Zepher

"To quote these monks and their duality, we cannot try to hard but cannot not try." He chuckles. "But I don't suppose I should be the one handing down their wisdom." Upon Arthur's concern about transporting the First Breath, he looks towards Chauncey. "You need not worry about that. We will be able to transport it," he says confidently. "Once it is drawn out of its vault, it can be used time and time again. These artifacts, all of them, are infinite. And I believe all of your party is drawing close to the final solution." As if in response to Chauncey's words, Arthur feels more focused (+1 focus). At the Training Grounds Round One 2 v. 2 Jin focuses Yu Shu focuses Hoke focuses Purpearl focuses Master Jin Focus: 9 Health: 7 Warrior Priestess Yu Shu Focus: 7 Health: 7 Note: Yu Shu is still recovering, so all her attempts to attack will cost her -1 health as well as her focus. Hoke Focus: 6 Health: 7 Lady Purpearl Focus: 5 Health: 7 OoC: Just to clarify, parrying and focusing don't need targets, attacking will.

Hey y'al, a busy family day, updates later.

OoC: That was an entire misprint. You should have 3 focus and 7 health. Updates will come tomorrow!

I just don't think that'd make sense to me. So hopefully we'll wrap it up by the end of the year, or we can let Guts be King.

It's fine. I told him he has to stay alive until I'm done with him. Sandy, do you think we'll be out of Salmanda in time for Boomingham to run for King?

Boomingham nods. "Seems the best thing for it. Keep after them, and swiftly." He mops his forehead, a little concerned. Lowering his voice: "but supposed suppose this is a wild goose chase to draw us away from the sisters..."

At the Training Grounds "Since it is a fair match up, we will not use double blades." Yu Shu unsheathes his one katana fluidly, and Yu Shu grabs her weapon. "Do not break skin, Lady Purpearl. I am glad to see a match up of two versus two. It is a very different battle. Different technique." He glances at Lady Yu Shu. "Lady Yu Shu have trained together for years, though we have only recently gotten back into the practice of working as a team. Let's see what you can do." Master Jin Focus: 7 Health: 7 Warrior Priestess Yu Shu Focus: 5 Health: 7 Note: Yu Shu is still recovering, so all her attempts to attack will cost her -1 health as well as her focus. Hoke Focus: 4 Health: 7 Lady Purpearl Focus: 3 Health: 7 At the Healing Springs "You don't fool me with that talk," says Lady Felix with a laugh. "You and I - our type doesn't ever retire. Not truly. I will be on the run one way or another until the die I die. And you heroes too, I imagine. Think all of those who will never forget your name, and who have sworn vengeance." At the Tea House Arthur returns to the Tea House to find his three companions there, two of them engaged in a conversation. They hush up and step inside, waiting for the tea to be brewed, poured, and then sipped before resuming their conversation. "I tried my hand at meditation this morning," chuckles Guffington. "It appears that I still have a lot to learn. Within the hour I had concocted a new adventure below the mountains of Dastan to search for the history of the Chimera and the dragons, but I did not clear my mind the way I think I was meant to." OoC: I'm just going off "general times of day" - if you go to the Tea House first thing in the morning you won't find Kiga there, and likewise the Training Grounds are usually empty in the evening. But it's not hard and fast. And everyone can access the Breath! Like I said, there is indeed a perk (maybe not a great one, but certainly a decent one). It's just a question of how long you want to stick around.

Just started a 9 day vacation, so will hopefully be able to double my update speed for the time being! With the exception of Thursday. No worries, my real life has been more hectic than I'd like this last week or so as well. It happens.

The Healing Springs Hybros closes his eyes and lets the water consume his senses. With a deep exhale he releases even further stress, but doesn't feel immediately closer to his eventual goal. "You going all pious on me, Hybros?" asks Lady Felix. "Never imagined you as the peaceful type, with the company you keep. I watched you and Guts kill almost every member of our current expedition once or twice." At the Training Grounds "Practice forms are useless," sniffs Jin. "They are for the young, who have not yet learned to fight. By now your body knows itself well enough that repetition will do nothing." He glances over at Lady Purpearl as she approaches. "Very well. Let us give this a try. What would you say to a two on two match - Yu Shu and myself against the two of you?"

"Taking someones gold is very different than taking their life," Boomingham says with a coy smile. "Let's put this matter to rest. I'm read you go see the aunties as well."

Boomingham eyes the gold greedily. He hadn't said he didn't want any of that.

OoC: Sandy, take that Crystal Skull from me unless you really want me to keep it. Boomingham sheaths his blade. "I don't want any of these weapons," he says simply. He walks by Sarge and pats him on the back. "Thank you," he mumbles.

Standing up from his meditations, Hybros makes his way to the Hot Springs and finds Lady Felix bathing in the water. "Still nothing?" she asks as Hybros slips into the water. "Who are you looking for today, Hoke?" "Aren't the rest of your party warriors too? How come you're the only one who ever visits us?" Unrolling Master Snyder's scroll, she finds that he is the most verbose of the Masters. His scroll also reveals that he is more of a traveller than his two predecessors, a chance afforded to him perhaps because he is an Aoi. He seems to have been a bit of a black sheep among both the monks and the Aoi, however, more prone to tomfoolery than one might imagine from either lineage. The story Purpearl starts with describes a capital long forgotten since Xu had placed its capitol in the clouds. And Laghima's scroll is the same as the one that Arthur read a few short days ago: Purpearl tries to meditate, but finds that she is still not quite good enough to get very far into it. The rustling of the trees outside distract her swiftly.

At the Temple Purpearl glances at the paintings, but they are simply of the surrounding mountains. There doesn't seem to be any secrets in them, just works of art. Purpearl unfurls the scroll a little, to find the earliest teaching of the Master. The Vault Hybros, meanwhile, meditates outside the Vault. Following Lee Long's training he clears his mind of all that is there... and feels a deep wind welling up within him. Growing excited bits and pieces of his mission begin to seep back into his mind. He is close, but he knows he most focus even more. Regardless, his meditation brings him even more focus. (+1 focus). The Airship "You've had enough of that mumbo jumbo too, eh little dragon?" asks Elba as he and Miirym take off. "What's say you and I head out and bring back our own little excitement. I hear that you may know how to get to that city in the clouds?" OoC: Obviously you guys are getting anxious. I may kick myself for doing this, because I really didn't want to, but here is how your focus stands: Arthur: 2.25 Purpearl: 1 Hybros: 3 Hoke: 2 You need a certain amount of focus to access the Vault (some of you are very close). There is also a quasi-riddle, which you are all pretty close to solving, it seems. Only one of you needs to access the Vault, but there is a perk if you do!

Barty finally takes action, darting in front of Eric's face as he growls at the were-lion. Boomingham turns to Heckz swiftly, keeping one eye on his Nordic friend. "You weren't given a voice because you don't have a say in the matter. I challenge you to blow me to pieces. You are the sort who give mages a bad name. Too much power in the hands of those with too little minds. Since we have arrived you have proven yourself petty, stupid, and malicious. There are greater ideals than yourself. Many men have lived and died so that others may continue. You are at best a hilarious diversion, at worse a hilarious disappointment." He next turns to Eric. "Do what you will." Looking over his ally at Nalah: "The choice is yours. But if we leave you alive, you must not squander this second chance. It was your leadership that led to this. That is a great responsibility. If you are given your life, do not use it poorly."

Arthur heads to the Tea House, but realizes it is probably too early in the day. Master Kiga generally takes his tea in the afternoon, and it is still relatively early in the morning. Purpearl, meanwhile, heads to the modest library within the temple. It is houses within Kiga's study, and like Arthur she finds some incense burning, and some paintings half-finished - some of the ink on them is still fresh. On a rack in the corner she finds scrolls with names on them: chiefly Master Laghima, Master Snyder, and Master Kiga.

Boomingham has a bunch of made up titles and I refuse to relinquish any of them.

My notes on 132: A mixed bag, for sure, but a lot more good than bad in there. Hosting big long quests is incredibly difficult. I find them more rewarding than smaller quests, personally, on both a PC and QM level (though of course we need a good mix of them). I don't think we've seen them really fantastically pulled off except a few instances: Quest 4 (wow!) and then probably 100 and 130, but Sandy has way more practice than anyone else. So, there's a lot of things to consider, and a lot of practice needed. As a reader, I was thoroughly engaged throughout the whole quest. Nur is just an absolutely stunningly fun character, and Jebs is a good understanding dedicated player. He's a ton of fun to watch, not game breaking, not power hungry, just really great. And Nur is hilarious. I agree with Jebs too - I often adhere to the 24 hour rule not because I can't reply within 24 hours but because it would lock out some players from getting a chance to return. Ellaria was also a blast to follow - she's really filled out as a character, and getting to see her play "confident" Ellaria was a fun switch-up, because while she's come a long way and has gained a lot of competence, it was fun to see her take even another step. I like Tesni and Atramor well enough, but they weren't so much on display here. A particular disappointment with Atramor, just because CMP is usually so active and it took the drive out of the quest a little bit to have half the party nearly inactive. I assume it was life stuff for the both of them, which I totally get. That's why I usually do parties of five, so that two can go inactive and we can still have a majority. Life does exist, but I hate to halt quests. Loot is always strong on WBD quests. That living dwavern alloy is broken as all Hell and I can't imagine it won't be nerfed, but maybe only I hold that opinion. But over all, great stuff. The battles were a bit give and take, but higher level parties are kind of grossly difficult to balance for, and I think you did an over-all good job of it. And the sets were absolutely gorgeous. Seriously. You got my vote for best sets in the Henrys, and I'd be willing to give you that off this quest alone. So cool. And I think you did a fantastic job of developing the different cities. I wish that the port city had been a bit more populous, but other than that, good work! So, let's talk story a little. Over-all, pretty great. There are a few places to improve. I didn't mind the slow boil detective story. Like I said, long quests are fine. 136 and 130 I've felt directionless often, and it hasn't hurt either quest. I think what was missing here was the drive a bit. There should have been more leads to follow through. As the others have said, while the High Priest seemed justified, he didn't really have anything that gave him away other than "now you've explored as far as you can, so here is the villain, you've just stumbled upon him". That kind of felt not so good, mostly because of the time spent "investigating". If they'd just sort of walked to the last city, they would have solved it. And when they got to the last city, that's essentially what they did. There weren't ever really suspects that they had to sort through or anything of that sort. Also, the Naga murder really bothers me. Did we ever figure out what happened to her, or why it happened to her? I also think the NPCs were a little off, not entirely, but just a little. Dumora in particular. I know this is an opinion, and people don't always love that I do it, but I think each NPC should have a very specific goal and should push for that goal. What was Dumora up to? Wasn't she just supposed to help her aunt get the ashes to the Glittering? Why didn't she go home after that? Why did she lead the city guard, and then follow the heroes further? It just felt like she was a guide, which felt a little dishonest to who she appeared to be. I understand the need for a guide, but maybe change them off? I didn't feel like the NPCs clashed with the heroes enough, or tried to use the heroes enough. You have wonderful, human NPCs. Really well written, really funny, but sometimes they seem to lose their drive. I think that was another issue for the High Priest. If he had been more active, it could have presented more complications. I assume he summoned wyrms for the first wyrm battle? Maybe? He seemed to have the other scroll of wyrm control. That could have been a cool plot line to follow down. And why did the rabbit fellow accept so easily the final answer of the heroes? It didn't seem like much of a choice there - the dwarves asked the heroes to keep a secret, and they could either dick them over and get paid or not dick them over and get paid, so what was the choice there other than be total dicks or don't be total dicks. Anyway, over-all a lovely quest and read. I wish I had written this better, but it's 2:30 AM. I plan to give the quest another read through some time soon, and maybe will leave further comments.

"To learn my technique, you must first reach the First Breath. But to reach the First Breath, you must first learn my technique." Jin smiles. "We will continue in the morning." Getting into the springs to relax, Hoke once more feels that he has become more focused over the day (+1 focus). "Feel free to come spar with us. Between Yu Shu and I, we should be able to take the four of you on at once." "As I told Arthur, you are most likely closer than you think. Not yet ready, but very close." The heroes relax in the springs and chat with their friends until the sun has set. A little tired and cold, they retire for the night. The next morning they arise as a group. Stepping out of the temple they are greeted by Captain Elba. "Your friends have already dispersed," he says. "Thought I might take the airship out for a spin. Getting a little bored with all this talk of patience. Anyone feel like joining?"

Below the heroes, the ground trembles. They hear sudden cries from the Court, not too far off. "To the air, Solimon! Parvati, Medusa-" "I do not fear-" "Enough with your foolishness. If you wish to die, fine! Parvati, to me! We're going." "I cannot leave my- The earth trembles. "My word-" A second wyrm erupts from the earth and swallows Doc Daneeka whole. Before the heroes can react, a third one writhes out of the desert, Medusa balancing on it carefully, her spear wedged into one of the plates. "Give me back my sister!" she bellows, and the wyrm, ignoring her, swallows Matthias in one quick movement. There is no time. A great tail sweeps upwards and catches Guts unaware, flinging him through the air, as the sandstorm grows and Dyric grows unable to see. Suddenly a strong set of hands grab him, and drag him away. Around him he can hear the rustling of bones snapping. OoC: PMs!

"Barty, protect her." Boomingham turns on his friends. "This is an abuse of our power. We have caused her enough heart break for a life time. Eric, didn't you once have a family? And Sarge, didn't you once lead a ship? Imagine if your troops were cut out from under you. There is no need for something like this." Boomingham turns to Nalah. "At least one other of your pride lives. Do you have what it takes to survive? Can we call this fight over?"

Hey all, back at it, updates rolling in, thanks for the patience.

Kind of. I'm still in college, but it's not for college.

Both meditating and relaxing, Lady Purpearl finally feels some release and contentment in Xu (+1 focus). Dipping into the Hot Springs, Hybros feels the worries of the day slip away (+1 focus). "He showed you the poems of Laghima, then? It is no riddle, but an answer. Master Laghima was the very first Monk to reach the First Breath." "I would never say no to tea. And Lord Chauncey is right. I have forgotten that the best discoveries are the ones you make on your own." They follow Hybros to the Hot Springs, and continue the conversation there. "Master Kiga has taken a vow of silence. He will not speak, but he still has much to teach. If you follow his steps every day, you will reach the First Breath swiftly." "Do not grow disheartened. I have practiced this art for years, you for only two days. I am sure if we were to meet in open terrain, with your dragon by your side, it would be a more even match. If you'd like to try that tomorrow, I will not hold it against you. It will not help your form, but it would certainly help you blow off steam." Jin, Hoke and Yu Shu arrive at the Hot Springs.

The heroes start marching east, but the sandstorm follows them and soon begins to envelop them. As they get their eyes clogged with sand they begin to feel a rumbling under their feet. "Enough foolishness, Dyric. We go to that Fountain together, or I go alone!" growls Zane from somewhere behind them, but close. In the far distance, barely a speck on the horizon, the heroes can make out past the edges of the storm an outpost with a single tavern.