Heroica RPG- Quest #117: The Tale of The Caustic Collection

[Kintobor]

"You've got one on you, Eric! Use it on the dwarf, and perhaps we can either buff ourselves or get out of here with a smoke bomb, seeing how he has two!

For a group of so called "heroes" you're not very well prepared."

[Cutcobra]

"You've got one on you, Eric! Use it on the dwarf, and perhaps we can either buff ourselves or get out of here with a smoke bomb, seeing how he has two!

For a group of so called "heroes" you're not very well prepared."

"Says the oh so rich and prepared Paladin, right? I think we could go with the "run the Hel out of here plan", a horse and a dead woman can't have that much loot, right?"

Heckz repeats.

Same BO.

[Duvors]

Throlar did nothing, understandable for someone bleeding from a blow to the temple from a horseshoe.

[Kintobor]

QM Note: You can't flee, seeing as how Throlar is knocked out. Eric will have to use his Phoenix Essence on him. If that's what you guys want to do, I am more than willing to let you guys flee, seeing how this battle's going south for you guys. I'll let you three come to a decision, and I'll run the round accordingly.

[Khorne]

Whoops! I read my inventory over multiple times, but I never saw I have a Phoenix Essence, too. I'll change my action and revive Throlar, so we can get out. The cloak was cool loot, but other than that it's not worth the resources we'd have to spent to deal with these guys.

Eric grunted and looked pitiful at the fallen dwarf. Over the last quests, the Nord had seen the dwarf laying face-down on the floor than he had seen him fight. Reluctantly Eric took out his one Phoenix Essence, remembering how Throlar stabbed the party in the back last time they had stuck out their neck for him.

"Here", the Nord said, "Get up. And you will pay this back, dwarf"

Eric uses a Phoenix Essence on Throlar.

[Cutcobra]

Battle Order:

Eric

Throlar

Rollinger

Heckz

[Duvors]

"Here", the Nord said, "Get up. And you will pay this back, dwarf"

"Oh shut up you, in case you haven't noticed we're fighting for our lives here."

(OOC;I have no preference for running away or staying here, but I'll do whatever I'm told to do.)

[Kintobor]

Battle Order:

Eric revives Throlar

Throlar tosses a Smoke Bomb

"They're luck running out, the party decides it best to flee. Eric begrudgingly revives Throlar, who quickly tosses a Smoke Bomb, leaving the Dullahan and her steed behind, the two confused as the equine kicks the air. The party doesn't stop running for anything, speeding down the road as hastily as they can, not wanting another run in with the headless rider. They run for as long as they can until they can't no longer without a break, panting and wheezing for air. It may not have been the most heroic thing to do, but they were alive, and their package was still safe at least.

The Party Has Fled!

The Party

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 25 Raider *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Protected from Fragile, Weakened and Asleep + Immune to Water and Earth*

Power: 42 (25+15+2)

Defense: 5

Health: 23/43 (8+24+7+4)

Gold: 1041

Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; Ice-, Lightning-, Darkness-elemental; greatsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from Fragile), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to Water, Earth and Asleep)

Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, causes Blinded; longsword, Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Garnet (Earth), 6 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 6 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) *Party Leader*

32 year old male human Sorcerer

Level: 23 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Jinxed Spells*

Power Bonus: 10 (Spells)

Defense: 3

Health: 31/31

Ether: 27/34

Gold: 669

Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, Darkness elemental Scythe, 1/2 chance of dealing the Sealed Effect), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory)

Inventory: 2x Skeleton Decoy, 2x Deadly Venom, Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Lovelorn Wand (WP:6, deals enamored-effect), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Wyrd Shield (SP:4, prevents ether reduction; suitable to mystic knights and paladins), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear),Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5; handwear), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, Soma, 3x Mead, 3x Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Wicked Perfume (Makes all male humanoid enemies enamored to the user, but makes all female humanoid enemies encouraged; consumable), Blue Jelly, 7 Bones

Throlar Wineghilm

135 year old male Dwarven Knight. *immune to ice and weakened* *avoids free hits from flying enemies*

Level, 12

Power, 25 (12+12+1)

Defense, 6 (5+1)

Health, 26/26 (10+11+5)

Gold, 0

Equipped; Elven Sword (WP 5, longsword), Poncanis Shield (SP 5, ice elemental),, Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1, Immune to weakened, suitable for knights and barbarians, bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit they counter with strength equal to their level, handwear)

Inventory;

Weapons; Mace and Chain (Mace, WP 3), Mopagsabre (WP 12, ice elemental longsword)

Shields; Elven Shield (SP 5, All elves in the party gain an equal amount of SP so long as the wielder is standing.).

Artifacts; Crow Helmet (SP 1, flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer, suitable for Knights and Dragoons, headwear).

Consumables; Potion x3, Remedy x3, Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value.), Bone, Holy Bomb, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Ice Bomb, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Deadly Venom, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Nostrum.

Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass.

Treasures; None.

Decamon Deck, x2 Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1) Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1).

Paladin Dameon Rollinger *Immune to Light elemental attacks* *Takes Suggestions for his attack*

Level 18 Paladin

HP: 30/38 (10+11+17)

Ether: 18/19 (17+2)

SP: 5

Gold: 175

Equipment: Rollinger's Paladin Armour (SP: +4, Max Ether: +2, Suitable for Rollinger, body wear), Holy Symbol (Protects from Light based elemental attacks, accessory, suitable for Rollinger) Silver Greatsword (WP: 8, damages undead, suitable for Rollinger), Round Shield (SP: +3)

Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead, Sack (Quest Item)

Rollinger pants heavily, having had to keep up with the bulk of his armour weighing him down.

"Frig. T-that was close. Is everyone alright? I... I think we lost her... or it... or w-whatever the hell that thing was!"

Looking around, the party could make out a worn wooden sign next to the road and lights through the thick fog.

[Khorne]

"Well that was a lousy performance. Let's not talk about it again." Eric said as he scratched his head. He narrowed his eyes to take a look at the sign in the fog, but he still couldn't make out what it read, so he went closer to investigate.

[Cutcobra]

"No more headleass women for me please."

Heckz seemed to have broken a nail while running away, that made him quite sad.

"Now, Eric, you can go to investigate before us just in case we encounter more spirits of something, we'll be right behind you eventhoughI'mstilltheleaderdon'teverforget."

He quickly finished the sentence and motioned to the part to keep going.

[Kintobor]

"Well that was a lousy performance. Let's not talk about it again." Eric said as he scratched his head. He narrowed his eyes to take a look at the sign in the fog, but he still couldn't make out what it read, so he went closer to investigate.

Eric went closer to the sign to try and make out it's lettering. The words Bric'lin Trading Post sit proudly in the fog.

"Thank the gods."

QM Note: More substantial update coming tomorrow. I've got some sets to put together.

[Duvors]

"Ah! Bric'lin, I wonder if the inn has any decent food."

"On another note, are we quite certain that Eric isn't in charge? Because it seems that way to me at the moment."

[Cutcobra]

"Ah! Bric'lin, I wonder if the inn has any decent food."

"On another note, are we quite certain that Eric isn't in charge? Because it seems that way to me at the moment."

"Are you empty in your head aswell as your stomach, dwarf? I'm the leader here, don't ever doubt it unless you don't want loot."

After the threat, Heckz kept going to the Trading Post among the others.

[Khorne]

"On another note, are we quite certain that Eric isn't in charge? Because it seems that way to me at the moment."

"The Sorceror is still in charge, but perhaps you missed that part when you lay knocked out on the floor again. Don't worry, little one. It's all going to be fine."

Eric nodded and smirked. "See, you heard him. He's the 'leader' of this merry band." The Nord made sure to use air quotes when saying 'leader', just to spite both Heckz and Throlar in a childish way.

Edited November 5, 2014 by Khorne

[Kintobor]

"You three sound like a bunch of bickering old crones. Let's get off the damn road and into the bloody inn."

Not wanting to risk any more time on the road, the party quickly makes it into Bric'lin. The town is dead quiet with the exception of the din emitting from the large building, the inn's warm lights breaking through the fog outside. Opening the door the party is greeted by a packed building filled with offbeat looking patrons and boisterous laughter and talking. The sound of

competes with the patrons to be heard amongst their discussions and boozing. A roaring fire crackles and sizzles in the rooms centre, a few coats and cloaks resting near it's fiery embrace.

"Oi! Don't stand in the bloody doorway, especially at this hour! Your letting the cold in!" The man behind the counter shouts irritably at the party.

[Duvors]

"Are you empty in your head aswell as your stomach, dwarf? I'm the leader here, don't ever doubt it unless you don't want loot."

"No more than you are, Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit but it still exercises my brain well, and maybe your's too."

"The Sorceror is still in charge, but perhaps you missed that part when you lay knocked out on the floor again. Don't worry, little one. It's all going to be fine."

Eric nodded and smirked. "See, you heard him. He's the 'leader' of this merry band." The Nord made sure to use air quotes when saying 'leader', just to spite both Heckz and Throlar in a childish way.

"Eric, will you please stop acting like a childish fool? It's annoying, and far too remenicient of me."

"You three sound like a bunch of bickering old crones. Let's get off the damn road and into the bloody inn."

"Since when did crones go on "important" adventures upon which rested the fate of the world? I admit we don't do it very often ourselves but still..."

"Oi! Don't stand in the bloody doorway, especially at this hour! Your letting the cold in!" The man behind the counter shouts irritably at the party.

"Thank you, sir, for such a charming welcome."

Throlar bowed low.

"Well lads," he said, speaking to the party, "shall we take our seats?"

[Khorne]

The Nord simply ignored Throlar's comment. The dwarf was taking all the fun out of it. Instead, he went to the bar.

"What do you serve here?"

[Kintobor]

"Since when did crones go on "important" adventures upon which rested the fate of the world? I admit we don't do it very often ourselves but still..."

"Thank you, sir, for such a charming welcome."

Throlar bowed low.

"Well lads," he said, speaking to the party, "shall we take our seats?"

"Exactly my point." Rollinger replies to Throlar, tapping his nose as if he knew something. He makes his way to the counter.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize the king o' Uland had arrived. My apologies, sir." He replies cockily, but not before his face swells in anger again, "Now get in or get the hell out!" He hollered at the dwarf, pointing his finger in the direction of the door before returning to his work.

The Nord simply ignored Throlar's comment. The dwarf was taking all the fun out of it. Instead, he went to the bar.

"What do you serve here?"

"What are ya looking for, sir?"

-Bric'lin Inn Liquor Cabinet-

(As an added rule, all purchases are consumed immediately.)

-Mead (Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle.) Costs 17 gold.

- Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 47 gold.

- Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 57 gold.

- Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 24 gold.

-Water -Refreshing and clean. Also diminishes the possibility of dehydration. On the house.

"As well, we're serving roast pork tonight with a side of potatoes, cheese and bread. If you want that, it'll be 7 gold. The Common Room's full up for the night, however, I've got four rooms left upstairs. They'll cost you 20 gold each, unless you want to sleep outside."

Rollinger pulls out his coin pouch and neatly counts the twenty gold pieces onto the counter for his room.

"I'll also take whatever your serving tonight, as well." He says, placing seven more gold pieces onto the counter. The inn keeper slides the gold over the counter and into his hand, shoving them into his pocket. He then hands the paladin a room key. Rollinger takes his seat while the inn keep nudges the young woman over to the paladin, talking in a hushed voice to her.

The Party

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 25 Raider *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Protected from Fragile, Weakened and Asleep + Immune to Water and Earth*

Power: 42 (25+15+2)

Defense: 5

Health: 23/43 (8+24+7+4)

Gold: 1041

Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; Ice-, Lightning-, Darkness-elemental; greatsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from Fragile), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to Water, Earth and Asleep)

Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, causes Blinded; longsword, Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Garnet (Earth), 6 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 6 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) *Party Leader*

32 year old male human Sorcerer

Level: 23 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Jinxed Spells*

Power Bonus: 10 (Spells)

Defense: 3

Health: 31/31

Ether: 27/34

Gold: 669

Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, Darkness elemental Scythe, 1/2 chance of dealing the Sealed Effect), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory)

Inventory: 2x Skeleton Decoy, 2x Deadly Venom, Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Lovelorn Wand (WP:6, deals enamored-effect), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Wyrd Shield (SP:4, prevents ether reduction; suitable to mystic knights and paladins), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear),Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5; handwear), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, Soma, 3x Mead, 3x Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Wicked Perfume (Makes all male humanoid enemies enamored to the user, but makes all female humanoid enemies encouraged; consumable), Blue Jelly, 7 Bones

Throlar Wineghilm

135 year old male Dwarven Knight. *immune to ice and weakened* *avoids free hits from flying enemies*

Level, 12

Power, 25 (12+12+1)

Defense, 6 (5+1)

Health, 26/26 (10+11+5)

Gold, 0

Equipped; Elven Sword (WP 5, longsword), Poncanis Shield (SP 5, ice elemental),, Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1, Immune to weakened, suitable for knights and barbarians, bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit they counter with strength equal to their level, handwear)

Inventory;

Weapons; Mace and Chain (Mace, WP 3), Mopagsabre (WP 12, ice elemental longsword)

Shields; Elven Shield (SP 5, All elves in the party gain an equal amount of SP so long as the wielder is standing.).

Artifacts; Crow Helmet (SP 1, flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer, suitable for Knights and Dragoons, headwear).

Consumables; Potion x3, Remedy x3, Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value.), Bone, Holy Bomb, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Ice Bomb, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Deadly Venom, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Nostrum.

Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass.

Treasures; None.

Decamon Deck, x2 Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1) Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1).

Paladin Dameon Rollinger *Immune to Light elemental attacks* *Takes Suggestions for his attack*

Level 18 Paladin

HP: 38/38 (10+11+17)

Ether: 18/19 (17+2)

SP: 5

Gold: 148

Equipment: Rollinger's Paladin Armour (SP: +4, Max Ether: +2, Suitable for Rollinger, body wear), Holy Symbol (Protects from Light based elemental attacks, accessory, suitable for Rollinger) Silver Greatsword (WP: 8, damages undead, suitable for Rollinger), Round Shield (SP: +3)

Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead, Sack (Quest Item)

QM NOTE: The inn's basically yours to look around. Feel free to talk to people.

[Cutcobra]

"No more than you are, Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit but it still exercises my brain well, and maybe your's too."

"No more than I am?!? Last I saw, I'm the Party Leader, not you. I'm the one who wasn't scared enough to be party leader, not you. So shut up, and stop making this journey more annoying than it is, I already got stung by thousands of mosquitos."

"What are ya looking for, sir?"

-Bric'lin Inn Liquor Cabinet-

(As an added rule, all purchases are consumed immediately.)

-Mead (Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle.) Costs 17 gold.

- Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 47 gold.

- Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 57 gold.

- Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 24 gold.

-Water -Refreshing and clean. Also diminishes the possibility of dehydration. On the house.

"As well, we're serving roast pork tonight with a side of potatoes, cheese and bread. If you want that, it'll be 7 gold. The Common Room's full up for the night, however, I've got four rooms left upstairs. They'll cost you 20 gold each, unless you want to sleep outside."

"One water please. And I'd rather sleep here than sleep with the insects, even though there's not much difference considering the type of people here."

He gave the man 20 gold. Then he moved towards the elven woman's table, glass of water in hand.

"Hello there, this seat taken?"

[Duvors]

"No more than I am?!? Last I saw, I'm the Party Leader, not you. I'm the one who wasn't scared enough to be party leader, not you. So shut up, and stop making this journey more annoying than it is, I already got stung by thousands of mosquitos."

"That is not what I meant, at all."

Throlar, decidedly bored with the entire situation, wondered up to the Naga's table.

"Hello sir, how are you this evening? Well? Ill? Zoned out?"

[Kintobor]

"One water please. And I'd rather sleep here than sleep with the insects, even though there's not much difference considering the type of people here."

He gave the man 20 gold. Then he moved towards the elven woman's table, glass of water in hand.

"Hello there, this seat taken?"

The inn keeper hands Heckz his key and his glass of water after he takes his money, the sorcerer shortly moving to the "elven" woman's table. She eyes him from her meal, looking rather irritated by the sorcerer.

"Give me one reason why I should let you sit down, and I'll consider it."

Throlar, decidedly bored with the entire situation, wondered up to the Naga's table.

"Hello sir, how are you this evening? Well? Ill? Zoned out?"

The naga looks at Throlar suspiciously, not sure what to make of him. He speaks to him in a foreign and curious accent.

"I've just fled my country over fear of being another victim of war. How do you think I feel, dwarf?"

[Duvors]

The naga looks at Throlar suspiciously, not sure what to make of him. He speaks to him in a foreign and curious accent.

"I've just fled my country over fear of being another victim of war. How do you think I feel, dwarf?"

"Miserable?"

[Cutcobra]

The inn keeper hands Heckz his key and his glass of water after he takes his money, the sorcerer shortly moving to the "elven" woman's table. She eyes him from her meal, looking rather irritated by the sorcerer.

"Give me one reason why I should let you sit down, and I'll consider it."

"Because that other table is oh so cold and sad while this table is warmed by your presense."

He joked.

"Because this is the place where I'm farthest away from my idiot companions."

[Kintobor]

"Miserable?"

"I take that as sssarcasssm, dwarf." The naga hisses, looking angered. "Besides, what's it to you how I feel?"

"Because that other table is oh so cold and sad while this table is warmed by your presense."

He joked.

"Because this is the place where I'm farthest away from my idiot companions."

The woman rolls her eyes at Heckz's first comment but gives a low chuckle at his second.

"The dwarf, the nord, and the paladin? A trio with sticks up their megablocks. Never really liked either three of those groups. Why not take a seat, sorcerer? I feel you're familiar somehow? Are you on good terms with the Shadeux?"

[Khorne]

"I'll have a Mead", Eric said and tossed the bartender some coins. Turning around, leaning against the bar with his back towards the bartender, he spoke: "So, quiet night, eh? Not a lot of folk in your otherwise fine establishment."