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[Zepher]

Once, the lands of Dastan made up two nations: the Kingdom of the Lion, and the Empire of the Dragon. The Empire was the larger of the two, and its people were famed breeders of dragons. The Kingdom, in stark contrast, was composed of peasants, experts in agriculture, but not in the art of war. Through a series of border skirmishes, the dragon riders of the Empire had driven the Lions back to the arid mountains of Northern Dastan.

Magical talent was rare in the Kingdom of the Lion, so most of the peasants dismissed the work of mages as folly. But when one of the mages, striving to transform readily available Mopag Torturous Fruit into a suitable replacement for applesauce and sausages, accidentally created a beast of myth - a chimera - word got around quickly.

Raising an army, the Lion's King marched on the Empire, overcoming all resistance and finally camping his army in the plains. With the mage at his side and the chimera in the mountains, he prepared to invade the Empire's capital.

With little other choice, the Dragon's Emperor deployed the Dragon Knights - an organized force of professional soldiers - in numbers such as Imperial Dastan has never seen before or since. While dragons kept the chimera busy, the Dragon Knights punched a hole in the Lion's front lines.

As his men split the Kingdom's forces in two, the commander of the Dragon Knights, after a short duel, killed the Lion's King. Without their commander, the Lions panicked, and what was a battle turned into a slaughter.

The mage fell to a Dragon's spear and the chimera, without the support of its creator, was overcome by the flames of the dragons. The remnants of the Lion Army were rounded up and, together with the peasants who had stayed behind in the Kingdom, were exiled from Dastan. The Empire absorbed what was left of the Kingdom, and began to reorganize itself into the Empire of Dastan, ruled by a triumvirate of emperors.

From generation to generation, the three crowns were passed down. The land, although physically poor, prospered with the three emperors ruling in unison for many years. However, evil is now at its peak, threatening to destroy what has been built up over time. A large enemy force, whose masterminds remain hidden in shadow, attempts to overthrow the empire. Dastan and its people are in peril, and the three emperors call for the aid of Heroica....

The heroes land in Dastan, and are greeted with a familiar face.

“Hello heroes, it’s good to see you again Thothwick.”

Thothwick recognizes the man from the Arena Quest.  ‘Phil’ seems to have made it home to his country.

“You’ll forgive me if I explain quickly.  My name is Victor Phyllius.  I apologize for my shady behavior when we were entrapped in that Arena by Draco.  I was an ambassador of Dastan, I have since been promoted to head adviser to one of the three Emperors.  Emperor Severus Septrine.  If Wren had known who I was, she would have put up a bigger fight, I have no doubt.  I could have been ransomed.  I had to maintain secrecy.  Enough of that."

"I have advised Severus to hire you, heroes.  Our nation has plummeted into turmoil.  A rogue group of Lion Knights, I don't know if any of you have encountered them in Uland, have landed on our shores, and have started a campaign to retake their ancient homeland.  Our Emperors have matured over the years.  If the Lion Knights had been peaceful, perhaps something could have been worked out... but that is not what happened and not why you are here."

"Emperor Septrine has sent all of his troops off to join with the man force, spear-headed by Generals of the other Emperors.  Rumor has it that the other Emperors may be commanding certain units.  This is again not why you are here.  Trouble abroad has nourished trouble at home.  A group of assassins has made it's intentions clear - it wants power, and it plans to take Emperor Septrine's spot.  These assassins have allied themselves with the rogue Lion Knights, and together, they plan to crush our empire.  All of our troops are in the field.  We require you to protect the Emperor's most trusted allies and political personnel.  You will be given 100 gold for your time, and an additional 50 gold will be offered to you for each person saved.  You must save at least three of the advisers, or you will fail.  I have ensured the Emperor that you will save all five declared targets.  I doubt you will disappoint me."

"Now, pay close attention to this.  These are your five charges."

Phil hands the heroes five slips of paper.

Quote

- U'Stus - Political Leader of the U'Kin, a minority in the Empire lobbying for change.  His death would cause riots.

Quote

- Nikolai - A leading General who has stayed behind to build morale.  Will be shipped off to the front lines shortly.

Quote

- Constance - Remaining Dragon Knight Commander in the area.  The Dragon Knights are an ancient and powerful organization.  She will refuse protection.  You must protect her.  Will be shipped off to the front lines shortly.

Quote

- Mallelio - Head Cleric of the Emperor.  Teacher to Ella Septrine, who had visions as a child until Mallelio taught her to control herself.  She is incredibly talented magically.  Some say she is a prophet.  The death of Mallelio would devastate her.  It is doubly important that he is protected.

Quote

- Victor Phyllius - Head Adviser to the Emperor.

"And your enemies."  Four more pieces of paper are handed to the heroes.

Quote

- U'Vires - Leader of the assassins.  A radical U'Kin who claims change is not coming, and his people have been oppressed for too long.

Quote

- XX - An expert in magical explosives.  Very dangerous.  Works for the highest bidder, but once bought, cannot be bought out until the job is done.

Quote

- Sphinx - The head of a cult focused on reviving the the Chimera.

Quote

- Lady Wren.  You are aware of what she can do.  She has recently surfaced and declared her alliance with the assassins.  Her motives are unclear.

"I will answer any questions, and then we will continue to the Palace."

The heroes prepare to head off.  Those who have heard of Wren before wait to hear her needling voice, picking on their flaws, provoking them, etc.  They hear nothing.

The Party

Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader*
Power:  22 (19 Ranged)
Health:  25
Gold:  538
Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope


Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch
Power: 26
Health: 34/34
Defense: 2
Ether: 14/14
Gold: 31
Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2


Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage
Power:  30
Health:  27/27
Defense:  2
Ether:  22/22
Gold:  5
Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2)


Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian
Power: 23
Health: 20/20
Gold: 0
Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts


William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger
Power: 16
Health: 16/16
Gold: 10
Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb

OoC:  You all owe Amtrak WiFi a thank you.  Check your stats and stuff.  Guess which of the three hosts did the beautiful pictures at the beginning.  Panick, what exactly do horses do again?

[CallMePie]

Atramor looks at the ambassador. So they were to be fighting off assassins....and Wren, who he's heard all too much about in the hall. He could swear he also noticed a sort of snicker emanating from McCafferey, but there were more important things to worry about, apparently. He crosses one arm, gazing down at the paper clenched in the other hand.

"I'm assumin' once someone's been shipped off to the front line we don't gotta protect 'em?"

[Pandora]

"It is an honour to meet you Advisor Phyllius, I am the mage Nyx and I thank you for your preparations.  We will, as always, strive to do what is asked of us by those who request our help."

Nyx performs her customary curtsey on meeting the Advisor and begins to study the information presented to her.  She notices a change in the atmosphere when the Wren woman is mentioned, but isn't sure if it's just a change in the direction of the breeze.  No matter, she's here to do her duty, as she has done many a time before.

OOC Stats are tickety-boo, though I'm not sure I have SP..

[Zepher]

CallMePieOrDie, on 21 April 2012 - 03:27 PM, said:

"I'm assumin' once someone's been shipped off to the front line we don't gotta protect 'em?"

"Correct, hero.  Once someone is on the front lines, they will be someone else's problem.  Hopefully they'll be the Lion Knight's problem.  These assassins are close to home, you only need to worry about their doing's here."

Pandora, on 21 April 2012 - 03:30 PM, said:

"It is an honour to meet you Advisor Phyllius, I am the mage Nyx and I thank you for your preparations.  We will, as always, strive to do what is asked of us by those who request our help."

OOC Stats are tickety-boo, though I'm not sure I have SP..

"I am certain that the heroes of Heroica will live up to expectations, Ms. Nyx.  They must."

OoC:  Your wooden shield might argue with you on that...      Maybe it landed in your inventory by accident... or maybe you're holding it for a friend?  It's very possible I read things wrong.

[CallMePie]

No, but  I'm pretty sure only knights can use shields.  

"Uh huh. So are these bastards the leaders of the assassins, or are they really that small? Also, for how long are we protectin' these people?"

I should have a Grand Tonic (that also constitutes a -30 gold), but other than that my stats are good.

Edited by CallMePieOrDie, 21 April 2012 - 03:47 PM.

[Pandora]

"I would like to know more about the U'Kin.  They are a race with whom I am unfamiliar, and I would like to know of any paticular traits they may have, especially if we are to encounter one and also protect one."

OoC: The shield is definitely mine, but I didn't think I could equip it and forgot to sell it.

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn listened intently to the Advisor as he spelt out their mission, to protect these 5 important people.

"Advisor, are we expecting imminent attacks on all five? Or do you have any information on who is most likely to feel an assassin's blade first?  We have to consider the possibility that we may need to divide our forces."

[Zepher]

CallMePieOrDie, on 21 April 2012 - 03:46 PM, said:

"Uh huh. So are these bastards the leaders of the assassins, or are they really that small? Also, for how long are we protectin' these people?"

"U'Vires was until recently a politician, and still has many ties with people who are less than sympathetic to the Emperors, but who maintain a public display of loyalty.  XX has a number of hired hands, but they are not numerous, five to ten at the most.  Sphinx is the only one we need to worry about.  His cult is far reaching and extremely secretive.  In all likeliness, many people who you meet while here will have some tie to the cult, even if they are not active in it.  Bear in mind these Assassins cannot be working alone.  They must have support.  Many people argue that support is the Lion Knights, though rumors travel often of other secret leaders.  I will say this - if the Lion Knights are supporting them, they have figured out an extremely secretive way to send them supplies over a large distance.  We have never intercepted any messages between the Knights and the Assassins."

"As for how long you will be protecting them... you will protect them until they no longer need protection."

Pandora, on 21 April 2012 - 03:51 PM, said:

"I would like to know more about the U'Kin.  They are a race with whom I am unfamiliar, and I would like to know of any paticular traits they may have, especially if we are to encounter one and also protect one."

OoC:  Will be fixed when updated, along with Gibbin's tonic.



"The U'Kin have many negative stereotypes in Dastan, none of which are true in my experience.  They are considered dull and easily influenced.  I have worked with both U'Stus and U'Vires before, and can promise you that they are both incredibly bright.  This stereotype may stem from their intense species pride.  They have been hated among the people of Dastan for a long time, which has made the U'Kin an incredibly close-knit population.  U'Kin are also known to speak more than necessary to get their point across.  I will allow you to assess this one yourself.  They are not particularly strong and do not enjoy nor are they built for physical combat."

[CallMePie]

"Uh huh. That's all I can think of right now, though 'ya might wanna answer Tarn."

Atramor glances around at his questmates, checking if they were still going to be asking questions, and just rubbed some grime off Ratsbane, observing how the contradictory elements moved as colors along the blade. Meh. Daggers were tools, not art.

Edited by CallMePieOrDie, 21 April 2012 - 04:27 PM.

[Professor Flitwick]

"A pleasure to speak with you again, Mr. Phyllius. Hopefully this time I won't be incarcerated. When Mr. Harkenshire catches up with us, and providing nobody has any further queries, we should head onto the palace."

Thothwick stood still for a moment, before being struck by a query of his own. "I take it there is a maximum to how many we can escort at any given time? Also, Mr. Phyllius, I believe you missed Mr. Valco's question."

The stats look fine to me, Zepher! Thanks for picking me for this quest!

[Zepher]

Rumble Strike, on 21 April 2012 - 03:59 PM, said:

"Advisor, are we expecting imminent attacks on all five? Or do you have any information on who is most likely to feel an assassin's blade first?  We have to consider the possibility that we may need to divide our forces."

"These five are the only five that would be worth targeting at this point, except of course the Emperor.  Luckily, we have enough troops left to protect him."

"Mallelio and I spend most of our time in the Palace, so for the most part we should be safe.  The same stands for the commanders - they have troops with them a majority of the time.  U'Stus is in more potential danger.  You will, as soon as possible, scope out his private residence and see what you can do to protect it.  He refuses to believe he is in danger, but has graciously accepted a visit from you.  We predict that for the most part, they will not strike at him in his house.  U'Vires values the potential support of the U'Kin, and striking at U'Stus will push him out of favor instead of into it.  There will undoubtedly be times when one or more of us must venture out of areas of safety to do our duties.  That is when you will come into play."

Professor Flitwick, on 21 April 2012 - 04:27 PM, said:

"A pleasure to speak with you again, Mr. Phyllius. Hopefully this time I won't be incarcerated. When Mr. Harkenshire catches up with us, and providing nobody has any further queries, we should head onto the palace."

"I take it there is a maximum to how many we can escort at any given time?"

Phyllius nods politely and chuckles genuinely.  He seems pleased to see Thothwick again.

"Again, we should be relatively safe unless placed in dangerous situations.  Most days, you will most likely be assigned to just one person.  Some days, more of us will be venturing around the city.  We will... what is the saying?  We will cross that river when we get there.  Yes?"

[CallMePie]

Zepher, on 21 April 2012 - 04:50 PM, said:

"Mallelio and I spend most of our time in the Palace, so for the most part we should be safe.  The same stands for the commanders - they have troops with them a majority of the time.  U'Stus is in more potential danger.  You will, as soon as possible, scope out his private residence and see what you can do to protect it.  He refuses to believe he is in danger, but has graciously accepted a visit from you.  We predict that for the most part, they will not strike at him in his house.  U'Vires values the potential support of the U'Kin, and striking at U'Stus will push him out of favor instead of into it.  There will undoubtedly be times when one or more of us must venture out of areas of safety to do our duties.  That is when you will come into play."

"Ahh, so we'll be told when we need to protect onna 'ya? That'll make this a bit easier."

[Professor Flitwick]

Thothwick pressed his palm to his temple, stumbling backwards and forwards, his eyes out of focus. Just as quickly as it had happened, it was over.

"Questmates! If you would all be so gracious as to offer me a moment of your time. I just received a vision, from a small Dragon, who refers to themself as an ambassador to our order. It appears the Chimera is indeed being risen. In order to stop this, we need to kill an undisclosed amount of cultists in an undisclosed amount of time. It appears Sphinx is our highest priority. Mr. Phyllius, any suggestions as to how to tempt out the cultists?"

[Pandora]

Nyx turns to look at the Metasimian while he appears to have some sort of attack of weirdness.

"Uhm, wow Thothwick (that is your name, right?) that's a bit... unexpected.

You don't usually take medication or anything, do you?  Kinda cool to be contacted directly by a dragon though, even if it was a bit lacking on the details.  So we need to kill some cultists.  Somewhere.  And then probably the chimera, and I bet that thing will be really ugly and have bad breath.

I'd really like to meet a dragon, though.  They sound kinda cute. "

[Professor Flitwick]

Pandora, on 21 April 2012 - 06:29 PM, said:

"Uhm, wow Thothwick (that is your name, right?) that's a bit... unexpected.

"Correct. I take it you, as the only women, are Ms. Nix? And, no, that was not an affliction I commonly suffer from."

Pandora, on 21 April 2012 - 06:29 PM, said:

I'd really like to meet a dragon, though.  They sound kinda cute. "

"If it's anything like a Wyvern, it's not. Now, a Wyvern's breath, thats bad!"

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn had seen fellow Questmates go a little crazy before, so Thothwick's outburst did not phase the young Barbarian. "Let us journey with all due haste to this Sphinx character then."

[CallMePie]

Atramor raised a somewhat concerned eyebrow when Thothwick told everyone of his....'vision', while McCafferey just gave a quiet bawk.

"Now, everyone hold up 'ere, mates. Our job's to keep these folks alive, and it'll be a bit tough to do with we're huntin' down a chimera. Of course, it can't be ignored, a chimera will make our quest a lot harder. I suggest if we get any clues on the wherabouts of this Sphinx an' his cult, that 2 or 3 of us split off an go raise some 'ell. But we can't leave the officials and such unprotected."

[Fred Daniel Yam]

"Then lead on, fearless leader. We have a job to do." "Wait, Mr. Phil, are the assassins and the cult working together?"

OOC: Stats are good

Edited by VolcanicPanik, 22 April 2012 - 06:57 AM.

[Professor Flitwick]

"Well, should press on to the Palace, providing no one has any further questions?"

[Pandora]

"Yup, onwards to the Palace.  Mr Phyllius can tell us about the cults and chimera and Sphinx and stuff on the way, unless he thinks there's somewhere else we should be in the meantime. "

[CallMePie]

"Works for me."

[Rumble Strike]

"To the palace then, let us not tarry here further," agreed Tarn.

[Zepher]

Phil turns to Thothwick, but before he can respond, Atramor speaks up.

"Mr. Gibbin is correct, Mr. Thothwick.  You are here in service to us.  The Dragons can handle their own problems, they always have."  He softens a little.  "That is the reply you'd get from some others in a empire.  If we can, we should assist the Dragons.  I do beg you to not forget why you are here though, heroes.  I respect the Dragons, but I'd also like to see all my allies alive."

The heroes set out for the palace, located in Drakencourt.  It is a few days of travel, done by carriage.  Once they arrive, the heroes crash into their respective beds...

The Party

Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader*
Power:  22 (19 Ranged)
Health:  25
Gold:  538
Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope


Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch
Power: 26
Health: 34/34
Defense: 2
Ether: 14/14
Gold: 1
Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic


Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage
Power:  30
Health:  27/27
Ether:  22/22
Gold:  5
Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2)


Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian
Power: 23
Health: 20/20
Gold: 0
Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts


William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger
Power: 16
Health: 16/16
Gold: 10
Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb

The next morning, they are taken in front of the Emperor.

"Greetings, heroes!!  I've heard many wonderous things about you and your achievements!  I have high hopes.  I hope that Victor has been friendly to you, he can be a bore sometimes!"  The Emperor chuckles.  "I'm joshing you, of course, he's wonderful.  Ah, where are my manners.  My name is Emperor Severus Septrine!  I hope that you've been filled in on how things are run around here.... this is Ella and Mallelio, by the way... I'm sorry, I've lost my train of thought... ah, I remember.  Yes, I think if none of you are opposed, you could start your duties today!  Nikolai is giving one final speech to the populace before shipping off.  He is speaking in a smaller town named Dragonclaw, large industrial and shipment center.  He'll be at the central market - do you have any obligations to heading out now?"

Phil assures the Emperor that the heroes are ready.  He leads them out of the Throne room, and takes them away from the palace.



"I apologize for rushing you out of there," Phil says.  "But we have a quick appointment before you leave."

The heroes turn and Thothwick is greeted with two more familiar faces.



"Howdy, heroes."



"Greetings.  We have much to discuss."  Felton turns to the others.  "Hans and Felton.  Wren hunters.  We are pleased to see heroes of Heroica again."

Edited by Zepher, 23 April 2012 - 04:55 AM.

[CallMePie]

Atramor yawns in the sun, brushing some coarse dust from his Sand Worm Hide and blinking at the pair of the strangers.

"Aye, I've heard of you two too. Been through a lotta muck with that Wren, I believe. I'm hopin' you're here to enlighten us as to why the 'ell she's supposedly in Dastan?"

[Zepher]

"Damn straight.  We're here to put down that-"



"We'd love to tell you, heroes, but we have no idea why she is here.  Or where she is, for that matter.  Sir Poletad is gathering information among the animals of the city currently... but we can't trust anyone here.  Present company excluded," Felton says with a quick nod to Phil.  "The Emperors care too much about their own safety to hunt her down, and the Lion Knights who are reportedly coming over are no better, not to mention that there are cultists lurking around.  That's right up her alley."

Hans pulls Thothwick aside.



"I dunno if ya heard, but Felton had a bit a' trouble over in the High Kingdoms with impostors... well, bein' him.  I'm not good at all that psychological junk, but he seems to have developed trust issues, maybe you and your group could help sort him out a little-"



Felton powers on.

"Wren is working with the assassins.  I can promise you that she does not care about the Dastan Empire, or who is in charge here, which must mean that she has some alternative motive for being here.  We must stop her.  To make matters worse, she has the cultists in her pocket.  They could be anywhere or anyone.  The Dastan Empire has been totally compromised.  Do not trust anyone, heroes.  Do not trust anyone.  Phil, Hans, Poletad and myself are your only allies.  Wren is your top priority."