Zepher

"Don't allow me near the Ogre. I'm not fool-hardy, but I will be shortly, and he could snap my bones. I've fought worse than him... but I may be out of practice." Boomingham walks over to the bar and holds up four fingers. When his four drinks arrive, he slides one over to the blue clad man next to him and downs two of them before beginning to nurse his third. "Tell me about yourself. Name, business in Eubric. Any rumors you've heard recently pertaining to machines?"

Before the heroes can depart, a face new to them, but known to Heroica hops up. He turns to William. <Greetings, hero! My name is Sir Earl Poletad! I hail from the High Kingdoms... you are a Ranger no?> William indicates that he is. <Thank Amphibiannoc! Hans and Felton have been trying to pick up a word or two, and Felton isn't bad, but it's a blessing to really be able to speak again! I have heard from a bat that knows a snake that knows a lion that knows a Dragon, strange duo those two, who knows a frog that Wren is in the area of Dragonclaw! If Nikolai is there too, the assassins are certainly making a move! Tell Felton and Hans, please, this could be a nice and easy double header!> William relays the message. Felton and Hans look concerned. "I will go with ya, heroes. There ain't another lead. We got to keep on the move." Felton looks around uneasily. "That is a good plan, Hans. Poletad and I will remain here and see if we can pick anything up... she has been known to leave false trails before..." Felton turns to the heroes. "As a show of good faith, we'll keep an eye on your charges who remain here. You know Wren is my top priority. I will still protect those who need protection." Hans has joined the party. The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 25 Gold: 538 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 34/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 1 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 27/27 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 5 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2) Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian Power: 23 Health: 20/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger Power: 16 Health: 16/16 Gold: 10 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 24 Health: 45/45 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does five damage to first five opponents. The heroes are led to a carriage. Phil bids them farewell as they climb aboard. It is late afternoon when they arrive in Dragonclaw. The marketplace has already been prepared. A fuming Nikolai approaches them. "Welcome, heroes, you're a little late, but we'll make due. I have to begin within the minute. You need to split up. There are six of you? Yes, perfect. I need four of you on surveillance. You are to rest on the near-by roofs, look down, see if you can see anything fishy. I've got good old Dastan Knights on stage, though they're obviously just for show if they're not on the front lines. Worst of the worst, that's who they've left me with. I can't wait until I get to the battle. Two of you will guard a passage at the back of the stage, where I will enter and exit from. If someone tries to attack me from the audience, those on the roof will be able to alert me, and I can deal with them. The passage way is small. If someone tries to stab me in the back, you can stop them, or at least slow them down long enough for news to reach me, and I will deal with them too. Make your selections, heroes. The populace is waiting for me. What will the party do?

"Course we understand how Heroica works! We're just telling you that we're around, and Wren is too, so be on the look out." "I am not blind to danger, heroes. Dastan has just as much right as us to deal with its troubles. I am not asking for a mission of revenge. But Wren is larger than the squabble of this Empire. I am warning you, heroes, that if you only focus on what Dastan is asking of you, you may miss the bigger picture. It is as Nyx said, you must kill two birds with one stone."

Just think about all the marvelous stories you'll get to catch up on when this is all said and done! Since I never weighed in, I think it's a super interesting challenge, and I would certainly join in if I was a player!

"Damn straight. We're here to put down that-" "We'd love to tell you, heroes, but we have no idea why she is here. Or where she is, for that matter. Sir Poletad is gathering information among the animals of the city currently... but we can't trust anyone here. Present company excluded," Felton says with a quick nod to Phil. "The Emperors care too much about their own safety to hunt her down, and the Lion Knights who are reportedly coming over are no better, not to mention that there are cultists lurking around. That's right up her alley." Hans pulls Thothwick aside. "I dunno if ya heard, but Felton had a bit a' trouble over in the High Kingdoms with impostors... well, bein' him. I'm not good at all that psychological junk, but he seems to have developed trust issues, maybe you and your group could help sort him out a little-" Felton powers on. "Wren is working with the assassins. I can promise you that she does not care about the Dastan Empire, or who is in charge here, which must mean that she has some alternative motive for being here. We must stop her. To make matters worse, she has the cultists in her pocket. They could be anywhere or anyone. The Dastan Empire has been totally compromised. Do not trust anyone, heroes. Do not trust anyone. Phil, Hans, Poletad and myself are your only allies. Wren is your top priority."

Boomingham's eyes glaze over as the mage talks. "I don't think I like science any better than I like magic or the gods," he grumbles. "Are we done here? This man isn't smart enough to not get eaten by his rug, nevermind the fact that he has a rug that can eat him. I doubt he would be able to destroy this machine. I think we ought to go visit those other two inventors. They're in an inn, which means that they could fly town. I say we stop them before they get to do that."

This is why we have a NPC Index.

That's how the real world works too though. If the heroes only two run-ins with the Shadeux have been negative (Q2 briefly, and Q4) and those are the only stories floating around the hall... that's just what people would think!

Phil turns to Thothwick, but before he can respond, Atramor speaks up. "Mr. Gibbin is correct, Mr. Thothwick. You are here in service to us. The Dragons can handle their own problems, they always have." He softens a little. "That is the reply you'd get from some others in a empire. If we can, we should assist the Dragons. I do beg you to not forget why you are here though, heroes. I respect the Dragons, but I'd also like to see all my allies alive." The heroes set out for the palace, located in Drakencourt. It is a few days of travel, done by carriage. Once they arrive, the heroes crash into their respective beds... The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 25 Gold: 538 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 34/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 1 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 27/27 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 5 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2) Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian Power: 23 Health: 20/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger Power: 16 Health: 16/16 Gold: 10 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb The next morning, they are taken in front of the Emperor. "Greetings, heroes!! I've heard many wonderous things about you and your achievements! I have high hopes. I hope that Victor has been friendly to you, he can be a bore sometimes!" The Emperor chuckles. "I'm joshing you, of course, he's wonderful. Ah, where are my manners. My name is Emperor Severus Septrine! I hope that you've been filled in on how things are run around here.... this is Ella and Mallelio, by the way... I'm sorry, I've lost my train of thought... ah, I remember. Yes, I think if none of you are opposed, you could start your duties today! Nikolai is giving one final speech to the populace before shipping off. He is speaking in a smaller town named Dragonclaw, large industrial and shipment center. He'll be at the central market - do you have any obligations to heading out now?" Phil assures the Emperor that the heroes are ready. He leads them out of the Throne room, and takes them away from the palace. "I apologize for rushing you out of there," Phil says. "But we have a quick appointment before you leave." The heroes turn and Thothwick is greeted with two more familiar faces. "Howdy, heroes." "Greetings. We have much to discuss." Felton turns to the others. "Hans and Felton. Wren hunters. We are pleased to see heroes of Heroica again."

"These five are the only five that would be worth targeting at this point, except of course the Emperor. Luckily, we have enough troops left to protect him." "Mallelio and I spend most of our time in the Palace, so for the most part we should be safe. The same stands for the commanders - they have troops with them a majority of the time. U'Stus is in more potential danger. You will, as soon as possible, scope out his private residence and see what you can do to protect it. He refuses to believe he is in danger, but has graciously accepted a visit from you. We predict that for the most part, they will not strike at him in his house. U'Vires values the potential support of the U'Kin, and striking at U'Stus will push him out of favor instead of into it. There will undoubtedly be times when one or more of us must venture out of areas of safety to do our duties. That is when you will come into play." Phyllius nods politely and chuckles genuinely. He seems pleased to see Thothwick again. "Again, we should be relatively safe unless placed in dangerous situations. Most days, you will most likely be assigned to just one person. Some days, more of us will be venturing around the city. We will... what is the saying? We will cross that river when we get there. Yes?"

"U'Vires was until recently a politician, and still has many ties with people who are less than sympathetic to the Emperors, but who maintain a public display of loyalty. XX has a number of hired hands, but they are not numerous, five to ten at the most. Sphinx is the only one we need to worry about. His cult is far reaching and extremely secretive. In all likeliness, many people who you meet while here will have some tie to the cult, even if they are not active in it. Bear in mind these Assassins cannot be working alone. They must have support. Many people argue that support is the Lion Knights, though rumors travel often of other secret leaders. I will say this - if the Lion Knights are supporting them, they have figured out an extremely secretive way to send them supplies over a large distance. We have never intercepted any messages between the Knights and the Assassins." "As for how long you will be protecting them... you will protect them until they no longer need protection." OoC: Will be fixed when updated, along with Gibbin's tonic. "The U'Kin have many negative stereotypes in Dastan, none of which are true in my experience. They are considered dull and easily influenced. I have worked with both U'Stus and U'Vires before, and can promise you that they are both incredibly bright. This stereotype may stem from their intense species pride. They have been hated among the people of Dastan for a long time, which has made the U'Kin an incredibly close-knit population. U'Kin are also known to speak more than necessary to get their point across. I will allow you to assess this one yourself. They are not particularly strong and do not enjoy nor are they built for physical combat."

"Correct, hero. Once someone is on the front lines, they will be someone else's problem. Hopefully they'll be the Lion Knight's problem. These assassins are close to home, you only need to worry about their doing's here." "I am certain that the heroes of Heroica will live up to expectations, Ms. Nyx. They must." OoC: Your wooden shield might argue with you on that... Maybe it landed in your inventory by accident... or maybe you're holding it for a friend? It's very possible I read things wrong.

Boomingham shakes his head and sags into a corner, sitting on the ground, wiping his sword on his pants. The rug didn't bleed, but the sword is scuffed up. "Mages... they're insane. All of them. Dangerous..." Boomingham spits. "Tell us about the other investors. What do you know about them?" he bellows at the older man.

Oops, it seems I forgot how to format the titles of the threads... if a staffer can/feels like fixing that, I'd be thankful! Updates will remain spotty until Sunday afternoon.

Once, the lands of Dastan made up two nations: the Kingdom of the Lion, and the Empire of the Dragon. The Empire was the larger of the two, and its people were famed breeders of dragons. The Kingdom, in stark contrast, was composed of peasants, experts in agriculture, but not in the art of war. Through a series of border skirmishes, the dragon riders of the Empire had driven the Lions back to the arid mountains of Northern Dastan. Magical talent was rare in the Kingdom of the Lion, so most of the peasants dismissed the work of mages as folly. But when one of the mages, striving to transform readily available Mopag Torturous Fruit into a suitable replacement for applesauce and sausages, accidentally created a beast of myth - a chimera - word got around quickly. Raising an army, the Lion's King marched on the Empire, overcoming all resistance and finally camping his army in the plains. With the mage at his side and the chimera in the mountains, he prepared to invade the Empire's capital. With little other choice, the Dragon's Emperor deployed the Dragon Knights - an organized force of professional soldiers - in numbers such as Imperial Dastan has never seen before or since. While dragons kept the chimera busy, the Dragon Knights punched a hole in the Lion's front lines. As his men split the Kingdom's forces in two, the commander of the Dragon Knights, after a short duel, killed the Lion's King. Without their commander, the Lions panicked, and what was a battle turned into a slaughter. The mage fell to a Dragon's spear and the chimera, without the support of its creator, was overcome by the flames of the dragons. The remnants of the Lion Army were rounded up and, together with the peasants who had stayed behind in the Kingdom, were exiled from Dastan. The Empire absorbed what was left of the Kingdom, and began to reorganize itself into the Empire of Dastan, ruled by a triumvirate of emperors. From generation to generation, the three crowns were passed down. The land, although physically poor, prospered with the three emperors ruling in unison for many years. However, evil is now at its peak, threatening to destroy what has been built up over time. A large enemy force, whose masterminds remain hidden in shadow, attempts to overthrow the empire. Dastan and its people are in peril, and the three emperors call for the aid of Heroica.... The heroes land in Dastan, and are greeted with a familiar face. “Hello heroes, it’s good to see you again Thothwick.” Thothwick recognizes the man from the Arena Quest. ‘Phil’ seems to have made it home to his country. “You’ll forgive me if I explain quickly. My name is Victor Phyllius. I apologize for my shady behavior when we were entrapped in that Arena by Draco. I was an ambassador of Dastan, I have since been promoted to head adviser to one of the three Emperors. Emperor Severus Septrine. If Wren had known who I was, she would have put up a bigger fight, I have no doubt. I could have been ransomed. I had to maintain secrecy. Enough of that." "I have advised Severus to hire you, heroes. Our nation has plummeted into turmoil. A rogue group of Lion Knights, I don't know if any of you have encountered them in Uland, have landed on our shores, and have started a campaign to retake their ancient homeland. Our Emperors have matured over the years. If the Lion Knights had been peaceful, perhaps something could have been worked out... but that is not what happened and not why you are here." "Emperor Septrine has sent all of his troops off to join with the man force, spear-headed by Generals of the other Emperors. Rumor has it that the other Emperors may be commanding certain units. This is again not why you are here. Trouble abroad has nourished trouble at home. A group of assassins has made it's intentions clear - it wants power, and it plans to take Emperor Septrine's spot. These assassins have allied themselves with the rogue Lion Knights, and together, they plan to crush our empire. All of our troops are in the field. We require you to protect the Emperor's most trusted allies and political personnel. You will be given 100 gold for your time, and an additional 50 gold will be offered to you for each person saved. You must save at least three of the advisers, or you will fail. I have ensured the Emperor that you will save all five declared targets. I doubt you will disappoint me." "Now, pay close attention to this. These are your five charges." Phil hands the heroes five slips of paper. "And your enemies." Four more pieces of paper are handed to the heroes. "I will answer any questions, and then we will continue to the Palace." The heroes prepare to head off. Those who have heard of Wren before wait to hear her needling voice, picking on their flaws, provoking them, etc. They hear nothing. The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 25 Gold: 538 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 34/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 31 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 27/27 Defense: 2 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 5 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2) Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian Power: 23 Health: 20/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger Power: 16 Health: 16/16 Gold: 10 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb OoC: You all owe Amtrak WiFi a thank you. Check your stats and stuff. Guess which of the three hosts did the beautiful pictures at the beginning. Panick, what exactly do horses do again?

Boomingham nods as Nur pulls Docken free. He cuts in close behind Nur as he backs up and swings his sword wildly at the creature's still open mouth. Same row, same attack.

Dear Questies - My quest will go up on Sunday, in the evening, my time. This may be a day or two later than expected. I'm sorry. This is the only foreseeable delay for the whole Quest, so all-in-all, not bad. I might be able to get it up earlier, but that's at the latest. Just a heads up, you may be lounging around the hall a day or two more than expected. I apologize.

Boomingham and Barty share a rare moment of admiration for the same person. "Your wish is my command!" hollers Boomingham, praying that his commander had as much strength as he seemed to think he had. Boomingham wailed on the beast from the front row once more.

"Lets finish this monster," Boomingham says as he continues his attack.

Damn straight! I'm super excited about my choice, and just you wait until you see what other characters will be floating around Dastan at the same time as you guys - both NPC and PC!! You're going to be super excited. Like I am right now.

Wren tried her best! My quest is going to be a little spotty until the 22nd, then updates will be quicker. I should still be on daily, but I'm travelling a little, so I'm posting those accepted now, and starting tomorrow!

Well, they are in a rather public relationship, so I don't know who they're trying to keep it a secret from...

Barty hovers nervously near Jess' body. "What are you doing, Lawrence?! Get her up!" Boomingham looks calmly from the body to Docken, then at the body, then at Nur, and finally at Haldor. "What do you think, Norseman? Will you be getting her up?" "NO MAN LEFT BEHIND, LAWRENCE! Remember you have a duty to Ennoc." howls Barty. "You don't understand combat at all, my little friend." Boomingham swings at the Bear Rug with the same weapon, same row. "Sometimes you just need to power through and hope for the best. Life is that way too." "How beautiful," Barty says dryly.

Boomingham stares at his allies as they dance around the rug fearlessly. This was a good group. He could tell. "Into the fray once more, I say!" he calls excitedly. "I guess rugs are harder to kill than most beings. They lack vital organs to stab at..."