Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[K-Nut]

"Althior. You can either live a happy ten years or wallow in misery for twenty. Alive or undead, whats the point of living if there is no happiness?"

"Overall mistake, you say? You know, Althior, alive or dead, necromancer or not, you had friends. Arthur. Haldor. Ellaria. Finnegan. I. It didn't matter to us what you were - but you're going to very quickly drive them all away, Althior. Think about what you're doing before you find yourself alone."

"Do you not understand? I'm trying to be good. I'm on a conquest to rid this world of crime and deceit, yet none of you can realize that." Althior had to keep up this act. He knew going into Necromancy he'd be isolated from others, and that he wouldn't be accepted. His beliefs were coming true.

Haldor slinks over from the corner as the row flares up and the scene grows bigger. He remains calm, as though simply stating a fact.

"You know, Althior, you should stop and think for a moment. Screaming and shouting only does its best to let us all know that it's you who is finding it difficult to live with themselves. For all the number of times you've assured us that you have a future, do you really believe that? If it were me granted a second chance, I'd leapt at it to get on with my life, knowing that I should be grateful for being able to get back up unlike the rest of the miserable sods. I look at you, and I think 'What a terrible shame, the poor bastard is so set apart from this experiance that he's determined to make everyone feel as bad as he does.' That saddens me, because it ain't nothing like the Althior I used to know, the one who'd pull up a pint with a smile, knowing that today ain't so bad as it could have been. That rings true, it could have been worse. You could have just died, and then it would have been end of chapter for good old Emorith. Instead, you were given the chance to keep going, stay grateful of that, and let us keep well and happy before we roll over and die. As you say, we're all going to rot in the end; so what's the point in wasting your time being miserable?"

"How did you know about the screaming and shouting? Weren't we down at the Marketplace?"

Althior looks over to Haldor. "I was fool then, Shaman. Thinking that life was swell and that there was light in this world. There's not. There's nothing of the sort. Life is full of misery and tragedy. I'm trying to change that." He leans down to Haldors ear, whispering, "I am a greater hero than you ever will be, nord." Althior stands back up. "I hope you know how much of an imbecile you are. The most miserable thing in my life right now is how I'm wasting my precious time speaking with you." He turns away from Haldor.

Finnegan leans over towards Haldor, "Look, I've known Althior longer than you, and you are his only true friend. Something about him is different. Hell, I'm not even sure if that's Althior anymore..." He pauses, "Just give him a chance..."

"Oh don't worry about me, I can handle myself. Hm? Or you mean him. Not sure what's going on with this guy. Being a bit crazy if you ask me."

"At least I have some self respect..."

"Finally we agree on something!"

Edited April 22, 2013 by K-Nut

[Endgame]

"Do you not understand? I'm trying to be good. I'm on a conquest to rid this world of crime and deceit, yet none of you can realize that." Althior had to keep up this act. He knew going into Necromancy he'd be isolated from others, and that he wouldn't be accepted. His beliefs were coming true.

"Yes, and calling your friends mistakes is a surefire way of doing that. You've gone off of the deep end, Althior. Gather your wits and perhaps you'll find life to be a bit more fruitful."

[K-Nut]

Althior places his hands on the table and takes a deep breath, his body shaking with adrenaline. "I've discovered now I don't have the luxury of friends..."

[Endgame]

Althior places his hands on the table and takes a deep breath, his body shaking with adrenaline. "I've discovered now I don't have the luxury of friends..."

"And whose fault would that be? Hell, I came to you with a smile on my face, Althior. And yet you chose to verbally abuse each and every person you run into."

[K-Nut]

"Your face? Well, I shouldn't really be talking..."

"I have not abused anybody, but I have merely attempted to open their eyes to a harsh world." He closes his eyes for a moment before boldly stating. "That was my mistake."

[Endgame]

I raise an eyebrow, narrowing my eyes as I look at the hateful necromancer.

"Trying to reveal the truth, are you? By declaring the existence of two of your friends invalid, slandering another, and then trying to undermine someone's guilt - that almost left his love for? Dammit, Althior! Look what you're doing!"

I draw a deep breath and calm myself down...

"If you think hatred and misery is the way of the world, Althior... then what are you even doing here? This is a hall for heroes. It is our duty to remedy the sadness and hate in this world, not spread it."

Edited April 22, 2013 by Endgame

[K-Nut]

I raise an eyebrow, narrowing my eyes as I look at the hateful necromancer.

"Trying to reveal the truth, are you? By declaring the existence of two of your friends invalid, slandering another, and then trying to undermine someone's guilt - that almost left his love for? Dammit, Althior! Look what you're doing!"

I draw a deep breath and calm myself down...

"If you think hatred and misery is the way of the world, Althior... then what are you even doing here? This is a hall for heroes. It is our duty to remedy the sadness and hate in this world, not spread it."

Althior starts to grin. "I'd say I'm doing a pretty marvelous job, it seems. I'm teaching you a lesson. The lesson that hate and misery should fuel you to strive to be greater heroes. By trying to remedy hate and sadness, you are only destroying what should fuel your strife. You'll feel so good about yourself that you'll be blind to real treachery in the world." Althior looks at the hustle of heroes moving around the hall and makes a great personality change. He grips Sorrow by the shoulders and speaks to him, as if he is giving instructions. "You mist widen your gaze. I'm concerned you underestimate the gravity of these coming times. Behind your mask of "logic" I sense a fragility. That worries me. You must understand that my actions are beyond your control now." He stands up. "In time, I hope you will understand this is all necessary." Althior then continues down the stairs and out the doors into the city.

[Endgame]

I raise my voice as Althior walks away.

"So, fuel my hatred just to create more, then? Trap myself in a cycle of misery for no good reason? Fight for what I despise? I hope you enjoy your view of the world, Althior. Because you've deliberately erased it all."

[Masked Builder]

"Eh, just the way Arthur operates."

...You two DID reconcile, right?

"Maybe."

No don't think so.

[Endgame]

One retcon due to my immense stupidity later...

With Althior out of the hall, I begin to wonder where Arthur went off to. As I watch the miserable undead stomp out, I catch him in the corner of my eye - distanced away from Alexis, leaning on one of the halls many pillars. He looked petrified, as pale as could be as he simply stared onwards....

"...Excuse me for a minute, Alexis."

As I approached, I could notice a bit of sweat running down his brow.I place my hand on my shoulder and ask:

"...What's wrong?"

The Sorcerer stammers out his reply:

"I...I don't know what to tell her."

I heave silent sight and massage the bridge of my nose for a moment before continuing

"Arthur, you already told me your feelings regarding Alexis. You've quested together, slayed who knows what. You care for her, Arthur. Tell her that. You may think that distancing yourself from her may protect her, but you know you're not going to be led off your path to that degree again. Tell her what you've told me, Arthur. Don't think about it - allow your feelings to do the talking. Because at the end, Arthur, that is what matters."

I get surrounded by a contemplative silence.

"...Sorry, I was never too good with advice."

Arthur nods.

"...Thank you, Sorrow."

The color seems to return to his face a she inhale,s heading over to Alexis. I watch from the distance, wondering how this would play out... The Sorcerer approaches the elf and removes his hat, and begins to speak.

"Alexis, I'm... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for ever walking away from you. In just two quests, we've already experienced so many things... we fought servants of gods, cultists, demons, witnessed the light of Ennoc himself, and saved Eubric from she who would definitely be its end. There was lots of pain, undoubtedly. So much of it, whether it plagued or bodies or our hearts... but I'm willing to suffer it, Alexis. Feel any form of punishment or sadness, and endure each and every second of it. I thought walking away would protect you, but in the end it only served to create more sadness... I care about you, Alexis. I care about you so much, and want to be at your side - even if it means I must stare death himself in the eyes. I was led astray down in that accursed temple. That, I can never forget nor deny; it'll follow me until my end. But after she so quickly dispatched me, even after I gave her my allegiance, it made me realize something. Life was meant to be lived. There were far more important things in life then the questions I may sometimes ask of Olegaia. You, Alexis. I love you.

That's... that's all I wanted to say."

Edited April 23, 2013 by Endgame

[Brickdoctor]

I check through my inventory, and my eyes fall upon a pair of the scales of the Obsidian Dragon. "Lucky and Blessed, well that's just asking for trouble when you're a Warden." Also noticing some artifacts I don't need, I list them on a piece of parchment which I pin near the Quest Board:

For Sale:

Dragon Scale -

(Grants the

Lucky

- and

Blessed

-effects when consumed)

- 70 Gold (Save 10 Gold compared to Portia's price for a Nostrum and a Soma.)

*Sold!*

Venom

-

(Use on a weapon to make it cause a

Poisoned

-effect on any enemy it hits for the duration of one battle. A poisoned enemy loses 1 Health each turn.

-

3 Gold (Save 40% compared to Portia's price.)

*5 in stock*

White Marksman's Hat

-

(⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear)

-

Make me an offer.

Lover's Locket

-

(immune to

Enamored

; Accessory)

-

30 Gold (Save 25% compared to Fabian's price.)

[Flare]

Benji returns to the hall noticing that Docken had return soon before him. Benji pulls down his own advertisement and puts up a new one.

FOR SALE:

Pointy Hat (+2 maximum ether). 60 gold, or best offer.

Quiver of Poisoning (permanent Poisoned effect). 150 gold, or best offer.

Wooden Shield - SP:5, immunity to wood - 125 gold or best offer.

Also interested in trades!

~Benji

Edited April 23, 2013 by Flare

[Scorpiox]

"Do you not understand? I'm trying to be good. I'm on a conquest to rid this world of crime and deceit, yet none of you can realize that." Althior had to keep up this act. He knew going into Necromancy he'd be isolated from others, and that he wouldn't be accepted. His beliefs were coming true.

"How did you know about the screaming and shouting? Weren't we down at the Marketplace?"

Althior looks over to Haldor. "I was fool then, Shaman. Thinking that life was swell and that there was light in this world. There's not. There's nothing of the sort. Life is full of misery and tragedy. I'm trying to change that." He leans down to Haldors ear, whispering, "I am a greater hero than you ever will be, nord." Althior stands back up. "I hope you know how much of an imbecile you are. The most miserable thing in my life right now is how I'm wasting my precious time speaking with you." He turns away from Haldor.

Finnegan leans over towards Haldor, "Look, I've known Althior longer than you, and you are his only true friend. Something about him is different. Hell, I'm not even sure if that's Althior anymore..." He pauses, "Just give him a chance..."

"At least I have some self respect..."

"Finally we agree on something!"

Haldor's face sinks.

"Finnegan, I'm afraid there's little hope. You might want to start looking for a new master."

"Althior, you've changed too much, it isn't healthy. I can't bring myself to be angry, this is just pitiful; I merely... feel sorry for you having come this far. The only betrayal and deceit is from you, Althior. To be honest, it's nothing other than pathetic to hear you, my old friend, trying his hand at biting remarks and cruel statements. None of them faze me, because none of them are true. Yes, there is tragedy in life, but by this you will only ever add to it in your selfish, self-righteous path to self-destruction. Let me tell you a tale I heard, of the wandering minstral named John of Lennon who left his profession to become a monk after many years. John was successful, but he gave it all up to be happy and content with his life; and this is what he said:

"When I was young, my mother told me that it didn't matter what I became in life, only that I was happy. When I went to train as a warrior, my instructor asked me what I desired to be when I passed my training. I told him that I wanted to be happy. He said I didn't understand the question; I told him he didn't understand life."

Take note of that, it means a lot. But you see; I could have helped you, we could have helped you; but you spat all that back in our faces. I don't know, this saddens me more than I've been since Hans died... and since you died too. Perhaps, one day when you're alone, cold and weak, you'll wish you hadn't have blown out every last one of the people who wanted to save you."

The nord turns and walks away.

"Rest in piece, Althior Emorith, if only his soul were allowed a greater end. Sorrow, pull up a chair with me. There's no use crying on the grave of our lost friend now, we have to move on. Come, I know shamefully little of you in person, besides that what I've overheard. How has the life been kind to you these past months?"

Haldor sits down at a table, his back to Althior.

[Flare]

Benji walks over to where the nord and undead were sitting. He fakes a smile - he was too depressed to actually be friendly.

"Hello there. My name is Carvenhall. Benji Carvenhall. And what are yours?"

[UsernameMDM]

More drama and older faces seem to dominate the Hall. It seems that the conversations at hand are ones that Hoke does not want to be involved in. Needing a little more peace, Hoke grabs his gear and heads out for a walk.

[Scorpiox]

Benji walks over to where the nord and undead were sitting. He fakes a smile - he was too depressed to actually be friendly.

"Hello there. My name is Carvenhall. Benji Carvenhall. And what are yours?"

Haldor represses a grin.

"I believe we, er... met before. Long time ago, anyway. Name's Haldor, take yourself a seat."

After the elf was sat down, the nord continued.

"So, what sort of thing has been going down for you, mister Carvenhall?"

[Flare]

Haldor represses a grin.

"I believe we, er... met before. Long time ago, anyway. Name's Haldor, take yourself a seat."

After the elf was sat down, the nord continued.

"So, what sort of thing has been going down for you, mister Carvenhall?"

Benji sits down, starting to feel more comfortable with the friendliness of the nord Haldor. Haldor... Was that name familiar? Not really. Benji's memory wasn't as sharp as he had claimed to Alexis earlier.

"Well hello there Haldor. Your name was on the tip of my tongue." Benji lied tactifully, "Which adventure where we together on? Perhaps the failed mission of taking down the fantom... No, perhaps not. But wait..." Benji's eyes spark when he recognizes Sorrow. "Sorrow ol' buddy, is that you!?"

"Anyways, I was in the fields until recently. Killed the dragon. No big deal"

[Scorpiox]

Benji sits down, starting to feel more comfortable with the friendliness of the nord Haldor. Haldor... Was that name familiar? Not really. Benji's memory wasn't as sharp as he had claimed to Alexis earlier.

"Well hello there Haldor. Your name was on the tip of my tongue." Benji lied tactifully, "Which adventure where we together on? Perhaps the failed mission of taking down the fantom... No, perhaps not. But wait..." Benji's eyes spark when he recognizes Sorrow. "Sorrow ol' buddy, is that you!?"

"Anyways, I was in the fields until recently. Killed the dragon. No big deal"

"Alas, it was no adventure - could have been, mind, but thankfully didn't get that far - more like a chance meeting. Wasn't really significant, don't know why I mentioned it to be honest, just thought I'd say that we'd met before."

Haldor let out a sigh of relief.

"So, what the fields like then? Seems odd to have such a range of venomous, dangerous beasts just roaming a farm. With me, recent quests haven't been quite so simple, we barely averted the birth of a violent new goddess, and a lot of good men died for it. But hey, now we won I can chill out a bit, sample yet more of the local ales. Going to the theatre some time in the near future, been invited by a nice girl from the convent of Ennoc. Should promise to be fun; although Nerwen's made me promise to do any biting."

The nord put on a joking grim smile, before bursting into laughter.

"How's your career been running then, Carvenhall?"

[Endgame]

"Sorrow ol' buddy, is that you!?"

Ah, good to be playing only my character again...

"Thought you wouldn't recognize me! Out for a hunting trip and slayed a dragon, did you? ...May I ask why?"

[Endgame]

"Ah, and speaking of dragons... mind if I buy those dragon scales off of you, sir?"

I hand the heavily armored man his gold and receive the reptilian scales.

Sorrow (Endgame)

Level 19.5 Assassin

Power: 39

Defense: 1

Health: 30/30

Gold: 2327

Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 20), Sticky Gloves, Armor of the Croise

Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Bedroll, Tonic, Venom, Phoenix Essence x3, Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Ether Core x1, Mead x6, Smelling Salts x6, Nostrum x5, Health Core, Deadly Venom, Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Opal, Dragon Scales x2

[Brickdoctor]

I think for a moment, reviewing the faces I've seen in the Heroes' Gallery.

"Not at all, Master... Sorrow, I believe?"

I hand Sorrow the two Dragon Scales in exchange for 140 Gold.

[Endgame]

"Correct. Docken, correct? Your reputation -- or your defenses, to be more accurate -- precede you. Slayed a dragon recently, right?"

[Brickdoctor]

"Indeed I did. It didn't put up as much of a fight as we were expecting, to be honest. When we confronted it, it battled us alone, without the help of any minions. Our buffed Damage-dealers took it down before it could make use of the full potential of its fire-breathing powers."

[Endgame]

"Ah, yes. Did a little bit of hunting when I still had skin... though I'm unsure why you'd poach such a majestic creature. Was it terrorizing a countryside?"

[Brickdoctor]

"Ah, yes. Did a little bit of hunting when I still had skin... though I'm unsure why you'd poach such a majestic creature. Was it terrorizing a countryside?"

"Whether the dragon and the other enemies in Master Donauld's farm would unchecked eventually move to terrorize other farms - the Eubric Plains are nearby - is unknown to me, but it was occupying mountains and blocking a pass to another portion of the Fields, areas which should be farmland. Perhaps they present no danger if left alone, but what it comes down to for me is that the Fields have been set up to provide quests for us, and if given the opportunity to get that much loot and XP, I am not going to refuse."