Heroica RPG- Quest #137: Where the Dead Go to Live

[Endgame]

Finnegan scowls. "And some don't... He's a lot more feeling than you think. He's not like you or me. He's still human; don't forget that. Everyone else already has..."

"Most forget because he buries it. People need to be reminded sometimes."

I raise an eyebrow.

"I'm human too, you know. Past my expiration date, certainly, but human nonetheless."

Edited August 21, 2015 by Endgame

[K-Nut]

"Most forget because he buries it. People need to be reminded sometimes."

Finnegan scoffs. "And why should he remind them? When he does; whenever he goes out of his way to help, what is he met with? Failure and Ridicule. Don't think he doesn't see the way they look at him. The way you look at him."

[Asphalt]

Vindsval listens to his TWO companions have a conversation with a THIRD "person?". He decides not to comment for now, it might not be something to bring up in front of Irisa.

Madam I would consider it an honor to help you with your problem, as you have given me much to ponder.

The witch turns to his hooded companion.

Well Sorrow, it would seem Althior wishes to proceed across town. Will we "peer into the ball" now or will we return later. I feel it would save us time to do it while we are here. And we may gain both knowledge and power to aid us later.

[Duvors]

"Right, thank you for your help. Again, nice to meet you."

He decided that he'd take a look at the blacksmith's wares before heading on to the Last Chance. With this in mind he walked up to the proprietor and said;

"Good day sir, I wondered if I might have a look at what you have for sale?"

[Endgame]

Vindsval listens to his TWO companions have a conversation with a THIRD "person?". He decides not to comment for now, it might not be something to bring up in front of Irisa.

Madam I would consider it an honor to help you with your problem, as you have given me much to ponder.

The witch turns to his hooded companion.

Well Sorrow, it would seem Althior wishes to proceed across town. Will we "peer into the ball" now or will we return later. I feel it would save us time to do it while we are here. And we may gain both knowledge and power to aid us later.

"We're already here, so we might as well do it now..."

[Asphalt]

Then let us prepare for what may follow.

Vindsval places his Bifrost Blades on the table before him. Then drinks 3 Tonics to replenish he ether reserves. That done he attempts to use the Scroll of Poisoning on the Bifrost Blades.

Edited August 21, 2015 by Asphalt

[Kintobor]

Sorry, no update tonight. I'll get one tomorrow though, since there's some things I need to set up.

[Kintobor]

The Manor Gates Party

"Right, thank you for your help. Again, nice to meet you."

He decided that he'd take a look at the blacksmith's wares before heading on to the Last Chance. With this in mind he walked up to the proprietor and said;

"Good day sir, I wondered if I might have a look at what you have for sale?"

The man takes one look at Throlar before turning back to his work.

"Sorry, I don't think you can afford anything I have for sale. Have a good day, sir."

Purchasing and Upgrading Weapons at Olif's Smithy takes 5 Reputaion

---

The East Gates Party

"We're already here, so we might as well do it now..."

Then let us prepare for what may follow.

Vindsval places his Bifrost Blades on the table before him. Then drinks 3 Tonics to replenish he ether reserves. That done he attempts to use the Scroll of Poisoning on the Bifrost Blades.

As Althior heads out for the Last Chance, Sorrow and Vindsval prepare for Irisa's offer. (Scroll of Poisoning- Roll of 1. Success! -5 ether)

"Now then, using the crystal ball, I'm going to peer into your pasts. The crystal ball will either show me scenes that are true, or have added fabrications. I need you to tell me what has been fabricated in an attempt to draw out whatever is manifesting in this orb. Shall we begin?"

---

The Last Chance Party

Althior returns to the Last Chance, a familiar face lingering outside. He seemed to look into the store on occasion before continuing his loitering. It looked as if the shop was still open if Althior was interested in shopping.

Journal

Location: Last Chance Convenience and Goods

Current Time: Afternoon

Day: Two

Reputation: 3

Side Quests:

In Progress:

Side Quest: My Fair Countess

Quest Giver: Captain von Zarovitch

Assignment: "Countess Lyudmila hasn't been seen in months. She hasn't been seen around the town. Where could she be?..."

Reward: ???

Side Quest: Sorry, Out of Order

Quest Giver: Schmidt, Outside Lyudmila's Manor

Description: "The Decamon Dispenser that was here has gone missing. It was in desperate need of repairs, and I'm worried it's been stolen. Can you help find it for me? It looks like a pirate."

Reward: ???

Side Quest : I Want To Be The Very Best

Quest Giver: Emmur and Chestnut, The North Gates

Description: "We came all the way here to fight a Decamon Champion but she's apparently nowhere to be found. We both just want one Decamon fight with a bonafide champion, and don't mind winning or losing!"

Reward: ???

Side Quest: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Quest Giver: Stine, owner of the Creaking Coffin Saloon, North Gates.

Assignment: "Three of my Patrons, Wighty, Carlos, and Frey are behind on their tabs. Find them, and get them to pay up. I don't care how you do it, neither."

Reward: "I'll give you a 25% discount on all drinks. I'm also willing to tell you anything you want about the town."

Side Quest: Cloudy with a Chance of Bloody Dismemberment

Quest Giver: Irisa, at the Front Gates

Description: "I think somethings buggered with my Crystal Ball. How do you heroes feel about going inside and taking a look?"

Reward: "I'll give you one of my scrolls to keep. Your choice."

Completed:

Side Quest: Who You Gonna Call?

Quest Giver: Derelict, outside of the Ratty House

Assignment: "I could've asked you to help us get those rodents out of that building... but it seems you've already done it for me! Thanks!"

Reward: "I'll make sure people in town hear that you helped me out!"

Side Quest: Dead Like You

Quest Giver: Daine, Outside the Back Alley in the Residential District

Description: "I'm dying of Ether Overdose, but I'm cool with that because I get to become a sentient undead if all goes according to plan. Find someone who can turn me!"

Reward: "I'll give you three Geodes I found getting here. I don't know what's in them, but if you take them to a smith, you can find out."

Side Quest: Sniping's A Good Job, Mate

Quest Giver: Fellcrest Town Watch, Captain von Zarovitch

Description: "Attention Citizens. A mad sniper has been seen stalking the rooftops at night, attacking civilians at random. A reward will be delivered to anyone who can bring this man to justice. See a guard for further details."

Reward: "500 gold to split."

Failed:

Side Quest: Deader than Dead

Quest Giver: Milligorian, The South Gates

Description: "I've heard that Diane, a girl who's managed to weasel her way in here, wants to become an undead. I can't allow that, seeing how I need her dead dead. However, she'll recognize me on the spot if I approach her. Kill her, and I'll give you a handsome reward."

Reward: "I'll give you each 200 gold for bringing me her head. And I specifically want her head."

LEGEND:

1: East Gates

2: Temple of Helvetia

3: South Gates

4: Last Chance Convenience and Goods

5: Countess Lyudmila's Manor

6: Residential District

7: Old Ratty House

8: Back Alley

9: Cemetery

MAP NOT TO SCALE

[Asphalt]

Vindsval looks to sorrow and then to Irisa and her orb.

Yes, let us begin.

[K-Nut]

Althior makes his way into the store, clearing his throat to alert the shopkeeper to his presence. "Can you sell me something now or no?"

[Endgame]

"Ready as I'll ever be."

[Duvors]

Throlar, somewhat miffed, makes his way to the Last Chance.

[Asphalt]

Irisa, if there is to be a physical battle, where will it take place?

[Kintobor]

Throlar, somewhat miffed, makes his way to the Last Chance.

Throlar makes his way to the Last Chance, passing through small crowds of undead civilians. As he wanders, the mid-noon sun dips as it sends in the afternoon. Throlar finds that he's not the only hero at the Last Chance, as from outside he can begin to see Althior deal with the Clerk. The rat from before looks to Throlar, nodding his head as he examines the dwarf.

Althior makes his way into the store, clearing his throat to alert the shopkeeper to his presence. "Can you sell me something now or no?"

"That depends." The clerk replies in her familiar bored voice. "What can I get for you?"

The Last Chance Convenience and Goods

Ether Fountain (When thrown, restores 10 ether to all members of one side of combat.) Costs 40 gold.

Party Bomb (Deals 20 damage to all enemies, as well as having a 1/3 chance of stunning every enemy individually. Also spreads confetti and streamers about.) Costs 65 Gold.

Tonic (Restores 5 ether to the target.) Costs 15 gold.

Grand Tonic (Restores 15 ether to the target.) Costs 30 gold.

Remedy (Removes all negative effects from the target.) Costs 10 gold.

Neutralizer (Removes all temporary effects from all allies and all opponents.) Costs 50 gold.

Tiger Balm (Grants immunity to all effects - positive and negative - for one battle.) Costs 100 gold.

Phoenix Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle.) Costs 50 gold.

Venom (Use on a weapon to make it cause the poisoned by 1-effect on any enemy it hits for the duration of one battle, making the poisoned enemy lose 1 health each turn. Several venoms can be used to increase the effect.) Costs 5 gold.

Deadly Venom (Use on a weapon to make it cause the poisoned by 10-effect on any enemy it hits for the duration of one battle, making the poisoned enemy lose 10 health each turn. Several venoms can be used to increase the effect.) Costs 50 gold.

The East Gates Party

Irisa locks her door as she prepares to use her crystal ball, lighting a few incense candles along the way.

Irisa, if there is to be a physical battle, where will it take place?

"Right here. Don't worry too much. I'll try and confine whatever it is so it doesn't leap away.

Remember, I need you to tell me what is incorrect about what I'm seeing through the crystal ball. It will hopefully help me pinpoint what's inside. Let us begin."

Irisa closes her one eye as she holds out her hands, each on one side of the crystal ball. She seems to mutter incantations under her breath as the foundation of the building rocks and sways slightly, creaking and moaning stirring from the ancient building.

"I see an alley in a large city, behind a place of worship... cradling a brown haired girl and a thuggish looking orc... both are struck down by a figure of authority... both say nothing afterwards, despite momentarily drawing breath... I see you standing over their corpse, Sorrow..."

[Endgame]

I sit down and anxiously rap my fingers on the table, the stool swaying and creaking along with the building. I let Irisa finish...

"It's trying to depict the Foundation Day Ball, behind Wigglepike's theater. When our party struck down Violetta and Donny, only for Patricia to come and deal the killing blow. But it has a lot of things wrong. Violetta had red hair, not brown. Donny wasn't an orc, he was human - although both technically were werewolves. Nevertheless, no orcish blood involved.

And... In their death throes, they weren't silent."

I look gloomily to be once-infected hand, still a few bits of glass poking out.

"Violetta, she said her sister's name as she died. "Karie." And I was only briefly standing over them. I quickly retired to deeper in the alley to vomit.

That should be all the errors corrected." I grimace.

Edited August 24, 2015 by Endgame

[Duvors]

Throlar makes his way to the Last Chance, passing through small crowds of undead civilians. As he wanders, the mid-noon sun dips as it sends in the afternoon. Throlar finds that he's not the only hero at the Last Chance, as from outside he can begin to see Althior deal with the Clerk. The rat from before looks to Throlar, nodding his head as he examines the dwarf.

<Hello there,> said Throlar to the rodent, <How have you been?>

[Asphalt]

Vindsval watches as Sorrow relives the obviously painful experience. Wondering what the ball will choose to show her of his past.

What do you see now Irisa?

[K-Nut]

Althior takes a moment to survey the wares. "I'll be back," he says as he heads outside to talk to the peculiar man. "Are you alright, sir?"

[Kintobor]

The Last Chance Party

Althior takes a moment to survey the wares. "I'll be back," he says as he heads outside to talk to the peculiar man. "Are you alright, sir?"

"Yeah, sure, alright, whatever."

Althior heads out and approaches the peculiar looking man. He swings back towards the prophet, his large, reptilian eyes darting about nervously.

"Um... yes... I'm definitely alright... but also no... for there is something in that store that I want that has no price..." He sighs longingly, but for what, Althior didn't know. Yet.

<Hello there,> said Throlar to the rodent, <How have you been?>

The rat squeaks contently, recognizing Throlar. The rat darts off, but returns shortly afterwards with a shiny gold coin. It holds it up to the dwarf.

The East Gates Party

I sit down and anxiously rap my fingers on the table, the stool swaying and creaking along with the building. I let Irisa finish...

"It's trying to depict the Foundation Day Ball, behind Wigglepike's theater. When our party struck down Violetta and Donny, only for Patricia to come and deal the killing blow. But it has a lot of things wrong. Violetta had red hair, not brown. Donny wasn't an orc, he was human - although both technically were werewolves. Nevertheless, no orcish blood involved.

And... In their death throes, they weren't silent."

I look gloomily to be once-infected hand, still a few bits of glass poking out.

"Violetta, she said her sister's name as she died. "Karie." And I was only briefly standing over them. I quickly retired to deeper in the alley to vomit.

That should be all the errors corrected." I grimace.

"I see... curious... allow me to continue...

I see a ship... sailing across the sea... I see a large, green humanoid, a human, and the rest are half-elves... there's not a woman among you... a see an island, a sight that's familiar to all of you... your attacked by pirates after you land, and your trek inland is peaceful. You find a golden flower, and return to the ship, handing it over to a group of painters..."

[Asphalt]

Vindsval smiles, remembering his return to the island.

Ahh my second journey to Tridentia. As with my companion there is both truth and falsity in your viewing. The large one you see is myself, and there were two half-elves and a single human. But there was also a small orc. Both one of the half-elves and the Orc were women, women most fierce. Also, while it is true that Myself and the Orc, that would be Miderun, were familiar with the island none of the others had been there before. While not a homecoming it was very nice to return to familiar shores, where I was greater as a friend rather than the beast at the door. When we arrived in port we greeted old friends and new faces. We were then attacked by a small group of pirates, whom we dispatched quite quickly. We travelled inland fighting beasts of the forest, both large and small. It was then that we encountered a great scorpion with claws like giant scissor blades. It was this beast that killed the brother of our guide. It guarded the golden flower of your vision. We claimed our prize and returned to port. We then delivered the flower to the artists who commissioned our assistance.

Though that journey was hard fought, it warms his heart to remember it. He still hopes one day to return and see what has become of his young friend.

Your ball sees half truths and some outright lies. Where shall it lead your gaze next?

[Kintobor]

Irisa doesn't say anything for a moment, her hands pulsing in a particular spot, no longer moving around the ball.

"The images are still lingering... either you've forgotten something, or you haven't remedied all the lies. Is something you've said to me not true?"

[Endgame]

"Is for both of us, Irisa, or merely Vindsval?"

Edited August 27, 2015 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

Vindsval raises a hand to his chin and thinks. Trying to determine what she might mean.

Five of us from the hall travelled to Tridentia. Myself, Miderun and orc maiden, Warlen and Annienal Both half elves, Annie also female, and finally Actaeon a human ranger.

Miderun and I had both been to its shores before, but for the others this was their first trip.

Upon arriving we were set upon by raiders, perhaps that is the misconception. Raiders, not pirates.

We were then lead inland in search of a golden flower.

Our trek across the island was full of danger, far from peaceful in either mind or body.

We defeated those creatures which opposed us humanoid, beast, vermin, or monster, and obtained our goal.

WE once again set sail and arrived at the home of a family of sorcerers. They hard charged us to obtain the flower for them, that painters might use it in a mural.

This is a full and true account of that journey. I know nothing more than could be clouding your vision.

Edited August 27, 2015 by Asphalt

[Kintobor]

"Is for both of us, Irisa, or merely Vindsval?"

She points to Vindsval.

"Something's still not right with you're statement. You're most likely not remembering details correctly. The people in your party are particularly are rather fuzzy."

[Asphalt]

This place, it clouds the mind. Vindsval closes his eyes and thinks harder. What was he getting wrong. Annie, it's Annie. She is a pure blood. Yes that is it. There were two women, but only one half elf. Annienal, our knight, was a pure blood elf. She will be most displeased with me when she hears of that mis-step.