posades

OOC: Are we allowed to still read quest #30, because I'm kind of interested to see how that part is going to go. Xander turned to De'kra, "It seems from what Nikolai knows that the Rito are not necessarily enemies with the Dastan empire, simply keeping to themselves. I wonder what their opinion is of the chimera and dragons? It might be best to not associate with the Empire when we visit the Rito; they may have the means to ignite the dragons out of their apathetic slumber." He continued, "The Rito have no reason or incentive to help the Empire that we know of. How do five outsiders gain the trust of the Rito? By assisting them in their greatest trouble. Who knows what that may entail, but I believe if we prove to them we are friend and not foe then they will be more than willing to return the favor."

Xander arrives just outside the courtyard in time to hear De'kra questioning Nikolai. He waited to hear Nikolai's responses; it would be in the best interest of the party to not anger the Rito -- Xander knew firsthand the dangers of trying to use force to gain support of a people.

And that's all the reward I need.

So is this our reward for choosing to side with Constance, cause if it is it's a crappy reward.

Reading back what I said to De'kra, I'm getting a Mufasa Lion King vibe from it. And yeah I was kind of wondering about all your nicknames.

Xander gave De'kra a warm smile; although his adoption as a child by nomadic Beast Masters in the Northwest Plains did not allow him to know the true meaning of family and siblings, De'kra felt like a little brother to him. He began to speak to the shade in a low but comforting tone. "One day, De'kra, you will realize your true potential. I sense a fair amount of self-doubt and pity for your previous actions; everything happens for a reason, and soon you'll realize that your past experiences will better shape who you are as a hero and person later in life. We all make mistakes, that is not important; what truly matters is how we cope with what we've done and learn from those wrongdoings." Xander felt uncomfortable speaking on such a serious topic, so he quickly changed the subject. "Who is this Tuyet and Nihiki you speak of? You have a particular way with words that is refreshing," he added as he winked at the shade.

A fair amount of time had passed, and Xander was almost fully recovered from the previous battle. His memory was still hazy regarding the events that had transpired, but he did vividly remember attacking a fellow barbarian; he also remembered the blast that originated from that very same hero. He did not blame the barbarian for what happened; he was doing what he thought was right, and Xander could not fault someone for following his conscious. He noticed that some of his party had begun to retire to the palace. Gathering his belongings, he followed Sarick and others to where they would spend the night.

I had this grand plan to use my skeleton decoy to absorb damage from the bomb then revive Constance, but the whole switching who attacks each round kind of killed that idea.

OOC: Natural respite works even when you get KO'ed? If so I should get health back as well, that way you can save a potion De'kra. Xander lay motionless on the ground, seemingly in deep slumber lying on his back. He could hear a distant voice; his eyelids heavy, he could only manage to open them halfway. A shadowy figure was kneeling beside him -- he wanted to move, but his mind's actions did not register with his body. Feeling his head tilt slightly forward, he sensed a cool liquid begin to hit his throat. Mustering his remaining strength, he raised his hand and shook his head delicately. Mother nature, it seemed, was looking after him. Slowly but determined, Xander sat up and noticed De'kra running to assist others in his party; he smiled feebly and returned to the lying position, feeling his power regenerate slowly.

Well round 2 you guys go first so pretty much this battle is a one rounder. And now that I think about we should have just all targeted Tarn then William.

OOC: By "my team" you mean you right? Xander notices that the man with the chicken begins to retreat to the back row; instead of returning an attack on him, he turns his attention to the barbarian holding the menacing bomb, attacking from the front row with his axe.

Why did you change your action CallMePie? Now I have to change mine...

Xander contemplates the situation around him, closing his eyes and meditating for a short period of time. Opening them, he notices a strange man and a chicken advancing towards him. The odds were not in his team's favor; however, if he was to go down, he would try to take someone from the opposing team with him. Clenching his axe, he aims an attack at Atramor from the front row.

Didn't get Sandy's response to my follow up question yet, but the more I think about it the less likely my plan would work anyways. Ah well, on to Plan B...

OOC: Waiting on Sandy for clarification on something, do you mind waiting till she replies? It might be more than a couple hours.

No need to waste their bombs on a battle like this amirite......

Couldn't this fight go on indefinitely if both sides choose not do anything each round (after certain individuals have been KO-ed...)?

It was settled then; Xander would stay true to his quest leader, solemnly walking over to where Team Constance was gathering.

Has everyone decided in Quest #30 except me? I'm so indecisive.

Xander stood by while the other heroes discussed the matters at hand. Politics, and all that came with it, confused him. He had been raised on simpler values, living with the land and respecting it. He did not know what side he would take in this argument; he did know, however, that his questmates were wise and he would heed their advice.

So what would the consequence be of him continuing to "stick his nose" in other quests? And I agree, if people are going to use spoiler tags then they should reference "Regarding Quest #31...

Disappointed in someone? That seems like a strong word over something at the end of the day is just a game. Keeping things in spoiler tags seems fine to me, it's easy to avoid for those involved. If you don't want anyone spoiling anything in this thread then I suggest adding a disclaimer about avoiding spoilers in the first post. Having quested with Flipz and seen his activity on this board, he seems really into this Heroica RPG; it would be a shame to lose a creative mind like him over something like this.

Xander helped Galen with the burial of the bodies; although the rogue didn't always give off the impression of being a selfless hero who was concerned about others, he knew the true value of people were shown at the most critical of hours -- he believed in Galen and all the other heroes on the quest. Russell, however, was another matter. "We should hurry to the emperor, I fear we shall soon have a confrontation that will not end well."

Hearing Nerwen's words, Xander reluctantly rose from the body of Galen, latching the potion back onto his belt. He did not like the idea of leaving a fallen hero lie on the ground needlessly; however, he would heed the words of the elf, whose knowledge of the healing arts were far greater than his. With a determined look on his face, Xander readied his axe and aimed an attack at the swordsman from the front row.

Who knew De'kra could see the future.