Heroica RPG - Quest #159: An Unexpected Return

[Flipz]

22 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

"Or if you say the way is cleared, Matthias could stay here and you could fetch the body, right?" Chesterine thinks for a moment. "But, I've been cooped up in here just waiting for the ice-cream social, this will be a welcome distraction."

"I should hope so. If anything were to happen to Chesterine... I don't know how her brothers would react."


"Don't worry Mable, with Mr. Matthias the dragon tamer along, I'm sure we'll be back in a jiffy."

19 hours ago, CMP said:

"Aye, I'm sure the lil' guy'll lead us back safely." Atramor smirked a bit, and his eyes slid to Arthur. "How 'bout you, mate? This is kinda an all hands on deck sorta situation, hero or no." He tilted his head towards the everpresent Bellanotte.

The smile on Arthur's face dims somewhat.  "I'm...not certain," he manages, obviously prevaricating.  "On the one hand, I know I could help, but on the other, Lieutenant Eteneth warned me to stay out of sight for a reason.  I don't imagine my presence would lend well to your favor should my former comrades in the Watch show up, and the Paladins..."  Arthur's thoughts drifted back to his initial transformation, when Pretzel and Sarge had begun a literal demon hunt for him.  "It would end badly."  His gaze shifts over to Chesterine and Mabel.  "That said, however, I do have a vested interest in my family's safety, and that of the Shadeaux family.  Perhaps," he suggests slowly, still piecing the possibilities together in his mind, "I could escort you and Chesterine to the Dragon House, and then bring her back here once our business with the corpse in question is completed?  Perhaps along with the three Shadeaux siblings, if they wish to take shelter in the Manor with us?  I really would like to remain available here in the end, should other Heroes come in search of our family's aid."

 

[StickFig]

On 4/3/2018 at 12:01 AM, Waterbrick Down said:

"Or if you say the way is cleared, Matthias could stay here and you could fetch the body, right?"
"Don't worry Mable, with Mr. Matthias the dragon tamer along, I'm sure we'll be back in a jiffy."

Matthias' face alternately blanches red and green as he can't decide whether to be embarrassed or sick at the thought of another dragon ride. He decides there's no way he's letting the party abandon him with the young wizardess.

 

On 4/3/2018 at 2:37 AM, CMP said:

"Aye, I'm sure the lil' guy'll lead us back safely." Atramor smirked a bit...

Once again the gnome wishes for the opportunity to kick another hero under the table.

 

11 hours ago, Flipz said:

"I could escort you and Chesterine to the Dragon House, and then bring her back here once our business with the corpse in question is completed?  Perhaps along with the three Shadeaux siblings, if they wish to take shelter in the Manor with us?"

Matthias sees his chance. "Yes, why don't we all get going right now! The faster we get back to the Dragon House, the faster we can get back here!"

[The Legonater]

14 hours ago, Flipz said:

"Perhaps," he suggests slowly, still piecing the possibilities together in his mind, "I could escort you and Chesterine to the Dragon House, and then bring her back here once our business with the corpse in question is completed?  Perhaps along with the three Shadeaux siblings, if they wish to take shelter in the Manor with us?  I really would like to remain available here in the end, should other Heroes come in search of our family's aid."

 

Rone was admittedly disheartened by the hesitance, but gave an affirming nod anyways. 

If that's how it shall be. One final ride, brother.

2 hours ago, StickFig said:

Matthias sees his chance. "Yes, why don't we all get going right now! The faster we get back to the Dragon House, the faster we can get back here!"

 

The panic of the gnome breaks Dyric's moody disposition, bringing a smirk to the assassin's face. 

Yes, we should get going, and soon. Time is of the essence. Are we all good to go?

On 02/04/2018 at 6:41 PM, Flipz said:

OOC: and thus, the S.S. Mattherine sets sail.

1

 

Oh dear, we've already given it a name. 

[Waterbrick Down]

12 hours ago, StickFig said:

Matthias' face alternately blanches red and green as he can't decide whether to be embarrassed or sick at the thought of another dragon ride. He decides there's no way he's letting the party abandon him with the young wizardess.

 

Once again the gnome wishes for the opportunity to kick another hero under the table.

 

Matthias sees his chance. "Yes, why don't we all get going right now! The faster we get back to the Dragon House, the faster we can get back here!"

"Are we going to the Dragon House? I can't wait for our flight! The moon is out, and I'm sure Ms. Shadeaux could provide us with some delightful music!"

[StickFig]

On 4/2/2018 at 7:41 PM, Flipz said:

OOC: and thus, the S.S. Mattherine sets sail.

20 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Oh dear, we've already given it a name. 

OK now, Heroes, let's not get carried away with silliness, we have a job to do here!

 

10 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

"Are we going to the Dragon House? I can't wait for our flight! The moon is out, and I'm sure Ms. Shadeaux could provide us with some delightful music!"

Matthias blushes even redder, if that were possible.

[UsernameMDM]

"Thanks for the tea and refreshments," Hoke tells his hosts,"Let's be off."

[CMP]

13 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

"Are we going to the Dragon House? I can't wait for our flight! The moon is out, and I'm sure Ms. Shadeaux could provide us with some delightful music!"

"If only we had some wine." Atramor smirks as he stands, shaking hands with Mabel. "We 'ppreciate all your help, ma'am. You'd better bet Heroica won't be forgettin' it when this is all over; the sooner the Houses can stand together and we take down these imposters, the sooner we can fix this damn mess."

He gave Arthur a heartly slap on the shoulder, Noel a conflicted nod, and headed back out to Torc so the party could return to the Dragon House.

Edited April 5, 2018 by CMP

[Waterbrick Down]

On 4/5/2018 at 12:24 PM, CMP said:

"If only we had some wine." Atramor smirks as he stands, shaking hands with Mabel. "We 'ppreciate all your help, ma'am. You'd better bet Heroica won't be forgettin' it when this is all over; the sooner the Houses can stand together and we take down these imposters, the sooner we can fix this damn mess."

"I hope so Mr. Gibbin, I hope so. Take care of Chesterine and Arthur, they are family. I will personally hold you and your companions responsible for their safety."

Arthur & Chesterine have joined the Party!

 Chesterine Ziegfried (NPC, controlled by Matthias)
27-year-old Human Necromancer *Immune to Enamored*
Level 30
Power Bonus: +3 (+20 Spellpower)
Health: 39/39
Ether: 59/59
Defense: 1
Gold: 100
Equipment: Grand Tonic, Gloves of the Aspirant Zieg-Friend (Spellpower +5, Max Ether +5; suitable to those with reputation with the Ziegfrieds only, if reputation is great, values doubled, if reputation is outstanding, values tripled; handwear), Heart Locket (Protects from the Enamored effect, accessory), Particularly Peculiar Pink Wizarding Hat (SP: 1 times the number of summons under the necromancer's control, minimum of 1, maximum of 20, suitable for Necromancers, Headwear), Marginally Magnificent Magenta Wizarding Robes (1/2 chance to avoid negative effects), Star-struck Wand (WP:6, confused-effect, wand). Zirconia

 Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (NPC, takes suggestions from Dyric)
24-year-old male Human Skirmisher
Level 43.4  *Permanently Blessed* *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned* *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Takes Half Damage from Free Hits* *Deals double damage to Humanoids and Ancient-type enemies*
Power Bonus: +5
Health: 69/69
Defense: 50
Gold: 6230
Equipment: Dauntlet Index (WP: 20, WP doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3, Free hits deal half damage, Bodywear), Shadeaux Cape (SP:15, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Immortal Greaves (Wearer deals double damage to Ancients and Humanoids; footwear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently Blessed; accessory.)
Abilities: First Breath (Arthur may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd)
Inventory:

Spoiler

Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, Light-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, WP doubled against flying enemies, Lightning- and Wind+Slowed-elemental; spear), Icy Halberd (WP:9, Fire-, Earth-, and Ice+Fragile-elemental, triple damage against plants and electric enemies, no damage against fiery and rock enemies; halberd), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [--]), Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire- and Earth+Sealed Elemental), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword)
Artifacts: Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone) (currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), Tin Armor (SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped [current: 0]; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear), Tin Greaves (Immunity to Stunned-, Slowed-, and Hastened-effects; footwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Coat Hanger (Allows wearing a second bodywear artifact regardless of the amount limit for artifacts; accessory [no bodywear attached]), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory), Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Dragon's Hearth Talisman (When worn, the user has Diplomacy when speaking to dragons, accessory), Anniversary Medal (Power +6, SP +6, Max. Health +6, Max. Ether +6. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year; accessory.), Of Power and Mortals (+1 power each successful quest, accessory), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear),
Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether),
Spell Items (unsuitable): Diamond (Light)
Consumables: Adamantite Shard, Health Core, 12x Grand Potion, Tonic, 10x Remedy, Elixir, Hero's Cocktail (Makes the hero encouraged, hastened, lucky and inspired), 7x Mead, Arc Mead, 4x Nostrum, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Blind Fury, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 2x Blind Bomb, 2x Seal Bomb, 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Henry Award, Grating Stone
Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Guffington's Seal (Proves the Hero is a Friend of Guffington. The hero starts every quest with one "Hero's Cocktail"), Cornucopia (This horn of plenty is said to ensure limitless wealth. Increases the holder’s gold by 25% at the end of each quest.)

The heroes leave the Ziegfried mansion heading back to Triad Park now accompanied by Chesterine and Arthur. Torc pokes her head out of the trees a voice echoing in Hoke and Arthur's minds.


<Ah, I thought I recognized that smell, greetings young dragoon. Hoke, there are many more dragons aloft this evening, we must be careful.>

The party climb aboard the dragon and are soon aloft albeit for a short time. Chesterine strategically positions herself behind Matthias, wrapping her arms around the small gnome's waist as they depart into the moonlit sky.


"Isn't it so lovely?"

A few minutes pass before the heroes land once more outside the Dragon House, no light can be seen through the broken windows. As the Party pushes inside, they find the sitting room abandoned, the fireplace cold, and house seemingly empty.


"Umbra? Nuitan? Hello, are you here?"

Nothing answers Bellanotte but silence.

[The Legonater]

Hel. 

Dyric looks around the room, trying to find any signs of change or struggle, and to see if there were any trails he could track . 

[Waterbrick Down]

11 minutes ago, The Legonater said:

Hel. 

Dyric looks around the room, trying to find any signs of change or struggle, and to see if there were any trails he could track . 

Dyric sees a lot of footprints in the dusty room, some leading out of the Dragon House others leading into the cellar. The assassin notes a few rapier slashes in the wallpaper and a few scorch marks on the carpet.


"What... what happened. Where are my brother and sister?"

[Flipz]

OOC: It was a while ago, but I mentioned in PM that Arthur should have everything he loaned to Zanna back in his inventory, in particular Sven's Dagger, the Anniversary Medal, and "Of Power and Mortals".  I think he also got a Grogmas Gift I should check...yes, looks like the Dragon's Hearth Talisman (When worn, the user has Diplomacy when speaking to dragons, accessory).

...also as a rules question, I assume that Bellanotte logically has maximum reputation with her own House, for the purposes of the Shadeaux Cape?

12 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

The heroes leave the Ziegfried mansion heading back to Triad Park now accompanied by Chesterine and Arthur. Torc pokes her head out of the trees a voice echoing in Hoke and Arthur's minds.


<Ah, I thought I recognized that smell, greetings young dragoon. Hoke, there are many more dragons aloft this evening, we must be careful.>

<Greetings to you as well, Torc.>  He hesitates a moment, then: <I must ask, have you sensed Miirym among them?  And what word of Vipera and Dastan?>

10 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Hel. 

Dyric looks around the room, trying to find any signs of change or struggle, and to see if there were any trails he could track . 

9 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

Dyric sees a lot of footprints in the dusty room, some leading out of the Dragon House others leading into the cellar. The assassin notes a few rapier slashes in the wallpaper and a few scorch marks on the carpet.


"What... what happened. Where are my brother and sister?"

"Hel," Arthur swears in unison with Dyric.  Near the back of the group, Arthur offers a small, sympathetic smile to Bellanotte.  He had a few theories--none of them promising--but in the name of offering comfort, he pushed them aside.  "I know one way to find out," he says in reply to her, taking out his Magic Compass as he focuses on Nuitan Shadeaux's location.

Glancing over to Chesterine--and nodding in approval as he saw her safely shielded behind Matthias--he addresses the group as a whole.  "Whatever we do, we should move quickly--it's clear we're not the only ones who know of this place.  Where is this corpse you found?"

 

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke follows the others into the house and notices the assassin examine the the footprints and evidence of a recent battle.  Hoke turns about the room slowly, looking at every nook and shadow, as the metallic orb slowly and silently elongates into a wickedly tipped spear.

"We need to get to the body quickly," Hoke whispers to the others.

 

 

[StickFig]

3 hours ago, Flipz said:

"Whatever we do, we should move quickly--it's clear we're not the only ones who know of this place.  Where is this corpse you found?"

2 hours ago, UsernameMDM said:

"We need to get to the body quickly," Hoke whispers to the others.

Matthias, who surprised everyone else by not getting airsick during the dragon ride, surprised himself in that he actually kinda enjoyed Ziegfried's attention - No! Don't admit that to yourself! - his sense of self-worth thunders in his head.

He whips his cannon up to the ready in what he hopes is a swashbuckling gesture, and attempts to lead the way to the cellars, only to trip over his own feet and land facedown on the sitting room carpet. Raising one arm above his head to indicate that he's alright and that the party should head downstairs, the gnome calls out, "Let's head to the tomb, quickly!"

 

[Waterbrick Down]

17 hours ago, Flipz said:

OOC: It was a while ago, but I mentioned in PM that Arthur should have everything he loaned to Zanna back in his inventory, in particular Sven's Dagger, the Anniversary Medal, and "Of Power and Mortals".  I think he also got a Grogmas Gift I should check...yes, looks like the Dragon's Hearth Talisman (When worn, the user has Diplomacy when speaking to dragons, accessory).

...also as a rules question, I assume that Bellanotte logically has maximum reputation with her own House, for the purposes of the Shadeaux Cape?

QM Note: I think I've got everything from Zanna, but I couldn't find the exact post, so let me know if there's anything else that is supposed to be transferred. And Yes Bellanotte has maximum reputation in regards to the Shadeaux Cape.

17 hours ago, Flipz said:

<Greetings to you as well, Torc.>  He hesitates a moment, then: <I must ask, have you sensed Miirym among them?  And what word of Vipera and Dastan?>

<She is not, I left both Vipera and Miirym in Dastan when I learned of the great migration of my winged kin to this city. They informed me that they were investigating a disturbance to the east of Dastan that may be related.>

17 hours ago, Flipz said:

"Hel," Arthur swears in unison with Dyric.  Near the back of the group, Arthur offers a small, sympathetic smile to Bellanotte.  He had a few theories--none of them promising--but in the name of offering comfort, he pushed them aside.  "I know one way to find out," he says in reply to her, taking out his Magic Compass as he focuses on Nuitan Shadeaux's location.

Arthur's compass  points south west towards the Eubric Cove.

16 hours ago, UsernameMDM said:

Hoke follows the others into the house and notices the assassin examine the the footprints and evidence of a recent battle.  Hoke turns about the room slowly, looking at every nook and shadow, as the metallic orb slowly and silently elongates into a wickedly tipped spear.

Nothing jumps out of the shadows at Hoke the room is still and quiet.

13 hours ago, StickFig said:

He whips his cannon up to the ready in what he hopes is a swashbuckling gesture, and attempts to lead the way to the cellars, only to trip over his own feet and land facedown on the sitting room carpet. Raising one arm above his head to indicate that he's alright and that the party should head downstairs, the gnome calls out, "Let's head to the tomb, quickly!"

"Are you alright Matthias? You must be more careful, I wouldn't want that dashing gnomish nose of yours all bruised and broken."

There is no time for consultation as the heroes quickly dash down to the cellar and through the secret tunnel, down, down, and down further until they reach the crypt of the Dragon Lord's ancestors. There examining the grave of the Golden Dragon is a familiar Dwarf staff in hand staring at the open tomb.


"Should a known I'd find ya lot down here behin' all this mischief and schemin'."

[CMP]

32 minutes ago, Waterbrick Down said:

There is no time for consultation as the heroes quickly dash down to the cellar and through the secret tunnel, down, down, and down further until they reach the crypt of the Dragon Lord's ancestors. There examining the grave of the Golden Dragon is a familiar Dwarf staff in hand staring at the open tomb.


"Should a known I'd find ya lot down here behin' all this mischief and schemin'."

Atramor unsheathed both of his mythril claws, and stepped forward with a glare.

"Shoulda' known we'd find one of your lyin' paws on the corpse of a real Founder. Who the hel do you think you are, 'cuz you sure ain't who you say, you miserable little hairball."

He waved a hand towards the party.

"Real heroes are over here, so why don't you look us in the eyes and tell us what all this is about and where you took the Shadeaux?"

[K-Nut]

Althior crosses his arms. “I’d answer the question. You’re obviously no real founder, so you probably don’t want to quarrel with us,”

[Flipz]

20 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

QM Note: I think I've got everything from Zanna, but I couldn't find the exact post, so let me know if there's anything else that is supposed to be transferred. And Yes Bellanotte has maximum reputation in regards to the Shadeaux Cape.

<She is not, I left both Vipera and Miirym in Dastan when I learned of the great migration of my winged kin to this city. They informed me that they were investigating a disturbance to the east of Dastan that may be related.>

Arthur's compass  points south west towards the Eubric Cove.

OOC: It looks like I never updated Zanna's stats page after she left the Hall for her aborted Quest, so any non-consumable item a starting Rogue shouldn't have should be back in Arthur's inventory (technically the consumables were from Arthur as well, but since I don't remember what she actually used on her Quest and don't care to check I'll just assume she used all of them)...and apparently Zanna bought the tools herself so those stay with her as well.  Also, the Anniversary Medal's stats should have updated, I believe; it's supposed to be +1 to each stat for every Anniversary the game has had.

The ex-Dragoon nods his thanks to Torc.  <It reassures me to know she is in Vipera's wise company, I trust her and the angel to keep Miirym safe.  Thank you, Torc.>

Arthur struggles to recall what lies to the southwest and swears vehemently.  "So it's either the warehouse district, or Fort Bonaparte.  One would take too long to search, but the other..."  A bit daunted at the prospect of managing a successful Fort Bonaparte jailbreak, Arthur quickly follows the party downstairs, only to find the impostor Founder waiting.  Rather than letting the enemy get the jump on him, Arthur drinks his Hero's Cocktail.  "Is that the Doomsayer?" he quietly asks the rest of the party.  "Because if so..."  Rather than voicing his suspicions, the Skirmisher puts his Diplomatic training to use, watching and listening to the likely fraud for tells of falsehood.

EDIT: OOC: I hate the new editor.    

I found the link to Arthur giving Zanna the gear, it's here.  Also, I apparently forgot that Arthur started with a Hero's Cocktail in addition to getting one to start this Quest from Guffington's Seal, so he should still have one left after using one in this post.

Edited April 8, 2018 by Flipz

[The Legonater]

On 06/04/2018 at 11:16 PM, Waterbrick Down said:

"Should a known I'd find ya lot down here behin' all this mischief and schemin'."

1

You're one to talk. You've been exposed, 'Doomsayer.' Step away from the crypt and we can talk about this like civilized folks.

Edited April 8, 2018 by The Legonater

[CMP]

17 hours ago, Flipz said:

A bit daunted at the prospect of managing a successful Fort Bonaparte jailbreak, Arthur quickly follows the party downstairs, only to find the impostor Founder waiting.  Rather than letting the enemy get the jump on him, Arthur drinks his Hero's Cocktail.  "Is that the Doomsayer?" he quietly asks the rest of the party.  "Because if so..." 

"Hell no. Whole reason we came down here is to check if the Golden Dragon's body was still here. It is, so whoever's wanderin' 'round in her skin is full of garbage. And he's with her."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke stalks to the side, flanking the dwarf, as his comrades engaged in conversation.  He kept looking about as well, not wanting anymore surprises.

[Waterbrick Down]

On 4/7/2018 at 12:55 AM, CMP said:

Atramor unsheathed both of his mythril claws, and stepped forward with a glare.

"Shoulda' known we'd find one of your lyin' paws on the corpse of a real Founder. Who the hel do you think you are, 'cuz you sure ain't who you say, you miserable little hairball."

He waved a hand towards the party.

"Real heroes are over here, so why don't you look us in the eyes and tell us what all this is about and where you took the Shadeaux?"

"I am Untergang Flagonfist of Clan Ironpeak, the Doomsayer. I helped lead Heroica for 35 years and what do I find upon my return, nothing but a sham, a warrin' tribe splintered with division upon division. The individuals upstairs have been taken to Fort Freedom for their aiding you disgraceful lot in whatever rebellion yer tryin' to lead."

On 4/7/2018 at 3:58 PM, K-Nut said:

Althior crosses his arms. “I’d answer the question. You’re obviously no real founder, so you probably don’t want to quarrel with us,”

"Oh believe me prophet, quarreling would imply ya've got a chance against me."

23 hours ago, Flipz said:

Rather than voicing his suspicions, the Skirmisher puts his Diplomatic training to use, watching and listening to the likely fraud for tells of falsehood.

EDIT: OOC: I hate the new editor.    

I found the link to Arthur giving Zanna the gear, it's here.  Also, I apparently forgot that Arthur started with a Hero's Cocktail in addition to getting one to start this Quest from Guffington's Seal, so he should still have one left after using one in this post.

As Arthur listens, he isn't able to pick up on any falsehood's from the Dwarf.

QM Note: Fixed.

6 hours ago, The Legonater said:

You're one to talk. You've been exposed, 'Doomsayer.' Step away from the crypt and we can talk about this like civilized folks.

"Exposed? Fer what? Uncoverin' some sort of sick joke? I don't know what yer plannin' boy, but tryin' to start some false rumor concernin' Yuliana ain't the smartest move. Ya break into the dragon hold, slaughter a bunch of drakes, and then plant a dead body down here? Really, that the best ya could come up with?"

1 hour ago, UsernameMDM said:

Hoke stalks to the side, flanking the dwarf, as his comrades engaged in conversation.  He kept looking about as well, not wanting anymore surprises.

"Careful there mate, don't try makin' another move, or I'll make sure ya don't."

[UsernameMDM]

1 hour ago, Waterbrick Down said:

"Careful there mate, don't try makin' another move, or I'll make sure ya don't."

Hoke takes another step.

"The corpse was here well before we arrived the first time."

[CMP]

5 hours ago, UsernameMDM said:

Hoke takes another step.

"The corpse was here well before we arrived the first time."

"Almost like it's been here since, hell, I dunno, she died."

With Hoke advancing from the side, Atramor also took a step forward, keeping the dwarf off-kilter.

"You're makin' a disgrace out of the original Founders. I dunno why, but it's an insult to them, and it's an insult to us. Heroica ain't perfect, but we've saved a lotta lives, and if ya' think your petty little tricks are gonna take us all down, you better think again. We aren't what we were. But we're enough."

[Flipz]

"Hmm.  You know, if you really are the Doomsayer of Heroica's past," Arthur says, addressing the strange dwarf this time with deceptively casual Diplomacy, "it's my responsibility to make a rather simple inquiry.  How's Lucifuge?"

[StickFig]

Matthias does his best to stay quiet and unnoticed, while also doing his best to keep Chesterine at arms distance and the red heat of a blush from creeping back into his face. Without much to add to the conversation, the gnome reaches out through the ether towards the strange dwarf, trying to sense whether nurturing would have any effect - is he perhaps a true Founder, but under some sort of spell?