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

[KotZ]

"Very sorry about the confusion, Miss Euflear." Kiray turned and made a quick bow to Hope. She then whispered to Acteaon, "Could I nab those Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon? They look pretty useful. Unless you want it then take it."

"Nidawi, I'm pleased to see you are alright."

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Warlen, being a heavy sleeper, woke last of all.

"Whachamallit?"

Then he noticed his suroundings, and took it all in.

He thanked the fairies, then, when Sircon wasn't looking, told Actaeton to give Sirecon the Topaz. "Just as a thank you for his guidance to me, I'm not even gonna haggle over it."

[Actaeon]

give Sirecon the Topaz. "Just as a thank you for his guidance to me, I'm not even gonna haggle over it."

Actaeon smiles at the mage and nods.

She then whispered to Acteaon, "Could I nab those Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon? They look pretty useful. Unless you want it then take it."

Actaeon whispers back, "I was knocked out twice in battle. I would say defense is my biggest weakness, so I'd prefer to take it. I'd be happy to give you my share of the gold, though."

LOOT

Actaeon- Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon, 5 g, Dragon Scale

Kiray- 40 g, Dragon Scale

Siercon- Topaz, 20 g, Dragon Scale

Warlen- 20 g, Dragon Scale

Diana- 20 g

[Flipz]

QM Note: Check your stats and inventories; this should be the last stats post until the conclusion. Just a couple more days to go!

The Party:

Actaeon Artus (Actaeon)

*Party Leader*

*Immune to

Bound

and

Slowed

*

21 year old male human

Level 6 Ranger

Power:

12

Defense:

2

Health:

11/11

Gold:

5

Equipment:

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

Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon

(SP:2, protects from the

Bound

- and

Slowed

-effects. Footwear, suitable for anyone.)

Inventory:

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

Frailty

, Stun Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Stunned

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

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk),

A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something

*Immune to

Fire

*

*Secondary Party Leader*

24 year old female human

Level 10 Knight

Power:

16

Defense:

4

Health:

11/19

Gold:

46

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, 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), Sleep Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the

Asleep

-effect to all opponents when used.), Remedy, Dragon Scale

Diana N. Justus

(NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions)

18 years old female human

Level 6 Assassin

Power:

11

Power Bonus:

+0

Defense:

0

Health:

16/16

Gold:

339

Equipment:

Precision Bow (WP:5, AIMs become HITs; bow), 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 x3, Mead, Smelling Salts, Remedy, Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors)

Siercon (Siercon and Coral)

*Tertiary Party Leader*

Male, Age and species unknown

Level 11 Mage

Power:

19

(11 levels + 8 WP)

(22 in Front Row)

Power Bonus:

+3 in Front Row

Defense:

3 in Back Row

Health:

15/15

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Ether:

9/15

(5 base + 8 lvl)

Gold:

50

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

), 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)

*Dearly Beloved Party Fourth-in-Command*

17 Year old Male Half-Elf

Level 6 Mage

Power:

11 (16 for spells)

Power Bonus:

+5 for spells

Health:

10/10

Ether:

5/10

Gold:

55

Equipment:

Staff of the Dark Druid (WP:5,

Wood

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

Inventory:

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), Tonic, Dragon Scale

Mallelio

(NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions)

Level 19.5 Sage

Power: 20

Health: 34/34

Ether: 14/26

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 19.5 Winged Warrior

Power:

27 (24 ranged)

Power Bonus:

0

Flying Multiplier:

3x

HP:

25/25

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, Rito Feather

Darius Kaan

(NPC, takes suggestions) *Immune to

Fragile

and

Weakened

*

19 years old male Human

Level 7 Dragoon

Power:

10

(7+1+2)

Power Bonus:

+2 (Gauntlets)

Defense:

2

Health:

15/28

Gold:

45

Equipment:

Improvised Spear (WP:1), Duplovian Round Shield (SP:2), Gauntlets of the Crimson Dragoon (Power +2, protects from the

Weakened

- and

Fragile

-effects. Handwear, suitable for anyone.), *Impulsive Dragoon's Fervor* (Not an Artifact, bearer uses Level 40 Dragoon's Wrath)

Dragon:

Kreika (Darkness-elemental, effective damage level 14)

Inventory:

2x Elixir

Kreika

800 years old male Dragon (Element: Darkness)

Level 14

"Very sorry about the confusion, Miss Euflear." Kiray turned and made a quick bow to Hope. She then whispered to Acteaon, "Could I nab those Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon? They look pretty useful. Unless you want it then take it."

"Nidawi, I'm pleased to see you are alright."

Denerii looks uncomfortable.

"Do you not mean 'Mister' Euflear?"

"What are you talking about? She's clearly a woman."

"Ah...I do believe Mr. Euflear is male, unless I am very much mistaken."

Diana rolls her eyes.

"Why don't we just ask? Euflear, are you male or female?"

Euflear smiles enigmatically.

"Yes."

Hope giggles.

"Grandparent, can Nidawi show me the other things she brought back from the mortal plane?"

"Of course, my little glimmer of Hope. Be careful. Touch nothing."

"I will keep her safe, Prime Minister."

"See that you do."

Nidawi leads Hope out of the hut, leaving Euflear alone with the Heroes.

"So tell me, Heroes, how fares my old organization? One of our warriors named Zephyroth left to gather news from Eubric not long ago, but he has sent no word back to us--we have no clue as to what has become of him. Are Lorothos and Zelphie still among your number, or have they finally decided to move on? What about Yuliana's daughter, how is she faring as a Veteran? I returned here soon after Yuliana herself passed on, and have ever since been eager for news despite my duties to my people and our dire situation." Euflear pauses to catch his--her? his?--breath, and the Heroes suddenly realize how quickly she/he had been speaking. The fairy seems exceedingly eager, a stark contrast to his/her previously-stoic demeanor.

How will the party respond?

Edited September 5, 2014 by Flipz

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Ooc: Gone till late Saturday. Also, my dragon scale?

[Actaeon]

OoC: I Will be gone all of today and a good portion of tomorrow.

Actaeon looks to the other heroes. He knows has not been in Heroica long enough to remember any of the people or events the women mentioned, but perhaps Siercon or Kiray would.

Edited September 5, 2014 by Actaeon

[KotZ]

"I'm sorry to say Euflear that my knowledge is rather limited on these previous events. I have heard stories, though. I did hear that Zephryoth started a riot with three others and was defeated by members of Heroica, and the organization is still running strong. Lorothos was murdered, by whom I do not know for certain. Perhaps other Heroes back in the hall know better. I'm afraid I don't know much about Zelphie. As for Yuliana, the only Veteran we have come into contact with this journey was the Dragonlord, unless you're implying what I've assumed as he is actually she..." Kiray glanced at Diana. "Unless she is actually some unknown veteran, but I'm not sure if that's possible."

[Flipz]

Actaeon looks to the other heroes. He knows has not been in Heroica long enough to remember any of the people or events the women mentioned, but perhaps Siercon or Kiray would.

"I'm sorry to say Euflear that my knowledge is rather limited on these previous events. I have heard stories, though. I did hear that Zephryoth started a riot with three others and was defeated by members of Heroica, and the organization is still running strong. Lorothos was murdered, by whom I do not know for certain. Perhaps other Heroes back in the hall know better. I'm afraid I don't know much about Zelphie. As for Yuliana, the only Veteran we have come into contact with this journey was the Dragonlord, unless you're implying what I've assumed as he is actually she..." Kiray glanced at Diana. "Unless she is actually some unknown veteran, but I'm not sure if that's possible."

Euflear appears surprised.

"Zephyroth started...a riot? Things in the city must have been dire...I'm sorry to hear of his death, and of dear Lorothos as well. I helped train him you know, shortly after he joined."

Diana seems confused.

"Lorothos Eldar was one of the first members of Heroica, right after the original Veterans."

"Yes, that is correct. I still remember the day he joined. Yuliana and I were so pleased when he approached us, saying he wanted to commemorate his ancestors by becoming a Hero. You say you don't remember Yuliana? How quickly the memories of mortals must fade...she was one of my oldest and dearest friends. She saved my life--all our lives--more than once in Fortaan...though I was able to return the favor in our battle with Tarokai. Ah, such memories..."

Mallelio and Diana exchange a look.

"Mr.--Ms. Euflear, am I correct in understanding are you speaking of the Orcish invasion of Ennon?"

"Why yes, of course. I am pleased to hear at least some mortals still know of it."

Mallelio is dumbfounded.

"But...but Prime Minister...I am sorry to say this, but what you claim is impossible. The Orcish Invasion took place more than 250 years ago."

"Two hundred and..." Euflear deflates. "So they are all dead, then...The Dragon-Fanged Princess...Lorothos, The Moonstrider...The Blind Bandit...so many faces, lost forever to the winds of time, the frailty of mortal memory..." Euflear sighs heavily. "Tell me, does anyone still remember The Fey One? Or any of us from those days?"

"...you're--?"

Euflear nods.

"I am. Or rather, I was--that part of my life is behind me now. My people need me more than those of the Hall I helped build."

Mallelio shifts uncomfortably.

"Ah, not to...I don't want to be rude, but if I may repeat what I said earlier--"

Euflear holds up eir hand.

"Be at peace, cleric, I take no offense. Time flows differently here in the Faerie--a week spent here might pass in the span of a second in the mortal realm, or ten minutes here could be equal to ten decades outside. Time and space mean less to us than it does to you mortals, but to those of us who become attached to the mortals..." Euflear gazes wistfully into the distance.

Euflear suddenly turns back to the Heroes.

"You mentioned a Veteran of your time--'The Dragonlord'--yes? I would like to meet him. Would you be willing to arrange this?"

What will the party say?

Edited September 5, 2014 by Flipz

[KotZ]

"Yes, of course I can arrange for you to meet with the Dragonlord," Kiray said. "I'm not sure if he is meeting us when we return or not, but I would help you if I could."

[Siercon and Coral]

"Be at peace, cleric, I take no offense. Time flows differently here in the Faerie--a week spent here might pass in the span of a second in the mortal realm, or ten minutes here could be equal to ten decades outside. Time and space mean less to us than it does to you mortals, but to those of us who become attached to the mortals..." Euflear gazes wistfully into the distance.

Euflear suddenly turns back to the Heroes.

"You mentioned a Veteran of your time--'The Dragonlord'--yes? I would like to meet him. Would you be willing to arrange this?"

What will the party say?

"I feel your pain, as passing time treats me different as well." Siercon said. "And setting up a meeting with Dragonlord would be an honor to arrange. I would be happy to assist in any way I can."

[The Chosen Minifigure]

"The Fey One..." whispered Warlen.

"Incredible..."

He gazed at the Last Founder of Heroica, not hiding his amazement.

[Actaeon]

Actaeon is taken aback. Recovering, he says, "We would be more than happy to arrange the meeting!"

Edited September 6, 2014 by Actaeon

[Flipz]

Euflear gazes upon the party with gratitude.

"Thank you, Heroes. Please, allow me a moment to make arrangements for Hope."

Euflear disappears into the back room, where the party overhears a brief argument taking place. After a few minutes, Euflear re-emerges, still speaking to Hope.

"...know you do, but the mortal realm is more dangerous than ever, especially for our kind."

"But Grandparent--"

"No buts. I will not risk your safety."

Hope looks down, disappointed.

"You said you made Heroica to keep people safe, like me."

Euflear surveys the Heroes--tired, ragged, bathed in Sirone and Velquoriel's blood, not exactly the image of stalwart defenders. E kneels down and holds Hope's hands, looking the little fairy girl in the eyes.

"I did. And perhaps, one day, they will come to protect you. But not today."

Exchanging a hug with eir granddaughter and kissing her on the head, Euflear rises and leads the party outside. Again they repeat their walk through the seemingly-and-yet-not-quite featureless terrain, until Euflear stops.

"Prepare yourselves. There is no way of knowing what may await outside the portal."

After a moment's pause, the party steps forward and is again bathed with light. When the brightness fades this time, however, they find themselves in a familiar spot--the entrance to the Lost Forest--and surrounded by three familiar figures.

"What--?"

"Back!"

"Who--? Heroes!"

After a few moments, the three warriors lower their weapons.

"Where in Hel have you been?! We've been waiting here for six weeks!"

Emperor Phyllius puts a hand to his face, stifling a cough. "These two have, anyway--rebuilding Domus has kept me rather busy. I actually came here today to get these two to come back with me--they're both needed in Drakencourt."

"Our messengers found Charis intact--I take it that means you stopped the Dragon-riders? Is that one of them with you? Where is the other?"

Darius steps forward and bows low to the Emperors, Kreika following suit a moment later.

"Sirs, I offer my deepest apologies for my actions. On behalf of S-Sirone..." Darius sniffles, tears pouring to the ground. "I-I want it to be known, that none of this was his fault. He had only the purest of intentions, and he ought to be remembered that way."

Emperor Septrine and the Dragonlord exchange glances. Emperor Phil, however, seems dissatisfied.

"How about instead of telling us whose fault it is, you tell us why it happened in the first place?" The Emperor glares at Darius angrily, and the party recalls that he had faced both him and Sirone in combat on the day Domus fell--the day they had found him injured and bleeding at the gate to the city's ruins.

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

"You have to understand, Sirone and I were best friends. We were inseparable, really--from the moment the Count put us together; I was the brash one, quick to action, while he was the brave one who backed me up whenever I did something stupid. I...I cared about him, a lot."

"Anyway, one day, he just sort of...stopped. He stayed in his quarters, asked the Count to reschedule his shifts, and basically stopped talking to everyone, threw himself into his work. I asked around, and found out his parents had been killed in a carriage accident on their way home from attending a circuis performance back in Duplovia. He was devastated, but I knew that wasn't the real reason he started acting strange. He had a brother, did you know that? A precocious little kid, who thought Sirone was the whole world. So now this kid's orphaned, alone, an ocean away from the only family he has left. Now, I know Sirone--or, well, I thought I did--and I knew he wasn't the kind to take stupid risks to get what he needed, but I also knew he wouldn't ask anyone for help, not even me--he's too proud for that. I knew he was going to work himself into the ground to try and get his little brother to Eubric. So when I hear that the Count's looking to train people as Dragoons--didn't even bother asking why, just saw the pay was good--I jump at the chance. I figured, I'd raise some cash, bring the kid over, and save Sirone from himself. Only..."

"Look. Here's the thing. Sirone? He was better than me. Always was. And I don't mean a better swordsman, a better guard, or anything like that (though he was that, too)--I mean he was a better person. And I...well, deep down, I've always been a little jealous. But he's my best friend. And after all those times he's saved my skin, I thought this time--this time, I was going to be able to help him out. So when I show up for the last day of training, and I see him there, I sort of just...snapped. Something woke up inside of me, and I just had to prove I was better, better at something wasn't always going to be that guy who's always clinging to someone else for support. So I ran. And Sirone chased me here, trying to stop me. And now...now I can see he was right."

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

Darius looks to Kreika. "I'm not worthy of you. I never was. Sirone knew that--and he died trying to protect not just the world from me...but protecting me from myself." The crimson-clad Dragoon hangs his head in shame.

Kreika lowers his head to his partner's level.

<Perhaps you are not. But you can be. And I will help you get there. I have pledged my life and my service to you, Darius Kaan. It is not the way of a Dragon to go back on our word.>

Darius sniffles.

"You really think I can be...well, like Sirone?"

<I know you can.>

"Oh, sob sob boo-hoo. All the warm fuzzy feelings in the world won't change the fact that the two of you are dangerous murderers."

<Darius intended harm to no one. He merely wished to be left to find his own place in the world, and I supported him in that goal.>

"So you're saying, what, Domus just destroyed itself?"

Kreika looks away in shame.

<What happened to that city was the result of a...regrettable loss of control, combined with Velquoriel and my...incomplete knowledge of the circumstances. I regret my part in what happened, and I know Velquoriel would as well.>

"I leave myself to your judgement, Emperors. Whether I intended it or not, my actions led to the destruction of that city. I bear the responsibility for what happened."

Emperor Septrine gestures to Emperor Phyillius, the latter of whom seems conflicted.

"Domus is your domain, Victor. The decision is yours."

"...unfortunately, I...don't trust myself to pass fair judgement right now. Or ever, really. He flew away from his mess, so he didn't have to face the pain and devastation he wrought on my people like I did for the past six weeks. But..." The Emperor sighs, then coughs. "Another part of me know's it's not fair to put everything on him--and it sounds like his friend paid the final price for his part in this all." He looks to the Dragonlord and the other Heroes. "You're the ones who fought them face-on. Your call."

Diana shrugs.

"You already know what I think. I say he joins his friend."

"We have had enough of what you think, Diana Justus. You will abide by your fellows' decision this time." Mallelio nods in agreement, prompting twin glances of surprise from Emperors Phyllius and Septrine.

Diana glowers at Denerii, but seems unwilling to do anything more in the presence of the Dragonlord, who speaks up.

"...I think enough blood has been spilled already. We'll take him back to Eubric with us."

"Come on! People are dead!"

"And all those deaths are in vain if no one is alive to learn from them. You're too young to understand, but plenty of times the worst punishment someone can face isn't to die--it's to live."

Darius looks down and nods in silent agreement. Diana seethes, but again is powerless in the face of the Veteran. She stomps off to the nearby cart Emperor Phyllius had apparently brought with him.

"Now, could someone please explain to me why the Hel it took six weeks to come out of that forest?"

"My apologies. I am afraid that is partly my doing."

[image coming soon^TM]

Euflear steps forward, and for the first time in centuries the two generations of Veterans meet face-to-face. The Fey One and The Dragonlord survey one another, somehow already aware of who the other is.

"..."

"..."

"...you have her eyes."

"...sorry?"

"Yuliana's. And her daughter's as well. How many generations have passed, and yet that same stubborn, stalwart gaze I could always..." The Fey One shakes emself from eir reverie. E extends a hand. "Euflear."

The Dragonlord shakes Euflear's hand. "Cain." The Dragonlord looks to the Emperors and the party. "A moment, please?"

Mallelio, Denerii, and the two Emperors usher the Heroes to Emperor Phyllius' cart. Just out of earshot, the two Veterans converse for what feels like days (though is more likely a few hours), when a final familiar figure emerges from the woods: Germ. The half-demon appears extremely weak, having apparently taken the full six weeks to find his way out of the woods. The Dragonlord and Euflear take the Rogue's arrival as a cue to conclude their conversation, and they approach the now-reunited Heroes.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Heroes. I must return to the Faerie now. Perhaps one day, we shall meet again."

"Indeed. When you need an act of heroism, we are at your service."

Euflear laughs.

"I will remember that."

Will the party say anything more to Euflear before returning to Drakencourt?

Edited September 9, 2014 by Flipz

[Actaeon]

Actaeon glares are Germ, but says nothings. All he wants is to go home.

[KotZ]

Kiray stared at Germ but said nothing. She stepped closer to Diana and gave her a look to say "Let it go for right now."

[samurai-turtle]

Mallelio, Denerii, and the two Emperors usher the Heroes to Emperor Phyllius' cart. Just out of earshot, the two Veterans converse for what feels like days (though is more likely a few hours), when a final familiar figure emerges from the woods: Germ. The half-demon appears extremely weak, having apparently taken the full six weeks to find his way out of the woods. The Dragonlord and Euflear take the Rogue's arrival as a cue to conclude their conversation, and they approach the now-reunited Heroes.

SIX WEEKS! I thought it was six days. Is was he said after finding out how long he was in the woods. Then telling the Dragonlord: I will give you a report of what I think happen later. Then notice the others looking at him. But, the only thought that went through his head was: How are they looking better off than him for being in the woods for six weeks.

[Siercon and Coral]

Siercon notices Germ weathered from 6 weeks of journeying. "Good to see you Germ, You gonna be alright? need healing or a potion?"

In response to the posed question of Darius's verdict. He responds firmly. "Darius Lives... Warlen? Germ?" he looks at the others, wondering if they'll vote to kill yet again...

[Actaeon]

OoC: Wait, are we still deciding Darius' fate? I thought Dragonlord had pretty much decided.

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Warlen walked over to Diana, and slapped her. "Murderer."

He walked over to Actaeton, and slapped him. "Would be murderer."

He did the same to Kiray. "Would be murderer."

He did the same to Germ. "Coward."

He walked over to Sirecon, who braced himself, but Warlen just patted him on the back. "Nice."

He did the same for Mallileo, and Denerli.

Before the people he slapped Could recover, he said, "Quarion?"

And Quarion proceeded to bite off a finger, causing Warlen to swear.

After getting Mallileo to heal his hand, he looked at the others.

[Flipz]

QM Note: I will be out of the house most of tomorrow afternoon; I'll try to get something up in the morning (assuming I have the pictures), but otherwise it will be a bit later before we can get back to Count Shadeaux for your reward.

Warlen walked over to Diana, and slapped her. "Murderer."

He walked over to Actaeton, and slapped him. "Would be murderer."

He did the same to Kiray. "Would be murderer."

He did the same to Germ. "Coward."

He walked over to Sirecon, who braced himself, but Warlen just patted him on the back. "Nice."

He did the same for Mallileo, and Denerli.

Before the people he slapped Could recover, he said, "Quarion?"

And Quarion proceeded to bite off a finger, causing Warlen to swear.

After getting Mallileo to heal his hand, he looked at the others.

Diana turns her head, a red welt appearing on her face where Warlen slapped her.

"One day, Elf," she hisses, too quietly for the others to hear, "you will pay for your stupidity. She rubs her face, glaring at the Dragonlord as if blaming him for her discomfort.

The others stare confusedly at Warlen and Quarion, save for Denerii (whose blank expression is impossible to read) and Mallelio, who expertly heals the Mage's bleeding hand, a sort of grim dazedness clouding his vision. Something had broken in both the Rito and the Sage, but only time would tell if they would ever fully heal from it.

Siercon notices Germ weathered from 6 weeks of journeying. "Good to see you Germ, You gonna be alright? need healing or a potion?"

In response to the posed question of Darius's verdict. He responds firmly. "Darius Lives... Warlen? Germ?" he looks at the others, wondering if they'll vote to kill yet again...

"Don't worry, Siercon--I think we've had enough death recently, and I'm guessing you feel the same." Dragonlord looks to the others. "Normally we Veterans would leave this kind of decision to you folks--you're the ones who walk right into harm's way, after all--but this time I'm going to be selfish and make the call: the Dragoon lives." Emperor Septrine and Emperor Phyllius incline their heads respectfully, indicating their acceptance of the Dragonlord's verdict. "Now, let's go home."

It takes the better part of three days to return to Drakencourt, traveling this time at a more reasonable pace than they had before. Emperor Phyllius remains behind in Domus, tell-tale spires of scaffolding indicating the first steps towards the city's slow recovery. Onward they travel, eventually reaching the shores of Lake Glaz, where a ship ferries them the final distance to Drakencourt. It is dusk as they dock, and several familiar faces await them.

"Hello again, Heroes."

"Welcome back."

"Heroes! I am pleased to see you who I am pleased to see!"

"I cannot say I am pleased to see you again does not please me, but I am relieved at your success in stopping the Dragoons is a relief to me."

Two more figures soar down from the skies, alighting on the docks in front of them. Denerii races forward to embrace the taller of the two.

"Denerii, my love, it brings me great joy to see you safe again. The days without word of you were like flying without wind beneath my wings."

"My heart soars see you as well, Flavius." She embraces her mate tightly, then turns back and gestures to the Heroes. "We have Siercon, Germ, and Warlen to thank as well. They are true spirits of the air, and were a steadfast wind at my back in the darkest times. You three are true friends of the Rito; when you become experienced enough, we will welcome you to return to the Rito and train with us to become a glorious Winged Warrior."

Flavius raises an eyebrow.

"It seems you have made quite the impression upon my mate. I am surprised she is not clamoring to travel to Eubric with you even now," he adds jokingly.

Denerii looks grimly at Actaeon and Kiray, and finally Diana.

"No," she says, "I would rather remain here, among my people."

Flavius looks curiously at his beloved, but says nothing further.

QM Note: For the sake of ease and clarity, I'll link you to JimBee's first and second posts explaining how Winged Warrior training works. If you have any further questions, go ahead and ask them in the General Discussion topic.

Vipera alights and faces Kreika.

<I sensed Velquoriel's passing in the Spirit Pools. I...am sorry, for my part, for encouraging the two of you to break with tradition so strongly. I still believe our kind belongs out here in the world, but perhaps she was right in exhorting caution.>

<She was. I see that now. But forget not that she chose to accompany young Valishter as he tried to stop me--in the end, she chose to act. I would not see her dream--and yours--die because of my lack of patience. Our actions were our own, and whatever influence your words had on us prior to that day, they were not, in the end, what propelled us on our way; we were.>

<You sound as she once did.>

Kreika nods.

<I will spend the remainder of my lifetime trying to live up to her wisdom, for it is my choices that led to it being stripped from this world.>

There is a moment of awkward silence, before U'Daras breaks the tension.

"Emperor Alandri sends his regrets that he cannot greet you in person, but offers you the service of one of his trade vessels in your return to Eubric along with his apologies that he cannot greet you in person. I have taken the liberty of asking the crew to prepare for your departure, which is what I have taken the liberty of asking the crew to prepare for."

Will the party ask anything more of the Dastanese before they return home to Eubric?

[The Chosen Minifigure]

QM Note: I will be out of the house most of tomorrow afternoon; I'll try to get something up in the morning (assuming I have the pictures), but otherwise it will be a bit later before we can get back to Count Shadeaux for your reward.

Diana turns her head, a red welt appearing on her face where Warlen slapped her.

"One day, Elf," she hisses, too quietly for the others to hear, "you will pay for your stupidity. She rubs her face, glaring at the Dragonlord as if blaming him for her discomfort.

The others stare confusedly at Warlen and Quarion, save for Denerii (whose blank expression is impossible to read) and Mallelio, who expertly heals the Mage's bleeding hand, a sort of grim dazedness clouding his vision. Something had broken in both the Rito and the Sage, but only time would tell if they would ever fully heal from it.

QM Note: For the sake of ease and clarity, I'll link you to JimBee's first and second posts explaining how Winged Warrior training works. If you have any further questions, go ahead and ask them in the General Discussion topic.

Ooc: You did get that I didn't slap Malileo and Denerli, right?

Also, do I need a pair of Rito feathers to becom a winged warrior?

[samurai-turtle]

"Good to see you Germ, You gonna be alright? need healing or a potion?"

Thanks, I will be fine.

He did the same to Germ. "Coward."

"He who runs away lives to fight another day." Then said: A piece of advice "dude". Don't tell to many jokes it make you look like an @$$ clown. And I think you are better than that.

"We have Siercon, Germ, and Warlen to thank as well. They are true spirits of the air, and were a steadfast wind at my back in the darkest times. You three are true friends of the Rito; when you become experienced enough, we will welcome you to return to the Rito and train with us to become a glorious Winged Warrior."

WHAT! I feel like I spewed more "darkness" than any thing else. Then looked at Actaeon and Diana.

Oh, Thanks for the weapon. And, when my "wings" are ready I will come back for the training.

[Actaeon]

Actaeon remains silent for most of the trip. After Denerii gives him and the two females of the party a cold stare, he whispers to Kiray and Diana, "I don't understand these peoples. We did what we thought was best for everyone and we're treated like WE burnt the village down." He shakes his head with disappointment, "Do they not realize that the Dragoons killed their people? We saved lives and end up persecuted."

OoC: on my phone, sorry

[KotZ]

Actaeon remains silent for most of the trip. After Denerii gives him and the two females of the party a cold stare, he whispers to Kiray and Diana, "I don't understand these peoples. We did what we thought was best for everyone and we're treated like WE burnt the village down." He shakes his head with disappointment, "Do they not realize that the Dragoons killed their people? We saved lives and end up persecuted."

OoC: on my phone, sorry

"Being a Hero, for the most part, is a thankless job. If you really feel bad about the Rito, you can apologize now, or you can do quests later and make it up to them like that," Kiray whispered back.

Kiray then turned to Denerii, "Denerii, I'm sorry for how we came across. But we had a job to do, and the dragoons were important because if they went unchecked, much more damage would happen and many more lives would have been lost."

[Flipz]

QM Note: Sorry for the delay, folks! I'll try to update you tonight.