The Legonater

Rane glances back down the street. Should have given the damn potion to Hoke. He gives a nod, hoping someone is watching. Alright, I understand. Thank you for the help, these should at least bolster our forces. Hey, assuming everything goes alright down town, where were those other groups at, do you know? I could hit one of those locations next.

Excellent, we can split our forces, keep the four men here, and send the rest to kill those Heroes. Oh, you meant- surely the trouble you have locked in here is nothing compared to what's going on down town. You've heard what those so-called 'heroes' can do. Besides, keeping something in is a much easier task. The heroes are liable to break our lines and make a mess of the city, we need numbers down there. Look, if it's such a concern, I'll stay here with your men. I won't bother listing my service record, just know that I have the experience. If anything comes through these doors, we will handle it. Yes, orders, but we must distribute ourselves in the best way, no? This is an emergency situation, after all.

Dyric Rone takes awkward steps as he attempts to get used to his new form. He mumbled a few words to himself while still at a distance, trying to become accustomed to his voice. Which each step, he grew more confident. Seeing the guard approach, Rone did his best to square his shoulders and look professional. I wish. I take it you haven't heard the call, then? Emergency situation in the Dragon House, Heroes. Dyric throws as much disdain as he can into the word. It's all hands on deck, rumour is they may have even killed a Founder! Unholy scumbags. I was positioned up by the Treasury when I received marching orders. 'Hel,' I thought, 'we're on the other blooming side of the city!' But, orders are orders, and this is a code red.

A shame we have to use this so soon. Rone takes a deep breath, looking into the vial one last time. Wish me luck, boys. Throwing caution to the wind, the assassin chugs the vial, trying to keep his thoughts focused on looking soldierly.

Rone surveys the group and turns to Atramor. Do we go loud, or quiet? If we want I could probably pick them off from this range... but then again, I could probably make good use of this. The assassin pulls the faerie dust from his pack, turning the vial around in his hand.

As good a reason as any. Glad to still have you on board, Bellanotte. Time's running short, Hoke. Best remedy that dragon quick if we want to make it in and out of the Embassy without additional trouble. Let's ride.

Rone found himself nodding to the sentiments. It certainly felt like the end of the line. He turned to Bellanotte, quiet as always at the back. What about you, madame? This is hardly your fight. I mean, sure, your fighting for your family. And we're fighting for Eubric. But asides from the fundamentals, this whole mess about Heroes and Founders... does it mean anything to you? You certainly seem to be sacrificing a lot for a cause that is only tangentially your own.

I still want to hit the Embassy and see if we can rescue those troops, but other than that, I agree. I think we have a sizable piece of this puzzle, but we'll need everyone working together if we want to get a greater sense of what's going on.

Ah. Uh-huh. Heh... yeah. So when you said the original stuff doesn't occur on this plane, they... what? Get it from a faerie realm or something? Are you suggesting we track down the Fey One?

Dyric examines the substance, then pockets it. Do you know exactly how you would manufacture it? What you would need?

Dyric leans back, taking in the information. I still don't get the why. What's the motive? I suppose it could be the same as these fakers, but... haven't the heroes helped them in the past? Besides, they've been content to lay low until now. That said, it's worth investigating. It's the only good lead we really have. A shame we didn't have this when talking to the Golden Dragon.

Can you give us any more than that? What could be done with a dust like this? Could you, say, create golem, or homunculus, or something of the like?

Dyric Rone, doctor, the assassin says in introduction. Atramor, you're in charge, show him what we got.

Rone mutely listens to his old friend's farewell. At its end he pauses, and gives a solemn nod. We all do what we must, I suppose. I'll miss having you out on the field with us. I won't deny that. Keep your family safe, Arthur, and when the moment comes - be ready. Until next time.

A few years ago, in my last quest, actually - wow - we ran into an Acerpusculum in Duplovia. I didn't realize it then, so I don't know if you do, but they have a sort of... collective sub-conscious, I guess. She said to pass along a message. From Triad. They don't blame you, Atramor. What happened, happened, and at the end of the day the war was won. She, you, everything that happened was all part of that.

Whoa, whoa. I don't know what you're talking about. I, uh, I was on the other side of the cave, firing bolts into the fake Doomsayer. You picked her up. You go be a hero, hero boy. Rone notices Hoke pulled aside in conversation, and turns to Atramor and Arthur. Hey, Atramor. About that message, this might be as good a time as any.

Fair. You know, if we can't find anything on that vial, I'll take it off your hands. Killing a Founder, however fake, is quite the accomplishment - it would go nicely next to Vonnetate's skull. Suddenly, Dyric straightens, as he remembers the message he had been given. Rone returns the glance, and faces Arthur. Do what you need to, brother. But this is the end of the line. We're putting all cards on the table here. If you want to protect your family, you can do it by fighting with us.

And if we go to the Embassy, you don't want to be there for that? I think Fort Freedom will have to wait, Hoke, until after we stock up our forces. Maybe even unite with the other parties. The way I see it, right now we can hit the embassy or the guild. Are there any preferences? ...We have plenty of people; if need be, we could split up.

And now Pie no longer has the first and last posts of the Hall.

Uh- well done. You have been listening. That was a test. You passed. Congratulations. Fort Freedom should be investigated, but we ought to do it in bigger numbers so, yes, the Embassy before that.

The Guild is a good idea, but I'd like to check out Fort 'Freedom' myself, see if we can bust out Arthur's Skirmishers. Rone turns to the Veteran. Could Lucifuge be behind this? Are there any other threats from your time that would want to see Heroica knocked down?

Dyric was hardly any less in awe than his first meeting with 'the' Golden Dragon, but any giddiness was swallowed by the grave nature of the task before them. Hearing Arthur's speech, the assassin feels compelled to make one of his own. Lady, as has been said, we hate to disturb you, but the circumstances have left us little choice. I am Dyric Rone, and my friends are Atramor, Arthur, Hoke, Matthias, Althior, Chesterine and Bellanotte. Please hear us out, we have come quite far to commune with you. I won't deny that I've had my doubts of Heroica, Madame Dragon. I wondered if we had lost our way, and if these individuals were justified in kicking us out. Until recently, I had felt Heroica may have fallen too far. I fled to the streets, doing as much as I could without the name of Heroica on me. But these past few days have shown me just how much hope Heroica still has. Old Heroes have streamed in, banding together to battle these forces. To preserve the heart of Heroica. Atramor is right, we've saved countries and protected families. Parents have received back the children, peace has been made. All because of Heroica. I am Duplovian, Lady Dragon. I grew up on tales of the Miracleworker. I refuse to let someone traipse around with his face and tarnish his name and the organization he created. Help us take Heroica back, and reform it to what it should be. Heroica needs leadership, yes, but leaders like us who believe in the message of Heroica. Help us take it back from these doppelgängers. If you know anything that could help, please tell us.

Rone picks up his equipment, giving a brief grimace to the powder laying where the 'Doomsayer' stood. Dyric heard the gnome's stuttering as he passed by, and clapped the younger man on the shoulder, leaning in for a whisper. Just you remember who got her up if you're looking for a groomsman or anything. Just as I thought. Get this show on the road. Like Matthias said, get us basic facts, but also- the assassin gives a brief nod to Arthur. -ask her what she knows about Lucifuge making duplicate people out of magic. Meaning what exactly? Are the names supposed to line up? Is he supposed to know how Lucifuge is?

Hel, Dyric mutters, dropping the crossbow. Gazing in awe at Atramor's deed, he readied a potion just in case. Do you want to put Bellanotte before you in the order, Atramor? Just in case?

Rome breaks aim, and leans the crossbow up against his shoulder. We have him dead to rights, now, before he'll have a chance to do anything. I've got a clear shot, and I intend to take this faker's head. Do you have a better plan?