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

[Endgame]

"If Vindsval can make his poison even deadlier for one battle, more power to him. If he wishes to exhange, so be it."

I watch as the dwarf erupts in rage, shaking my head. I feared that the shadow would be incorporeal, unkillable, but if the Holy Bomb did something...

[Asphalt]

Kneeling next to the Countess, Vindsval can tell that the Countess is still alive, but is merely unconscious.

"She is. . . . "alive" Sorrow."

Vindsval's face twists slightly as he struggles to find the correct word for the countess' condition. He sees Throlar ready an explosive and notices that he is between the dwarf and his target, as well as the UNDEAD countess. He Throws his body over the inert woman, hopefully it will be enough to shield her from further harm. Their chances of leaving this city in tact would drop drastically if they were seen as those who destroyed it's ruler.

[Endgame]

I try healing the Countess with a Phoenix Essence.

"Work... She's an innocent, Helvetia, she hardly deserves to die again..."

[Asphalt]

His eyes fly wide as the giant remembers using a phoenix essence to DESTROY an undead knight on his first visit to Tridentia.

I hope you know what you are doing Necromancer.

[Kintobor]

I saw not one who fled, I saw a Priestess, drawn from her God by wishes twisted by false promises. But it was she who engaged us, It was she who forced us to destroy her. But it was your doing that she was drawn to that Path. I feel no pride in her death, only sorrow that one who wished only prosperity for her people was pulled from her calling and abandoned her Charge. If it is within my power you will face judgment for that corruption.

"Enough of this "path" nonsense, Vindy. She agreed with my opinions. I did no such coercing, unlike what I had to do to poor little Lyudmila. That I will take responsibility for, if only to help her people. You take me as a monster Vind, when in reality I am actually a liberator. Kind of like how Tarokai's viewed depending on who you ask."

"Look who's talking. Do you realize how many people you've tried to slaughter? Who you're going to try and slaughter? That's all your plans to turn Eubric into a Necropolis end up being, in the end,"

"I don't see it as such, Althior, and I'm surprised you don't agree with me. Us undead are prosecuted as being unholy abominations by those who do not understand us. This will finally give the undead not only a place to live, but quell the tide of both flagrant racism in Eubric. Please tell me that the classist elite have covered the curtains over your eyes?"

"I will not be judged by someone planning to massacre another city. You would of killed us either way. Do not even dare pretend your crusade is righteous.

What's nex on the agenda, Amber? Ready to confront us?"

I look sadly at the beaten Lyudmilla, and run over to check her pulse.

"Pfft. And Heroica's is? What does Heroica stand for but maintaining the status quo? It's called upon by the individuals running an establishment that oppresses the minorities, ones that won't work together because they're minorities. Together as one, Eubric could become a utopia, where the notion of prejudice does not exist.

Oh, no. I'm getting the hell out of here. I suppose I could have a chat in the flesh if you honestly want to have a talk... I feel it'd be a waste of everyone's time, though..."

Lyudmila has no pulse, seeing how she's a vampire, but her vital signs show she is definitely still alive.

At this statement Throlar's eyes flashed with rage, his face reddened, and his countenance took on the oni-like expression it assumed during his fits of extreme anger.

"Oh shut up you arrogant, callous, self-righteous bitch!" he said with almost enough fervor to reanimate the dead, "You are in no position to make moral judgements on anybody! And if you were I wouldn't be in any position to listen to you anyway! I have been in this city for three days and during that entire time I have been swarmed by rodents, bitten, insulted, shot at, been drenched in piss twice in a row, forced to carry out a seemingly endless series of meaningless tasks to gain some abstract 'reputation' with the inhabitants of this city, and attacked by someone I'd hoped would be an ally. I am dirty, filthy, bleeding, my hair is a disaster, and I've only had about two hours of sleep in that entire period. I've had all I can take from this city and I'm certainly in no mood to take any more from you!" As he finished he downed a potion, chased it down with a soma, and flung a holy bomb at the shadow.

Amber's wraith reels back at the sight of the bomb and squeals in pain as it explodes, hissing and growling at Throlar.

"You little SHIT! I've tried my damnedest to maintain my anger over this, but I've had it with you lot! If you honestly wish to see me, go ahead and do so! I leave Fellcrest at Dawn!" Amber's wraith howls and snarls at the party before rearing it's head and making a hasty retreat.

As Amber's precense leaves, Lyudmila begins to stir. Her eyes are bloodshot and her complexion paler than most vampires. She clutches her stomach and pants.

"Ugh... my aching head... where... where am I? I feel like death haft wafthed over me..."

[Asphalt]

And Now Throlar we continue our search. Vindsval growls slightly as he addresses the dwarf and then turns his attention back to the woman before him. He places his hand behind her back and helps her to sit up.

​Not Death my lady, but a young woman named Amber Makepeace. I am Vindsval, called the Half-Born, Walker of the Path, My companions and I were sent here to find her, and later to find you. Are you well? Do you believe you can stand?

He offers her a finger to help her to her feet.

[Endgame]

"Lyudmilla... A villain, Amber Makepeace, forcibly manipulated you. I imagine you were drugged and then possessed by her wraith. I imagine this is a lot to take in."

I offer a gloved hand to Lyudmilla, standing on the side opposite of Vindsval on his own offered hand.

"Let Vindsval and I help you up."

Edited January 26, 2016 by Endgame

[K-Nut]

"Son of a-" Althior groans. As Vindsval and Sorrow help the countess to her feet, he attempts to Track Down Amber's Wraith.

[Duvors]

And Now Throlar we continue our search. Vindsval growls slightly as he addresses the dwarf and then turns his attention back to the woman before him.

"As if, she'll be at the cemetery if I know anything about her, the predictable little b- nevermind."

He looked a lot calmer now, seeming to deflate visibly.

"I'm sorry, that was a stupid thing to do, loosing my temper like that. I really should learn to control myself. It's just that listening to that smug- no, I'd better just stop now."

​Not Death my lady, but a young woman named Amber Makepeace. I am Vindsval, called the Half-Born, Walker of the Path, My companions and I were sent here to find her, and later to find you. Are you well? Do you believe you can stand?

He offers her a finger to help her to her feet.

"Lyudmilla... A villain, Amber Makepeace, forcibly manipulated you. I imagine you were drugged and then possessed by her wraith. I imagine this is a lot to take in."

I offer a gloved hand to Lyudmilla, standing on the side opposite of Vindsval on his own offered hand.

"Let Vindsval and I help you up."

"Here," said Throlar positioning himself by the countess's side, putting a supporting arm under hers, "You can lean on me if you want."

[Kintobor]

"Ugh... no... I'm vine... I can get up on my own." Lyudmila manages to stand up looking wobbly in the knees.

"Lyudmilla... A villain, Amber Makepeace, forcibly manipulated you. I imagine you were drugged and then possessed by her wraith. I imagine this is a lot to take in."

Lyudmila looks sternly at Sorrow as she seemingly searches her own memories to take in her current situation.

"I let my guard down vor one moment and this happens. I can only imagine how long that ignorant cult leader's been having me as her thrall." The countess spits out what appears to be a mixture of blood and a strangely coloured liquid. She notices Silivia among Sorrow's entourage and frowns.

"Son of a-" Althior groans. As Vindsval and Sorrow help the countess to her feet, he attempts to Track Down Amber's Wraith.

The door to the outside is still locked, but Althior can make out that a path that heads east.

A loud and forcible knock emirates from the other side of the front door. A familiar voices booms from the other side.

"Heroicans? Vat are you doing in there? I'm busting this door down on the count of three!"

"That'd... be Zarovitch... either you four bust that door down, or he will."

[Asphalt]

It is good to see you are still with us Countess. Allow me to attend to the Captain.

Vindsval crosses to the door and takes hold of it by its iron grating. He heaves, Putting his full strength and weight behind the action.

Edited January 26, 2016 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

"Silvia, unfortunately, was conspiring against you as well. She was the one that gave you command to try and kill us... I do not know what relationship you had. If you wish for her to be released, just say the word.

It's... Been a long while, Lyudmilla, that you were enthralled. Perhaps a few weeks, I hope."

[Duvors]

A loud and forcible knock emirates from the other side of the front door. A familiar voices booms from the other side.

"Heroicans? Vat are you doing in there? I'm busting this door down on the count of three!"

"That'd... be Zarovitch... either you four bust that door down, or he will."

"I'm sure he will." said Throlar before tuning to the door, "Hello Zarovitch, nice to hear from you, I'm afraid we have no time for niceties. You remember your former employer Amber Makepeace? She's had your current employer under her thrall for some time now. Don't worry, she's back to normal now, but Amber's still at large. Think you can help us track her down? And now I've said that I realize that he might have known that already and have been secretly working with Amber this whole time. Ah well."

[Kintobor]

It is good to see you are still with us Countess. Allow me to attend to the Captain.

Vindsval crosses to the door and takes hold of it by its iron grating. He heaves, Putting his full strength and weight behind the action.

"Yes... beth you do that." Vindsval manages to pry the door clean off it's hinges, leaving Zarovitch and his men looking in awe. Zarovitch shakes his head and moves into the building, observing the mess left behind by the party. He soon notices Lyudmila and moves to her side with a remedy.

"My lady, please, you look ill. Drink thiths."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Silvia, unfortunately, was conspiring against you as well. She was the one that gave you command to try and kill us... I do not know what relationship you had. If you wish for her to be released, just say the word.

It's... Been a long while, Lyudmilla, that you were enthralled. Perhaps a few weeks, I hope."

"No... do with her as you will. Thtill, I would apprecthiate hearing what Thilvia's plan was."

"So, Silvia conspired with Makepeace... that explains some of this. I had my suspicions the Countess was still in town, but the magic surrounding her estate made investigating it impossible. One of my guards is missing, clearly another conspirer with Amber, and they were also the one guarding the entrance to Lyudmila's manor.

She's been missing since shortly after that blasted Decamon tournament where she lost her title. It's been longer than that."

"Hello Zarovitch, nice to hear from you, I'm afraid we have no time for niceties. You remember your former employer Amber Makepeace? She's had your current employer under her thrall for some time now. Don't worry, she's back to normal now, but Amber's still at large. Think you can help us track her down? And now I've said that I realize that he might have known that already and have been secretly working with Amber this whole time. Ah well."

"I'll send my men out to search for her. Immediately. The gates to the city are barred, so there's no escape for her." Zarovitch seemed irritated taking commands from the dwarf, but he stepped outside and immediately began giving commands to his men.

[Asphalt]

I am pleased we could return your countess to you Captain. Vindsval calls after the vampire as he leaves the room.

[K-Nut]

"She's East of here," he says, briefly.

[Duvors]

"She's East of here," he says, briefly.

"Do you think that means I'm right about her being in the cemetery then?"

[Endgame]

"Slivia was conspiring with Makepeace to turn Eubric into a necropolis, and move everyone from Fellcrest there. Would you have any idea where Amber is hiding, beyond just "East"?"

[Kintobor]

"Slivia was conspiring with Makepeace to turn Eubric into a necropolis, and move everyone from Fellcrest there. Would you have any idea where Amber is hiding, beyond just "East"?"

"Ugh, that bivth. I should've suspecthed something was up. The clthosest thing east I can think of is the themetery. Thith town's history is woven in the fleth of the living, and the dead. Beneath this town is a series of tunnels that once served a wizards circle. We had them sealed off ages ago, but it seems like Amber's been working away down there, going through their old tomes. The first residenths of this town were the mages's who turned every living being here undead after a massive spell fallout. Of course, this town's much smaller than Eubric. I don't know how Amber intends to so, but she must have found a way to amplify the spell. I'll join you-" Lyudmila coughs violently, looking ready to topple over. Captain Zarovitch moves to her aide and lies her down.

"Absolutely not. You're staying here under armed supervithion. I'll handle this myself. We can expect resistance. I'll bring my men. Heroicans, you're to go into the underground and find Amber."

I am pleased we could return your countess to you Captain. Vindsval calls after the vampire as he leaves the room.

"The lot of you have done a great service to thith town. I'll have something brought up for you before you leave, but for now, we leave for the cemetery. Come, my men and I will escort you."

Strahd leaves the room as he begins rounding up a posse of his guards. As the heroes leave, Lyudmila coughs, looking them dead in the eyes.

"Give her hell."

The party leaves the estate and follows Strahd and four of his men, Strahd bringing his steed with him. The town is quiet, but a large amount of guards patrol the streets, getting any straggler indoors. The party heads down the back alley and eventually comes in front of the Cemetery. Close by the party can see what appears to be an open grave, although there appears to be no signs of digging.

"My men and I will stand watch. It's almost daybreak. If any of you have any preparing to do, I'd do so now."

[Asphalt]

I hope to meet you again my lady. There are many questions I would ask you, many philosophies I would discuss.

He knuckles his forehead in farewell and follows the captain and his men out of the manor.

He steps off of the portico in the street and winces in pain, holding his hand to his head.

TURN AROUND YOUNGLING. There is something you have missed.

He shakes his head and looks to his companions.

Did any of you hear that?

He turns and looks back at the porch. Tucked to one side of the door is a strange mechanical device. Seemingly a larger version of the arms of the automata he fought beneath the city in days past.

He bends his head closer to the "arm" and sees a short not tucked into a crevice in the metal joint. For Vindsval, Called the Half Born. May it serve you well. Lord Grog the Red.

​It would seem there are those who would see you once again ARMED in my service. Remove your cloak and pick up the gamed portion of the device. Do it quickly, you have far yet to travel on your current path.

Voices in my head, gifts on the doorstep. Strange tiding.

Regardless of the misgivings he feels he removes his glove and cloak, placing them both in his traveling kit. He reaches down and grasps the "shoulder" of the device. It seems it is designed to fit over the steel stub cap fused to his damaged shoulder. He pushes in into place. As he does so the green gems in the armored piece flash brightly and there is a smell of ozone in the air. When Vindsval opens his eyes he sees that the central portion of the armor has fused not only with the plate but with his flesh as well. He looks down at the remaining lower portion of the arm. He picked it up and inserts the top of it into the bottom of the shoulder. There is another flash as the pieces connect.

Now, you are ready.

The light in the gems dim and the faint sounds of metal on metal movement can be heard from inside the device. The giant looks at his new arm in awe. as he flexes its fingers and moves it tentatively.

The wonders of this world never cease to amaze me. I never hoped to once again see two hands before my eyes. This changes many things. But, I will face those decisions later. For now I will use this new power to defeat the Shade.

Vindsval stands before the group, whole once again, if someone more massive.

Vindsval Half-Born (Asphalt)

37 year old, Male, Half Giant,

Level: 29 Witch *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened, Effects* Attacks Are Poisoned by 1, Dual Striking, Takes half Damage from Demon and Dark Type Enemies.

Power: 55 (29+24+1+1)

Power Bonus +2 (2015 Henry Awards)

Defense: 4

Health: 45/45 (9+27+8)

Ether: 33/33 (5+28)

Gold: 348

Equipment:

Bifrost Blades (WP: 12 (24 with arm), Fire, Aquatic, Earth, Ice, Light, Lightning Elemental, dual strike, dagger)

Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity toAsleep,Blinded,Confused, Fragile, and Weakened effects)(lent by Benji)

Lethauros Mail: SP: 4. Prismatic armor bright enough to banish darkness. You can feel the dragon watching you as your continue on your journey, aiding you in your hunt. The wearer takes half damage from Demon and Dark type enemies. Suitable for anyone, bodywear.

Mechanical Arm (Doubles WP for the equipped weapon; wearer cannot become disarmed; suitable for Vindsval only; handwear

Edited February 3, 2016 by Asphalt

[K-Nut]

Althior equips his Lieutenant's Helm in place of his Tin Helmet. He drinks a mead and casts the Scroll of Luck on himself until it is successful.

[Duvors]

Throlar equips his Lion's Plate in place of his Counterstrike Gloves.

[Kintobor]

I'm going to wait for Endgame to post before carrying on. I will note that I have a train show this weekend so I won't be able to post a whole lot then.

[Endgame]

"Vind? Nice arm. You must've been on Father Grogmas's nice list.

Looks like this it it, then... Hopefully Amber isn't hiding herself too well down there."

I down a mead and nostrum.

"Into the breach."

[Asphalt]

It would seem so.

Vindsval looks to the pit and sighs.

Underground Again.

Vindsval Drinks a MEAD and downs a SMELLING SALTS before CASTING POISON on the Bifrost Blades until successful.