Chromeknight

As we have been arguing, our companions have been searching this temple. If William and Namyrra were here, they would have found them. You know that I had a dream vision of this place. And the book. You know within yourself the book is the only way. I am not going to unleash unrestrained chaos on the city. Put your past away, it has no bearing here. The book has the key to summoning them back from their imprisonment. Doing that will not be the end of the world. I will not let it be so. Nerwen drew breath and stood taller Sure I can control it? Not with absolute certainty. But I dare. I am Nerwen Calmcacil. Two and half centuries I have walked this earth. I have seen the red rage of the orcs, I have seen the black hand of Belril the Necromancer and more besides. I have studied under the Mithrandír, under He of the stone-red-hand and in the court of the pheonix. I am the daughter of Idril and the granddaughter of Tári Mithrandír. I have guarded the woods of the twilight glade and scaled the mountains of Dastan. I am blood-friend to the Shivering Axe clan, I am a sky-warrior of the Rito. I am Cala'quessir, of the elder race, immortal save for misfortune. Before your great grandfather was wailing in his excrement, I was . I have borne two children and I captained the company of waywatchers at Harnram. Do not think that because I am now a simple cleric in service of heroica that I am lesser than all those things. And you will not be able to destroy this book, even if you could devote two of your lifetimes of searching to do it. I know this and I tell you as someone whose words should be heeded. But I will waste no more breath on you unless you take your hand from your weapon and put aside your madness.

Nerwen sighed with pity. Every word the rogue spoke betrayed his ignorance. Not of life, certainly. His tale was sad and sadly not uncommon. But the lesson he had drawn from it? It was the thinking of child. Do the opposite of whatever a demon says? You have been addled by the wine that is often in front of you. Making that a rule is just as dangerous as always doing whatever a demon says. Demons do not lie with every word. They must be tested and sifted and the truth revealed just an artist draws beauty from the common material they work with. You condemn the evil man for trying to sacrifice you, but do you not by that same breath condemn yourself as you speak of sacrificing Namyrra and William to your own ideals? You speak of doing good, but your actions do exactly the opposite. I must conclude that you are driven by greed for the book, which is already seeping into your soul, that your true self is uncovered here in the choice you make. Seeing Guts place his hand on his weapon and speak of surrendering to madness, Nerwen realised little hope remained. It seems you cannot be reasoned with. I should have expected as much from an Edan. How would you have this go then? Would you fight us all to keep Namyrra and William from us? Would you flee and be hunted the length of Eubric, turning false to all the ideals you espouse? Tell me, Guts the hero, afraid of the shadows of memory, the right thing to do is give me the book. Will you do the right thing or are you indeed a greedy rogue to your core? Nerwen knew that she alone was no match for the rogue in a fight, but she also knew she did not stand alone.

So, I've done the retcon, after all, if people overwriting my actions is something I dislike as a player, I should be careful not to do it myself. I also want to say, though it's probably clear, that even though Nerwen is not loving Guts at the moment, I am really enjoying the opportunity to RP and liking the way Scuba is writing for him. As for Namyrra pitching in, Sandy more or less said she's still there, just incorporeal. Do a ghosty thing! Tug at Cinna's skirt or tweak Sarick's tale. The temple does seem to be the place for eerie disembodied voices also. and... sucked into Badass boast. (link 'cause I know Flipz digs that stuff.)

You're right, I did not read closely enough. Guts still has the book. Seeing Guts ignore her words and pick up the book he had cravenly tried to destroy enraged Nerwen. And then his pathetic mewling about self-sacrifice and 'not letting her' do anything furthered her contempt. The capstone was suggestion that the book, a thing meant for recording knowledge and power, was not to be used. It was all a mirror of the previous quest they had shared, yet this time they were on different sides. As quickly as it flared, the anger left her. She shunned the the part of her that wanted her to loose balance, to forsake order and just beat sense into him. This temple was the temple she had had a vision of. The book was the one she had seen. And the feeling of power as she read from it in her dream and restored order and balance was... it still vibrated within her. Even with the warning that it was a lie and a trap, Nerwen knew that the power she had felt was no lie. It was real. The only question was the cost, and who would pay it. The human before seemed to want to the power, he was keeping the book, but also not want the power, keeping it closed. As if that could happen, the book would eat at his unguarded sanity until he fell, bashing himself in despair against a text he could not read. He wanted to pay the cost, but he had no coin for this. He was a contridiction, like all humans. Strong, yet weak, noble yet corrupt, seeking the right thing but unable to grasp the bigger picture. Use it? You cannot. You lack the... understanding. But you would keep it from me? This book that is likely the only chance of seeing Namyrra and William again? You would condemn them in order to portray some front of nobility? You do not know what the right thing is here, so you cling to your narrow view, that the demonic is evil. It is not. Only the wielders of it are as they fall into pride and arrogance. But you know me. I speak only truth. We have quested together enough for you to see that. When I say you are a fool, it is not an insult, it is what is. When I say you lack knowledge, it is as if I am describing my hand or my bag. It is obvious to those who can see. That you are offended by this, is simply your recognition that I am right, that this is a battle that thievery and backstabbing cannot win. I can return them. And again, that is not arrogance or pride, it is what is. You know me. You know this is my test, and that I can withstand it. Give up the book. It is not for you and would only send you mad. Then there would be a quest to hunt you down and slay you, the fallen one. Give up the book. Nerwen steps forward, holding out her hand, not taking her eyes off Guts' face.

Grey company Elvish Phrases I usually leave it untranslated and try not to say anything important in it that I don't also say in common. For those who are both curious and lazy, [translate]Thief! Son of snakes (dishonest person)! Your head is empty![/translate]

Interesting point. Perhaps I am letting a bit of my political/world views seep in. But Brickdoctor's reply touches on why I think this is a recuring issue (at least for me). Each class has a thing they 'do'. Clerics heal, Knights block damage and Barbarians deal it. All those are for the party as a whole and are somewhat intangible. Rangers and Mages are different flavours of damage dealing which provide options in the rock-paper-scissors game. Rogues deal damage, yes. But they also reap gold, which is far from intangible. In fact, as Brickdoctor would attest, everything can be exchanged for gold. Yes, I know the class players start with is entirely under their control, there is no inherent inequality. But it would be interesting to see an analysis of the dozen or so players with the highest levels and compare relative wealth vs class. Hmm. I read this after I posted in thread. Nerwen pretty much does call Guts a fool. But there is not so much laughing as pity, which is probably her being bluntly superior to Guts (at least on this topic,) usually it's not so blunt, she and Guts worked out some of these things on quest #13. Nerwen and Arthur together would be interesting (if #51 allows!), though I won't go into Nerwen's likely reaction to some of Arthur's choices. Mmmm.... Arena time!

Seeing Guts grab the book and then toss it into the fire, Nerwen yells CAM'WETHRIN! UTINU EN LOKRIM! DOLLE NAA LOST! Drawing breath and calming slightly she continued in a sharp tone, different to her usual calm manner of speaking Empty headed thief! Always touching, taking, stealing. No thinking about what something is. And then when it is not shiny, throwing it away. Greedy handed human! You grab at things and when you do not understand them you are like a petulant child, weak, vain, useless! Understand this. Raising the dead, ripping them from rest, twisting nature, that is evil. Demons, demons just... are. Like light and dark. Like fire and water. They are part of the balance of the world. And like all living things, free to choose their actions. The evil that comes from the demonic is found is those that seek it's power for their own ends, not in the demonic itself. Light is not always good, darkness is not always bad. But like all power not to be trifled with. But you, you know nothing of this. You seek only loot and have no care for where you are or who hallows this place. Picking up that book without preparation will mark you, and that mark will be seen by those that would use you like a tool, like a cup to be drunk from and tossed away empty. You have no understanding. Trailing off, Nerwen takes a cloth scarf from her satchel and wraps the book in it, careful not to actually touch the book itself. She then stows the book in her satchel. As she does so, the Phoenix feather kept in there flares into flame, quickly burning a hole in the bottom of the bag and falling out. As it drops away from the book it returns to it's dormant state, bright afterimages of flame on everyone's eyes. Nerwen picks up the now quiet plume and tucks it in her shirt. She inspects the bag to see what damage is done, but it is limited to scorching on the scarf around the book and a small hole in the bag. We should look around now, see what else is here. But be careful, touch nothing until Cinna, Thalion or Sarick have agreed. I fear, however, that the only way to rescue Namyrra and William is to be found within the book. I will sit here and prepare myself. Nerwen sits and begins meditating. Clearing her mind and recalling the lessons of her youth in the tower of the red stone hand.

JimBee suggested it in PM, I didn't prompt him. But perhaps he understands my thinking and knows how to appeal to me to get what he wants. Thank you Shaun. Tell me, is this your home? Do you live here?

I respectfully disagree. I am not saying all of it should be. But, I'm not a rogue and you are. And I think our differences on this issue are why you play a rogue and I play a cleric. I'm happy to talk in pm if you feel slighted in quest, and I'd like to keep this discussion general rather than incite specific complaints.

Brain ache from distributing loot among 18 heroes ranging in level between 3 and 23. Including some rogues who reaped over 700gold in the last battle. Is it science or art, a fair distribution of loot?

The large rod carried by the demon was heavy. Holding it in her hands Nerwen felt the eyes of the whole party on her. More than that, she felt other eyes, small vermin, insects and other beasties that lived down here. And behind those, a subtly thrumming presence, the attention of powerful entities. Shaking these thoughts clear, Nerwen spoke. Only half of you spoke, so I will distribute items now, based on what has been said rather than holding things up. I feel time is important if we are to recover Namyrra and William. Hybros, your scythe was most helpful in this battle and with the spiders. Take this rod. I know that you cannot use it, perhaps you might find you will in time. Since you have the demon's weapon, you said you would trade it for the cobweb cowl. Perhaps you might give the cowl to floppy-hatDreyrugr, since he said he would like the Skull shield, but it probably better in [b[Thothwick's[/b] hands. Here take the shield. Hybros, you might also put some gold aside for William if we are able to recover him, he will need it. He can also have the smoke bomb Nerwen picked up the Necromancer's staff. The power within called to her, but she knew the anguish wrought by denying peace to the dead and refused to take it up. This staff is evil. I cannot bend it to my will yet, and I will not hand it to anyone else, lest it corrupt them. I will hold the staff for Namyrra who is older than I. She may be able to tame it without falling. Alexander, you and Thalion wanted the opal. He is a mage, I feel he would make better use of it at the moment. You will get a chance to get other gems in time. So, Thalion, take the Opal. Alexander have the Ice Bomb which you can use and will also do cold damage to your enemies. Cinna, Sarick, there are a few items here for those who cast spells. so to Cinna the pointy hat, Sarick have the Lichen armour. Feel free to swap if you would both prefer it the othe way around. Sir Daggerfall, Your shield was invaluable this battle, have the Graive that you requested. I will hang on to the mourning star since noone else can use it or has spoken for it. As for the last remaining things, Benji, have the Health Core. Guts here is the Remedy. Ninja-girlMizuki can have the Deadly Venom, Erik the four Bones, rogue-boyRaven Ashcroft for you an elixir and De'kra I want you to have this Phoenix Essence since I know heroes falling troubles you, this will help them. Nerwen looked at Sküld standing close to Shaun of the undead, it seemed that without the necromancer's control he had reverted to whatever personality he had before. Having dispensed the loot, she spoke to him. Shaun! What is in the temple?

Thank you Mr. Holla.

I wish to go into the temple and see if there is some way to return our friends from whatever demonic dimension they were transported to. However, we must sort out the remains of the battle. Now is your chance to speak up for anything that you would like. i have recieved JimBee's request for the Pheles rod, and Quarryman's for the staff of the necromancer. I will wait 24hrs, that's a fair amount of time, given time zones around he world. Sorry to those who are keen to end the quest and sign up for some of he open ones in the hall. If you are one of those, and you are not fussed by what you'll get, be helpful and say so! (in character, think of it as an role play opportunity). The items again.... Pheles Rod - WP:20; grants permanent Aura, doubling the user’s max. health but making all enemy attacks hit the user; staff. Opal - allows ice-elemental spells. Staff of the Necromancer - WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff. Health Core - Restores full health when consumed. Causes 50 damage to undead. 4x Bone - Can be thrown at an enemy to distract them for a turn. Worth 5 gold at magic shops. Remedy – Removes all negative effects from the target. Skull Shield - SP:6; immunity to dark-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only. Pointy Hat - Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics; headwear. Ice Bomb - Causes 5 points of ice-elemental damage to all enemies, doubled if the target is weak to ice. Deadly Venom - Use on a weapon to make it cause the badly poisoned-effect on any enemy it hits for the duration of one battle. A badly poisoned enemy loses 10 health each turn. Lichen Armour - The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted; suitable to classes with ether; bodywear. Graive - WP:11, inflicts weakened-effect; halberd. Mourning Star - WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace. Smoke Bomb – Allows the party to escape the battle. Phoenix Essence - Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle. Elixir - Restores 50 health and 10 ether to the target and removes all negative effects from the target.

One of the ghosts that had been circling De'kra fled through Nerwen. There was a brief flash of a young nord warrior, brutally slain as he walked into the wrong room. Nerwen shook her head hard to clear the image and focussed again on the battle. Cinna, I do not think anyone has both a hand and a tonic free, just attack the demon. Nerwen then swings her staff in an arc, flicking a stone off the ground and sending it in a brisk motion into Thothwick's head. Nerwen hoped the blow to the head would prompt him to take action. Battle order Benji attacks Mephisto (Demonic Scissors) Benji attacks Mephisto (Demonic Scissors) Hybros attacks Mephisto Hybros attacks Mephisto > Cinna attacks Mephisto Thothwick attacks Mephisto (Sabre) Sir Christopher attacks Mephisto Nerwen attacks Mephisto (Torch Staff) > Sarick Lightning at Mephisto > Sarick Lightning at Mephisto Erik attacks Mephisto > Mizuki throws Sylph Shuriken at Mephisto Mizuki collects Slyph Shuriken (if thrown)/> Mizuki throws Sylph Shuriken at Mephisto(if not thrown) > Thalion Fire at Mephisto Sküld arc-heals heroes Guts picks up Throwing Knife(If Knight dead)/attacks Knight(if Knight not dead) De'kra attacks Skeleton Knight Guts attacks Skeleton Knight(if knight not dead)/throws throwing knife at Mephisto (if knight dead) Dreyrugr does nothing Thothwick protects Sküld Raven Ashcroft protects Sküld Alexander protects Sküld Namyrra William good to go when you are, Sandy

Thanks again all! It was tense there yesterday, death is a pleasant change!

You can attack Mephisto directly, it does not need to be elemental damage, he is a demon, not an undead creature. You must have replied whilst I was editing my post after I remembered that you are, as you said, out of ether. The other option is for one of the fraidy-pants to use a tonic on you. As for looking after Sküld, I meant chose her action (since Namyrra is eaten) rather than protect her. She does not need protecting, nothing can hurt her.

You were just waiting for someone to get eaten weren't you Sandy! Nerwen stifles a scream as the archdemon scoops up Namyrra and William and swallows them. She grips her torch staff tighter and addresses the others Cinna look after Sküld! And give that demon some broomstick to the face. Sküld, stay close to Cinna, and heal the heroes, please. Obywon, Thothwick, floppy-hat, rogue-boy! There is nothing left that can hurt Sküld, she does not need protecting. Make your mark on the demon, be remembered as bold and courageous! As for you other rogues, I will tell you for the last time, stop grubbing about collecting gold and finish this! Battle order Benji attacks Mephisto (Demonic Scissors) Benji attacks Mephisto (Demonic Scissors) Hybros attacks Mephisto Hybros attacks Mephisto > Cinna attacks Mephisto Thothwick attacks Mephisto (Sabre) Sir Christopher attacks Mephisto Nerwen attacks Mephisto (Torch Staff) > Sarick Lightning at Mephisto > Sarick Lightning at Mephisto Erik attacks Mephisto > Mizuki throws Sylph Shuriken at Mephisto Mizuki collects Slyph Shuriken (if thrown)/> Mizuki throws Sylph Shuriken at Mephisto(if not thrown) > Thalion Fire at Mephisto Sküld arc-heals heroes Guts attacks Skeleton Knight De'kra attacks Skeleton Knight Guts picks up Throwing Knife(If Knight dead)/attacks Knight(if Knight not dead) Dreyrugr does nothing Thothwick protects Sküld Raven Ashcroft protects Sküld Alexander protects Sküld Namyrra William

So you can't, there you go.

Did the proxy not work?

You yourself argued that for there to be three scum left they would need to have started with 8 altogether and then recruited two more. But You concede that, it is not then a big step to the think the scum have been working at cross purposes amongst themselves. Also

Now is not the time for arguments. Everything has been bickered back and forth. I return to my original thinking. If Dragmall is right, Petrus is the last remaining scum, the game ends today. If Snotra is right and Dragmall is lying, we could face up to four scum (three current and a completed conversion). Against five townies and be very much in trouble. If Snotra is wrong, and Petrus is the last scum, the game ends tonight anyway. If both are wrong, Petrus is not the scum, neither is Canute, others are, and conversion is completed tonight, we face as many as three scum, with six townies. I need to vote to prevent the worst rather than blindly hope for the best. vote Canute Grey-beard:(callmepie) Patrekr the Red (Palathadric) unvotes:Petrus(Pandora) Patrekr the Red (Palathadric) votes:Canute Grey-beard(callmepie) This game does my head in.i am going to relax by juggling some axes.

I am here. I am collating information. I will vote before the deadline.

unvote:Petrus(Pandora) To my way of thinking attitude counts for a lot. Civility and graciousness and so on. Dragmall, you had 6 votes for Petrus and there were still two others left to vote. Yet you still snipe and snark at Snotra and Rurik. Why? You've made your case Dagrun, a confirmed scum, said Petrus is scum. Done. You've also made the counter case against Ruruk and Snotra's proposal, ie. It's really unlikely that the game has a twist that twisty. Done So why keep going? I know why Snotra is keeping at it, that's how he's played all game. He calls names and raves. But coming from you it smacks of desperation, back-footedness and ... scumminess. Is that really helping? also. Wooziness is not likely to be a sign of conversion. Bergulf reported wooziness on day two. Finn reported wooziness on day four. Yet both of them came up town.

Hey wait, what? Rurik is scum now too? Also, you have a one shot role block that I gave you. You cannot be interfered with, no matter how many scum are left. Also, why wouldn't wary kill Petrus tonight, regardless, since he's got to figure if he does not, he's a certain lynch?

The thing about lying is it is hard to do. scum therefore lie as little as possible, both to reduce their chances of being caught out at a lie, and to make it easier to remember what they have said, needing to keep track of only a handful of lies. Dagrun had no reason to lie at this point (though, I grant you, every reason to lie about her last scum partner). You suggest that the scum do not in fact share roles among them?