Flipz

A weapon that gives the user the Enraged-effect would do that quite nicely. Hmm... *scribble scribble*

OOC: Actually, it's closer to a week--I posted in the Library that Arthur hasn't slept since the night on the Quest, and it's been at least a Week since then, which is why the two Watchmen are worried about him. "She told me she was done with men, and turned her back on me before I could say anything else. Seems pretty final to me." "Still, it could have been worse. She could have turned into a murderous psychopath like the woman I was with before her...the one who got me kicked out of my homeland by framing me for murder." "That's not really the problem--hell, the fact that she accepted me is part of why I loved her so much. But De'kra, romantic relationships are...well, fragile. It's like a wall of stones--it's enormously strong against outside aggressors, but if someone on the inside screws up and knocks one free, the whole thing will fall. And sometimes...sometimes the pieces just don't fit together anymore. Or else they don't want to." He sighs. "I don't know. Amidst all this...relationships, the Watch, Quests, saving the world, everything...sometimes everything's right. And then all of a sudden, something shifts, and it feels like there's just...nothing. Like there's no place for me anymore. And that the world wouldn't be any worse off if I weren't in it. I feel...unnecessary. Like an extra piece in a cosmic game, only existing 'just in case' some specific need arises, but knowing that it never will. Like...like I have no future. No Destiny." He looks away in shame, particularly from De'kra, who he knew held that virtue particularly dear. "On that Quest...I was useless. Unneeded. They could have accomplished everything that happened if I hadn't been there, and done it better. There was nothing I contributed that couldn't have been done better by another Hero. And I hated that feeling. It was like instead of earning my penance, I was just making it worse." He begins pulling out his gear and throwing it on the table. "My staves didn't help anyone, THESE scraps of uselessness accomplished nothing of note, and this stupid thing--" Arthur throws Sir Roderick's sword on the table as if it burned him. A moment's pause for dramatic effect, and he continued, gesticulating wildly with his Unlucky Horseshoe. "There are people in this Hall who would kill for things like these. Who could forge empires and conquer armies with them. And here I am, sitting around with them, useless." He tosses the Horseshoe on the table, atop everything else, and sits back, fuming. "Maybe all those Heroes are right about Mages like me. We're stupid, insane, and worthless." He drops his face into his hands, overcome.

Incorrect. A 1, 2, or 3 counts as a "success", while a 4, 5, or 6 counts as a failure. Trust me, I have a little bit of experience with Scrolls.

"She...we...aren't..." Arthur looks away awkwardly, but, deciding it would be best to get it out of the way, he steels himself before looking back to Dyric, eyes downcast. "I left her. When I went to turn myself in to the Watch. I thought I was leaving Heroica--leaving life itself. I wanted to die--and I didn't want to put her through that. I didn't want to argue with her over it, didn't want her last memory of me to be one of quarrel. So I just...left. By the time I came back, by the time someone talked some sense into me, she'd become a Harlot and didn't want anything to do with me." He lets his head fall even lower than it already had been, as if trying to impale himself with his own chin. "She's been gone...and I haven't fared any better since. I reckon you've got better luck with that die of yours than I'll ever have with women."

It's a BIONICLE thing (De'kra's a BIONICLE character--though I'm still having difficulty trying to figure out the specifics. I'll get there! ). Desmond's a nice bonus. Also, surprised that Tanma didn't pick up on calling Dyric "Pohatu". To anyone who's seen the first movie, it's an obvious and near-perfect fit. (Why yes, I did stumble upon my old BIONICLE DVDs and watch them in a fit of nostalgia, why do you ask? )

"I...don't know. At this point, I have to trust I got through to her. Her Destiny is her own, I've done all I can to help her find it. That has to be enough." "I know, Brother, I know. I joined the Watch as penance for my crimes--but now I have been handed a new opportunity to protect this city. A second chance, to do to the Wolfgang what I failed to do with Wren. And make no mistake--I intend to stop Baba personally. Even if it's not technically 'personal'...I've seen what she can do to her foes. I can't let anyone else die for me--not again. Not ever again." "The problem is, that IS the Wolfgang's plan. They feed the poor and destitute in the Hovels, ensnaring the hearts of the people while the Houses stand there, useless, too self-concerned by the devices of their own plots and riches to aid anyone but themselves. In many ways, the Wolfgang would be righteous...if it weren't all a lie devised by a power-hungry madman. But...there is a hope." "The Watch can provide support and order...but, as much as I hate to admit it, we lack heart. On my last Quest, we met the Syndicate, an organization of...well, they started out as criminals. Their leader, formerly known as the Stealer of Senses, had a device called 'The Harvester' that allowed him to steal senses...including people's common sense, leaving them lucid, but susceptible to his suggestions. He wanted to use it on the Wolfgang, and later the population of Eubric at large, to create a quiet, peaceful world. He was a good person, who simply chose horrible, horrible means to try to achieve a noble goal--ours, in fact. We eventually convinced him to destroy the device, and to use words rather than manipulating others' minds. He and the Syndicate are now working with the Town Watch--serving a valuable role in countering the Wolfgang's propaganda by proving they aren't the only ones with care for those without wealth. It's not the only solution--but it's a step. If either of you find yourself in a position, leave food and supplies at The Albatross Inn--someone there will ensure it gets to the right place." OOC: I just realized that the Harvester is basically a Vahki Zadakh's staff power in a more compact package.

"I don't blame you. Chaos...can do things to people. Even the slightest contact can change you--and they're the sort of changes that cannot be undone. After all--I would know." He shakes his head--his time dabbling in those arts would never leave him, no matter how hard he tried. Better to focus on the future instead. Arthur nods in agreement with Dyrics statement about the rookie Hero. "So you've found someone special? I'm glad. It seems to be the season for my friends to find companionship--on my last Quest one of my fellow Heroes met her own match." He doesn't mention Alexis, instead changing the subject abruptly. "I met no Crube at the Theatre, I'm sorry. The night was...one of victories and losses. On the one hand, we--as in, I and the two Heroes I led--killed two of the Wolfgang generals, Donny Dozenhands and Violetta the Cat Burglar, that night, and Nyx and Thothwick helped Lord Boomingham kill another, Steerpike the Poisoner. On the other, though..." Arthur leans in and pulls both of his companions closer, speaking in a much more subdued tone. "Some of this De'kra already knows, but we did not get enough time to speak in between my Quests, and some I did not learn until recently. Dyric...one of the Veterans is a member of the Wolfgang. I know, I was as shocked as you. But it makes sense. Why else would the Wolfgang offer almost all the Heroes they encounter a chance to defect? How would they know their new allies wouldn't be caught and expelled? Simple--they know that the Veteran in their pocket will keep them protected. But that's not even the worst of it." "De'kra, I don't think I ever told you this part. There was a Witch at the party. No, not Atramor--but I still do not trust him, either. She called herself Barbariccia Dellamore, better known as Baba the Bog Witch, kidnapper of Bluto Zeigfried. She did...something...to the leaders of the Houses. The other Heroes reported something of an enchanting song...all I know is, this started reacting like crazy when she started doing it." Arthur reaches into his pocket and extracts his Zoot's Plaything, which, in contrast to its behavior that night, did nothing but ripple gently in response to the movement. "Whatever she did, the Heads of the Houses--which were close to coming to peace, hell, one of the Hinckwell children was betrothed to a daughter of the Shadeaux--were provoked to greater discord than ever. Not even my best reason and diplomacy were enough to convince them to abandon the realms of madness for reason. In fact, they seemed insulted at the very suggestion. It seems that one's Diplomacy isn't good enough unless one lugs around a shield, and most of the people who do that seem more interested in bloodshed than redemption." Arthur shoots a nervous glance at Boomingham, even though he knew the Paladin was much too far away to hear. "And that's not all..." "Violetta the Cat Burglar--a.k.a. Kayla Raltyn--was a Hero's long-lost sister. As in, biologically related. And as if that weren't complicated enough, their distant, undead ancestor is one of the Heroes who helped kill her. The situation is all sorts of messed up--and that's just the first Quest I was on since Dyric and I last met." He shakes his head. "The past week has been...less than restful," he says sadly.

It had been some time since the situation between Karie and Sorrow was...well, if not defused, then de-escalated, at least. In the intervening hours, Arthur had buried himself in the books, at last untroubled by impending fights or impertinent dwarves. He'd made good progress--a final edit, once he'd had a few days with which to gain a fresh perspective, and they would be ready to set upon the shelves of the Library. There was just one book that was unfinished--he would wait for the opportune moment before handing the project over to the one who deserved to write it. Arthur smiled. At last. How long have I waited to hear that voice? "Hello, Brother Poh--ah, Dyric." Now who the heck is 'Pohatu', and why did I get the urge to call Dyric that? ...I'm turning into De'kra. "How did your last Quest fare? You left before my outing at the Foundation Day Ball...I don't think you saw..." Arthur stepped back and demonstrated his garb. "As you can see,I've adopted something of a new career." Arthur points to the Orcish Paladin, who was still sitting at the bar waiting for his order. "If you want an example of how to be a Hero, he's the one you should talk to, not me." He walks with Dyric a short distance away. "New guy," he says by way of explanation. "Doesn't seem to get that the Hero-ing business isn't a game." His eyes fall downcast, but he quickly brightens up for his friend's sake. "As a more positive example of a Hero, there's someone you should meet." Scanning the Hall, he finally spots De'kra sitting some distance away and walks Dyric over to his table. "Dyric Rone, meet one of my oldest and closest friends, De'kra." "..." "...I swear he's not normally like this." Arthur quickly moves to the echo's side. "De'kra, Brother, are you all right?"

"Hmm? Oh. Already took care of most of it just didn't phrase it clearly enough, it seems, a good whack should take care of the rest." Watching the two leave with a sigh, Arthur heads back in to the Hall, taking his own advice to clear the door of the last of its icy coating.

Nerwen on Pixie Dust was one of my favorite moments in Heroica, period--particularly when she started needling Dyric for (potentially?) being a virgin. Then again, pretty much any time Nerwen discusses relationships ends up as gold--she has such an otherworldly perspective, it's hard not to be intrigued. That said, I really hope there's time for Arthur to talk to her and Dyric about relationships--the interplay would be priceless. RE: loot, it fit, it really did. One thing to note is that the party skipped a WHOLE bunch of battles, so even though it looks like "three battles and some puzzles", in reality you were looking at more. You also dropped fairly balanced rewards, and none of the people on the Quest have really "optimized" their builds in the way that, say, Pie or Costy have, so it evens out. I love your Quests BECAUSE of the characters--if I ever end up on a Quest of yours, you can be sure as hell the page count will shoot up to rival a Brickdoctor Quest, just from your characters and mine talking. I'd honestly go on a Quest of yours with JUST roleplaying (i.e. no battles, no loot or experience aside from the Quest reward [if any]), just to go along for the ride. It's your hallmark--keep to it.

Fixed that for you. EDIT: I love how when Arthur semi-loudly proclaimed to the dwarf that a number of Heroes present in the Hall--including Haldor--are better Heroes than Arthur, they all just sit back and ignore it (probably all thinking, "yeah, that's right" ), but when Arthur tries to take a subtle tack to mediate a fight between two of his friends, half of Heroica seems to try to get involved. Total fail as a Rogue, there, Arthur. EDIT 2: Yaaay, Dak's back! (Or at least, he has a post in Hero Statistics now. )

"After...that night...I went back by the scene. It was just...lying there. Flung from her in the struggle. When I saw it, I realized: this was her legacy. And whatever else she was, she deserved for that legacy to be remembered. This mask...it's a reminder. That even good intentions can turn to evil...and of what that can lead to." "This world...it's full of Violettas. And part of our job as Heroes is to help them find the Kaylas within. Some days it doesn't work out...like with your sister. But some days...some days you find Massons. Those are the days you live for. That's towards what we have to strive." Without turning, Arthur blatantly and obviously extends his opal toward the wall of ice sealing the Hall doors, shattering it--making it unmistakably apparent that he had indeed seen her arrive, and had also watched her go.

Dammit. What I wouldn't give for a shield--to be able to dive in between them and take the blow... "Your tone of voice says otherwise, to say nothing of your actions. If you really wanted to Flee, you'd do it--you don't a weapon to do that. No, you choose to stay, deliberately failing to talk Karie down. You're trying to get yourself killed, and I won't let you. I swore, after what happened beneath the Hall, that no more of my friends would die on my watch. And you're not going to be an exception--not now, not ever."

"Sorrow--I've stood in your shoes. Maybe not exactly in terms of deeds, but...that night, at the Barracks. When you saw me going to the Watch...I did not go there to join. I went there to die. I visited Patricia, with full intent to confess to her my complicity to the events on Grogmas Eve that led to the deaths of Gnash and Bennetton. She gave me a second chance--and I have offered that chance to everyone I've met. Kayla...Masson...I would be remiss if I didn't include you in that list as well. You made the wrong choice...a terrible choice...but there is still room for redemption. I'm proof of that." "Karie...revenge is not the way. More bloodshed will not honor your sister's death, nor will it advance the cause she stood for: the betterment of Eubric. She made the wrong choice in that very way, by backing the power-hungry and bloodthirsty Wolfgang instead of finding a more peaceful way to heal the city." Arthur reaches down and gently unwraps Kayla's mask from his belt. "You asked me before, at that warehouse, how I knew your sister would have been an amazing Hero. Remember? I didn't have an answer then, but I do now. You. You found a way, despite everything that had happened to you, to save Masson instead of killing him like Boomingham wanted to. You brought the Syndicate and the Watch together to make a better Eubric, rather than senselessly ending more lives. Don't turn your back on all that now." Arthur holds the mask out to Karie. "Be the Hero your sister couldn't be. Choose life...not death. Hope...not revenge."

"'A good idea?' Possibly. You may find records of my past in the Library--but if you wish to hear the short version: I am an experienced Sorcerer, who has fended off entire armies and delved farther into realms of magick far darker and more arcane than the mortal mind can comprehend. I have slain two gods made manifest upon the physical plane and personally conversed with two more, and ended the careers of two generals of the Wolfgang--permanently. I am the mechanical genius of my generation, second only to the Ji Pei themselves, friend of the Lion Knights, and a savior of Princess Ella Septrine of Dastan, herself, she who is both prophet and heir to the throne of Emperor Septrine. I have been the pinnacle of Order and Chaos both, and found them wanting." "Among mortal men, my deeds would be legend--but you know something? They are as nothing compared to the deeds of the many others who have walked this Hall. Haldor Skovgaard, the Nordic Shaman; Sir Cronk, Paladin of Ennoc; Alexis Fenral--all of whom fought with me as we together battled both gods; Alexandre le Chevalier, who also served brilliantly with me in the campaigns of Bric'bay and Dastan and who, I hear, has recently rebuffed a third army in Luosh; Althior Emorith, the mighty magician who led Alexandre and I at Bric'bay; Skrall, who led us in Dastan and veteran of many other battles besides; Sorrow the Assassin and Nagure the Yeti Barbarian, who followed me as we broke the back of the Wolfgang by the death of its generals; Lord Lawrence Boomingham, who led our party at the Foundation Day Ball from within the ballroom itself--to say nothing of his other achievements. And there are many, many others--Tensi Hightribe, possibly the fiercest warrior ever to walk the Western lands; Tarn of Valco and Sir Thotwick, paragons of honor, courage, and virtue; Galen Woodward, a pioneer of the Heroes active since the Purge; Lady Nyx, a name who is legend all on her own." "They, and many others, are far greater than I; I am humbled and honoured to be counted among the least of these. You would do well to remember the deeds of those who have walked these halls before you, and the gravity of the path we all walk." "If I may offer some unsolicited advice, Raider I recognize but whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting, hold onto that scythe. It may not be very strong, but it at least ensures you always have a weapon with which you may attack a foe, no matter its type--even though it won't be at your full strength. It's always good to have a backup, after all." Seeing Sorrow and Karie leaving the hall, Arthur's danger sense went into high alert. "Now, if you all would excuse me, I have matters of some importance to attend to." Packing up his papers and belongings, he hurries outside, unlimbering his staff as he goes. Here's hoping I'm not already too late... As the doors swing shut behind him--he barricades them with a thick block of ice, just to ensure no unnecessary complications--Arthur spots the two facing off, the Witch ready to kill the Assassin...and the Assassin seeming willing to take it. I've been there, he thinks to himself, and probably will be again. But this isn't right. Readying his scrolls and his gems, he waits for Karie's next move--just in case she made the wrong one.

I second this, and I'll even find the links for you. Party 1 (Tensi, Alexis, Jess, QM: Sandy): LINK Party 2 (Cinna, Namyrra, Benji, QM: Sandy): LINK Party 3 (Althior, Docken, Dyric, Xander, QM: Sandy): LINK Party 4 (Althior, Docken, Benji, Thormanil, Xander, QM: CallMePie): LINK Party 5 (Namyrra, Skrall, Nur, Alexis, Hoke, Amma, QM: JimButcher): LINK EDIT: It definitely takes a turn to put something in a Hollow Blade, so it would take two turns to put a Remedy in each of your blades. Sorry.

"A word of advice--he who would speak with someone had best have something worth speaking about. You've yet to offer a coherent topic of conversation, Mister Dwarf--and unlike the friends and Heroes whom I've allowed to interrupt my work, I don't actually know you." Arthur tried not to let the irritation show in his voice, but enough of it made it through as to be clearly evident.

Yeah, I'd have to agree.

Hoke needs to come talk Arthur into Mystic Knighting, and we can go on our Quests together.

"Much obliged," Arthur says gratefully.

Believe it or not? Well, I have earned it, I suppose. The writing--as it had after Dastan, and many times since--had helped him find a measure of peace. With the dwarf completely flustered by his simple exercise in curbing impatience--and I didn't even make him count in Griik like Dad did--Arthur found the words flowing freely from his quill. Hours later, he was forced to stop--he still had much to transcribe, but the human hand can only remain clenched in a single position for so long. Standing up and shaking out his hand, he decides to stretch his legs with a trip to the Quest board. There was just a single notice now--one posted by the Bro'bric Elves. Arthur grimaced--he knew that his reputation with the Lion Knights would work against him here. Still, his technical skills from that battle were legend among the Lions and everyone they came into contact with. Perhaps that might help to balance things out. And besides, he needed a chance to exercise that side of him--and the opportunity to clean up some of the aftermath of that war would be a welcome simplicity compared to the muddy morality of his previous five outings. These thoughts in mind, Arthur pens down his name for Quest 77. Arthur looks around. There was no sign of Dyric, or De'kra. Where are they? They should be here for this, too. They're perfect for the job--even moreso than me.

I don't know...given the amount of sheer buffing Sandy's giving you...I have a sneaking suspicion that Quest 68 was research...

Question: why don't more people try and buff NPCs? Especially as far as equipment goes. As far as I know, I'm the only player who's ever given NPCs artifacts out of my own supply. Lee Long could have done a TON more damage in that fight if he'd had the spare Ruby from Tensi's pack, and I'm sure there are other Artifacts sitting in the players' inventories that he could use. EDIT: I'm an idiot, I misread the types of the Rocs. Still, the point stands.

Arthur hears the persistent Dwarf come up behind him as he returns to his work at the table. His features crease with annoyance, but then loosen into a satisfied grin. Fortunately his back was to the dwarf, so he could not see. He holds up his hand, back still turned to the dwarf. "Wait. Count to twenty."

Uhh...