CMP

Just imagine those in the hands of a Marauder. Cheapest weapon upgrades ever.

"Got any Everlastin' Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 10 effect), or any kinda Sharpened Fangs? (Causes a weapon to deal the bleeding by 3 effect) Doubt you keep any Level-Up Mushrooms in here. Demon Repellent could also help us out here." "And I s'pose I might not be shufflin' these cards around again, so...may as well trade in this Archangel (Luminous 10) Decamon card. Better not be a trash prize, mate."

"I can just about promise he don't have that, mate."

Miderun repeats. As long as none of us are in danger of being knocked out you could probably auto-roll the rest of these rounds, Asphalt.

"Well, what do ya' have?"

Atramor sat in a corner of the wagon not looking particularly pleased. He'd sailed on the sea. He'd sailed in the sky. He had sailed underground. Sailing in a rickety magical wagon was not something he had ever imagined doing and not something he was enjoying at this very moment. He grumbled as the Shammobile hits a few more rocks on its way. "Ya've done well for yourself ever since our last meetin' in Xu, Sham. Got any Cloaks of the Grand Vizier (SP:1 multiplied by the number of party members; backwear) back there?"

Whoa, this is news to me.

"Sure thing, sir." The ogre and hobgoblin sprung into the action. Daske carefully scooped up Aazy for a moment. "You okay buddy? What the heck just happened??" <"I got kicked off the wall! I'm sorry, Daske..."> "Don't worry about it, just tell me who I need to stab!" <"I-I don't know. I couldn't see him. But when I got knocked down I could see him...a bit...because I...I think his cloak was making him invisible! All in armor, w-with a real mean-looking helmet, and...his head was on fire!!"> "Damn! Did ya see where he went, Aazy?" <"I...think...I think he m-might've....jumped off the wall."> "Into the feast?! That's a hell of a drop!" <"...N-No. Out of the castle. He's gone."> "Ah...yes. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, Lord Boomingham. The Lost Kingdom, you say? I heard that tale more than once when I was a young prince, myself. Strange how some kingdoms can just disappear in the blink of an eye. Yours wasn't the first, or last, I'm afraid, perhaps the king of the lost province Anakreus has also found his way into a...prodigious group like Heroica." "Yes, believe me when I say my presence here is as much a shock to me as it is to anyone else. Just a few short years ago I thought would surely perish in captivity here. I suppose I'm lucky in that regard, orcs are not known for taking prisoners, and it appears as though my captor was the only half-orc of any reputation here. After the Battle of Augustus Bridge, and the following...changes, in my court, talks between my kingdom and the local clan have...well. They exist. No great strides, but I think the slow steps towards better relations are preferable when it comes to dealing with Baltarok. No small number of other kingdoms do not approve of me so much as talking to them. It is their loss I'm afraid, I will not allow the Red Lizards to stay stuck in the past while the orcs of Baltarok build towards their own future," he stated flatly. "It's been more trying that I anticipated trying to negotiate with the other kingdoms for the release of their orcish slaves, but Clan Leader Karstaal has put forth much of his support and money for that venture." "Certainly. It is tradition for the king's guard to be selected from the most promising soldiers that the army recommends. It is not a job they take lightly, and it's certainly not a task for mercenaries or foreign troops. As far as my bringing them here, I simply need to make a better impression than was made on that bridge several years ago. I don't claim to know orcish tradition, but I know enough to see bringing an army of diplomats with me would cause issues. None of the orcs seemed to mind me having my guards with me." "Were this anywhere else in the world, I would have brought my son, Prince David. But I think perhaps that is a wound that still needs healing, for both us and the orcs." "General Mint? You must be mistaken, milady - I served under General Hamilton, best commander the Red Lizards have ever seen. He died trying to keep that hotheaded Boulder prince from killing all the orcs, and in return they-" His face darkened slightly. "...killed him, in this very palace, I think. But I bet you know all about that, miss." "Hm?" Valentino looked sideways at the mural. His expression was unreadable...or perhaps just too complex for her to figure out. "...Perhaps. I was not even present to see that project finished. That feels like a lifetime ago now. Strange to...commemorate that incident, but I suppose it certainly was significant." The old orc seemed distracted, and turned only briefly to Thalion. "Tarvalk. Clan leader of clan Tarokin. You will have to excuse me for just a moment, Dwinlas. There is something I need to discuss with my old friend here." "Oh, I was not leaving, Master Dwinlas. I simply need a moment away from these crowds. This blessing remains taxing on me, and truthfully I was never one for festivities..." The feast rolled on. Many people moved about, some towards the bar. Tra-Serral kept a close eye on all the going-ons there. The Red Lizard soldier, Vendrick, glanced at her, suspicious of the orc, as he had his ice-cold mug refilled with some drink. He surreptitiously left a bag of ostensibly gold on the counter in its place. A few were also privy to more than one conversation going on. "Your highness, I'm not convinced this is a good idea." "The problem, Morkantus?" "Something's off. Perseus is having a rough time with these greenskins. These heroes are asking questions all over the place. Who the hell is that human the orcs have with them? Something is going down and I don't know what it is. It's my recommendation we bail. I don't know what kind of politics these orcs having going for them but I know when I'm looking at a lit powder keg, milord." "Not an option. It is essential that this meeting goes down smoothly. This is the first time in centuries a king has peacefully set foot in Baltarok and that cannot be jeopardized, even in the case something does happen. And quite frankly, I have survived much worse than this." "With all due respect, your majesty, I know we need to put on a good show for the other kingdoms, I know we're being progressive and what have you, but how could that possibly be worth your life?" "Even if your feelings on this are clear, I have no intention on dying here tonight, Morkantus. Even I do, the Red Lizards' legacy will outlive all of us," he explained stiffly. "We were almost poised to be remembered for starting the second Orcish Invasion. For being manipulated. It is taken a great deal of work to reverse those perceptions and I will not throw it away so that we can be remembered as cowards who fled at the first sign of danger. The Red Lizards do not abandon a cause. I appreciate your concern, but sit. We are staying." "...Right. Of course, King Valentino." On the other side of the hall, Thalion and Olmstyr were able to hear one clan leader approach another "Grishnod." "Tarvalk. Should you not be entertaining your guests?" "We must speak." "I've made my opinions on this event clear." "I have heard. Everyone can hear." Tarvalk coughs loudly. "So spit it out, basulsar. It is not like you to avoid confrontation. Or have you grown soft as your clan turns against you?" "You forget you are not the orcish king, Tarvalk. You do not speak for all of us." "No. I speak for every true orc. All who wish to see Baltarok grow and claim its place in the world. You once believed in tradition as much as I. But you have changed...or rather, you have failed to. You always know what is best for your clan, so why, then, do you continue to hold them back? Where is the fire I saw when you came back from the dead to take back Clan Irlaz," he growled. "You were not this petty zerun of an orc. You have grown weak...and I do not know why." Tarvalk's red eyes glared suspiciously into the intimidated Grishnod's. "Find your strength again, lest your daughter come and best it." He turned and stalked off. ---ROUND SIX OF A FEAST TO DIE FOR---

Miderun spins after dealing with the angry cattle and cuts at Scarecrow 1 from the front row.

Just so we're clear, is she speaking to Morkantus (who is sitting) or Vendrick (who is moving)? I had them mixed up for that last round.

Damn it. Again. :laugh: His reply has been edited in. If you guys have any more concerns feel free to voice them in PM, hopefully WBD passed my response onto the rest of you.

"Well? Do we need to track down the little freak or what?"

Miderun repeats.

Atramor glared and shook the bird a little bit, holding it aloft. "Althior, what the hell is this thing sayin'? Ask it what the hell it was doin' with that rat bastard in the top hat, may not be Ulfric's flunkey anymore but it sounds like he still serves that witch...and he might know somethin' 'bout the apprentice." Twitzle the canary poked his tiny head out from under the brim of Atramor's hat to examine the situation and taunt the seagull. "Twit tweet. [TWAITOORRRRR!!!!] "

It looks like Savaage Opress' head, edited to blue.

These are some hardcore hypocrites about to die in Quest 147.

:laugh: :laugh:

Yes.

Captain America! ....The Winter Soldier, which I hadn't seen yet.

Atramor glares as the freakish scarecrow things runs off, but rather than argue with Althior or Hybros what to do about him he instead attempts to grab the seagull.

Skrall checks his Spyglass. The strange device spins and whirls in its brass mechanism. Skrall can barely make heads or tails of what it's doing. Eventually there is a soft blue glow from inside it - there don't appear to be any spies or eavesdroppers in the area surrounding B5 where he is standing. He then approaches the half-orc maid approaching one of the soldiers. "Oh! Greetings, sir ogre." She curtsied slightly before Skrall, impressive considering the tray of dishes she was also holding at the same time. "I'm Trista, I hail from Eubric Freeport; do you know of the city? I was freed a year ago and made my way to Baltarok, and it turns out my maid-ly skills are of more use here than I anticipated! I work for Karstaal now, someone's got to keep this huge castle nice and tidy. I'm delighted to be one of the few serving at this...Zahdarvahl thing. Aazy, meanwhile took it upon himself to slither forward near the archer. However, he didn't get very far; something in W5 appeared to stop him, and Skrall could just barely make out the tiny green dragon being tossed from the wall onto the ground. "Aazy!" <"GAHH!!!"> squeaked the lizard. <"Wh-What the heck just happened-?!"> "We need to get over there Skrall. I need to see if Aazy's okay and see who I'm going to be stabbing later," she snapped, eyes darting over the orcs on the wall. But neither the armored orc nor the archer (who had at this point turned and marched elsewhere) seemed to realize what had happened. "A victory? I don't really see any other way to see it...sure, the orcs took casualties, and we stood on the brink of a great war, but look how mighty Baltarok has become because of it. Perhaps some of the more traditional orcs don't see it that way, but Karstaal, as well as I, have put a great deal of effort into reforming this place. Just look at Imaestym. Both of us nearly died here along with thousands of civilians when Prince Speros of the Four Boulders attacked, and burned the city. Now it's the greatest capital in the country. It's what orcs do best, isn't it? Survive hardship. Become stronger." "I've been in Baltarok for...hm. Nearly four years now? I was recruited by the Crimson Crown not long beforehand and my skills as a diplomat were...recognized, immediately. So I was sent here as an ambassador. We've given Karstaal a great deal of resources. At this point we've poured millions into this. The reconstruction of Imaestym - this entire city - not to mention this castle, and on top of that everything necessary to get this mural put together. Believe me when I say we've put just as much into Baltarok as Heroica." "The Battle of Augustus Bridge was during the winter months about three years ago. Lord Boomingham, you're not the first hero to suspect me of ulterior motives, but I and the rest of the Crown have the best interest of Baltarok in mind." He crossed his arms. "Maybe. I don't know what kind of flowery fools you're used to dealing with in the High Kingdoms, Lord Boomingham." He turned to face the portly vindicator. "Olmstyr kept me appraised about everyone who is coming to Baltarok. I respect that you fought with my ancestors, and there's no need for you to use your association with the Vauno in your favor." He bowed his head slightly. "I appreciate you speaking plainly. Simply realize that I do the same. Grishnod has become agitated as of late and someone needs to keep him in his place so long as we have company in the heart of our great nation. Perhaps I have become frustrated as of late as well." He turned his head, coughing, very roughly for a moment. "Grrph. Apologies. Preparations for this Zardalvohl have been strenuous, at best." "Speaking of Grishnod, it seems my old friend is taking a breather." He leaned back in his seat, watching the clan leader pace around in the corner. "You will have to excuse me. I must have a word with him." The old orc pushed himself out of his chair and walked off. I apologize, I grabbed the wrong avatar. This is what happens when you use such similar figures. I've fixed it now: this is supposed to be Vendrick getting up, not Morkantus. But just so you don't get confused, note that both of them moved at the end of this round as well. "B-whaa?" The serving girl blinks. "I apologize milady, my name is Trista. It's possible you've mistaken me for someone else? It's no trouble, I know how...sometimes difficult it is for those outside of Baltarok to tell us apart..." "What?" asked Vendrick gruffly as he was approached by Nerwen on his way. He adjusted his axe on his belt. "Oh. You. I hail from one of the northern kingdoms. The Storm Drakes. You probably won't have heard of them." "Funny, I was just on my way to get a drink of my own. I'd prefer to be alone for a bit though, if you don't mind. Few too many strangers around for my tastes." Thalion picks up one of very very few glasses on the table - most cups were wooden mugs. He lets it shatter on the ground, and eyes the crowd around for any sort of reaction. Nulkanvy sits bolt upright, and turns, startled by the sudden sound. Grishnod nearly jumps from where he's standing a short distance away and whirls around. If anyone else noticed, they sure don't show it, as most of the noise is drowned out by the rest of the sounds at the feast. "...Did you hear-...oh, nevermind. My nerves are getting to me." He sighs. "Excuse me for a bit Master Dwinlas, I must clear my head." A few of the guests move about. Vendrick moves straight past Nerwen to the bar. Thalion can hear Tarvalk moving up behind him by Grishnod. Karstaal, beside Tra-Serral, grabs a tankard off the bar and sips it quietly. Trista the serving girl, behind Skrall, leans in towards Artorias the soldier. "Excuse me sir. King Valentino mentioned his soldiers may be thirsty from your trip, I was wondering if-" "Oh, thank Ennoc. Yes, I'll take one of these...big orcish tankards of whatever you have." He shook his head. "It's been a long night...." ---ROUND FIVE OF A FEAST TO DIE FOR---

Miderun repeats her strike.

"Nearly brought my Phoenix before ya' mentioned bein' the Aquatic Champion," Atramor chuckled. "That was a hell of a game, mate. Been too long since a good round of Decamon. Ya' know Boomin'ham? He's an old friend of mine - both went on our first quest together. I'll tell ya' said so-...hang on, ya' met him at a party?" he shook his head. "Why the hell don't I ever get to go anywhere nice? Only theater I went to was filled with undead rats..." Atramor shuffled the Hydra, Tygurah, and Archangel into his deck, and followed Hybros and Mumbasa. "Aye? Well, I'll buy ya' a night with one, mate." The rogue nodded at the imp. "Can't imagine there are many lady imps where ya' come from."

I felt like I was forgetting something. "I cannot imagine why they would leave any clan leader alive. If one of them is an assassin successfully disguised..." she paused. "Then they will pay for it. In blood. All of it." "As far as swapping one of them out, it would take a tremendous amount of effort and planning, especially considering the Vauno have doubled their guard since we uncovered this plot a year ago. I still would not rule it out. We simply don't know the extent of their task, but I can tell you I killed all of their contacts, and that it was no small number. They were prepared. To the point of successfully taking the place of a clan leader? Possibly." "We are not the High Kingdoms," replied Tra-Serral coldly, insulted. "We do not hide ambitions or carry secret agendas, knife always ready to stab an ally in the back. Political squabbling is the place of nobles and kings, not clan leaders. If Grishnod, or any other clan leader for that matter, had this significant of a problem, there might be a Mezdalgaushrahk, a test of arms under the eyes of Tarok. That has not happened in decades, save once, and this is not how it works. If it came to blows it would not be hidden like this." "Yes. Tarvalk is my father." She halted to consider Boomingham's question. "What answer do you expect from this? We cannot rule anyone out. If that means I must cut the throat of one wearing the face of my father then so be it. I am not trained to recognize...I do not think we can risk ruling him out."

"Sure is a life I miss sometimes. Everythin' seems a little easier when you've got the ocean under ya'. Or the sky. Gotta say I miss that Destiny's Bounty Legonardo's got floatin' 'round somewhere." Atramor stares at the archangel briefly, before, with a smirk, he lays down one of his most prized cards as well: the great Treant (Plant 9), who has, very literally, stood at his side in countless battles. "I think that should do the trick." I thought for sure I had just blown another chance at a 10 card but I forgot Plant trumps Luminous somehow. "Heh. Maybe I'll get back to it someday, but I'm a card player, not a paladin. "