The Legonater

That's a fair notion. We certainly don't have the right to demand anything, but the fact is we are an armed organization equivalent to vigilantism. Heroica needs to be responsible to the city - we should have a seat on the council not for influence but for différance. We need to be responsible to the council just as much as anyone else, if not more. If Heroica is represented on the council, then we can be held accountable. If there's a better, more neutral way to do that, I'm game. Look, I grew up in the Kingdoms too. I've seen what absolute power can do to a person, to a country. I don't think anyone here is dictating anything, rather, we're trying to gather the largest group of representatives possible so that they can do all the governing. I would love to believe that this city could figure out everything without any assistance, but I think the fear is that they'll just fall into the same old factions. Heroica is a powerhouse, and it's naive to think that this Hall can just remain uninvolved. But if we can present enough of the pieces so that those better suited to lead can put them together, I think that's worth doing.

Yay! I'm excited, yours was definitely one of the quests I was looking forward to the most. It'll be a pleasure to hear how you intended to tie all the ends together. As for this quest, I concur. I'll have more comprehensive thoughts as we draw closer to an end, but yeah. This quest definitely feels like Heroica personified, in ways good and ill. A fitting and fun finale, in any case.

Plot twist, one of the Ziegfried's shows up, refusing to allow Matthias out of the Hall. Everyone gears up for the final final boss fight.

Rone can't help but overhear the woes of his old friend. How many times had they fought side-by-side? Does that mean this is the end, Hoke? You're leaving?

I thought Arthur already paid you? In any case, yeah, politics seem to be the talk of the day. Can't have a nice change of order without, well, order afterward. Look, a while ago you told me that you'd rather be rid of the Houses - that's what we're trying to do. No more squabbling, no more power grabs; a fully represented council that aims for Eubric's best. This is a good thing we're setting up here.

That's warranted, sure. But again, I'm neutral. I can't be tied to any house or faction, hel, I'm not even a native. I can't see anywhere else I belong where I can make a difference, so I might as well step forward where I can. Rone can't help but glance towards Matthias. Still, he nods. Three times now, I've been without the protection of the Nornalis. 'Can't say it's hurt too much to be rid of it. I'd suggest keeping it around and activating its ward when the next archdemon swings by, but I can't see a power like that just sitting around untapped without someone abusing it. It's served the Hall, but heroism isn't much of a claim if there's no risk to it. The Founders were able to manipulate it... maybe we should just destroy it altogether. I can speak to that. I fled to Eubric because of corrupt kings, I'd hate to see the Freeport turn into that very same mess. What makes Eubric what it is, is its variety. Any sort of governance would need to reflect that. I mean, if we're taking names, Skrall seems to know what's best for the group.

As a Hall, we have a reputation and a certain freedom of mobility. If we officially ally ourselves politically, if we make Heroica a political movement - that's going to get messy. As messy as it already is being quote-unquote 'mercenaries,' it's far messier to be a government-sanctioned hit squad. I agree with Atramor and Arthur, official politics have only brought the Hall corruption and ruin. Heroes are allowed to ally themselves wherever, but the organization as a whole, and its leadership, should remain neutral. ...Which, brings me to my next point. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but 'might as well make an official statement. I want to run for Veteran, or however we're doing this process. I was never loyal to the Union or the Alliance, not in actuality, anyways. My loyalty has always been to the broader city first and foremost, to maintaining peace. This is the best way I think I can do that. I want Heroica to stand for something again, and... well, I guess I want to stand for something again. I don't know how banal we're going to be about classes - if needed, put me down as rogue, ranger, whatever. I want in.

Rone gave a knowing smile to Whisperer. The kid was starting to learn after all. Dyric follows along with Atramor's list, counting on his fingers. You don't reckon we should get your pal Mynatt on board with this? Any Ji Pei reps? How about, what's their name again, Tritech? Just seems to me like the other established factions will want a say. If you're willing to broaden the invitation, it would probably serve to put Daneeka on the list. Speaking of, where does Heroica itself fit into your plan? We fell apart because of a lack of guidance, a lack of structure. You ask me, we need a new set of Veterans. Are you intending to connect them on the council, or have a Heroican rep?

Rone stumbles to his feet, gratefully accepting Arthur's help. He gives a weary nod to the other heroes, unsure what more to say. Dyric thought for a long time, meditating on the information. I didn't know Torald very well. There's a lot of you I don't know as well as I should. But I know that everyone here should be numbered amongst the bravest Heroes in history. Torald is in that number. I won't pretend to understand all the rules of this book, but if Torald's sacrifice will finally bring us some measure of peace... well, I'm sure he went out knowing he was doing the right thing. He glanced back, eyes resting where the archdemon once stood. It's finished. Rosier is dead. We've done it. Together. A smile rests on his lips. Now, to business. Who has Requiem? I want my bow back.

Seeing the heroes gear up to fight once more, Rone snatches the Mockthril Longbow and fires twice at Rosier from the back row.

Rone grimaces, watching the bolts bounce off the demon. Can't win 'em all, I suppose. Indeed, quite the ace in the hold, Whisperer. Best hold that thing steady, Atramor, can't look like we're bluffing. Though, I gotta say, Atramor, I can't argue with Euflear. Seems to me we've got Rosier on the ropes, and while her head won't make as nice a memento mori as Vonnetatte's, removing it won't be any less satisfying.

Rone watches in a bittersweet silence as the old Duplovian fades away. He wishes he'd had longer to talk to the man, to ask him how much he knew about the old city or the walls... but much like the Miracleworker, that life was lone gone. It was time to look to the present. I can't say I wouldn't prefer to put all six bolts into her at once, but that's a sensible plan. Here we go, Heroes. It's all or nothing. Dyric fires at Rosier (three times) from the back row. He then drinks a potion if he takes damage, otherwise he fires again.

Consider it done, brother. The assassin says with a confident smirk. Dyric fires a series of shots off at Reinvigorating Root C (Reinvigorating Root B, Reflecting Root A), and Reinvigorating Root B (Reinvigorating Root A, Root C Reflecting Root A) from the back row.

Effortlessly, Dyric took out the majority of the doppelgangers. These weren't anyone he knew, he reminded himself. He barely had time to smirk at his strike when orders were shouted his way. Nothing I throw at Guts it going to pierce him, I believe. Elemental immunity is real nice until it gets thrown your way. I should be able to take out Chesterine, though - hope you don't mind, Matthias. Breathing slowly, Rone fires at Chesterine (Kayla, Guts), and Reinvigorating Root A (Remedying Root C, Reinvigorating Root B) from the back.

Rone gives a quiet smirk at Throlar's words before turning to the battle. You're one to talk. Here, I thought archdemons would have better things to do than whine to a bunch of mortals and a gnome. With that, Dyric levels his crossbow at the oncoming specters. He couldn't deny there had been times he'd considered showing up Guts, but this was never quite what he'd had in mind. Here goes nothing, Boss. Long live the king. Dyric is ready to fire, when a glint of mental steals his attention. Cronk stands there, in full armour. His vision clouds in the moment. Cronk, Nyx, Bennaton, Guts - people he'd fought beside, people he'd considered friends- With a shake of his head, he focused himself. These weren't his friends. A few hours ago he had been ready to strike down the Miracleworker for being a mockery, this would be the same. He wasn't fighting his friends, he was fighting for them. He sighted in on Cronk this time. Guts was going to be a trickier target. With efficiency, he fired on Cronk (Kayla, Bennaton) twice from the back row.

Ah, of course. Who's the toughest enemy we could throw into Heroica's final battle? Guts, naturally.

Reminder that Dyric should be hastened and encouraged for this battle. Rone once again balances his pongcanis crossbow on one knee, leveling it at the archdemon. He had no more words or speeches, it was time for action. Time to fight for Eubric. Also, are the Founders still with us?

Dyric Rone watches in horror as his friend plunges the blades into his chest. Was this still part of the dream? How many of these heroes were even real? The dream was quickly becoming a nightmare. Testing Atramor's words, Dyric notches an arrow and fires it through the doorway when it opens, trying not to hit anyone.

Rone blinked in surprise. It had been a time since he had last seen the orc - was it back during the Waltzing Dragon quest? Had it really been that long? He wanted to stay and talk, to catch up... but he would have to do that with the real Cronk. Some other time... Cronk, it's good to see you! The assassin's voice is dry and hollow, but he presses on. Hey, look, stick around and I'll be back in about twenty minutes, okay? I've got an emergency I need to attend to right away. But after that, I'll come find you. Fighting every temptation, Dyric stepped away. He had to be testing this mastermind's patience by now. Once again, he aimed to leave the Hall.

Throlar tries to tell something to Dyric, but at this point, the assassin has already pieced together the picture. Lind, he mutters, a smile at his lips. You genius. Maybe I've misjudged you, too, after all. A miracle. Yes. I was thinking something like that, myself. Something out of my wildest dreams.

...Yes, there is. When you take a significant group of people and plot how you're going to cast your ballots, that's called swinging the election. And that's largely seen as bad. I legitimately don't understand why you don't want to have an open discussion with everyone, no one is keeping you out of their conversations or anything. This should be a publically agreed upon matter, not a secret council. Dyric casts a look to Karie. There was certainly something up. Excellent, Mr. Greely, just leave that with Scheherazade. I'll be seeing you soon, we can chat then. Dyric again attempts to leave the Hall.

Did you hear a word I said? If you want an honest vote, then let the people decide of their own accord and not in secret. Besides, we should have people step forward as candidates first, if this is how you want it. Still, if I wanted to throw off my enemy's plan, keeping them content would be quite a way to do it. Live in a paradise, and all. ...Rone heard the half-demon's words and shuddered. While he and Germ had never quite understood each other, he couldn't deny something felt wrong. But, they had won... right? Everything seemed to be... perfect. Dyric stands up, abruptly. I'm going to the Waltzing Dragon, he announced. If anything goes down, send someone for me. Send Torc, I guess. With that, he leaves the table, aiming to head out the doors .

The Hel? No one's even talking about the election, Lind! You can't seriously pay lip-service to 'not wanting a popularity vote' and then hide off in the back room to discuss how you're going to swing the election. I thought you were better than that. This is an open table, no one has been excluded. If you want a discussion, come and have one. Rone shakes his head, shocked at the Whisperer's flagrant display. Just when he thought they were making headway. At least the knight had finally stopped roping him in with the rest of the Union, maybe that counted for something.

On and on and on it goes... Dyric mutters, almost subconsciously, as he takes in the Hall. Something felt off, but he had just been out for a week. There was probably something in his back. If he just walked around a bit... The assassin stands, but the world goes in a spin and he nearly falls again. One step at a time, Dyric... Looking up, he saw Atramor and Karie at a table, and stumbled over to talk to them. The Veterans seem to remember it well enough. Say, why did we all got knocked into next week, and not them? Some luck. Also, who has Requiem? I'll be wanting her back.

Rone gave a shrug, unable to hide a smile as Pretzel pokes fun. I'm not too proud to admit - I want the position. And I agree, Whisperer, it shouldn't just be a popularity contest - but at the same time, it should go to the people who are actually seeking change. The people who have conviction and will do something. And I swear, if you bring back that whole "I want the job the least, so I deserve it" nonsense... The Hero took a deep breath, a lifetime in the Hall playing out before his eyes. He met the Whisperer's gaze, once again trying to speak out of sympathy. Look, ever since I came here, I've been trying to find peace for this city. I thought maybe we could unite the houses, or maybe Guts could lead us. I was wrong, or I failed. I don't know. But I want this chance, Lind. If this is another opportunity, then I want to take it. I want to restore Heroica to an organization that means something, that stands for something. And I want to restore it to something that can help Eubric rather than hinder it. I can't sit idly by anymore. So, yeah, I want the position. If there's too many Rogues, put me down as a Ranger - I'm more bowman than thief at this point anyways. If it comes down to a vote, then fine. But this is my passion, and that has been my passion for longer than I think I've realized. Give me that chance, Lind.