Zepher

"Yo, Darksten, if you use a Grand Potion I can help Leofwein with this wannabe! I can hit you back after the battle so it doesn't all come out of one of our pockets, yo!" Bobby attacks the wannabe from the front row.

Boomingham frowns. "If it's the Regret trying to drum up some sympathy again I swear to Ennoc or Hel or whoever I'll rip him in half. He's done what he's done."

"I'm leading these Warrior Priests to the compound. They've agreed to save Morta. When they hired you to serve them, they must have hired you to agree to fulfill their entire mission. That includes saving Morta." "Marcellus is right, heroes. I've already sworn to save his witch in return for him leading us to their hide-out. If you have a problem with that, now is the time to abort this mission. I have no intention to go back on my word - either now, or once we are in the thick of things. If he delivers, I feel we will be honor bound to return the favor. What would the world come to if one promise was delivered and the other broken? What would I be, then?" "In short - he's asking if you're loyal to us. Because for our mission to succeed we must swear to save Morta. That's just the truth of the matter, unless we're willing to go back on what we believe in. Once this green skin fulfills his part of the bargain, how could we possibly not do what is right by him?"

"I have never seen any of the witches force a choice on anyone. That is not what they do. You don't know what you're talking about. I've never seen them take a life either." He grunts. "They cause things to happen. That's best I can explain it. They took my life and made it into something different. That's what they do. They take something static, and they make it not static."

"Yo, my bad, my bad." Bobby blushes. "Thanks for getting my back, man. Yo, Donna, while we got you here, and shiz I hope we don't mess you up too much, because you're a dope dancer I'm sure - but since you and I seem to be gelling super good, did you ever give Carly Swift a song?" Bobby uses his whip on Donna from the back row again.

It matters because if me and Waldorf told you that we have both confirmed each other in some cloudy way that made it seem like the investigator had claimed to one of us pre-maturely you'd be asking for clarification too. Also hello Maggie where are you would you like to enjoy the sun with us??

So, what, the investigator came to you yesterday to tell you that Bruce was cleared? Why wouldn't they start talking to Bruce instead, and then wait until you were cleared the following day? What a silly silly risky investigator! Or did Bruce tell you that the investigator had cleared him, and then ask you to announce it? Either way, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me... but I guess it really does make less sense that two maples would put themselves in the spotlight for no real reason...

Time to clarify some points under this lovely lovely sun! I dunno what else trees like! Photosynthesis! Overly-defensive is always, in my opinion, a maple-tell. I thought you were being over-defensive. I stand by it, even! It doesn't make you a maple, but I thought it was worth pointing at with my branches! I won't take it back - and it doesn't prove anything one way or another - but it's still something I think was true! On the other hand, I don't as much stand by this. I feel that I am guilty of what I've accused others of, regarding you and Bruce. You have been putting in what is a normal amount of work for you (heck! it's evidenced above in that post right above this one!). It's another thing that doesn't prove anything one way or another, but you have been posting a decent amount of evidence for your claims. But either side can do that. I think you should questioning Sammy about anyone was 'confirmed' is just as valid as the rest of us asking you about you and Bruce being 'confirmed'. You should be doing it, we should be doing it. I'll assume you mean Nash, here. And it's what I described above. The way you and Bruce can galavant around confirming each other is suspicious to me, especially with the complicated way you two have explained it. I'm assuming that neither of you are the investigator, because that'd be silly and I trust you're both better players than that. There is absolutely no reason you would need to out the investigator to explain the series of events I (and others) asked about. How could you have been told he was cleared by an investigator who only started to talk to you today after you had been cleared? Not asking who the investigator is (and again, I'm fairly certain it's neither of you two). Just the order of actual events. This does sound a little bit like fishing, I'll give you that. In reality, though, I was just trying to get clarification on my question that I detailed (and bolded!) above, which does not require the investigator to come forward at all. The first part was a little bit of a joke. The second part was serious. Bruce's game has failed to impress me. I challenge anyone to point out the last time he has brought new suspects to the table as opposed to just shutting down other people's suspicions.

"They offer people options," says the gremlin. "That's all." He shrugs, as if that's all there is to be said on the matter. "I've been with them since a very young age, but even I don't know exactly what they do. Doesn't matter to me. It'd be like asking your father why he was a carpenter. That's just what he does." "You can swear. You have to swear. That's what'll cost to get me to help you. I swear to lead you there, you swear to save her."

I don't think Nerwen made the wrong choice there, either, and I wouldn't personally argue that it's something she should regret (though some of my NPCs might disagree, but I've never agreed with any of my NPCs totally ). And yes, David and Speros will be back eventually! Don't worry, I'll let you know when Vipera is coming back. She misses you too. (And is ANOTHER great example of a character who came out of a player choice).

"Yo, that would have been aight with me. No need to get all crazy, dude!" Bobby fends off Donna with his whip from the back row.

"The Three Sisters are not like the witches of Heroica. They are not like Baba either, though she is... similar. She is a great consumer. And they feed the world. I have never tried to understand it, it barely interests me. But you don't need to worry about them attacking you. They have sworn- or, Hel, maybe they are born this way- to never raise their hand against a mortal. They will offer you a deal, whisper in your ear, but they won't fight you. Or, at least, I have never seen them offer resistance. Even when Morta was taken she went quietly. Besides, you don't have a choice. Only I can bring you there, and I won't do it unless you swear to save Morta."

It's not really an idea I suspect myself, it is just the stumps pinging me and the belief that there MUST be a way that the maples can also benefit from that twist, in the interest of keeping the forest balanced (not that the forest will remain balanced once we finish chopping down all those maples)!

You say that now, but the idea has just been introduced... perhaps it will start to fester, keep you up at night, until finally you realize that's what you wanted all along... who knows?

I read back over the end of the Battle of the Augustus Bridge to make sure Nerwen really was the one who ordered Raguel's death, and to my relief she is. I loved that conversation, Chrome, if you ever get the chance go back and re-read it. I genuinely think it was good playing on both of our sides, and is also something tha totally surprised in how much it fueled for me as far as future story-lines went (I really had no idea that he'd be discussed so much afterwards, but it just sort of happened because I enjoyed playing that moment so much with you). Another great example of how collaboration makes Heroica much better. Also, I warned everyone this quest would finally start to tie things together. Hopefully I've done the background work enough for it to not feel too overloaded. The Three Sisters were introduced almost 2 years ago. :blush:

OoC: My apologies. Not that this matters... but Marcellus is actually a "Gremlin". "I do not believe you owe anyone a debt for Raguel's death. I sent him north when Prince David sent an envoy requesting an advisor. Raguel and I served for a long time together, and he was never bitter that the Paladins gave me command of the Warrior Priests though he had served longer. He requested to go north. I knew his differences with the Orcs there could be a problem, but I allowed him to go. I do not believe that his presence started a war and I don't believe sending someone else would have prevented it. He did what he saw fit, and when you were faced with a difficult decision, you did the same. There is no shame in that. The only debt we have is to serve." "The Order Imperial is too wide spread to strike at en force. We would spend months traveling Olegaia, and still would be unlikely to flush them all out. But this will not be easy. I believe we will be facing a significant portion of their High Kingdom presence." "Hahaha," chuckles the were-lion deeply but with dagger eyes. "You still fear the green skins? When my sister and I arrived at the Paladin Order, we were shunned by some. But we proved our worth, and they were not given a choice but to accept us. Measure the green skin by his actions, not by his past. The world is in constant change. That is what our mother taught us. Tradition is nothing." "A good question. Marcellus, I would prefer that you told your own story." "As you wish. I serve as a bodyguard to the Three Sisters, three witches going by the names Morta, Nona, and Deci. They are old creatures. Before I was born, my parents made a deal with Morta in which they gave me up. I can only imagine that I was better off without them. The witches have shown me a great deal of the world, and they have all treated me with respect. I do not know what life I would have lived without them, but I am certain this life is better." "Morta..." the gremlin glares at the ground for a few seconds before continuing, "Morta has always been particularly kind to me. She and I were traveling in northern Uland some months ago. After we parted ways with our traveling companion - he had an appointment to keep - we were attacked by the Order Imperial. I failed to protect Morta. She was taken. I followed them to their hide out in the High Kingdoms, but I knew I would not survive alone. So I brought the information to the Paladin Order. I will lead you to the hide-out, and go in with you. I will not tell you where to go. You are not going without me. I will ensure with my life that Morta is rescued." "She will be. We are good on our word, Marcellus." She turns to the heroes. "I have promised Marcellus that he will have our assistance in saving Morta. It is a small price to pay for his assistance, and we will be decimating the base as it is. Freeing prisoners will be little extra work." She grabs the shield and a double fanged stave from the wall. "Are we ready to go? There will be time to talk as we travel towards the High Kingdoms."

"So, you're one of Alisameth's types?" Yu Shu growls deeply. "I know you, Nerwen Calmcacil. One of my soldiers came to see me shortly after he had a talk with you. He told me that you were there when one of my great allies, Raguel, was decapitated, and that you had given him the name of the Orc responsible. Tra-Serral. He asked me permission to go and bring her to justice. I refused. What was done with Raguel was done, and I was not willing to forfeit yet another good soldier on a ridiculous crusade from years before any of us were born. He acted as if he respected my decision, but only a month ago he left my Order and joined the Order Imperial. After he left we found evidence that he had been working for them as a spy since about the time of your conversation and my refusal of his request. So we are both responsible for his betrayal." "This is not a plan born out of haste. We have deliberated for a month as to the best course of action. But I have come to my decision. The Order Imperial is not some weed in my garden - they are their own garden, and they are deliberately choking mine." She swats with her paw. "Enough with the metaphors. You can call it whatever you want, but you have to draw a line somewhere. They are the darkness, and they are trying to swallow my light. They are cannibalizing the Paladin Order, and I am going to send them a message that we will not be trifled with. Maybe it will sow the seeds for more weeds, but the weeds we have right now are choking us to death. We can fight the other weeds when they arise." "You are the team that will be coming with us. My brother wishes to bring more Paladins, a hand-selected team, but that is not possible. We have no way of knowing who might betray us. The only people I can know with certainty are not secretly members of the Order Imperial are my brother and myself. Even Alisameth is largely unaware of our mission. That being said, you are not the only people who will be accompanying us. I have also hired a Red Assassin. She will meet us on the boat, and she will have ample time to judge you, and you her. I do not doubt your ability, but I would never throw all my eggs into one basket. If you were previously hired by the Order Imperial... or if you should decide once you're there that you do not have the guts to finish the mission, I would like another alternative. There is also a guide who will be coming with us. This is why the time to strike is now. Up until he came to us, we had no way to know where the Order was. But he has discovered one of their hide-outs, and will take us there. He has proven himself a warrior as well. The plan is to enter their compound and neutralize it. Then, perhaps, they will realize the Light shines on my Order and not theirs. And perhaps they will think twice about their spies and their betrayals and their actions." "An understatement," snarls Oko. "They are dangerous to Olegaia." "I'm glad to hear it. Heroica and the Paladin Order have often worked towards the same goal. I hope we will today as well." The heroes hear rummaging in another room. "Our guide. He's getting ready to depart. If you have no further questions, I believe we're ready to go." He grins and reveals some sharp teeth. "I am sure you're concerned if we can trust this guide. I had a similar fear until I met him. I can assure you, the Order Imperial would never work with him, and he would never work for them." It takes the heroes a few seconds to realize that the hob-goblin has even entered the room. "This is Marcellus." "Hello."

"Yo dudes, what how it's done!" Bobby walks forward confidently and grins at the vampiress. "Yo, Donna Winter? What's up?! My name is Bobby Jr. Bucks, it's awesome to meet you." He offers his hand. "I didn't know you were a fan of Carly Swift too. Her music is dank, yo. Have you heard that new shiz by her? You know the one." Bobby hums some of the song. "Love that shiz. How do you think she comes up with that stuff, yo?" "Yo, dude!" says Bobby, grinning also at the young man in black.

Why is no one allowed to scrutinize your actions? You act as if Oaks trying to reason things out for themselves in a bad thing. Thank you, I'm not insane, it makes no sense, right? But we only have your word for it. We have your word that Simon is an oak and vice versa. You act as if not accepting that at face value is the absolute worst thing! But it would sound ridiculous to you too, I'm sure. I think the confusion is that people are merging some of your posts with some of Bruce's posts in their little tree brains. Bruce has indeed begged the town to follow him blindly. I don't believe you have, or at the very least not in the same aggressive and nasty way. Lynch a scum already, then. Or, you know, post something useful other instead of "no" and "stop thinking". Question: Do we think there is a way for the scum to appear as "oak" stumps? Could that be how they are balanced? Still no one has commented on what they might have to assist them in the place of our stumps. Some of the stumps have continued to ping me. If all deaths tomorrow show up Oak... I don't know. It might be a crazy theory. I hope it is. But I'm just trying to imagine what they might be able to do to counter-act our potential advantage (though the stumps haven't really proven much of an advantage so far in all honesty, so perhaps nothing)!

Yeah, wait, didn't yesterday you claim that you had found Bruce to be Oak? So were you already a mouth-piece? And then today he cleared you? But you're the mouthpiece, so you have to tell us about it. This just sounds like you guys have somehow confirmed each other. Even if there's a third party I'm very confused by what you're talking about. 3rd party contacts... you, yesterday, and tells you that they've cleared Bruce, which you then announce but then today Bruce is told by the 3rd party that you have been cleared, so now you're allowed to be the mouthpiece? Or, 3rd party contacts Bruce yesterday who then tells you that Bruce has been cleared, and then you later clear Bruce? Very confused.

I'm loving the sun today! What a lovely sun! If only there weren't maples enjoying it along with me! I'd like to pose a question to the group. What do we think is the balance for the stumps? Do we think there is one? Does anyone have any guesses? We sort of threw around the idea yesterday, but we never came up with anything! For now, I will Vote: Larry Larch (TheLazyChicken) for all the reasons I've already stated! Sorry Larry, hope you're a maple! Chester's defense of himself (or lack there of) pings me as well... and Hazel is indeed playing a bizarre game as well.

Alisameth blushes. "That is insightful, my child. I suppose I have passed judgement on the Order Imperial, whether or not it is my place to do so. But it is the same as when I advise the people of this city to strive for the Light. Ennoc is Justice and Love, and those are things I have judged to be more valuable than chaos and hatred. I respect my fellow Paladins - Brusk, Yu Shu and I may all not feel the same way on how best to serve the Eagle-Headed God, but we do all serve. The Order Imperial do not serve. They do not feed those who are hungry nor shelter those who are left out in the darkness. And that is not the way of the Light that I serve." "But no, I have not asked you to pass judgement. This is Yu Shu's decision, her service to the Light. And I believe, because of that, it is time that you go to meet her. My lady elf, may the Light guide you and your friends. I am sure you know the prayers. Say them in your heart. You will find Yu Shu around the back of the Temple." Nerwen and Monk Pretzel, perhaps due to their previous service as Paladins, feel blessed as they leave the temple, while the other two do not. The heroes make their way to the back of the temple. There they find a small stone building, a block wedged up against the building - clearly a nearer addition. They can hear voices inside, and let themselves in. They find two were-lions, locked in intense conversation. "...we can't do that, Oko. Time is of the essence. It will take time to recall the other Warrior Priests. We have no one left here in the city beside you and I. Orel Cayne and Jeremiah have not yet returned from the north. Raguel is dead. Ferfew is still too green, and I will not become her butcher by bringing her." "Then let us bring a battalion." "That isn't an option either. They can't know we're coming, and you know just as well as I do that anyone could secretly belong to the Order Imperial." "I will hand-pick a team." "And how would you know who to trust, brother? I do not mean that as an insult. You know that I have been fooled myself. Samuel... I would have never suspected. So we must bring help from elsewhere. The heroes are here." The were-lions turn to face the heroes. "Hello, heroes. My name is Yu Shu. I am a Warrior Priest of Ennoc, and this is my twin brother, Oko."

"We have a complicated system of command that has developed over many years. Even I don't understand it always, but as I have said my passions lie elsewhere." Some Paladin soldiers march by as the heroes talk, and Alisameth tuts and draws the heroes closer. "You are correct that the Order Imperial has a presence in Eubric. We suspect, from what I understand, that they may own a space to operate out of, and perhaps that is indeed what the were-lionness has found. But the Order Imperial is larger than that. Just as the Paladins once stood strong in the High Kingdoms and watched over our brethren in the Low Kingdoms... so too is the Order Imperial involved with affairs all over the world. They are in the Kingdoms. Yu Shu believes they are in Dastan as well. They have spies among the common folk, in courts, and most likely among the Paladin Order itself." "The Light that illuminates everything does not work in the shadows. It is a protector. He is Justice. The Order Imperial has forgotten that. They have come to believe that they are justice. It is, perhaps, not safe for us to talk about this here, however." "I wonder what has become of your fellow hero. I hope she or he has not become lost in this city."

"I believe the automaton can help."