Rumble Strike

It's Tarn's first Quest with Pretzel and the Monk is not disappointing with the crotchetiness

Tarn responded to Pretzel: "Yes, the Ji Pei provided robotic companions for us to assist in the search for the Ambassador's son. I have found the Ji Pei to be noble and honourable warriors; their automatons likewise. I certainly admire their skills in battle and their ingenuity."

"It seems I have become somewhat of an ambassador during my time with Heroica," Tarn smiled back at Ella, wanting to take her hand in his but his professionalism preventing it. "Travelling to new places and seeing new wonders is one of the perks of the hero life." He looked across at his Questmates. "We would have got here sooner if not for the Wolfgang. I know time is of the essence so I am ready to leave for the warehouse, but obviously cannot speak for you or my companions here."

Tarn stared at the monk. "Hey now, Pretzel, back off. Princess Septrine is not prone to flights of fancy. If she sees this book and its importance, then there must be a way to get to it, otherwise she would not have been shown it. Not idly do these visions appear." He looked back at Ella, "Since Dastan I have seen many strange things - airships, teleporters, giant lizards, robotic companions. As Arthur said, the Ji Pei have contraptions that almost appear magical. Perhaps I could use my standing with the Ambassador Lady Shanxian to see if they have anything that could submerge itself under the ocean?"

Tarn's heart raced as he gazed upon Ella. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Older, and yet younger, somehow both at once. The perils of communing with the spirit pools has to leave some trace, he thought. It cannot be an easy thing, to be a vessel for uncontrollable visions. He blushed furiously as he responded to Ella, knowing he was Party Leader and that he was representing Heroica rather than any personal interests. "Ella, it gladdens my heart to see you once again. U'Voros has spoken of the fairytales, but they are not ones that have been told in this part of Olegaia and we are all unfamiliar with them. It is most interesting that they are manifesting in your dreams, please, tell us of them."

"The Houses have a vested interest in keeping the peace and making sure no one House or organisation overstep their mark. There's no profit in wiping out your competitors. That's where Heroica comes in, we work with all the Houses and the Town Watch if there are any disagreements."

"Eubric does not have an Emperor, U'Voros. It is a Free Port, with no ruler. No one here is a subject, they are free to do whatever they wish."

OOC: Tarn should get 25 health back as he has Natural Respite, making him full health without needing potions. Also he didn't have the 24 gold removed on the final round. Tarn listens to his questmates as they ask for the loot division, nodding. "Good work in the battle, my friends. Em, you take the Mead and the Nostrum, and I do not take your offer of a grand potion as I am fully healed. Pretzel, again, I do not need healing, though I am grateful for the offer. You take the 30 gold and the Remedy, and here is also a Grand Potion and a Phoenix Essence in recompense for the ones you used on me in the battle." He turns to U'Voros, Guard Andrew and Grady. "Your skill in battle is most welcome, all of you."

"The honour is yours, valiant Em," said Tarn, remembering Arthur's alias more slickly this time. Tarn still repeats his attack, just in case. Battle Order Pretzel Arthur Tarn

Tarn raged as "Donny" not only hurt him, but stole his gold. " I can't even get healed whilst I have this helmet on. So no hiding place. You may have bested me once but I will not yield!" Tarn repeats his attack, and his advice for his allies not to get involved. Battle Order Pretzel Tarn Arthur

Tarn shook his head to clear it and thanked Pretzel for reviving him. "You have my gratitude, I will recompense you when this battle is over." He looks at his allies. "Ar- *koff* I mean Em, Pretzel and I can finish this scoundrel off. No-one else needs to attack." He aims Lion's Heart at "Donny" from the front row. Battle Order Pretzel Tarn Arthur

OOC: But that isn't how Counterstrike works either. It wasn't a free hit.

Tarn growls in pain as "Donny" struck him. Perhaps the people coming to his aid had made him overconfident. He grits his teeth and attacks "Donny" again from the front row. Andrew and Sailor should repeat their attacks. U'Voros uses his potion on Friendly Sailor from the back row. Battle Order: Tarn Pretzel U'Voros Sailor Guard Andrew Arthur OOC: Why did the damage "Donny" do to Tarn get deflected back?

"It is certainly unusual!" agreed Tarn. He and U'Voros repeat their attacks, and he motions for the Sailor and Guard Andrew to attack the Pongcanis. Battle Order Tarn Pretzel U'Voros Sailor Guard Andrew Grady Arthur

Tarn grins as he sees first the Hinckwell attack the clown, then Pretzel's Guardian Angel and the sailor enter the fray. "Normally we get more enemies joining, not allies! The more the merrier! Keep at it and we shall soon take care of these thugs." He and U'Voros repeat their attacks, with Tarn motioning for the sailor to indeed join the attack on the Pongcanis from the front row. Battle Order Tarn Pretzel U'Voros Sailor Grady Arthur OOC: I've put the NPCs in the battle order. Also unless Tarn really walloped "Donny", the Stun should have worn off. Doesn't really matter as we are protected by the Guardian Angel.

"Let's show these ruffians the error of their ways!" Tarn raises the Darkness-elemental Lion's Heart and attacks "Donny" Five-Fingers from the front row. U'Voros attacks Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior from the front row. Battle Order Tarn Pretzel U'Voros Arthur OOC: I don't think Grady is controllable, should I be choosing a target/placing in battle order?

"Good job attempting to talk this Wolfgang member out of it, both of you, but he's clearly not listening to reason. I am always for a diplomatic solution, but sometimes sense has to come from another source." With this, Tarn grips his Great Sword and tries to knock 'Donny' out with the pommel whilst his back is turned and his attention is on the Hinckwell and not the party.

Before the Donny Incident occurred, Tarn had managed to say to Pretzel: "Most of my Quests have taken me out of Eubric. I have been to Dastan and seen much of its beauty, and to the wondrous realm of Xu on an airship. Twice. An airship! I have not seen its like since." Seeing that Arthur and Pretzel had taken the initiative, Tarn waited for now. He had no previous dealings with the Wolfgang, but his first Quest had involved a Hinckwell, so he was more likely to side with Grady, but was happy to see how it all played out.

"U'Voros, I did not know that this wall existed. I doubt the four of us alone could do anything about it for now. And Brunt's Wall was cursed, which complicated matters. I doubt an angry, vengeful, multiplying spirit inhabits this wall." He shivered, remembering his time spent with Atramor facing off against the undead Emperor. "And my apologies Master Regulus, for incorrectly stating your long lineage. It was an oversight, I must be distracted by the thought of seeing my darling Ella again."

Tarn frowned. "I don't remember a gate being here, but then it was several seasons ago we stopped the threat of the Grey Plague. Perhaps tensions have run high of late, whilst my adventures have taken me elsewhere." Tarn stood up to his full height and politely spoke to the Town Watch: "My name is Tarn, with me are Arthur Regulus III and the Monk, Pretzel. We are here to visit the Oracle's Shrine, on the request of one of the novices there."

Tarn said to Pretzel, "I think U'Voros means, do we know the stories, not the Rito or dragons. Although it is good to know you have also travelled far in your Heroica career, Monk Pretzel."

Tarn unequips the Counterstrike Gloves and the Noble Mask, and equips the Amulet of U'Kin Nobility and the Duplovian Helmet. "I am surprised my name is so revered, there were a great many heroes who helped Dastan, I was but one, and some of my choices were not so wise. But let us not dwell on things we cannot change. Much like Arthur, I have not heard of this fairy tale either, it never reached the mountains of Titaan. Please, Master U'Voros, regale us." OOC: I guess the other things given are unsuitable to his class, so may as well take them back.

Tarn Bowed formally to the U'Kin. "It is good to know that Dastan stands strong despite the evil plots that ravaged it before. I am honoured to be of service to you and your great nation once again." He recognised both of the other members of the Quest - Arthur he had met in Dastan and the Monk fellow he had spotted in the Hall often enough. Both seemed eccentric in their own ways, but Tarn was not going to let that put him off. He was to see Ella, and help her again! He spoke to Arthur and Pretzel: "If I have any artifacts or weapons that either of you can make use of, please say so. It would behoove us to be as prepared as we can." Totally ran out of time to go shopping, didn't I? It is a bit of a character flaw of Tarns. he is never ready for a Quest!

Tarn had been absent from the Hall for a few weeks, tending to his old master Rystael, who had been struck down by a bad case of Viratacuth flu. Wondering if there was anything exciting happening, he approached the Questboard. He skimmed Quest#92 but felt a thunderbolt fell him when he saw Ella's name. Excited to know she was in Eubric, he signed up for Quest#92: The Prophetess and the Warrior, in a scrawl made even worse by haste.

Great work on the new Embassy entries, some good info there and the Minifig designs are exquisite.