Lind Whisperer

"I'd like a more through definition of "independence in the affairs of their ships and their crews". For obvious reasons, I don't think we can support any definition that threatens Eubric's stability. Labor support..." Lind looked at Ulric and Skrall. "Ulric - you've been pretty quiet. Do you suppose that we could get workers from the Hovels to rebuild the fort? Might help alleviate some of the poverty. Also, Ulric, Skrall - since you seem to be here representing the Hovels, any thoughts on the current situation?" He nodded at Attina. "Might as well hear all sides now as later."

Very nice!

Lind spoke in a softer voice. "You know what could have ruined your family even more? If they all had been forced to give up their lives to reclaim that fort. You may have lost your fort, but you still seem to have at least some of your family. Correctly piled stones couldn't ever replace them. And beyond that, you're still one of the most powerful navies around. This was a setback for you, financially, but you can recoup it in time." "I was not around when it happened, but from description, I don't think anyone here had much say in "endorsing" it. They were thrown out, without any choice. The cover fire helped, but we could still have taken it without it. We reached the fort while you were still quite a ways out. Too much power? Do you not remember how your family was one of the leaders of a certain Alliance? Those groups weren't about 'caring' for Eubric, they were about asserting power under the guise of charity. And as long as Heroica has heroes, this city is not defenseless." "Well, you said you wanted to see the face of the man who burned your fort down. Well, you have." He shrugged. "What else can we help you with?"

Lind crossed his arms, and stepped forward. "I'd suggest we do one of those deals where we all claim to have burn the Fort down-but given the Bonapartes' reputation, I don't doubt you'd love prosecuting a group just as much as an individual." He stood beside Dyric, and looked squarely at both Hestia and her daughter. "I don't see where you have much ground, complaining about your fort. You fled the city to the Crystalline Sea when the Founders invaded. If it wasn't for Heroica's efforts in retaking your property, you'd still be out there for all we know, attacking fleet or not. Your fort's destruction was unfortunate, but necessary - none of us were interested in having to retake the fort again, and leaving it standing, with the rest of the Houses in shambles, would have given you too much power over the city. Don't complain that you came back to ruins, be thankful you could even come back."

1. "When your comics are the only ones with a giant SALE sign, that means they're the ones selling best, right?" 3. "I'm from a timeline where that movie was great! Too bad my time machine crash-landed on the screenwriter's house." 4. "(Am I crazy, or is that a talking robot?)" "(Who nose?)" 8. "Can I grab a quick-er, can we grab a quick bite?"

"I did say I'm not leaving until everything's settled." The Munchkin shrugged, and looked over to where everyone was nominating veterans. "But beyond that...Heroica seems like it's in pretty good hands. I was considering putting in my name for Veteran - we could use someone on the team that's good with the newer members. And I'd like to think I was. But...we haven't seen any new faces in a very long time. And all of the younger heroes are gone, or leaving. Not really sure what I could contribute to this new Heroica, that other people can't do better." He chuckled. "Other than crazy strategies and plans, that is." "I'll second Dyric, Atramor, and Karie. And I'll propose adding Vindsval to that list. Euflear, too - but just until Eubric gets back on its feet. I imagine the Fae probably needs his help more than we do. And we'd need to nominate a successor." "Something like that. Always heard it was a beautiful place - but never got the chance to go. Figure I'd rectify that. What's life looking like for you? Got any plans-" He tipped his glass at her, and chuckled. "-Future Veteran?"

Sighing again, the knight returned to the Hall. Looking up from a piece of parchment he had begun to scribble at, at the bar, the knight nodded to the pair. "You two got a direction in mind?" He affixed the paper to the Quest Board. "Me, I'm thinking of heading of towards Salmanda when all of this settles. Always wanted to go."

Suppose I'll break the ice - not terribly long reviews, but I'll try and hit everything: The Quest: Perfect. Hit all the points, and kept surprising. Only notable criticisms might be that what we were supposed to do, to "fix" the city, at the end, felt slightly ambiguous - there wasn't any guidelines provided as to how to proceed, or what we should am for - but, I suppose that was the point, it was ultimately our choice. Giving any more guidance than you did, might - and probably would have - provoked criticism - however unwarranted - that it was a "rail-roaded" ending. So in the end, I think you made the right choice. Also, from what I remember from before I hopped in - thanks, also, for letting so many players jump in, even though it had already started long before! - after the party left the tavern, there seemed to be the same lack of specific directions to head in - but this can be dismissed with the same reasons as before. So...yes, basically as close to a perfect quest as I remember, and definitely an ending far, far, far better than I expected. I also especially appreciated how open you were to suggestions - no offense, Kintober, *thinks*...uh, Kintober, and Endgame...and Endgame...and Endgame* - but WBD, I think you're probably the best QM I've ever played under. You were always open to suggestions, and handled them with an incredible maturity and thoughtfulness. You were always willing to listen to the players, and you skillfully allowed the players to push for small changes that didn't seem to be in your original plan(like when the Founders went off to stop Rosier, so we could save the fort as well as the elven city). Questions: It's silly, but what was in the Dragon House package? Was Byblos ever scheduled to make an appearance? What would have happened if we had saved the Fort, but not stopped Rosier? What would have happened if we had stopped Rosier, but not saved the Fort/stopped the Hangings? Was there ever any plans for PCs to travel to the elven city? Was that ever a possibility? Unless I remember anything, and come back to edit it in, I'm afraid my PC reviews are going to be brief. It was fun questing with all of you, though - sad that it's all over, but glad I got to do it at least once! PC Reviews: Althior Emorith (K-Nut): I don't think Lind and Althior have ever seen eye to eye, and you vanished pretty early on, but it was great to see one of the earliest heroes still be around for the very last quest! Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie): Lind/Lind the player, and Atramor/CMP definitely all have different ideas how to tackle battles, but it was still great playing with you! Very consistent RPing all the way through, and you've made a very memorable character/! Benji Carvenhall (Flare): I really enjoyed our RP! It was nice to come across a character that Lind was able to make friends with so quickly, after initially antagonizing them(unintentionally)! Hoke Ablesword (UsernameMDM): We've definitely had our differences, but as I said in General Discussion, you've always been kind of a Heroica constant, and your ending for Hoke really tugged at my heartstrings. Glad I got to quest with you again, and really glad Lind and Hoke seemed to become a little more friendly towards each other! Torc (Username MDM): A fine dragon. Skrall (Waterbrick Down): The way you've played Skrall is very impressive - never too much on one side or the other, very much his own deal. Saw it back in Moone, and saw it again here, even though you were clearly hampered a bit by having to have him act as both a PC and as an NPC of sorts. Well done! Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried (Flipz): Like with Hoke, we've had our differences. Still good playing alongside you, one more time. Dyric Rone(The Legonater): Very fun RPing with you! I don't believe I've read too many of the quests you've been on, but you do a great job playing Rone! Like Skrall, he's his own person! Karie Alderflask-Cour (Kintober): I've always been impressed by your RP. You play Karie with incredible consistency, no matter what quest she's in. Your IC voice is always excellent, as is your OC. Great job! And it was great getting to play alongside you, in this, the last step of Lind's redemption arc. (Come to think of it, as either a player or a QM, you've been alongside most of it!) You played Karie very well - not entirely convinced, but willing to be convinced of Lind's changes - and willing to react when he showed them. Thanks! Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher): Boomingham is one of those characters that always seems to stay the same, no matter what quest he's in. We didn't interact much, but what we did, was good. Matthias (Stickfig): Like I said in General Discussion, he's a very unique character! Good to have gotten the chance to play alongside him one more time, and glad that they seemed to have made up a few of their differences! Monk Pretzel (Palathadric) Very friendly character, well played! Thanks for being so generous with your gear! (Which reminds me, I need to hand that Mace back, if I haven't already...) Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight): You posted almost less than K-Nut...but it's nice to have old characters return for the finale! Vindsval Half-Born (Asphalt): It's always funny when Lind and Vind meet. IRL, we're friends, IC...less friends. But it was still great, and you always do a great job playing him! Eric (Khorne): Kind of the same deal with K-Nut and Chromeknight - but glad he was along! Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus): Shame that Heroica's ending - he's a neat character! Thanks for playing along with all of the Crescent stuff - it was fun bonding as a crew! John 'Heckz' Brutenhal (Cutcobra): Wish you hadn't vanished. He's a fun character, and it's always fun to read back and see that he's a part of something, because you do such a great job with him! Sad Lind and he didn't get a chance to play together before Lind's redemption arc - despite being different, there are a lot of similarities, and I think they could have gotten up to some great hi-jinks. Glad you still were along, though, even if silent. Kiray Nastayo (King of the Zempk): We didn't interact much, but all the times we did were great! Lind Whisperer (Lind Whisperer): I'm satisfied with his character. And I'm glad I can say that. Petaldan Parfenius (Played by Palathadric): Played consistently. The Demon Germ (samurai-turtle): Germ is a fun character, and, frankly, undervalued. I think he and Lind really got each other, a little bit, and it was fun teasing each other, with both PCs and players knowing it was teasing, and having fun with it. (And thanks for playing along with the Crescent stuff, as the first person to vote for Lind, it meant something) Sad he doesn't seem to have come with us to the Hall, but you mentioned he wanted to leave Heroica - so I'm going to assume he did that. Glad that he got out safely, before it killed him! Throlar Wineghilm (Lord Duvors): A controversial character, but I've always liked him. He sticks to his morals, even when others don't approve. Well played! Torald Waruelf, Matchmaker (Alfadas): Sad to see you go. But what a way to go! Well played(and thanks for playing along with the Crescent stuff)! *For leaving the game at nearly level 30, I seem to have played under a very short list of QMs.

Honestly, I was thrilled with how accurately you've remade Lind - you even remembered the gold round tile for the AM! As to the Hall, Sandy's was wonderful, but I almost prefer your parts swaps - (if I remember right,) the nougat was a bit more decorative, but the brown blends together better. Matthias was always a very unique character - glad to see him get a good ending! Honestly, it wasn't until I read your post that I realized it...Heroica is over. I mean, I knew this was the final quest...but Hoke was kind of a constant. He was there on the first quest, and he always seemed to be around when Lind left or came back - there never seemed to be any downtime with him. To have him and Torc fly off into the sky like that...well, it's fitting, and it's beautiful - but it also underscores just how over Heroica is.

"I don't know if a single 'man of the people' will be enough representation," Lind shrugged. "Twenty-seven people may have been a lot to propose, but it would have guaranteed nearly all of the city's people had a chance at being represented." He shrugged again. "With this new plan...well, I still think it could be vulnerable to abuse - but if we're able to investigate corruption, in some fashion, and the precautions Arthur suggested are taken...well, it seems like it could work." The Munchkin frowned. "You're a good friend, Throlar, and I don't want to say no...but I've had that Mask ever since my first quest. It's a bit sentimental to me...I'd rather not give it away." "I'd join in, but they probably don't want to parlay with a Shadeaux..." The Black Knight sighed, sadly. Even as new things began, all of the old was ending faster than he could imagine. He walked out of the door, stood quietly in the street, and silently saluted as the dragoon and dragon flew away into the sky, a single tear rolling down his face.

1. "Just keep smiling, Clark...pretend they didn't cut off your face...just keep smiling." 4. "(Say what you will about the Ice Age, at least no one had invented dabbing!)" 8. (Deep Spanish voice) "I don't always take selfies. But when I do, I take them with...darn it, Batman, come back here!"

Holy cow, I didn't even notice that...

Lind chuckled. "You know what's funny? That's exactly what I was trying to do with the Union. Exactly. Only difference was, I was trying to be elected as an Electorate - make Eubric into a republic, not a kingdom." "So you're saying we remake the Crescent Union and the Alliance, only now they have even more power because they're working in tandem?" The Munchkin crossed his eyes. "Best case scenario, you're describing the situation immediately before they formed. Six groups that more or less ruled the city without check, and 'directed Heroica' at 'problems' through quests. Look where that ended up."` "But how could we guarantee that that person represents all of the businesses fairly, and isn't biased in favor of one or another? Nearly all of the people I can think of are tied in with one group or another." "Well put, friend Monk! If we just set it up, and leave it alone, what's to prevent it from falling apart again? Some involvement is required. But I don't think it needs to be structured anything like a dictatorship." Lind spread out his hands. "I think Atramor was on to something with his "see both sides" thing. And I don't think anyone's proposals have properly addressed that. The rich people's ambitions usually fall along one line...the poor's along another. What if, each of the Houses has a representative - so, six-ish, depending on if the Guild of Invision ever comes back, etc., - and we find the six groups that most define the poor of this city? That makes twelve people. Six to a side. Then Heroica has three of our own representatives on the council, and they serve as the swing votes - the ones who can see both sides of the conflict, and can make the best choice as to whether the less fortunate's plans are better for the city - or the Houses'. Why three? Well, if we only put one person on the council, then his vote - and the city's future - will ultimately be determined to how he perceives the world. Skrall, and I, for instance, see things radically differently - yet we're both, I'd like to think, decent people. But he - I assume - would tend to favor the Wolfgang, whereas I would probably tend to favor the Houses - to an extent. But, if there are three of us, then there is more room for us each to challenge our own perceptions. I'm not saying the numbers are final - I think the greater city needs more representation, but there are only so many Houses. I'm not sure how we would address that - perhaps we could have two House members for each house, voting independently? And the number of City representatives is doubled as well. That would give us a total Council number of twenty-seven. Surely that would be enough people to at least moderately well represent all interests of this city, while balancing it out so no one side has too much power?"

Every time I think we've seen the last surprise, you keep on delivering. Incredible work. Before it's disassembled, any chance we could get pictures of our characters standing around, like Sandy used to do?

"Given as how the very second sentence out of your mouth when you talked with Ulric was you trying to laying claim to a stake at kingship, I'm not sure you're the best person to be lecturing us on "how we've all become politicians". When did we say this council would be made entirely out of us? We didn't. It's a mixed council - heroes, and representatives of the full city. The Hovels get a say, certainly. A say. You're almost describing them as if they're the entire city, which they're not. They're only a part. They have no more claim to rule over the city than do any of the individual - or combined - houses. And that explains your last question. We get to say no, unless they can convince the rest of the city that they want to follow the Hovel's King as well - because there is more to this city than just the Hovels. We don't get to treat them as if we rule over them, but nether do they get to rule over us. If they want to set up a king, they have to either break away from the city, or they have to convince the rest of us to go along with the plan." The Black Knight shook his head. "Also, Scheherazade - she has a name, you know - would technically be a Queen, not a King..." "When has anyone here claimed that?" The Munchkin looked askance at the former king. "No one here has said anything of the sort - in fact, we've spent this entire time trying to figure out how to champion the rights and representation they've been asking for for years. Dictator?" Lind shook his head. "What exactly would you call Ulric then? His early plans were based around overthrowing the current order, and setting himself up to rule as he saw fit. Seems a lot more like a dictator than anything I've heard shared in this room by anyone. That being said," he nodded at the werewolf, "I'm glad he's come in to parlay. Step in the right direction."

"By embracing it. By building a system where everyone's divisions ensure that no one gets too much power - but where the majority of the city, and its people, are the ones whose will is eventually heard and followed. Not a small handful of the rich. Not the loudest of the Hovel crowd. The majority of the city and its people. That being said..." Lind nodded. "We need to make sure the Hovels have decent representation. They represent a huge portion of this city's population. We need to make sure they have representation equal to their population size, while not being able to use that size to single-handedly crush any opposing legislation or leaders. Not recognizing how many of them there are would not be fair - but nether would be just letting them use their size to run rough over the rest of us." "Is it safe to assume that you consider yourself their spokesperson? Or is there someone - or another group - you have in mind?" "We've had plenty of 'common men,' - and women - approach us over the years. There's no lack of mercenary outfits out there. We're the only ones who can't die. Because we can't die, we're the only ones who have the capacity to put morals first, and survival second. Any other organization has to focus on survival first, morals second. If we give up the only thing that allows us to serve as a beacon of hope, how can we inspire anyone?"

"The only way we can be a check, is if we align ourselves alongside something like what Atramor's proposing - which is, in fact, very nearly what I was already thinking of proposing myself. If we're in charge of the government, how can we really be a check against ourselves? We can't. For this to work, we'd need power to be split up across several branches - with each branch having some degree of check over the others - but not so much that a single branch can veto all the other branches' hard work. I don't really know, though, if there's enough strength in the remnants of all the Houses, to form as solid a base as we need for this. They were shuttered pretty quickly when the false Founders walked through here - might that not happen again, in the face of danger?" "I'd put extra strong emphasis on that 'staying neutral' part - and we'd need some kind of a punishment for Veterans who stray from it." The Black Knight leant back. "I'm all for starting the nominations - already picked my list - but wouldn't it be better to wait until after we'd already gotten more of the government figured out? People may find positions there that they would be better suited - and prefer - to serve as, than as a Veteran."

So are the tags limited to the two winners, then? No chance of participants getting one? (Not trying to complain, just trying to make sure I understand the rules.)

"As well as any heroes ever did," Lind said, in a reassuring tone, trying to comfort the crying Norn. Lind set down a Phoenix Incense in front of Monk Pretzel, and handed the Bifrost Blades back to Vindsval. "Thanks for the loan - had a lot of fun using them." OoC: Bifrost Blades shouldn't be poisoned any more. Also, unless he handed it over to someone else, Throlar is still carrying Lind's Ruby. The Black Knight sighed as he saw the man that Heroica had fought against for years, now sitting peacefully in the Hall. "Hoples...? I'll let one of the other heroes follow up on that." He walked across to where the werewolf was sitting, and pulled out a chair. "I'm going to assume you're not here to surrender. And Boomingham, the Alliance is as dead as the Union, if not more so."

That's awesome, dude! Honestly, I thought it was pretty heroic. And probably one of the best endings we'll see/have seen for a Heroica character.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Frantically, Lind tried to stop the Barbarian from destroying himself...but it was too late. The Black Knight cast the Demon a stern look. "He was not 'dumb,' not in any sense of the word. The Pandemonicon bonds with its host - he couldn't have removed it if he had tried. I might not have been so quick to enter the void...but he seems to have made a promise, and we just saw him keep it. He was not dumb. He...seems to have been on one of the bravest people here." OoC: I wanted the halberd for Class purposes, but I was trying to wait until the battle was over before I said so...that ways, Lind could go Dragoon without loosing any of the perks of Black Knight. Also, I can't use a longsword as a Dragoon... @Waterbrick Down Did the loot from the Founders dissipate as well? Because they didn't vanish from anyone's inventory, so I was assuming it might have survived their destruction. "Yes, to the Hall. But first..." The Black Knight walked to where the Founders lay, and, taking his shovel, slowly began to dig their dust a grave. Finishing his work, he stood up, and waved to Heckz. "Heckz, please use your Garnet to make them a headstone." After the contrary mage formed the earth into a suitable headstone, Lind knelt down and with his Ethereal Deck, slowly began to trace letters into it. He walked a few steps away, to where Torald had banished the demon. The Black Knight stepped back. "I'm not much of a religious man...but rest in peace, friends." OoC: The ???s represent the correct year in each case.

OoC: I'm not trying to be contradictory, but I said that Lind waited on attacking until he joined the Center...

OoC: Agreed. Lind's going to wait on attacking until after Nazgulie's cut down, and they've moved to the Center. I've been RPing about trying to loot Rosier all quest long - probably not likely to happen, since I just rolled two of them, but I'd like to try. "Count me in..." Rubbing his Stunned head, Lind waited until Nazgulie was cut down, then joined the other heroes at the Center. He looked up at the huge demon. "Been waiting all quest to give this a shot..." He threw his Steel Knife at Rosier, from the Back Row. @CMP Could you possibly add an addendum to your order saying Atramor waits until after the Right Flank attacks to Decamodify her?

"Thank you!" "Err, Euflear?" Lind pointed above them. "He's kind of already doing that..." "..." "I'm behind you a hundred percent on the safety aspect, but he seems to have been doing a pretty good job keeping that stone under guard, and I imagine most people might have a little more trouble trying to summon a demon out of a card, then a stone made especially for summoning." OoC: It's loot - it always matters! @Waterbrick Down From reading the previous battle orders, it looks like heroes move to the Center at the end of the round after the Flank is cleared. Is there any chance we can move to the Center immediately after Nazgulie goes down instead? Because otherwise, we may end up missing the end of the fight.

@Waterbrick Down OoC: I wasn't able to change my action in time - could we assume that Lind followed what Throlar said? Not trying to break the rules, just couldn't make it in time. Also, did you remember to calculate the extra x2 from my Netherwings? I'm still not sure the correct order to calculate things in, but if I attacked Periwinkle only, she should definitely be dead, and I think that if I used the Bifrost Blades, they're both dead. "Drat it, Atramor," Lind chuckled. "I've been waiting this whole quest long to try and loot her! You're pilfering my chance!" He laughed. He shrugged. "Just tell her, 'This battle? It's all in the cards.'" OoC: Just saying - we might want to let one of our Black Knights - or Atramor - loot her first, before she's Decamatized. Checking the rules: That's a lot of really great loot to give up - and when you remember that all of us will Steal 50% More Gold - that's even more.