Flipz

"Nerwen. It is good to see you again." Despite the pleasure of reuniting with another long-lost friend, Arthur's heart drops at the realization that the Magpie is otherwise empty. Fearing the worst, Arthur consults his Magic Compass as to the location of Captain Illdria. "We could play a shell game with the three ships, assuming their crews haven't been taken. Truth be told, I was hoping Captain Illdria and her crew could sail around and distract the fort troops from a distance after they dropped us off, but if she's not available--or worse, if they've been taken like so many others--then we'll unfortunately lack that advantage."

Arthur nods in understanding, equipping the Artifacts Pretzel has handed him as well as the other end of the Soul Link Chain.

"Magpie," Arthur opines. "The Phoenix is fast but has nothing to defend itself with, and the crew isn't particularly experienced compared to the others. They'll be sitting ducks the moment we get off, if we even make it to the fort in the first place aboard it. As far as Guts' ship, nice as it would be to bring him aboard again, he's one person and last we spoke he wasn't really feeling the whole fighting thing we do. Nerwen, maybe, if she's there, but again, just one person. If I know Captain Ildria, though, her blood is already boiling, and she and her crew probably have a plan already to bust into the fort on their own--we'll just slot nicely into what they're already working on, and I know they can handle themselves." Arthur gives his fellow Heroes a once-over glance. "If anyone sees something useful amongst my treasure trove, feel free to borrow it. I particularly have a loose Diamond if one of our Mages needs it." So saying, Arthur slots his Hero's Cocktail into the Hollow Blade of his Duplovian Halberd. "Pretzel," he adds, "I'd be glad to share that chain with you, and I can wear the armor in your place. We'd lose the benefit of my Prayer Beads (unless someone is willing to give you a Level Up Mushroom), but we'd gain more than we'd lose. Anyone with a Lance, Spear, or Halberd they aren't using, I'll happily take the spare ranged ammunition. Also, Atramor, perhaps Euflear could make better use of that bow of yours?" The Skirmisher considers the rest of the party, but even his skills have limited and he grows mentally fatigued trying to keep track of such a large party. He settles for offering general advice instead for the moment. "Anyone has something they can't use, lend it to someone who can, particularly our recruits who don't have a surplus like we do. We've been fighting constantly recently, so there's decent odds you have room for another Artifact now; wear one. If someone else has something you could use just gathering dust, ask for it; now is the time."

"I'd appreciate that, Brother, thank you." As he equips the Shadeaux Cape once more, he sighs heavily, overwhelmed by the arguments swirling around him. He closes his eyes and lets the familiar noise wash over him, resuscitating memories both pleasant and painful as he fails to come up with anything worthwhile to contribute to the conversation.

Arthur takes a deep breath ashe considers how to explain the Pandemonicon. "The Pandemonicon is a sentient tome on demonology, inscribed via Chaos magic--which means that it generally renders its readers insane after just a viewing or two. My father's people penned an early copy of it, which I read as a child and eventually destroyed, but to my knowledge there are only three modern copies in existence: one that was taken by my ancient ancestor Ziegfried that was the original basis for my family's power, one used to summon the demons of Azzurat--I think that might have been the copy used in Mercution unless I'm very much mistaken?--and one that was lost in Babaleth. Byblos took the first two with him when he sealed himself in the Void, which leaves the third in Master's hands." The Skirmisher pauses and facepalms when he realizes he's once again called the Battle Mage 'Master'. "And apparently, I have to refer to the wielder of a Pandemonicon as 'Master' while in their presence. Lovely." "As far as groups and plans...I'm going to Fort Bonaparte. The further I am from Rosier, the better for us all, I feel. I'm definitely on board with hiring the Magpie, it'll be good to see the old crew again."

"I won't touch it, Master," Arthur affirms. It takes him a moment to register what he's said, and the Skirmisher swears upon realization. "...Right. Okay, guess we're getting this out of the way now." Arthur shifts his arm into a distinctly Oculoid-like tentacle before it forms into a wicked-looking halberd, which he tosses up in the air and then catches with a now-normal hand. "Technically part-demon. As with many of my problems, a relic of past idiocy. Pro tip, a Zoot's Plaything is not meant to be used internally." He winces in recollection, then shakes his head. "Thankfully, the book's on our team, if it can have that kind of effect on me. Hopefully if Rosier does something to me, that book can reverse it. If I ever seem lost or distant, it'll be up to Master (OOC: Torald) to give me orders."

"You rang?" Arthur says from the doorway, leaning against it with a tired-looking smile. Though the Skirmisher looks oddly naked without his signature Shadeaux-emblemed cape, he is all business as he turns to Ulric, the Veterans, and the Lions. "Ziegfried Manor is evacuated," he informs the leaders. "One too many patrols came by after we put out the fires, and Mable got nervous. A couple of the others were making noises about joining us for the fight, but no guarantees; I know Mom forbade Noel from fighting on the front lines, and she herself had to be the one getting the others out safely. I'm not sure if Mable managed to convince Marco and Chesterine to leave or if they put their feet down and decided to stay; we should know soon enough if they're coming. Don't worry about the shrouds, though, we've made arrangements to keep them going even with the house empty." "We did ask," Arthur reminds the man. "She had nothing she believed the false Founders couldn't fake with the knowledge of Heroica's library. "Karie. It's been too long. How's Rachelle and Masson? Did Dyric deliver my message?" The Skirmisher nods along as Karie summarizes her party's actions, frown slowly increasing as the story goes on. "Rosier...that's...concerning." He pauses. "There were three copies of the Pandemonicon in the world, not counting the partial one in my head. Byblos took two with him. Anyone get any inkling of the third? I'd bet Diamonds to Zirconia it's why Rosier is loose in the first place, and if we get our hands on it there's a shot we can seal them away with it if they show up while we're storming Fort Freedom."

So since Photo bucket is temporarily back, is anyone willing to go through Heroica and archive all the images on the wiki or some other hosting spot that isn't evil incarnate?

Arthur considers the Heroes' words, all the way back to the Manor, brooding in silence as had become his norm. Arthur's head shoots up at the mention of Triad, though he soon turns his face away in guilt. As Atramor complete his speech, he nods. "Well said." He pauses. "I'm afraid this is where I must leave you, my friends. I won't deny, a part of me wishes to carry onward, to dive right back into my old life of adventure and heroism. But...I am afraid, Heroes. You saw what happened to the Shadeaux. Every second I spend outside the Manor walls would be time spent in fear for my family's safety, worried I would come back to an empty home, my mother, my brother, my cousins abducted by the Watch and locked away in some damp prison cell atop the sea. I...I cannot bear that kind of constant concern. I have to stay here, where I can be certain my family is safe." After another pause of consideration, Arthur unhooks his cloak from his shoulders. "Here," he says, lending his Shadeaux Cape to Dyric. "Hang on to this, would you? Just...make sure you stay alive to return it, okay?" He next turns his attention to Bellanotte. "Bellanotte. I will do what I can to be there when the time comes to storm Fort Bonaparte. But just in case you or the Heroes can't get word to me in time, I want you to hang on to these for now." Arthur first lends Bellanotte his Trickster's Mask of the Elf. "This should help you move around the city more easily without being recognized. And these," he adds, lending her his Anniversary Medal and Fur Leggings, "will hopefully keep you safer when the time comes for battle." Finally, and with great solemnity, Arthur lends her Sven's Dagger and his Staff of the Cultist Battlemage. "These are for your sister and your brother. They're not much, but hopefully they can make good use of them in the breakout." Unhitching his Mail of the Renegade Commander as well he hangs it over his Coat Hangar and lends them to Matthias. "Same conditions as Dyric, all right? We've got a whole eternity to hang out together, don't cut it short." Arthur gives his Hurricane and Ella's Pie to Althior, and his Arc Mead and Elixir to Hoke. "I know it's not much, but hopefully it'll help out. At the very least," he quips with a nod to the Hurricane, "that should be a reminder of lighter times." Finally, he looks to Atramor, a familiar white cowl in hand. "You remember this, don't you? From Xu? I know hiding's not your style, but hopefully this will at least get you to where you're going unnoticed." Arthur lends Atramor his White Ninja Cowl. "Best of luck to all of you. And hey--when the time comes, and it's time to take on the rest of the false Founders, try to get word back to the Manor. I'll be here, preparing as many of us as I convince to join you in the fight." Arthur smiles, then starts, suddenly remembering something. "Oh, that reminds me." He reaches into a pocket and withdraws a sealed envelope, which he entrusts to Dyric. "I almost forgot--I was going to give this to you before. It's for Karie. All of us Ziegfrieds are entitled to a scholarship to the Academy of Enlightenment for one of our children. Since that's...not an option for me, I'm passing my scholarship on to Rachelle. If you run into Karie amidst all this, make sure that gets to her, okay? And remind her she's welcome at the Manor any time." "Good luck, Heroes. Stay safe--this should only be goodbye for now. With luck, we'll see each other again soon." With a final wave, the Skirmisher steps back into the Manor, standing beside the rest of his family. OOC: It's been great hanging out, but just as before I can't really commit to Heroica long-term--as my (lack of) availability over the past few days has illustrated. As Arthur said, I'll try to make myself available again for the final phase, but for now I really think it's best to go back to lurking for a while. I'll be rooting for you in the meantime, though! Best of Luck!

Arthur nods thoughtfully. "Thank you," he says simply. The Skirmisher snorts involuntarily at Dyric's misstep, but frowns as the party discusses their options. "If you're going to see the Guild, you should probably get Chesterine and me back to Ziegfried Manor first. Much as I'd like to find a way to mend fences in this city, right now I doubt they'd appreciate two Ziegfrieds showing up on their doorstep, not to mention...well. They've extorted not just my family, but every Mage in Uland for their overpriced Tonics for generations. Marco and his genie made some headway in that a while back, but the Guild still got his name somehow--probably from the Heroes involved--and I'm sure they've figured out his connection to Mabel by now. No doubt at this point they'd want both Chesterine's head and mine on a platter before they'd even think of helping, at least if they knew we were with you." He pauses. "Not to mention...I'd really like to avoid my family ending up like Nuitan and Umbra, if we can possibly avoid it. If they're already gone, so be it, and the false Founders responsible will be made to pay for it, but I'd like to hold out at least some hope of getting to them first."

Arthur ponders the spirit's words, before speaking Diplomatically. "Very well then. But before we return you to your rest, I must ask: can you give us any sort of proof that would undeniably prove your counterpart a fraud? Some knowledge, some secret that only you know, that a fraud would not, that would prove to be her undoing, that would prove she's not you?" "...and on a personal level. I was once a Dragoon, but my companion and I...we had a falling-out, a disagreement of morality, of what her role ought to be in correcting the mistakes of her ancestors. She was as a daughter to me, and the pain of our separation is immense. Do you have any advice towards mending that rift?"

"I'm inclined to agree, Matthias--though I have to wonder if this is really the last we'll see of him. But even if he was human, he's probably better off dead. The real Doomsayer--whose name was "Morduin the Doomsayer", by the way, not "Untergang Flagonfist of Clan Ironpeak" or whatever--died on Doomsayer Island, sealing up a Dark Angel named Lucifuge, who bore an undying grudge against Heroica afterward. The Dragonlord told us about it a while back." Arthur bows his head in grief--while he and Cain had had their disagreements, he'd never thought the Veteran deserved to die over them, and despite their differences a part of Arthur would always be grateful to the man for bringing him and Miirym together in the first place. "I'm not sure if this dust pile supports or disproves my current guesses--I haven't seen a lot of research on what happens if an undead becomes a Nephilim--but my current theory is that these would-be Founders are Lucifuge's latest minions, and they've set out to finish what their predecessors couldn't." Arthur watches Matthias and Chesterine's interaction with a bemused smile, when a thought occurs to him. "We need to leave. Now. Grab the body--we need to get back to Ziegfried Manor before they do; there's still five other false Founders out there, and they clearly believe in guilt by association; I can't leave my family at risk."

OOC: No one should be Doomed yet, since as it's written Passive I wouldn't come into effect until *this* Round. Preemptive EDIT: I have more to say about that Passive (Passive I, for clarity), but I've been convinced to let it go for now. Still leaving a note here just so it's noted that I have a Problem with it beyond ordinary playful banter/complaining/nitpicking. Arthur smiles gratefully as Dyric aids his cousin, but he pales in terror as he realizes the danger Dyric is in. "Dyric, no!!" he exclaims, hastily throwing an arm in front of the Assassin to hold him back. "Don't get near him, he's done something to himself, it could kill you if you're not protected." The Skirmisher surveys the situation, trying to puzzle out a way to steal the Golden Dragon's body from the false Doomsayer without engaging him in combat.

OOC: Out of curiosity, are you accounting for Dyric's Ace Assassin Training? Looking back on the Round the previous Round, you listed Dyric as getting an Assassination roll but you didn't list the Lethal Aim he gets for the enemy being immune to Assassination. (And yes, the Lethal Aim can proc another Lethal Aim, unlikely as it is to actually happen; Diana did it in 104.) Also, Althior is attacking from the Front Row, so he gets the Encouraged damage from Arthur's Assistance. Arthur uses a Remedy on himself from the Front Row unless ordered otherwise.

OOC: Immensely. Also, Of Power and Mortals is a tool, not an accessory. Arthur is slowed (and thus is still in the Front Row). If remedied of the effect, Arthur switches his Duplovian Helmet for his Unicorn Helmet from the Front Row, unless the 'Doomsayer' is neither Blind nor Slowed, in which case he throws another Blind Bomb from the Front Row.

OOC: Nitpicking, I know, but why does Mystical Meditation resolve before Dispel Magic when it's listed after it?

Arthur bites his lip as he notices his comatose cousin. After a moment's pause, he nods. "All right. I trust you." Swapping the smoke bomb for a bomb of another sort, he readies himself forthe opportune moment. Arthur throws a Blind Bomb at the (false) Doomsayer from the Front Row, unless the (false) Doomsayer is already Blind, in which case he uses a Remedy on himself from the Front Row.

OOC: As written, this passive shouldn't have removed any of the party's positive buffs, since it specifies negative effects; it also never says it actually comes into effect, since it doesn't specify when, so I'll take a wild guess and say that the way you wrote it is not the way you designed it and it should probably be reworded. xD Also, unless I'm completely misunderstanding, there were 9 attacks targeted against the Doomsayer this Round (Matthias would have attacked since no one took damage before his second action), meaning the Doomsayer would only get 5 Free Hits, so Chesterine should still be up and Dyric not hit. Also, really? First battle back and you already throw this kind of hot garbage at me? Really? I guess the Heroica universe really does hate me... Arthur glances at Bellanotte, wincing as she takes the false Doomsayer's hit. "**** it, this isn't worth it. Someone remedy Bellanotte, we need to leave." Arthur throws a Smoke Bomb from the Front Row. OOC: Also, defense reduction is not an effect (see the Sandy response a couple posts after), so thus should not be negatable by the 50-50 chance.

OOC: Since I'm online tonight and able to give an action, I'll do that now, but I'll be unavailable from Friday through Monday, at minimum, so please keep that in mind, folks; there's a reason I asked WBD to have Arthur's battle actions controlled by Dyric. Arthur melee attacks the enemy with his Dauntlet Index twice from the Front Row, then melee attacks the enemy once with his Dauntlet Index from the Back Row.

Arthur stares at the false Founder with something akin to triumph. "Your ignorance proves your lie." OOC: Just going to remind y'all that Arthur can either use his polearms as throwing weapons, or melee attack with them (even from the Back Row); also, Solidarity will give everyone in a Row Encouraged so long as at least three of you are in said row alongside Arthur. Don't have time for a full tactical analysis, but just some quick things I noticed: we have a max of 11 attacks, but Not-The-Doomsayer has 14 on Quickened, aside from Bellanotte-induced extra attacks. Also, barring Free Hit overload Arthur is literally untouchable by him due to *Immune to Magic* (see ruling here), so feel free to have him go ham, just beware of Chromatic Orb (maybe if we have some spare turns Arthur can lend his Diamond to someone who wouldn't trigger that particular Special? Just so the rest of the party doesn't have to risk the damage?). ...actually, some rulings questions for WBD: 1.) what's Bellanotte's base class for purposes of the Doomsayer's Specials? 2.) Did you roll for Atramor's lockpicks yet? 3.) How does *in flight* work?

"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?"

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.

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? <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?> "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?"

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."

Arthur observes the interaction between Matthias and Chesterine with an ever-growing maniacal grin. Something in the ex-Mage's expression suggests a hope that the pair share more than just one coffee once the city was saved, and an aim to help should it become necessary. OOC: and thus, the S.S. Mattherine sets sail.