health: 33/33

Ether: 16/25

Gold: 0

Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff), Secondhand Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent)

Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2, Bedroll (borrowed from Germ), (5 gold, Remedy, Venom) *held for Germ*

Denerii

(NPC, takes suggestions/controlled by QM)

30-year-old Rito female

Level 18.5 Winged Warrior

Power:

26 (23 ranged)

Power Bonus:

0

Flying Multiplier:

1x

HP:

24/24

SP:

3

Equipment:

Handmade Bow (WP:5), Leather Armor (SP:1, bodywear, suitable for barbarians, knights, rogues, rangers, minstrels, cannoneers, dragoons, beast warriors, skirmishers, harlots, infiltrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Guardian Feathers (SP:2, SP is multiplied by the Winged Warrior's Flying multiplier; backwear, suitable for Winged Warriors only) (borrowed from Siercon)

Inventory:

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

Party Leader, choose the order of action.

All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking.

Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

Note that the battle will end as soon as a human is killed.

THE BATTLE...CONTINUES?

Actaeon concentrates and responds to the dragons in their native tongue, "What is this conflict between you? Is it really worth the death of hundreds of innocent people?" he asks, sternly, so that he is not ignored. Yet he tries to keep the anger out of his voice.

"This seems quite different than what we have been told... Why does the one who apparently sparked the flames of Domus sound most logical... Maybe the Dark one was doing something darker than fire" Siercon mentioned for anyone in the group to hear. "Regardless, they wont listen to us unless we bring them down a notch."

Siercon attacks Kreika with a light spell with his diamond from the back row.

"Speak with us as equals. We will not leave. How were you saving others in what you did?" He directed this last bit loudly towards Velquoriel

There has to be a way to bring them both back alive... Siercon ponders...

"Guys lets try to focus mainly on the dragons and possibly Darius... Sirone is already half dead..."

Diana gapes at Siercon and Actaeon in disbelief.

"You're still trying to save them?! After everything we've...!" Diana spits. "You just don't get it, do you?" Her eyes flicker to Actaeon, an instant of heartbreak betrayed within before it is snuffed out, replaced by anger. "They're fighting because they're selfish. Because Noctus Shadeaux is selfish. And apparently Heroica is, too. I thought you were better." Tears begin to stream down the Assassin's face, but suddenly she sees someone enter the clearing behind the party--Germ. Her eyes narrow.

"Well, you know what? It's time for me to be selfish, for everyone's sake. One way or another, someone is going to die today: them...or me." The young Assassin takes a step back, leaving the party.

Mallelio and Denerii reel in shock.

"Miss Justus! I implore you--"

"Shut up."

"But this isn't--"

"I said shut up!"

<Mortals. So quick to kill and die at the whims of impulse. Do you see now, Kreika? I would expect such violence from them, not from you.>

For the first time, Kreika seems to notice--really notice--what was transpiring below.

<...perhaps. But I swore my oath to Darius. Perhaps I can-->

Atop Kreika's back, Darius yanks on the dragon's neck, trying to steer him.

"Kreika, let's go! While they're distracted, now's our chance!"

"You. Are coming. Home. Darius."

"We're not and there's nothing any of you can do to stop us!"

A crossbow bolt pierces clean through the visor of Darius' helmet, barely missing the man's face.

"Damn. Think again, a**holes." Diana glares at the party, tear-stained yet defiant. "What'll it be, "heroes"? Them...or me?"

How will the party respond?

QM Note: Last big choice of the Quest! Choose wisely.

[Actaeon]

OoC: Hold up. There's a reason I spoke to the dragons in their tongue. I didn't want anyone to hear what I was saying. I suppose it's too late now, though.

Actaeon sprints after Diana. "Diana! Why would you assume the worst? Why? Do you really think so little of me? Do you really think, after what we've talked about this entire quest, what we've seen, I would just suddenly decide, 'these guys aren't so bad, we'll take them to court to stand trial'? No!" he says, trying to keep his emotions in tact. Calming himself, he begins again, "No. I want Darius dead. I want to shoot him between the eyes and let the poison drip through his body. He's the one that started this, so we will bring justice to him. We will kill him, you and me," Actaeon says, eyes eager.

Then he whispers into Diana's ear, "So long as we can keep them arguing, we have a better chance in this battle. The Emperor said that Sirone is the most dangerous, yet he is the one with the least health. I'm guessing that he is trying to reason with Darius without hurting him. Sirone may be trying to end this conflict. If he is, we don't want to kill him, not yet at least. Okay? I'm on your side, Diana, you know that. We're here to bring justice, sot let's make sure we do it right. Trust me. Please."

Sorry, had to edit because I misread something!

Edited August 24, 2014 by Actaeon

[Actaeon]

OoC: Oh, I'm waiting for Diana's response before I do the battle order, so please don't jump ahead of me this time.

Edited August 24, 2014 by Actaeon

[KotZ]

Kiray moved to Diana. "I'm with you," the knight proclaimed. Kiray targets Darius from the front row.

[Siercon and Coral]

Siercon eats his Dragon scale (Back row). He remains standing, silent and emotionless, his face hidden in a shroud of smoke.

He speaks.

"You would follow a 14 year old assassin? A young girl driven blind by rage an bloodlust...?" He states this calmly and clearly.

"Them or me? What does that even mean?! You murder believing this to be a lawless world. You are of the very lawlessness you fear." he continued. "I still, may very well kill him. But you are so sure of yourselves, whilst knowing so little, and having no faith in anything but your divine will to inflict death."

Siercon was NOT with Diana. Not that he intended to kill her, but he wasn't going to follow her rage, nor absolutely kill the dragon riders.

Speaking of the dragons and riders: "They are clearly confused. And one of them is starting to return to reason. I will seek to see that happen. You are deceived into not seeing the hundreds of alternatives."

Turning to the others. he said finally: "I hope you will not forsake hope in order, or show such an absolute lack of wisdom and diplomacy in bringing this to a close."

Siercon remembered days when he himself would have thought things like "jamming poison between someone's eyes and watching them curl up and die." A path bent for evil.

But, Siercon now knew days when the very greatest evils that twisted his homeland were now fighting to save it.

[Actaeon]

Actaeon is only a little surprised by his fellow hero, "First of all, she is no 14 year old child. She's saved our lives in battle, so you should be careful what you say. Secondly, Siecron, I respect you, but you need to remember something. You are either siding with someone seeking to deliver justice to those who do evil, or with a man who burnt a village to the ground!"

Edited August 24, 2014 by Actaeon

[Siercon and Coral]

Actaeon is only a little surprised by his fellow hero, "First of all, she is no 14 year old child. She's saved our lives in battle, so you should be careful what you say. Secondly, Siecron, I respect you, but you need to remember something. You are either siding with someone seeking to deliver justice to those who do evil, or with a man who burnt a village to the ground!"

Siercon did not waste time in responding as the words had no effect on his previous statement. "There is a difference between seeking justice and exacting judgment. And you know no more than any of us. She is NOT judge AND executioner. And I will NOT follow her if she elevates her to be such."