Chromeknight

The elf showed no understanding of Nerwen's words. Which in itself was not particularly surprising. Not every elf was Cala'quessir. Possibly he was Taur'quessir like some of the heroes she'd met, or perhaps even Mori'quessir. In any case he was formed by Galadrya and Celebryon, and even if his kin had deserted him, she was better than they. Gold he had asked for, gold he would have. Take this. she said to him gently, handing him 50 gold. Galadrya bless you. That done Nerwen follows Namyrra.

Nerwen speaks to the elf. Aaye, Heru en amin. Manakoi naa lle sinome? Mani marte? Lle Holma ve'edan! Lle amin anta tanka harwar? Ale' lye tela sinome, tula amandil de Celebryon a elenya. With those questions and instructions Nerwen paused a moment to see if the elf understood, ready to follow the others.

You're right. But her stats aren't in the thread, thus, didn't make it onto my list.

Player stats update! There are currently 53 active heroes (ie. have put their stats in the appropriate thread) Gender: There are 9 (17%) Females and 44 (83%) Males. I've included some heroes who are ambiguously gendered, such as De'kra, Siercon and Sylph as male. Race: There are 11 heroes with unique races ('echo', Giant, Fenarian, Half-Elf{half what else, Benji?}, Hermit{is that really a race?}, Imp, Metasimian, Naga, Ogre, Orc{There can be only one!} and Yeti) 3 heroes do not list their race (Siercon, Sylph and... William?) 3 heroes list their race by their affliction which might not overwrite their original race (Undead, Werewolf, Vampire) 9 heroes are Elves And the remaining 27 are human, with two further specifying that they are Nord. Age: 7 heroes do not list their age either for roleplay purposes or because they haven't written it into their stats (Siercon, Sylph and William again, plus Tesni, Dyric, Tomas and Cronk) Elven ages range from 19 to 863 Human ages range from 18 to 53 Other ages fall within those ranges except for Namyrra (1337), Dreyrugr (1000) and De'kra (11) Class: With the advent of advanced classes, the list becomes a little fractured. By original class 9 barbarians, 7 Clerics, 4 Knights, 12 Mages, 7 Rangers, and 14 Rogues 28 heroes (54%) have reached 15+ and have multiclassed to an advanced class. 2 others have reached 15+ but not yet chosen an AC. There are representatives of each advanced class currently, with Assassin(4, 3 ex-rogues, 1 ex-ranger) Raider (3, 2 ex-barbarian, 1 ex-rogue) and Paladin (3, all ex-knights) being the most popular. We are yet to see an ex-barbarian Battle Mage, ex-ranger Druid, ex-cleric Paladin, ex-rogue Sorcerer, ex-cleric Witch and knights become anything except Paladins (ie. Berserkers, Black Knights, Mystic Knights or Wardens), though with so few knights around, it may be a while. Level: Currently there are 11 heroes between levels 1-10 (incl, 7 on level 1) There are 11 heroes between 10 and 15 (inching toward adv classes!) There are 17 heroes between 15 and 20 (advanced, but not yet on 1/3 levels) And there are 13 heroes 20 and above. (Tesni leads the charge on 24 1/3) Hopefully you enjoyed this small tour of the band of heroes!

Keeping so many heroes in line was like herding cats. There were always stragglers . And the beggars were a constant feature of the streets. And Nerwen worried. She had read enough books by the merchants about groups this size getting into confined locales, and then a subgroup turning on the others and murdering them horribly. She looked around at the others. But no.. the books said you couldn't tell by looking, only by a secret they kept hidden. Invariably the groups had to rid themselves of the betrayers with the fear that they would choose the wrong people and convict the innocent. Perhaps Nerwen needed to read some different books... maybe ones with talking anthropmorphic animals... Bending closer to De'kra, she asked quietly, Are you wearing that elvish cloak? I do not think any individual beggar would be a threat, but perhaps if a group came along. You would be able to tell their intent perhaps.

'Quel amrun Istar. Nerwen paused. Apologies. You spoke in common, I should reply in it and not assume you speak my dialect. Yes, I am Nerwen Calmcacil. Elf from Tel'Arnor on the edge of the Titaan mountains. Likely you have not heard of it. I have not heard of Grisalirr, where is it? I see you are new. Let me give you a little advice. If you are going to succeed as a hero, when you do things, do them boldly. That way you can be sure they will be done right. Nerwen sees some of the party charging ahead and follows Namrrya.

What have I changed about Nerwen? Originally I conceived her as being in her mid twenties, figuring that a decade for a elf is about a year for a human. But as I got to know her, turns out she's older. And bossier. And Flipz, I count at least three pop culture references in Arthur's flashback, but did I miss any?

This was the second time that a quest had taken Nerwen through the hovels. But the beggars seemed to be multiplying. And this new wall around the hovels was troubling. Nerwen knew that several of the temples used part of the offerings they received to give food and money to the poor. But most of the big temples lay outside the hovels. The path to helping the small girl at the shrine had already taken them past several beggars. In a city like Eubric, driven by the worship of Mercutio, trader and thief, there were many that were bruised, crushed and ground down. What was needed was more than hand-outs of gold, but structural change. What she could see before her was neither civilized or ordered. It was a powder-keg. The heroes would have to be very careful not to provoke a riot. Still. Something needed to be done for the decrepit man before them. Writing quickly on a piece of paper from her satchel she said, Here. Take this to the hall, give it to Scheherazade. You might need this to get past the guard at the hovel wall. Nerwen hands the man 3 gold and the following note. Nerwen smiled at the though of using the stingy rogue's name, knowing he had already had a run in with the barkeep about the amount of wine he typically consumed.

stats fine, thanks for hosting, Sandy. Knowing that she was not planning to sabotage the wall, therefore did not need to be arrested, Nerwen kept walking toward the shrine.

Cam'wethrin. Guts. You look... well. Despite not having seen Guts since his appearance changed, Nerwen has no difficulty recognizing the rogue from her first quest. Heroing seems to have been good for you. You now clink when you walk! You have had many opportunities to go questing? Nerwen envied the speed at which he had risen in rank, having been on five, compared to her two. I have been well though. Do you know De'kra? I have been speaking with him on the topic of love. No doubt you have an opinion as always... The empty one, indicating Sorrow with her hand whose name I do not yet know chimed in. He says love dies but his actions belie his words. We are waiting to see which he will repudiate. And De'kra. I have been bound by formals contract myself before. Once, with an elf called Lenwe. We specified the term of the contract and the conditions each wanted the other to fulfill. I sought to become a mother, which I did. Her name is Eldani. She would be nearly 100 now, still young for an elf though! She was learning herbal alchemy when I left to come here. For our people, love is important in such agreements, but it comes from harmony of persons. And there is no expectation that such partnerships would be lifelong.

You are nwalmaer? Nerwen makes a sour face and a hissing noise from the back of her throat. Surprising the others around her with it's expressiveness. From your story, it seems that you were such already before becoming involved with her. And she didn't know? Because you did not tell her? You can hardly have loved her and kept that from her. But if you did love her, truly then you can not say that love dies, if those who are dead still love. If love dies with dead then the dead do not love and you are not able to speak knowledgeably about love. Which is it, Unguer? Forgive the insults rendered in Elvish, don't worry about translating them, the meaning is evident contextually. Nerwen (and the elves that she was raised by) do not distinguish between dead and undead. They have no issue with something dead still moving, animated by magic. But that thing is still dead, unless it is resurrected and hence, no longer dead. The antipathy she expresses is a function of viewing her gods as gods of order and civilization. The moving dead are... not ordered, not natural. I'm sure Sorrow is used to such a reaction. Of course, Nerwen doesn't know Sorrow's whole story...yet

A new speaker enters the conversation. Clearly he had been listening to the quiet conversation between De'kra and herself. No matter. Nothing she had said was secret, or couldn't be found in any elvish library. Though his words were... anguished. Turning to see who had spoken Nerwen sees a hero (for she assumed if he was in the hall that was his intent), whom she had not seen before. Wrapped in dark robes and covered from head to foot. His voice raspy and unmusical. The conversation was not directed at you. But you are welcome to join. Though you seem to carry great issues with the topic. Is there some event that causes you to rail so unnaturally against what I have said? Speaking to De'kra she said. I know what you mean. Hope seems to be a rare commodity here in Eubric. As for my past there is much to tell. I will tell some of my tales, but perhaps we should get a drink first? Pause on reply because I don't have time now to write a full answer. One is coming! Promise.

For those that are interested, some of what I said is drawn from a book The four loves by C.S.Lewis (yes, of Narnia fame). So I did very little making up. I'm not sure I want to expand on a wooden love... As for the tags, is it every post or just that one? If its just that one, it's because I began writing it on my iphone (safari, RTE disabled) and finished it on my PC (Chrome, RTE on). If its every post then... dunno.

Nerwen kept track of all his questions. His keenness was endearing. But when he stopped speaking she got a sense of the huge dislocation De'kra felt. His... lostness. Your questions are worthy Kiirar, they put you on the right path. But is seems you seek more than simply answers. I do not know how you came to be here, nor do I know if you can return, or even if you wish to. Nerwen sighed, seeing her friend's distress and pain. No world is easy to live in, this one more so than most. There are times it feels like we are making it up as we go along. But if this is so it is cause for hope, not despair. The ending is not yet written, or if it is, it is written in on a sandy floor and can be swept in a new direction by our own actions. Nerwen paused, her words hung in the air. She recalled another of her teachers' sayings It is hard to hear when one's heart hurts. Nerwen sat beside De'kra. Quietly, companionably.

Nerwen nodded. I understand your choice. There are examples which give witch a bad name. You are right perhaps. A quick death is a merciful one. You've never played De'kra as a very roguish rogue, and you made your base class choice before the advanced classes were published. I chose cleric because they were in short supply rather than it being my top choice roleplaywise. And the cleric advanced classes are a bit limiting from a roleplay point of view too. So I sympathize. I am glad that you will be on the quest. Perhaps we might have the chance to work together. Nerwen laughed in a friendly way at the rogue's next question. Yes I am experienced, or you might say old...I have seen more than two hundred summers. I can remember each of them with effort and meditation. So, I have a point of view different to most in the hall. Ah, love. It is a complex thing. But I think you know more of it than you realise. You just call it other things.One of my old teachers explained it this way to me. There are four kinds of loves, he said, just like there are four elements. He was speaking a long while ago, we both know there are more than four, but anyway. The first love is like water, it flows around us all the time. We cannot live long without it. It is the love that directs us. He called it affection. You know it, you said earlier that you like to heal and that you do not like witches. This is a kind of love, an affinity for the good and a rejection of the bad. This love is the love of duty, where we are drawn to what we must do by the things we value. The second love is like rock. Sometimes solid and enduring, but when broken, like sand, does not carry much weight. Again, you know this love, friendship. The bond between one another based on mutual acceptance and shared goals. This is the love that brings unity, of people standing together to build a common future. The third love is, I think, the one that confuses you. It is a love like fire. And that is why you describe it as a disease. In some ways it is, a burning of the heart. But as fire can rage out of control, so to can it be focused, contained and brought to work, like in a forge. This is a love that animates and propels people forward. Especially humans who do not live all that long and desperately seek intense emotional connection quickly. Sometimes they use bodies rubbing together to generate a heat like this love, but it does not always work. Elves, and I suspect your race, do not burn in the same way, not so flagrant or brief, but longer and in the end hotter in intensity. You will find this love in time, as you find others who understand you, who are glad of your presence and your point of view, who value you not just for your weapon but for your spirit. You might think I have said all there is to say on love, but there is a higher love still. And it is the very air we breathe. Without it we would quickly perish. It is love without conditions. A selfless love that lifts the object loved. As an Elf, I know this love from the gods. They created the elves, as you know, but my teacher taught that they created each of us individually, that we are known to them personally. And that they have orchestrated the music of the world to provide us with everything we need to be come what we are destined by them to be. And we are destined to have the same love for others. Not that we can so order the world, but that we can give of ourselves freely, without expectation of repayment, for the betterment of others. Do my words resonate with what you have seen De'kra? Does my answer help you understand more of Olegaia? Also, sorry for taking so long to reply! Busy day. But as you can see from the length of response, its a question I enjoyed addressing.

Assuming I'm not on quest, yes. It'd make an interesting party, with multiple healers. Slower but longer lasting. We'd need a tank though...

Actually, Nerwen did leave and went to the market. But clearly is back now! I did not think you rude little one, I understood that you needed to train with that mage. I have been spending some time in the library, reading up on what the others got up to in Dastan. So much we did not know at the time! I now regret the decision to let Emeraldo live somewhat. His speech was not as full of truth as I originally though. Nothing to be done about it now though. I wonder if we will see him again. Did you know he had the crown of his I was carrying stolen back? The thief was nice enough to leave gold in it's place, so I am not sure if really is theft. But it is the idea that counts. She pauses, taking in De'kra's new appearance. Seems that you have taken a step up, that you are now committed to hurting enemies quickly and painfully. I must admit I am surprised. I had thought that your compassionate nature would drive you towards learning how to heal. Nerwen's words trail off, worried she had offended the small rogue. She then pulls out a short flute, a gift from a partner long ago. Ah well. You know that elves are a musical race. This was a gift from a ... friend. Let us make music and ease the troubles of the world a while. After some time she asks Are you also going to help the poor girl who needs assistance finding her friend?

Nerwen retires from the hall, back to her room behind the temple of Sem. Although her door is bolted from the inside an unknown intruder manages to stealthily gain entrance. Passing by her belongings the silent figure removes a crown from Nerwen's satchel. The crown that used to sit on the head of Emperor Roland Emeraldo of Dastan. Securing the targetted item the thief detaches a heavily padded bag of gold from his waist. Acting with skill and steal he places the bag in Nerwen's satchel, taking the place of the crown and then makes his exit. In the morning Nerwen finds the bag, opening it she discovers 300 gold and a note saying simply, Thank you. R.E. All the above is just roleplay, the effect is the same as selling it, Nerwen is less one crown and up 300g. Nerwen now has 593g so she heads down to the marketplace. Stopping first at Anwyl's she sells her old staff(wp:3) 593+15=608g She then orders a fauxthrill staff(wp:5), with an upgrade it to wp:6 and has her emerald merged with it. 608-(50+60+50)=448g Whilst waiting for Anwyl to complete the work Nerwen goes to Portia's She purchases two phoenix essences, two ice bombs, three remedies a potion and two elixirs. 448-(50+50+10+10+10+10+10++5+40+40)=213g Noticing a new shop on the way, she ducks into Fabian's Looking over his wares she likes the look of the white cloak. The price is right and the coin changes hands 213-60=153g After picking up her new staff, Nerwen is satisfied with the day's work and returns to the hall to check the board again.

But they have convienent holes in the back of their legs for it to go into.

As uncomfortable with sudden physical contact as she is, Nerwen is cheered by Nyx's sudden hug. And the drink is... interesting. Nerwen was glad her arrival seemed to revive her friend somewhat. Facing the ranger she bowed and said Master Harkenshire. Then the interruption of the overweight knight brings memories of the aborted quest for the Zeigfrieds. A time when she was struggling with her place in Heroica. Overhearing that Barty had gone, and hearing Nyx's reaction, Nerwen placed a gentle hand on the mage's arm. Speaking softly she said. Sir. May I ask, is the blade you struck him with embued with an elemental gem? I ask because gems can be used to trap spirits, have you examined the sword closely? As for finding him, you should do it more for the sake your own self. But if you have no care for that you might also do it for me, though we are not as close friends as you and Nyx. Remember however, Nyx is no mere anything, and I am certainly no child.

Nerwen sees Nyx at the bar. I am not one for drinking, but I think I promised to raise a glass with you. And here I am. I am glad to see you travelled safely back from Dastan also. Ordering a drink like Nyx's Nerwen smiles gently. Denarii was sorry that she did not get to say goodbye. Nodding at the ranger, she said. I believe we met at the Dragon-knight barracks in Drakencourt, but were not introduced, standing, as it was, on opposite sides. I heard you say your name is William? I am Nerwen.

In the hall earlier.... Nerwen drew a breath as she saw the intricate artistry of the gift. You know that elves are musical creatures, our creators are patrons of all arts, but music is a special favourite. In Dastan I myself gained access to the power to heal many at once through song. It gladdens my heart to know that you are touched by the same love. As the topic of conversation shifted to the events of Dastan, Nerwen took a drink of water and concentrated on De'kra's words. I have noticed the same thing. But my words to you are this, it is to be expected. Look at every quest that heroes have journeyed on, often quests change them, bend them in new ways and draw their attention to new parts of the world. Some quests embitter heroes, making them seek redemption. Others inspire heroes, still others inflame their egos. Quests that involve the Lady do this more than others. Heroes are forced to make difficult choices and are rarely the same after. That, I think is the danger that you identify, the danger of change. But it is a danger that cannot be ran from, try and you will find it before you always. Be wary, but be not afraid. Her story, in the end, is only one part of Heroica's, she is only one theme in the grand symphony. Seeing De'kra's thoughts drift off, Nerwen smiled gently and stepped away, knowing she would see him later. I assume you mean that the gift is and instrument. It's fantastic, just the sort of characterful thing that I intended to enable.

Big thanks to the QMs for Dastan, but especially JimBee! I hadn't really computed that we'd been on the quest since late April! I sometimes felt the middle dragged, but that could be because it was winter here and all of life was dragging... It became apparent after a while you had a different philisophy to the others regarding drops from battles, tending to have less artifacts/weapons and less cosumables (perhaps counterbalancing not burning them either!). I don't know if it's better or worse, just different. I've said before that often Nerwen feels like seperate person that I'm meeting at the same time (or slightly before) everyone else. This quest gave me lots of opportunities, it's gratifying that the effects were appreciated. As for the rest of my team, so much love for them all. I feel like I didn't get to interact with Galen and Cronk as much as the others, conversly having Nyx drop in for the Rito battle was a blast, I think she and Nerwen hit it off quickly. I'm still reading the other quests (man that Arthur guy is a chatterbox!) and it'll be interesting re-reading #29 when done. Thanks again, especially for Denarii (who had fun with Skrall and De'kra!), I hope Nerwen gets to see her again!

Nerwen returns to the hall, even after so long away it seems little has changed. Heroes still chattering and bickering and trading. She stops by the quest board and reads over the open tasks. One more quest and she would have the experience needed to master more of the heroic arts. Nerwen signs up for quest #44. Nerwen signs up for quest #45. Stepping upstairs to the bar area she sees several heroes from Dastan. Spotting De'kra she moves across to him. Sitting close she asks in a low voice, How are you De'kra? The journey home was so busy I feel like we had no time to talk. What did our feathered friend give you? Seemed like a special gift.

Denarii looked at the shapes lazily circling in the sky. Her mouth was open as she stared in wonder, and no small amount of fear. Dragons! When Nerwen stepped beside her to say her good byes, Denarii turned her back on the elf. Snake man was right. He should've died. Now he'll just lurk like a rock-fox on the edge of camp, snatching at eggs. Nerwen bowed her head. I am sorry. I am not from this land. We were asked to choose and I had to choose out of who I am. It has been an honour and privilege fighting beside you. If there is anything that I can ever do for you, simply send word. I will stand by you. Denarii, as changeable as the winds she rides, turned and fiercely hugged Nerwen, surprising the usually contained and aloof woman. You brought us out to see the world! And shoot baddies! And collect shineys! (said while opening her bag to show Nerwen some choice glittering objects she had pocketed) And see dragons! Denarii took a shimmering red feather from one of the side pockets and gave it to Nerwen. I saw you summon that bird on the mountain before we came here. This'll help you summon a phoenix if you want to send me a message. Fly true, elf-lady. Nerwen couldn't suppress a smile as she accepted the gift, and the words. Denarii bounced over to Xander, punching him in the arm before reaching De'kra. Crouching down so her face was level with his she said in soft tones. Stay safe hatchling. I know your spirit longs to soar on the wind. One day it will, don't be afraid of the first leap. With that said she handed De'kra a small object, carefully covering it so that none but her and he saw what it was. Stepping back, she ran toward Flavius, wings spreading as she went, he leapt to her as she cleared the ground and they began spiraling into the air overhead. Nerwen stood, arm raised. Good bye she breathed quietly. Turning to Nikolai she accepted the 200 coin pouch. Reaching into the satchel, she pulled out Emeraldo's crown. I suspect that if you crown a new Emperor he'll want a new crown, that everything associated with Emeraldo will, in time, be erased. So unless you object, I will keep this. Nodding at Sarick. I am ready to leave.