Waterbrick Down

"They don't stink like the undead, that's for sure. Based upon my research of Heroica's founding members, I'd say they match up pretty closely. As for their absence, we've got members of our own organization who were locked away from time at some point or another. Whatever they mean to do, they're sure shaking things up a bit."

"So what are you going to do? I mean the oracle has been missing for over a week now."

"Nay no murder, they say he was obstructin' justice of sorts. Some lady with a dragon showed up and there was a big fight, scorched up nearly half a city block they did."

QM Note: Not sure if the animal you're referring to is the Dauntlet. "Hey careful there, I like to osmote not drown. I've seen undead in my day and they sure don't look like zombies." The pair note the prying eyes and ears. "Ey, you lookin' at somethin'?" "Oh they make everything enjoyable, consider them sensory enhancers."

No problem. Thankfully Sandy already did it, so all I had to do was borrow his photo. Which it turns out is a real pain as a ton of Heroica's pictures were lost with the Photobucket fiasco. Thankfully some stuff was uploaded to the wiki.

The sour and savory taste of the morsel is quite delicious and by the end, Hoke feels more Inspired. "But I thought they were like all dead?"

"No Triffids, but I've been so worried, ever since the oracle went missing and the news in the paper about all the houses, and there's even rumors of the old Veterans returning!"

"And what would convince you, Miss?" "Alderflask. Rogue, pretty close with House HInckwell. I think Landura may have had notes on an Alderflask involved with some sort of organization known as the Syndicate as well." "Miss Alderflask. Would you be satiated with tales of Heroica's past? Details concerning prior heroes come and gone? No? I thought not. My thanks for your concern, but it is unwarranted." "Oh the dead are more than willin' to talk to Mycroft, especially when they have something important they took with 'em."

Germ manages to hear some snippets of conversation. "...I hears, they killed him. Killed him dead right in front of House Shadeaux..." "No. But he was so powerful..." "It's all good here, darling. We've got your standards, pretty much anything you could find in the marketplace. Plus if you're really interested, I might be able to give some recommendations for some Double Rainbows or Pixie Dust."

"Your tone would betray otherwise. Your belief in my claim does nothing to alter the fact, if you'd like to test it for yourself, however..." "Who?" "The barmaid." "I don't think we'll be needing one of those for a little while. Tell her she can take a vacation."

"When the dead speak, it is hard for the people not to listen. They tell many truths that others would prefer lay hidden. What secrets would the dead tell of you minstrel?" The Golden Dragon smiles slightly, "They will join us shortly. Already they have been at work."

"By Mythra's Busom, did ya all just sleep on the tables? How many of ya were actually livin' in this hall instead of a proper inn or home?" "Tell them, that if they love this city, to have patience. Already there are forces underway restoring this city and severing the root of corruption that was the Houses."

The Golden Dragon offers a Dastan salute of honor to Vindsval, her hand across her right wrist, but she keeps her gaze does not wander from the half giant. "You speak correctly in that it has been far too many years since I saw this hall. Soon my other companions will join us and we will investigate this matter in full. Be assured warrior, a fair judgement will be given. But for now I ask you to depart and spread peace among your friends, I saw much disdain upon the faces of other members of this hall, I wish not to observe it upon yours as well. If what you say is true, then I will be glad to welcome you back at the appointed time."

"Mr.... Mr...." The Doomsayer speaks up from a tome of Heroica's records. "Rone, Dyric. Rogue, loyal to House Shadeuax." "Mr. Rone, as I mentioned there will be a formal inquest into the matter. The fact stands that while this organization may have done some 'good', the individuals who have profited off of the services of this hall have done so for their own advancement and made the honor of Heroica complacent in their dealings. As I have gathered the leaders of this hall have ammounted to no more than puppets, whether they be of the Wolf Gang, the Bonapartes, or the Shadeaux. Now I have much to attend to. You will be informed when the inquest is scheduled." The Golden Dragon makes to speak but the Walking Mountain, just as tall as Vindsval, interupts "Who is SHE? She is Yuliana Tiamateus of the House Phyllius, Second of her name, the Unfrozen, Savior of the U'Kin, Founder of Heroica, Liberator of the Pearl Sea, Champion of Baltarok, and Tamer of Dragons. And when she at last returns to the city which she beloved, she finds it on the brink of war and who leads the charge on either side? The warriors of the very organization she began! She sits not as this organization's judge, but as its savior, I pray you are found worthy to be counted among the righteous, however you do well to remember you would have no Heroica without her, warrior of the Path."

The Golden Dragon strides forward and addresses the trio of heroes, an air of confidence and experience exuding from her. "There will be an inquest into the actions of this hall and its members. For the time being, all active heroes have been placed on indefinite leave until my companions and I can determine the state that you and your group has put this city in."

Free Skeleton Decoy?

As a head's up, 159 is intended to be pretty open world. If anyone has something they might not be sure is possible, PM me and we'll see what we can do.

A small girl enters the bar, holding a tiny strip of living fabric. "Are you sure about this?" "Of course I'm sure. This lot at least beats the snobbish wizard poking through my stacks back at the hall." The Nôrn eyes widen and she smiles broadly when she spots two of the heroes. "Petaldan, Torald! I can't believe you're here!" "Just set me down at the bar, I'll find my way." Sküld Verdandi sets the Dauntlet Bookmark down at the bar as she turns back to her friends. The Dauntlet wraps itself around a wine bottle soaking in the alcoholic atmosphere that permeates the establishment.

"Does this look like an inn? Out I say."

You are indeed. The only truly closed threads are the Faction threads.

The ogre stares at the growing pile of weaponry gathering in the snow. "Not a bad idea, I think we've got a barrel out back. Maybe I can start charging, like a coat check or something." "Pfff, you think I'd waste any of my hard earned gold on you?" "Ah the sot has spoken!"

"Ya mean quite a bit of gold."

"Hey now, if what they say in the papers is true, you should be glad you lot weren't kicked out of town."

The Hinckwell family slowly packs up the final crate of furniture, the great house now empty. Heinrich and his wife gather their things as they load up the wagons and slowly pull away from Hinckwell Manor, a sign staked in the front lawn "SOLD". The remaining members of the Sungold Alliance leave for their homes, disbanded.

Town Watch guards arrive on scene at the Chateau de Shadeaux. Moments later the Count is lead off in chains and the house barred from entrance. The members of the Crescent Union are scattered to their homes, disbanded.