Zepher

OoC: Scuba, we've been outside this building for two weeks now, are you waiting on us for something, or can we maybe move along?

Yes, I did have to clear that with Sandy! But I also honestly think that we'd probably be okay with a few flintlock weapons at this point. At that point, Sandy told me that the heroes' interaction with the Ji Pei would directly influence the technology that the world of Heroica had access to, but I'm not sure if that's been scrapped at this point, what with the amount of robots that are wandering around.

I have no idea what you're referring to, so perhaps things will play out differently than you expect.

OoC: And one final epilogue, just for good measure. A week or two later, Heweyrt and Gocklo stand on the shores of Baltarok, watching as men from the Kingdoms built the end of the bridge under Orcish scrutiny. There are sour and suspicious looks from both parties, but neither strikes at each other - an improvement over the battle that almost happened mere days ago. "He he he. Told you the heroes would do a god job!" "I believe it was I who told you that. And even then, they almost didn't make it. Trying to destroy the bridge. Fools. At least they asked for the freedom of the Orcs. That had to come from them, Valentino would never do it if I had asked him to. So, at least one good thing from the battle." "And we got Valentino back." "Yes. Strange that the people I hired also hired Heroica. Must be a bigger name than we realized. But yes, Valentino's return is welcome. Hopefully he can straighten out that son of his." "Or maybe he'll run into an accident he he he." Heweyrt shrugs. "So where are we off to next? Sticking together, splitting up? Have instructions arrived?" "Yes, my little friend. I'm to join the Warden in Eubric. It seems that the ever influential Guffington is preparing to fund yet another little venture into the great unknown. We are to offer our help." "So I get to join the Prophet and Inventor? Where are they now?" "Dastan, I believe. Doing some research. They've quite a library there. But, no, you're actually being set loose. There are witches on the move, apparently." "Baba is in Eubric." "We'll leave her be, for the time being. The Prophet still doesn't know exactly what direction the Wolfgang is going in." He sighs. "These are the Three Sisters. Those little daggers of your's? They're on the move. And the Prophet has decided it's time that you go say hello." He shrugs. "Remember, we need at least one alive." "He he he." The two look at the bridge they helped to complete.

Not only that, but also Baltarok.

It's long, skim it! Look for the parts that intrigue you/interest you. I did it differently than I do most quest reviews, since there was so much to say. Alright, well, I first have to address the things that made this quest difficult for me, just to get them out of the way. Firstly, I was extremely displeased with the participation from Peppermint-M and Sisco. It made a five person quest a three person quest, made some of my work go to waste, made it more difficult for the other players… and really made me extremely sad. I hate bugging people to participate – they shouldn’t have to if they don’t want to, but when you sign up and then don’t participate it’s hurting others and throwing away other’s hard work. I was also displeased with the way that some of the players treated each other and the QMs. I’m sure everyone knows what I’m referring to, but I found it extremely disrespectful and it made me extremely hesitant to continue running the quest. Finally, I felt that my dissatisfaction with these two elements made me a worse QM, which further made me unhappy. BUT, that being said, there was a lot about this quest I really loved. So, let’s go for it! I’ve got time for the first time in a long time, so I’m going to go through the quest beat-by-beat! In Eubric: everyone was lovely, Tesni and Jess included! I hope everyone enjoyed Gocklo, I actually had a ton of fun playing as both him and Heweyrt and almost all the NPCs in the quest! There’s not much to our time there, but it was fun! On the ship: More good stuff! I think everyone did a nice job with interacting with the other party (and that goes for 89 too). I had fun playing off of CMP as well! Guts and Nerwen and Gocklo had some great interplay, and the Guts/Nerwen dynamic was really central to this quest – some great stuff from both of them, and really colors the final interaction. It was sad to see the relationship fall apart, but also important, and well done by both parties. Dyric had some nice stuff, and it was fun to see Benji and Arx play off each other a little. Battle of the Ship: This was Pie’s battle, so I’ll let him talk for it! I was impressed, though! The High Kingdoms First Leg: Some fun stuff here too! Again, I liked playing as Heweyrt, and hopefully I painted the situation well enough – everyone seemed to understand it. I hope also that the High Kingdoms came off properly in that first ride – I don’t think that a kingdom ravished 250 years ago would be fully recovered or accepting at this point, and I tried very hard to make them seem both sympathetic and a little like bigots. Even the ones who were accepting of Orcs – I tried to make them angry or begrudging in their acceptance. Carn: This was probably my most difficult and rushed part of the quest, as I had to keep up with the others while still introducing all the players. I really enjoyed (I feel like I’ve said this about all the NPCs, but it’s true) playing as King Speros. I hope also that the political entanglements and rivalries were obvious. I really liked that they weren’t known to the Orcish heroes, which made them seem pretty ignorant (Guts’ blind lust for punishment was met with appropriate shock from this party, as you all knew who supported who and what, while he didn’t). I also hope that you liked Raguel and David. Funnily enough, if you had saved them in the siege of Carn, the Nords would have attacked the bridge. What would you have done then, I wonder? Would have been a very different ending to the quest! Nerwen going Paladin was a last minute addition to the quest (as there was originally supposed to be one there already) but I think it worked really beautifully for the character! That whole interaction worked very well for all the NPCs and heroes too – Gocklo and Heweyrt and Speros clearly displayed their dislike for the Paladin/David, and vice-versa, and already the heroes had to start picking sides! The Nords: I also liked Belvin, though he was a little underdeveloped, sadly. I may use him again, if I can. Tesni had a nice interaction with him, but then it trailed off. I’m sorry you lost the fight, though I think it wouldn’t have been too challenging for a hero who wasn’t Jess (sorry Sisco for picking a little under-leveled hero for it) and you guys got weirdly bad rolls. And I do like Belvin’s myth. I forgot to talk about Gocklo’s myth – hopefully the myths helped to color the characters who told them and illuminate the past. I had fun with them/lighting them. The person who served as “Augustus” in each myth also hopefully colored the teller a little! Over the River: Crossing the river was fun for me, seeing the bridge from below! It also allowed me to develop Hamilton a little, who I felt was under developed at the point. The battle was again Pie’s, for the most part, as he designed the foes (I only numbered them, and added Baltar). I felt it was long, but not overly so, and we ran it at a pretty decent pace! I gave you some nice NPCs to help out as well! I thought an in-battle introduction to Prince Speros and General Mint was fitting for both characters, and as the Kingdoms and Orcs would never actually fight in this quest (besides this) it was important to show, at this point, that at least SOME Orcs were attacking the Kingdoms. Prince Speros was perhaps a little brutal off the bat, but I wanted him to be, and I didn’t think it was unjustified. The Inn: I bought you drinks! And fleshed out Prince Speros and Mint, which was important as they’d not really have a chance but this. I know Prince Speros was a bit of a dick, but I didn’t hate him, and I hope you didn’t either. I liked Nerwen’s response to the Prince, and Hoke’s practicality fit nicely with King Speros – I can see them getting along! And to answer your question, Nerwen, I intentionally had Frederick Speros get the name wrong. Doesn’t respect the Orcish legendary heroes. So sad. On Patrol: The Harpy Battle was a filler one, but hopefully not too challenging. I felt okay making you prioritize – I know it made the battle much more challenging when the Circus troop joined (not having a back row) but for ya’ll I felt it was an appropriate challenge. Battling Mint wasn’t too challenging either. I was a little disappointed not more people sided with him – he was, ironically, pretty much in the right that releasing the Orc was a poor decision – it led to Prince Speros’ attack on the Orcs, and also to the Nords sacking Carn, which led in turn to David’s anger, which led him to the bridge. But no one listened to Mint. I wonder if the Circus party will ever piece that together, and feel guilt over it. Mint was genuinely looking out for the nation he served. I must commend Baradock for sticking to his guns and playing it strong. It colored his character for the rest of the quests very nicely! Back to Carn: Again, hopefully David’s anger and attack seems to be at least character driven, if not justified (obviously). He really did blame the Orcs for his General’s death, and I can’t imagine anyone taking that laying down. So he attacked. BUT it was back to Carn for you folks. You chose to try to get to Belvin – an action that made sense to me, but, again, greatly dictated the end of the quest. This is the first battle that Hoke got Heweyrt to help out – a smart move (and something he may have known was possible due to 53). I like the mechanic of an ally that can buff you – it gives me less to do, but still helps you out. I felt the battle was challenging, but doable, and it was one of the shorter ones. I loved the moments afterwards – Benji is always a ton of fun when he lets his darker more callous side out. I think he is one of the more amoral heroes of Heroica, and I like it. I liked everyone’s interactions with Raguel upon telling him that Belvin was still alive, too. They were all coming from the right place – Benji again gruff but level-headed, Hoke trying to loot, Tesni pissed at the Paladin, and Nerwen being calm. I like also how Nerwen gives a long speech that’s uppity. It’s really hard to make your character have unlikable traits that fit in with the likable ones, and Chromeknight has always struck a great balance with Nerwen being an elf – in some situations she’s right, and in some she’s wrong, but it comes from the same place of pride and certainty. I also liked that everyone let them go – I know it was a kind of weird role playing moment, as there only seemed one option, but you really could have tried to detain them. I think it was interesting and tough for the characters to let someone walk who they knew would later plague them. The time wasn’t right to strike, and Hoke and the others saw that. The Sons of Light: This was a total filler battle. Again, I had fun with making you guys start the fight – I know it slowed things down a little, but I thought it was fun to ride in paranoia for a bit. I will talk about diplomacy a little here, too – I know there was debate on it in the quest and without. I always try to treat it fairly. But it’s tough, and it can’t work your way out of every jam. You can use it before every single battle, and in every situation, and if you do, it will probably fail sometimes. I feel that it is used an appropriate amount with appropriate success already. I hope people liked the horse mechanic too, I will be using it in the future! I’m glad too that Chromeknight caught that Gocklo was on her horse – I was going to run it that way anyway! It was a fun way to have RP (Nerwen’s superior relationship with Gocklo) affect the battle! I hope everyone liked Bolivar’s evil moustache too – that was Pie’s design! FINALLY, the Bridge Battle: I’ll get it out of the way now – it is my absolute opinion that QMs should never change the actions of a player. Mistakes are made in real life too. It’s part of how thing work, especially in a hectic battle. There are some things about the bridge battle I disagreed with, and I’d like to speak to them now, too. Pie was the major mastermind behind the battle, which was over-all awesomely done, and I give him major kudos for it, BUT: I didn’t think we’d re-declare which side we wanted to help. I think it took up too much time and wasn’t really required. Heroes could help a side without declaring it, and if it went against their original win condition, then they’d have to hope that the other side helped them at the end of the battle. I didn’t think they should be assured new win conditions. I also don’t think we needed to do away with front/back row. From an RP stand-point, I thought everyone did a great job. Purpearl revealed again what an awesome character she is. I know some players/heroes complained when everyone went to fight the Orcs – I actually have to agree, a bit, I wish the battle had at least started off more lop-sided. I was a-okay with the Orcs taking over the bridge, in all honesty, and was pretty excited when the quests looked like they might go that way. I think that one of the reasons for it, however, was that only 3 of the Kingdoms’ heroes were active, whereas all 6 of the Orcish ones were, so there were many more people to articulate the Orcish point of view. I want to talk, also, about Nerwen and Guts here. I said earlier that Nerwen showed at multiple times throughout the quest that she could draw both good and bad from the same character trait. Guts is a great character because I think he’s rotten at heart, and I think Heroica did it to him. Just as Haldor’s departure (another great and justified moment, congrats Scorpiox!) shows that Heroica can make some people shape up, I feel like Guts shows also how the hero life style can break people. He is a stubborn murderer, and though he was trying for good his ideas for punishment were so lop-sided and ludicrous they would have clearly caused more trouble than good. But, it was awesomely played, very much in character, and was certainly Guts attempting to do good – he just didn’t have all the facts and didn’t care to learn them. Like I said earlier, it’s hard to make a character both good and bad, and Scuba does it extraordinarily well with Guts. He is pig-headed and violent, but not in a way that we don’t understand, and his stance towards Nerwen at the end of the quest is so awesome because we’ve seen how the traits that make them work together can also push them apart. They are both stubbornly stuck in their ideals and don’t want to hear what anyone else has to say, and so when they agree, they’re very powerful, but when they don’t, there’s just no way to mend it. Everyone else did a superb job as well! I just wanted to focus on that relationship because I felt it framed the quest. The heroes of 90 did an awesome job with the Circus (and it paid off!) and like I said, I’d be very happy to host any of them in the very near future! I’m also sorry that the battle went so long and was so tough, but I think some battles should be that way. My next quest will feature lots of 3 or 4 round battles, with longer battles sprinkled in, but this was an epic so I feel that it was okay to have a long final battle. I totally failed with Raguel, by the way – he should have been targetable from the beginning (his specials were made that way, clearly, with the first one protecting him and others) so I’m really sorry about that. I probably should have changed it in battle, but c’est la vie. I like enemies that can heal and buff themselves, too. I wish I had worked harder at making enemies that lower level heroes could fight. Guts’ ravages took out a lot of the enemies intended for them. I also apologize, Scuba, for not explaining the horse mechanic. That was totally my fault as well. The Finale: I want to talk about how taxing this quest was for everyone, players and characters. I feel that we didn’t resolve things perfectly – not that the story didn’t reach it’s end, but rather that the issues weren’t resolved. There’s still a lot of tension. David hates the Orcs MORE now, due to the heroes’ actions. The Four Boulders have no Prince, due to the heroes’ actions. I think it was important, for the story of the heroes (collectively, not only the ones here but all the heroes) to see a quest where they were “successful” but things still look pretty grim. I think that’s what made it rough. The realization that even success doesn’t always fix the problem, and that really they were only 15 people in an enormous area with too many problems for them to fix. With so many victories, I feel it was important for the heroes to suffer a moral defeat, even if they won. And that’s it! I’ll do character analysis for my players shortly (there’s already a lot in there). I had a really tough time with some of this quest, but I’m really glad we had it – I think it was important to the over-all story of Heroica! THANK YOU ALL FOR PLAYING WITH US! I had a great time. CMP, WBD, you guys were amazing, and are quite an inspiration to me as story-tellers. I was so happy that I got to work with you.

Absolutely agree! I loved the characters from 90! I hope to host some of them in the future!!

"I believe it's a drainage pipe-" Boomingham points at the pipe on the side of the building, "and I think Skrall and myself would have a tough time getting up it. So, Nyx, Skrall and I in the sewers, and you and Atramor up the pipe? We may as well all go in the sewers, I think." Boomingham turns to their companions. "Unless there is something objections to this plan as well?"

Take a break from me! Let Kinto have some fun with you, he's a very talented QM! I promise I won't be offended! (Though this quest might have some rep for certain houses built into it as well ). But fans of Russel/Pigley, this is the final quest in that trilogy!

"I thought that the Nightmaster wasn't aligned with these people," Boomingham grumbles. "That's what I was told, at least." "I don't see the harm with the plan, but what the Hel. Atramor, let's go with a bomb. Maybe fly it under the guards. That chap was quite rude to me, and is a corrupt official as well, which just makes my mouth bitter."

What? Not quite sure what you're getting at! But! Yes! A new quest for me. I'm actually really excited for this one. It is the quest that has taken me the longest to plan, and has gone through the most revisions, of any quest I've ever hosted! It will feature characters from lots of previous quests (30, 53, 72, 41, CAT, etc.), but you don't need to know any of them to understand the quest itself! Hopefully we'll have some people along for the ride! It will be, hopefully, very similar to CMP and WBD quests, as they've both given me some pointers!

OoC: Fixed! Thanks!

OoC: Benji, your overkill gold (249) has been added! The Kingdoms Party Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer Level 41.2 Beastwarrior*Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP**Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects* *Immune to Ice and Water* Power: 54 Defense: 9 Health: 66/66 Gold: 1339 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral) Equipment: Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:16; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Bodywear, Immunity to Ice and Water, Suitable for Barbarians, Beast Warriors and Regulators) Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; earth-, wood-, water-, lightning-, light-elemental),Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (artefact, accessory), Health Core (4), Grand Potion (3), Potion (3), Remedy (7), Phoenix Essence (3), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (2), Mead (4), Mulled Wine (1), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect), Chaotic Bomb, Cosmic Essence, Flame-Distilled Brandy (4), Grating Stone, Tricorne (headwear, SP:3) Hoke Ablesword The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) *Party Leader* Level 32.25 Mystic Knight *Immune to Darkness, Fragile, Weakened, Sealed, and Confused* *+3 Defense* Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP) Defense: 27 30 Health: 51/51 Ether: 17/31 Gold: 453 Equipment: Flagpole (WP:10, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 20, immune to darkness), Samurai Helmet (WP: 4, immune to sealed and confused, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile), Warrior Treads (Footwear, SP: 2, Health +1) Inventory: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding effect; spear), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), 4x Potions, 4x Grand Potions, Remedy, 2x Phoenix Essences, 3x Mead, 4x Ether Core, x3 Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), Grating Stone, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Venom, Deadly Venom, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Level Up Mushroom, Pumpkin Bomb, Tonic, 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy, Grand Potion, Ambrosia, Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to Light and Jinxed, Suitable for Knights), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, x2 Elixer, Neutralizer, Medal of Glory (Grants Triple Experience) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 27.66 Paladin *Immune to Fragile* Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 47/47 Ether: 23/32 Gold: 370 Equipment: Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-, Darkness-elemental; staff), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear), Orc Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Heavy Armor (SP:5, Immune to Fragile), Medal of Valor (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience from battles.) Inventory: Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is Slowed and Immune to Hastened; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to Blind), Mourning Star (WP: 10, Fire-Elemental, Inflicts Fragile), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; Immune to Water; accessory), Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Grand Tonics (3), Potions (3), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Potion, Tiger Balm, Neutralizers (1), Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom, Fire Bombs (2), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bombs (2), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Bright Polish, Ether Core, Grand potion, Venom, Ambrosia, Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Seal of the Warrior Priestess (Accessory, Suitable for Paladins, At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired), Robes of the Disciple of Ennoc (+5 max. health, +5 max. ether, meditation restores 2 ether, body-wear) Jess Islanti (Sisco) Level 23 2/3 Assassin *Immune to Weakened Effect* Power Bonus: 2 Health: 1/34 Defense: 1 Gold: 743 Equipment: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear) Inventory: 2 Venoms, 3 Meads, 3 Grand Potions, Mulled Wine, 13 Potions, 11 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Flame-Distilled Brandy, Smelling Salts, 2 Smoke Bombs Tesni Hightribe, Level 35.5 Beserker *Restoration* *Immune to Afraid* Power: 56 Power Bonus: 4 (+3 WP) Defense: 14 Health: 53/53 Gold: 1637 Equipment: Qilin Blade (WP:15, damages undead, ignores row and SP; longsword), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:11, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear), Barbarian's Boots (Changes “Natural Respite” job trait into “Restoration”, restoring full health after every battle; suitable for barbarians, chi monks and beast warriors). Inventory: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)), Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Cysgodion (WP:14, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Cryfder (WP:6),Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Scroll of Sleep, Tiger Balm, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bright Polish, Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Mod Rod (WP:10, causes the afraid-effect; lightning-elemental staff suitable for staff members only). Mulled Wine, 3 Potions, 3 Remedies, Sharp Axe (WP: 14, Ice/Fire Elemental), Potion, Remedy The heroes board the boat and wave good bye to the four men and one kobold on the shore. It has been a long few days. They have seen many deaths. They have decided the fate of a country, and spoken to Kings and Princes and Generals as equals - as if a Hall that houses anyone has that authority. But they hopefully can still, in their hearts, call themselves heroes. OoC: I'll have lots to say in a few days. I had a really rough time hosting this quest, and it went on much longer than we expected it to, so I have to say a huge thank you to those of you who stuck with it: you made it more than bearable and more than worth it, and I hope you had a good time! The other QMs probably have things they also want to wrap up, so maybe hold off a short day before returning to the Hall, but for Quest 88, beyond any final words you may want to say, that's it!

Rumble, I was worried you wouldn't be back! A female were-lion sounds awesome, I'd love to see you play something totally different!

Boomingham stares at his feet, and then up at the group, a little red in the face. "I'm more than willing to scout out the club with Nyx."

Sorry all of Quest 88, and anyone who has PM'd me recently - this has been a busy time for me! Updates to all will come within the next 12 hours!

As the heroes board boats, the surviving members of the Kingdoms watch them go. Their faces are drawn, and they all look tired - especially the Kings. "Thank you, heroes, for freeing me from prison. And for saving the bridge. I think and hope that it will bring change, but only time will tell." David looks at the charred remains of his guardian, mentor, and friend. He then looks at the heroes. "Thank you for my life," he says flatly. The King of the Four Boulders looks evenly at Guts, and then looks at the ship that the man from a foreign land will shortly board. "I don't know who you are," says the King sadly, "but you have just delivered to me the news that every man fears. And now you will sail away, and I will never see you again, nor you I." Speros stares vacantly ahead. "I'm sorry my son had to go performing such an atrocious act. I guess I will have to find someone else to take over the Kingdom when I go. Good bye, Holla."

Boomingham bows to the man slightly. "I took the sword off an Orc that accosted me. I believe it is greenskin made. Hopefully that is useful. Best of luck." Boomingham steps over to the others and catches his own name being mentioned. He puffs up his chest. "I'd gladly take a little look inside, brave it and all. And while I'd feel safest with Nyx by my side... well, she's hardly a gentlemen, is the only issue I'm seeing. And I don't know how believable it would be that she's attracted to me and my old age and big belly. I could go inside with Russus, perhaps? They won't recognize him, as they might with Purple, but he's still a gentlemen sort of." Boomingham shrugs. "I agree that the front door should be our first attempt. I can surely get in, and I don't see any reason I'd raise any eyebrows that may hurt Zoe. But it's your call, Purple. She's your woman, I don't want to put her in danger."

"Holla." The King turns to Guts. "My son was bent on attacking the Orcs last I saw him. Tell me, was he headed off, or did he attack? And if he attacked, was he taken alive, or dead?" Heweyrt stamps his foot experimentally a few times. "Looks like it's still here! I'd say that the experience was well worth it, wasn't it?" All the Kingdoms heroes feel that they are a little bit better at combat now. OoC: I'll post final stats tomorrow, and your overkill gold will be included, Benji!

"Neat trick," whispers Gocklo. He chuckles. A lone horse rides towards the bridge. The rider dismounts, climbs the stairs, and the heroes are able to identify him as King Speros, King of the Four Boulders. He looks at the dead bodies with quiet calm, and then addresses the heroes he recognizes, though his eyes often drift to the Orcs. "Heroes. It looks that you've defended the bridge." He bows very stiffly and very barely. "Congratulations, and thank you. It was the right thing to do. I have helped the Nords to flee from Carn, and have ensured that they will not act in violence towards the High Kingdoms again. Hopefully sparing them was the right thing to do. I believe that the Fire Nords are honorable men and know not to attack us again, after we have spared them. Hopefully our mercy was not misplaced." The King looks at Raguel's charred body. "And hopefully the Red Lizards will seek no further vengeance on the Nords." "Now, heroes, I must ask..." the King sighs. "Did Hamilton manage to stop and retrieve my son? Alive?"

Boomingham laughs. "How exactly do you check for that? I'd say that's flimsy evidence, chap. What, do you wedge the sword into each slash and see if maybe it could have made it? Seems to me that swords don't match their cuts that way what with the hacks and slashes, but I'm not the expert." Boomingham hands over his swords one at a time (Scupperer, his new sword, and then the Frozen Saber), waiting to receive each one back before handing over the next. He keeps talking as he does so. "So, chap, I'm not from around here but I hear that the Lion Share Tavern is quite a sight. Ever been there yourself?"

"Selling me does not bring freedom from fear. It breeds fear. Giving into a foe makes them only stronger, only bigger. But if my death can buy time, then so be it. Hopefully the Kingdoms can prepare for the third invasion in time." Raguel kneels down on his knees and looks up at the Orcs expectantly.

"You are mercenaries hired by a traveling advisor. That is not the most trustworthy group. You had just spared those who had razed a city. Why should I have trusted you then? You are selling me to appease the Orcs, not because of anything I have done." "I recognize that you Orcs are different clans, so I ask you to respect that we Kingdoms are also not all one. The Red Lizards, and the Four Boulders also I feel I should note, have never blockaded your shores. I cannot be held responsible for every other kingdom as well. For that same reason I can only promise to attempt to free the Orcs within our own Kingdom, though I assure they are already few." "As for the burned docks... I believe it would be best if we did not bring up the last war. That seems very much like it will hurt your cause rather than help it." Valentino gives him a steely look. Finally, Valentino turns to Karstaal. "I would welcome a garrison on your side. If I had not been imprisoned by Bastala, I would have personally invited it before now." Heweyrt watches Guts' disappointment and chuckles lightly under his breath. OoC: Three active Kingdoms heroes, your votes decide Raguel's (and technically David's and Valentino's, if you want to consider offering either of them to the Orcs) fate. Please give your input. Hoke seems for giving up Raguel, but not David/Valentino. How do you feel?

"I did not order your deaths, mercenary. I asked my men to draw you away from the bridge - if they fought, it was to protect themselves as they thought you were a danger to them." "And yet you ask for my head. I have been in prison for the last few years. What crimes can you level against me, even by proxy." "This bridge is to encourage trade between the Orcs and Kingdoms. They may build vessels. We do not police their seas. If they encounter any trouble, it is with the Nords. We have signed a treaty with the Nords, but if they do not, that is their issue." "The Prince of the Four Boulders acted on his own. He has apparently answered for these crimes with his life. If there were Red Lizard's there, it was to stop him from harming the Orcs." "I have no desire to attack the Orcs. This battle is done. They may have the Paladin, if these heroes decide to forfeit his life, but they will not have me and will not have my son."

Boomingham chuckles and excuses himself graciously, taking a few paces over towards the bearded man in red. He looks vaguely familiar to Boomingham. "Touchy chap, isn't he," says Boomingham, pointing over his shoulder to the Captain of the Guard. "But they all seem to be that way. You don't recognize the woman, do you?"