Heroica RPG - Quest#153: Missing Medusa

[Duvors]

"Stand still and let me hit you you git!"

Throlar repeats.

[StickFig]

Matthias allows the rest of the party to finish off the owner and starts to focus on healing everyone.

Battle Order

> Matthias: Heal v. Soliman

> Darksten

Throlar

Cedric

Soliman: Spear v. Owner

> Parvati: Wait

[Zepher]

Why are we all still taking damage from *Burning -1* if that weather only occurred in Round 7?

Because it was inflicted on you. It's just like poison or bleeding in that it'll deal damage every round. If it had remained hot, you would have lost 2 health the following round, 3 the next, 4 the next, etc. as the burning effect compounded.

Round Twelve Rat's Behind Brawl

>Matthias heals Soliman - Heal (46 Health Restored)

> Darksten v. Owner - Special Damage/Critical Hit (No Effect)

Throlar v. Owner - Shield/Critical Hit (7*2+16+1=31 Damage)

Cedric v. Owner - Critical Hit/Critical Hit (3*2+2=8 Damage)

Soliman v. Owner - Special Damage/Miss (No Effect)

> Parvati: Wait

All Combatants -1 burning

Owner grants Self Nothing

Weather: Sandstorm (Doubles earth elementals, halves electrical elementals. Successful hits deal the blinded effect).

The Enemies

Rat's Behind Owner

Level 14 Humanoid *Hastened* *Encouraged* *Lucky* *Blinded (3 Rounds)* *Inspired* *Burning -1*

Health:

145/244

2/488

Special: This Rounds on Me - Gives every enemy a random effect (encouraged, hastened, lucky, inspired). Used on free hits.

Passive Special: Customer Loyalty - Damage dealt to the Rat's Behind's Owner is first divided by the number of enemies still standing (excluding the Owner).

Drops: 200 Gold

The Party

Matthias

the Carnival Crusader (StickFig)

Level 26⅓ Druid

*⅙ chance of being

Encouraged

at the start of any battle* *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to

Bound

,

Slowed

* *Burning -1*

Power Bonus

: 10

Defense

: 6

Health

: 30/36

Ether

: 25/27

Gold:

102

Abilities

:

Bearer of the Anvil

(Matthias may sacrifice his turn to add his WP or SP to another heroes for the round. He may also improve one weapon at the end of each quest [+1 WP].),

Immortal Waters

(Once per quest, Matthias can heal himself to full health and remove all negative effects during combat. This does not take up an action.)

Equipment

: Ethereal Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:10, also hits enemies listed above and below the target,

Darkness

- and

Lightning

-elemental, deals

Fragile

, user is

Slowed

, hand cannon), Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being

Encouraged

at the start of any battle, headwear), Hunter's Plate (SP:4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) (Dreyrugr), Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from

Bound

and

Slowed

effects, footwear)

Inventory

: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), Toxic Hood (Converts Poisoned-effect to

Blessed

for duration of battle, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from

Bound

and

Slowed

effects, footwear), Ethereal Garnet (

Earth

and

Sealed

), 2x Ethereal Opal (

Ice

and

Fragile

), Ethereal Ruby (

Fire

and

Afraid

), Opal (

Ice

), 2x Adamantite Shard (¼ of a full Adamantite ore, used for adamantizing weapons), 8x Bone (Distracts the target for the duration of 1 round, preventing Free Hits; worth 5 gold in magic shops), Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grand Potion, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, 4x Tonic, Doomsday Bomb (Deals 99 damage, bomb), 2x Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Hero's Cocktail

Quest Items

: Guffington's Seal (Proves the hero is a Friend of Guffington - the hero starts every quest with one Hero's Cocktail ((Makes the hero

Encouraged

,

Hastened

,

Lucky

, and

Inspired

, consumable))

Throlar Wineghilm

137 year old male Dwarven Warden.

*Avoids free hits from

Flying

enemies* *immune to

weakened and free hits

* *Burning -1*

Level

, 16

Power

, 24

(16+7+1).

Defense:

1

(0+1).

Health:

37/38

(33+5).

Gold

, 60.

Equipped

;

Huntsman's Bow

(WP: 7; damages undead; bow),

Shield of Invisibility

(SP: 0; the user is immune to free hits untill they are the last hero standing)

,

,

Crow Helmet

(SP: 1; Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; suitable for Knights and Dragoons; headwear),

Lion's Plate

(Max health +5, Power +1; wearer is immune to

weakened

; suitable for knights and barbarians

; bodywear).

Inventory

;

Weapons;

Elven Sword

(WP: 5, longsword),

Miracle Lance

(A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon; WP: 10; doubled against Ancient enemies; lance),

Fellcrest Hand Axe

(WP: 8; deals

bleeding 5

on successful hits; throwing weapon),

Mopagsaber

(WP: 12;

I

ce

elemental; longsword).

Shields;

Elven Shield

(SP: 5;

Ice

and

Darkness

elemental; all elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing).

Artifacts;

Lethauros Crushers

(While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies; suitable for anyone; footwear),

Amulet of Elven Loyalty

(Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes

encouraged

if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory),

Counterstrike Gloves

(If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear),

Quiver of Homing Arrows

(Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear),

Monkey Armor

(SP:4, immune to

earth

and

bound

; suitable for knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear).

Consumables;

Phoenix Essence,

Soma, Nostrum, x2 Potion, Grand Potion, x3 Remedy,

Hint Coin

(Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value), x2 Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb,

First aid kit

(Restores full health and removes all negative effects From the entire party once used).

Equipment;

Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass.

Treasures;

Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's).

Decamon Deck

,

Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1),

Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6).

Darksten (Comrade Commander)

35 year old male human Assassin *Immune to Poisoned, Bleeding, Cursed, Jinxed and Blinded* *Burning -1*

Level 24

Power Bonus:

0

Health:

20/40

(6 [base health] + 23 [level] + 5 [advanced class] + 1 [drumstick] + 5 [raw meat])

Defense

: 3

Gold:

1962

GP

: 46

Equipment:

Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow)

,

Sand Worm Hide (SP: 2, bodywear),

Safety Blanket (SP:1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tribal Amulet (Wearer is immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors; accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Spider String Bow (WP:

4, darkness-elem

ental bow),

Crossbow (WP:6),

Fang Dagger

(WP:5, deals double damage to beasts; dagger),

Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow)(loaned from Matthias),

Artifacts:

Vampire Cape (Halves damage from undead enemies; backwear)

Spell Items:

N/A

Consumables:

5x Potion, 5x Grand Potion, Health Core, 5x Remedy, Elixir, 2x Phoenix Essence, 5x Mead, Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Aeolus Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Floral Bomb, 4x Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 6x Venom, Deadly Venom, 5x Bone, Gold Ring

(worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver)

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass

Lord Cedric (wiz)

34-year-old Male Human Knight *Burning -1*

Level 2

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 4

Health: 2/11

Gold: 10

Equipment: Assassin's Katana (WP 3 Longsword), Makeshift Shield (SP 2 Shield), Boots (SP 2 Footwear)

Inventory: Potion

Parvati

Level 26 Weather Mage *Immune to Burning, 4 Others*

Health: 33/34 (5+4+25)

Ether: 20/26 (6+5+25)

Equipment: Parvati’s Pouch (Accessory, Grants immunity to first five effects afflicted on Parvati each battle)

Inventory: Tonic x2, Sandstorm Scroll (Replaces “Dry” with “Sandstorm” – Sandstorm doubles earth damage, halves electricity, and deals 1 earth damage to all combatants each round. Grants all combatants the ability to blind on successful hits), Blistering Heat Scroll (Replaces "Hot" with "Blistering Hot", fire-elemental is doubly effective and all combatants gain the -1 burning effect each round), Scroll of Blinding, Begone with the Wind

Gems: Diamond, Ruby, Garnet

Soliman

Level 33 Winged Warrior *Immune to Wind, Fire, Blinded* *Burning -1*

Health: 52/53 (7+14+32)

Equipment: Babeleth Spear (WP: 17, Pierces SP), Babeleth Golden Dagger (Grants Duel-Striking, Handwear) Breathable Darksteel Armor (Immune to Wind, Fire and Blinded, Suitable to Winged Warriors)

Inventory: Elixir x2, Tonic, Greater Potion

Round Thirteen Rat's Behind Brawl

>Matthias heals Cedric - Heal More

>Darksten v. Owner - Aim/Critical Hit (KO)

All Combatants -1 burning

Redeeming himself after a relatively difficult battle for him, Darkstan is finally able to stop the fighting.

The Party

Matthias

the Carnival Crusader (StickFig)

Level 26 2/3 Druid

*⅙ chance of being

Encouraged

at the start of any battle* *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to

Bound

,

Slowed

*

Power Bonus

: 10

Defense

: 6

Health

: 29/36

Ether

: 24/27

Gold:

102

Abilities

:

Bearer of the Anvil

(Matthias may sacrifice his turn to add his WP or SP to another heroes for the round. He may also improve one weapon at the end of each quest [+1 WP].),

Immortal Waters

(Once per quest, Matthias can heal himself to full health and remove all negative effects during combat. This does not take up an action.)

Equipment

: Ethereal Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:10, also hits enemies listed above and below the target,

Darkness

- and

Lightning

-elemental, deals

Fragile

, user is

Slowed

, hand cannon), Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being

Encouraged

at the start of any battle, headwear), Hunter's Plate (SP:4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) (Dreyrugr), Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from

Bound

and

Slowed

effects, footwear)

Inventory

: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), Toxic Hood (Converts Poisoned-effect to

Blessed

for duration of battle, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from

Bound

and

Slowed

effects, footwear), Ethereal Garnet (

Earth

and

Sealed

), 2x Ethereal Opal (

Ice

and

Fragile

), Ethereal Ruby (

Fire

and

Afraid

), Opal (

Ice

), 2x Adamantite Shard (¼ of a full Adamantite ore, used for adamantizing weapons), 8x Bone (Distracts the target for the duration of 1 round, preventing Free Hits; worth 5 gold in magic shops), Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grand Potion, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, 4x Tonic, Doomsday Bomb (Deals 99 damage, bomb), 2x Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Hero's Cocktail

Quest Items

: Guffington's Seal (Proves the hero is a Friend of Guffington - the hero starts every quest with one Hero's Cocktail ((Makes the hero

Encouraged

,

Hastened

,

Lucky

, and

Inspired

, consumable))

Throlar Wineghilm

137 year old male Dwarven Warden.

*Avoids free hits from

Flying

enemies* *immune to

weakened and free hits

*

Level

, 16.5

Power

, 24

(16+7+1).

Defense:

1

(0+1).

Health:

36/38

(33+5).

Gold

, 60.

Equipped

;

Huntsman's Bow

(WP: 7; damages undead; bow),

Shield of Invisibility

(SP: 0; the user is immune to free hits untill they are the last hero standing)

,

,

Crow Helmet

(SP: 1; Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; suitable for Knights and Dragoons; headwear),

Lion's Plate

(Max health +5, Power +1; wearer is immune to

weakened

; suitable for knights and barbarians

; bodywear).

Inventory

;

Weapons;

Elven Sword

(WP: 5, longsword),

Miracle Lance

(A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon; WP: 10; doubled against Ancient enemies; lance),

Fellcrest Hand Axe

(WP: 8; deals

bleeding 5

on successful hits; throwing weapon),

Mopagsaber

(WP: 12;

I

ce

elemental; longsword).

Shields;

Elven Shield

(SP: 5;

Ice

and

Darkness

elemental; all elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing).

Artifacts;

Lethauros Crushers

(While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies; suitable for anyone; footwear),

Amulet of Elven Loyalty

(Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes

encouraged

if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory),

Counterstrike Gloves

(If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear),

Quiver of Homing Arrows

(Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear),

Monkey Armor

(SP:4, immune to

earth

and

bound

; suitable for knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear).

Consumables;

Phoenix Essence,

Soma, Nostrum, x2 Potion, Grand Potion, x3 Remedy,

Hint Coin

(Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value), x2 Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb,

First aid kit

(Restores full health and removes all negative effects From the entire party once used).

Equipment;

Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass.

Treasures;

Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's).

Decamon Deck

,

Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1),

Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6).

Darksten (Comrade Commander)

35 year old male human Assassin *Immune to Poisoned, Bleeding, Cursed, Jinxed and Blinded*

Level 24 1/3

Power Bonus:

0

Health:

19/40

(6 [base health] + 23 [level] + 5 [advanced class] + 1 [drumstick] + 5 [raw meat])

Defense

: 3

Gold:

1962

GP

: 46

Equipment:

Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow)

,

Sand Worm Hide (SP: 2, bodywear),

Safety Blanket (SP:1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tribal Amulet (Wearer is immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors; accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Spider String Bow (WP:

4, darkness-elem

ental bow),

Crossbow (WP:6),

Fang Dagger

(WP:5, deals double damage to beasts; dagger),

Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow)(loaned from Matthias),

Artifacts:

Vampire Cape (Halves damage from undead enemies; backwear)

Spell Items:

N/A

Consumables:

5x Potion, 5x Grand Potion, Health Core, 5x Remedy, Elixir, 2x Phoenix Essence, 5x Mead, Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Aeolus Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Floral Bomb, 4x Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 6x Venom, Deadly Venom, 5x Bone, Gold Ring

(worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver)

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass

Lord Cedric (wiz)

34-year-old Male Human Knight

Level 3

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 4

Health: 12/12

Gold: 10

Equipment: Assassin's Katana (WP 3 Longsword), Makeshift Shield (SP 2 Shield), Boots (SP 2 Footwear)

Inventory: Potion

Parvati

Level 26 1/3 Weather Mage *Immune to Burning, 4 Others*

Health: 33/34 (5+4+25)

Ether: 20/26 (6+5+25)

Equipment: Parvati’s Pouch (Accessory, Grants immunity to first five effects afflicted on Parvati each battle)

Inventory: Tonic x2, Sandstorm Scroll (Replaces “Dry” with “Sandstorm” – Sandstorm doubles earth damage, halves electricity, and deals 1 earth damage to all combatants each round. Grants all combatants the ability to blind on successful hits), Blistering Heat Scroll (Replaces "Hot" with "Blistering Hot", fire-elemental is doubly effective and all combatants gain the -1 burning effect each round), Scroll of Blinding, Begone with the Wind

Gems: Diamond, Ruby, Garnet

Soliman

Level 33.25 Winged Warrior *Immune to Wind, Fire, Blinded*

Health: 53/53 (7+14+32)

Equipment: Babeleth Spear (WP: 17, Pierces SP), Babeleth Golden Dagger (Grants Duel-Striking, Handwear) Breathable Darksteel Armor (Immune to Wind, Fire and Blinded, Suitable to Winged Warriors)

Inventory: Elixir x2, Tonic, Greater Potion

Loot:

x2 Mead

x2 Smelling Salts

x2 Nostrum

x3 Mulled Wine

200 Gold

City Watch Helmet (SP 2, Headwear)

City Watch Halberd (WP: 3)

Chicken Dumstick

The heroes glance around the bar at the groaning bleeding patrons.

"It may be in our best interest to leave," says Solimon curtly. "Where is the man who said he had information on Medusa?"

"Right here," says Everyman, crawling across the floor. "But I'm with you, I think the street is probably the best place to talk."

[wiz]

"I'd like that drumstick, and yes, the street is probably the best place to talk."

[StickFig]

"Right here," says Everyman, crawling across the floor. "But I'm with you, I think the street is probably the best place to talk."

"I'd like that drumstick, and yes, the street is probably the best place to talk."

Matthias gives them both a nod and drags Everyman to a sitting position, being too short to drag the man to his feet. "The street is definitely not a safe place for us now, but neither is this bar. The Watch - if there are any in the Hovels right now - will be here soon, thanks to all the racket, and they won't be happy to see the remains of their chum over there. Let's find somewhere quiet and out of the way to hole up for a bit. Master Soliman, can we get back to the clubhouse quick-like?" As the others help each Everyman up, Matthias forges nurturing ether into each each in turn: Parvati, Darksten, Throlar, and himself. That done, he quickly gathers what useful material he can find on the still forms of their late enemies and hands bits and pieces to the party. "Darksten, hand Lady Parvati that crossbow I gave you earlier - it's better she not be unarmed." Handing Soliman a dented City Watch helm, the gnome remarks, "Need a helmet? It's you or Lady Parvati. This Opal" - Matthias extracts one from a belt pouch - "is for her to use as well. And these aren't for you," he says finally, handing a pile of consumables up to Cedric. "You can eat the drumstick, but the rest of this is meant for you to use on us - it may give you something more worthwhile to do in future battles."

Loot Distribution

Soliman - City Watch Helmet (SP:2, Headwear), 40 gold

Parvati - Opal (loaned from Matthias' inventory), 40 gold

Cedric - Chicken Drumstick, 2x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, 3x Mulled Wine, 40 gold

Throlar - City Watch Halberd (WP: 3, Halberd), 40 gold

Darksten - 40 gold

Edited September 5, 2016 by StickFig

[wiz]

Cedric eats the drumstick.

Edited September 24, 2016 by wiz

[Comrade Commander]

Pausing for just a moment longer Darksten is able to aim the fatal shot, glad it would be the final one so he would be remembered for bringing an end to the fight.

At the request of the shorter companion he passes the loaned crossbow over to their Parvati mumbling under his breath... "Yes, anything not to get another blasted sandstorm in my face"

After pocketing the gold passed him, Darksten quickly rumages around the bar looking to see if there is anything else to supplement his income, be it coin or drink

"If we are going to leave we better travel fast, we already draw stares of the locals and now we have blood covered city watch gear so I doubt we will have many friends..."

Edited September 23, 2016 by Comrade Commander
Format

[Zepher]

Matthias gives them both a nod and drags Everyman to a sitting position, being too short to drag the man to his feet. "The street is definitely not a safe place for us now, but neither is this bar. The Watch - if there are any in the Hovels right now - will be here soon, thanks to all the racket, and they won't be happy to see the remains of their chum over there. Let's find somewhere quiet and out of the way to hole up for a bit. Master Soliman, can we get back to the clubhouse quick-like?" As the others help each Everyman up, Matthias forges nurturing ether into each each in turn: Parvati, Darksten, Throlar, and himself. That done, he quickly gathers what useful material he can find on the still forms of their late enemies and hands bits and pieces to the party. "Darksten, hand Lady Parvati that crossbow I gave you earlier - it's better she not be unarmed." Handing Soliman a dented City Watch helm, the gnome remarks, "Need a helmet? It's you or Lady Parvati. This Opal" - Matthias extracts one from a belt pouch - "is for her to use as well. And these aren't for you," he says finally, handing a pile of consumables up to Cedric. "You can eat the drumstick, but the rest of this is meant for you to use on us - it may give you something more worthwhile to do in future battles."

Loot Distribution

Soliman - City Watch Helmet (SP:2, Headwear), 40 gold

Parvati - Opal (loaned from Matthias' inventory), 40 gold

Cedric - Chicken Drumstick, 2x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, 3x Mulled Wine, 40 gold

Throlar - City Watch Halberd (WP: 3, Halberd), 40 gold

Darksten - 40 gold

Parvati quickly returns the 40 gold to Matthias.

"I grew up without any gold," she says quietly. "I do not need it now. There is nothing that I could want that Zane would not provide." She takes the Opal, however, the nestles it into her turban along with her other gems.

"We should be able to get back swiftly, yes. Cedric or Darkstan and I can support Everyman between us. Let us move."

Pausing for just a moment longer Darksten is able to aim the fatal shot, glad it would be the final one so he would be remembered for bringing an end to the fight.

At the request of the shorter companion he passes the loaned crossbow over to their Parvati mumbling under his breath... "Yes, anything not to get another blasted sandstorm in my face"

After pocketing the gold passed him, Darksten quickly rumages around the bar looking to see if there is anything else to supplement his income, be it coin or drink

"If we are going to leave we better travel fast, we already draw stares of the locals and now we have blood covered city watch gear so I doubt we will have many friends..."

Parvati holds up her stumps apologetically as Darkstan offers her the crossbow.

"I think that would do best in your hands, not mine," she says.

​Rummaging around, Darkstan realizes that most of the patrons are alive and likely to regain consciousness shortly... and it is probably best to beat a quick retreat.

The heroes step outside the bar and are confronted by exactly what Matthias feared: a troop of four city watch. Among them is Bert, who smiles at the heroes, and someone Matthias recognizes as Andrew, who scowls.

"Should have known," he grumbles. "If it's a bar fight, there's gotta be heroes involved. You, gnome, you were with that elf that stabbed me. You want to follow in her footsteps? I hear Serevan made her regret it."

"Shouldn't we let them have their say first, Andrew?"

"Ah, the Watch. That's good. We were the assaulted, not the assaulters. If you'd step inside, you'd see one of your own number. I think you will be able to detect more than enough booze on his breath. I hope he wasn't on the job."

Bert and Andrew share a glance, and Andrew pokes his head inside. He shakes his head in disappointment.

"Donald." He turns to the two remaining guards with him. "Take him home and clean him up, and tell him I'll be chewing the sh*t out of him tomorrow, if he's still alive then." Turning the heroes: "This is the afternoon patrons. You'd be smart not to be here when the evening patrons show up. Think they'll have a bone to pick with you."

"If you have somewhere safe to go, now would be the time. We will accompany you."

"Make sure you stay out of trouble."

Bert and Andrew join the party as they make their way back to the Clubhouse.

Once inside, Solimon deposits Everyman on a chair.

"You said you had information on my sister?" asks Parvati.

"Sure do," says Everyman as he recomposes himself. "Zane asked me to keep an eye on all y'all while he was out and about. Figured I owed him, saving my life when Wren was around and then getting me a job. Always been good to me, him and XX, so I didn't mind it. Anyways, Medusa took to hanging around the Rat's Behind, which you probably know now ain't the nicest of places." Johnny burps. "So I took to watching her. Ran her mouth a lot, always looking to fight the patrons, and they ain't so keen on green-red-skins to begin with. So, anyway, she disappears a few days back, figured I'd poke around. Right before you folks came in the bar owner starts telling 'bout how this street gang nabbed her after hours one night. They're regulars at the bar. I was about to skitter off and tell you all about it when you came busting in the door."

"Which gang?"

"Call themselves the Native Sons. Bad crew."

"We know them. Been wanting to raid them for a while. Haven't had a reason to until now. Who's this who has gone missing?"

"My sister, Medusa."

"And they nabbed her? Sounds to me like they're stirring up trouble with the folks living in my city. Generally that means I'm going to do something about it."

Andrew looks expectantly at the heroes.

[StickFig]

Matthias, surprised to no end that the Watch are actually helpful from the start and don't want to fight first, follows back to the clubhouse with the others. As the story unfolds and Andrew turns to the group, he sighs. "Well, I suppose there was no way we could go about this quietly. We have no other leads, so we may as well go find some Native Sons. While we're headed that way, what do you know about this gang, Master Everyman? What about you Watchmen? What do you two know about the gang?"

[Duvors]

Throlar nods.

"That seems rather straightforward, nice to have the watch with us for this."

[wiz]

"Well, let's go kick some Native Sons megablocks.

Edited September 24, 2016 by wiz

[StickFig]

"Well, let's go kick some Native Sons megablocks.

Underneath the brim of his enormous hat, a tiny gnome sighs and drags the palm of his hand down his face and mumbles dramatically to himself. "Yes, because that's what we're here to do, start fights. Not find a missing woman, no no no, that would be too easy."

[wiz]

Underneath the brim of his enormous hat, a tiny gnome sighs and drags the palm of his hand down his face and mumbles dramatically to himself. "Yes, because that's what we're here to do, start fights. Not find a missing woman, no no no, that would be too easy."

"It's inevitable that we will encounter some of these thugs, and when we do, I don't imagine that they will be too happy. There's no avoiding that battle."

Edited September 24, 2016 by wiz

[Comrade Commander]

Darksten awkwardly reslings the crossbow and begins to listen as the party returns to the club house

Following Matthias's inquery he pipes up

"I would be interested in knowing more about this gang as well. Are you able to describe their looks, how many of them there usually is, and/or any weapons you may have seen?"

Edited September 23, 2016 by Comrade Commander
Format

[StickFig]

"It's inevitable that we will encounter some of these thugs, and when we do, I don't imagine that they will be too happy. There's no avoiding that battle."

"Nothing is inevitable, Master Knight. You would do well to remember the reason why we are employed - we are not the Watch, nor vigilantes."

[Zepher]

Matthias, surprised to no end that the Watch are actually helpful from the start and don't want to fight first, follows back to the clubhouse with the others. As the story unfolds and Andrew turns to the group, he sighs. "Well, I suppose there was no way we could go about this quietly. We have no other leads, so we may as well go find some Native Sons. While we're headed that way, what do you know about this gang, Master Everyman? What about you Watchmen? What do you two know about the gang?"

"We have a good a good idea of where they may be hiding out. If you'd be willing to follow us? As we said, we haven't had a specific reason to raid them up until now..."

"You can be straight with them, Bert. Most of the Watch isn't willing to come into the Hovels. Too dangerous. We used to have a real ol' tough bastard by the name Bennetton who kept an eye on things, wasn't afraid of nothing, but then he got involved with Heroica and ate it. Constable Gnash too. He was a friend of mine." Andrew's shoulder slump. "Point is, now most guards say 'let 'em rot'. Or they've been promoted too high to be doing rounds."

"As for the gang, it's like I said, amigo. Real bad apples. Lots of side businesses, and they're called Native Sons for a reason. Don't take kindly to strangers in Eubric. You and me will be okay, but Parvati and Solimon are going to get a long hard stare."

"It's inevitable that we will encounter some of these thugs, and when we do, I don't imagine that they will be too happy. There's no avoiding that battle."

"A true hero, aren't you?"

Darksten awkwardly reslings the crossbow and begins to listen as the party returns to the club house

Following Matthias's inquery he pipes up

"I would be interested in knowing more about this gang as well. Are you able to describe their looks, how many of them there usually is, and/or any weapons you may have seen?"

"You mean do they have any cool duds you can swipe?" chuckles Everyman. "They're a gang. Wear rough and tough cloths, and yeah, armed to the teeth. A few stupid ones, a few smart ones. You know how it goes."

"Nothing is inevitable, Master Knight. You would do well to remember the reason why we are employed - we are not the Watch, nor vigilantes."

"No, just sellswords," grumbles Andrew. "Follow me. We can discuss strategy outside their hide out."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to come with. Ain't gonna lie and say I'm any good in a fight, but I owe it to Zane to see this through to the end."

The heroes once more set out following the guards. As they fall into small conversations among themselves.

Solimon walks alongside Throlar.

"Forgive me for being intrusive, Throlar, but I couldn't help notice a twinkle in your eye upon my mentioning my home of Babeleth. Am I right in believing that you are familiar with the place? There are not many in Eubric who would be, beyond a few undead, and they hail from a very different part of the Darklands than myself."

Johnny Everyman swaggers up besides Cedric, burping again.

"Howdy there, stranger. Names Johnny Everyman, 'case you didn't gather that. You know here? Gotta be. I know almost everyone in the high and low points of the city. What brought you around to being a hero?"

Bert, meanwhile, fell into step alongside Matthias, Darkstan and Parvati.

"I'm sorry about Andrew. He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder as far as heroes go, and your elf friend's actions last year did nothing to help it. He's dedicated to the job, though, and he's right about us being some of the only members of the Watch who'll come to the Hovels. And he's in a foul mood about Donald too. We all know he's a bad egg, but this is particularly bad, assaulting you the way he did. He'll probably have to be dispatched."

[wiz]

Johnny Everyman swaggers up besides Cedric, burping again.



"Howdy there, stranger. Names Johnny Everyman, 'case you didn't gather that. You know here? Gotta be. I know almost everyone in the high and low points of the city. What brought you around to being a hero?"

"Yeah, I'm new to Heroica, but I've been a sellsword for most of my life. When I heard about Heroica, I decided to give it a try. So far, it's been very... Different from any other mercenary organization I've aligned myself with."

Edited September 24, 2016 by wiz

[StickFig]

"I'm sorry about Andrew. He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder as far as heroes go, and your elf friend's actions last year did nothing to help it. He's dedicated to the job, though, and he's right about us being some of the only members of the Watch who'll come to the Hovels. And he's in a foul mood about Donald too. We all know he's a bad egg, but this is particularly bad, assaulting you the way he did. He'll probably have to be dispatched."

"I can't say I blame him, the way ...some people acted. Elves, what can you do?" Matthias trots along beside the group. "Watchman Andrew seems decent enough thus far - between the two of you, this is the most congenial and helpful an interaction I've ever had with the Watch."

"The watchman in the bar... well, not so much."

[Duvors]

"Forgive me for being intrusive, Throlar, but I couldn't help notice a twinkle in your eye upon my mentioning my home of Babeleth. Am I right in believing that you are familiar with the place? There are not many in Eubric who would be, beyond a few undead, and they hail from a very different part of the Darklands than myself."

"Ah, yes Babeleth. I have a... history with the place yes."

Throlar was obviously uncomfortable with the subject, looking around nervously and speaking with a hesitation quite alien to his usual mannerisms.

[Comrade Commander]

Darksten politely smiles as Everyman jokes around. When it is clear he wasn't going to get anything useful, he distances himself and starts following the party. As Bert and Matthias chat, Darksten joins them.

"The watch certainly seems like an interesting, if not disorganized, group. Are there not recruiting requirements and leadership to keep people in line?"

Edited September 23, 2016 by Comrade Commander
Format

[Zepher]

"Yeah, I'm new to Heroica, but I've been a sellsword for most of my life. When I heard about Heroica, I decided to give it a try. So far, it's been very... Different from any other mercenary organization I've aligned myself with."

"They call themselves heroes. That's different enough, ain't it? Some of them actually try to be, too. Me, I've always said heroes don't live too long, but maybe I'm wrong." Everyman chuckles. "You trying to be a hero too, amigo? Or just easiest group of sellswords to align yourself with in the city?"

"I can't say I blame him, the way ...some people acted. Elves, what can you do?" Matthias trots along beside the group. "Watchman Andrew seems decent enough thus far - between the two of you, this is the most congenial and helpful an interaction I've ever had with the Watch."

"The watchman in the bar... well, not so much."

"Yes, well having me around evens him out a little, usually. And having a job to do. Like I said, he's really dedicated to preserving the peace - sometimes he's so dedicated to it he forgets who he hates." Bert chuckles dryly.

"Ah, yes Babeleth. I have a... history with the place yes."

Throlar was obviously uncomfortable with the subject, looking around nervously and speaking with a hesitation quite alien to his usual mannerisms.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to drag any skeletons in the closet out. I was only excited and intrigued to meet someone else who had been. A dwarf who has been to the Darklands and who speaks Orcish... you must know you are a rare breed." Solimon pauses. "I hope you did not have any trouble with mutants while you were in the Darklands, but I wouldn't be surprised if you did. My people can appear as brutes, though they aren't, truly."

Darksten politely smiles as Everyman jokes around. When it is clear he wasn't going to get anything useful, he distances himself and starts following the party. As Bert and Matthias chat, Darksten joins them.

"The watch certainly seems like an interesting, if not disorganized, group. Are there not recruiting requirements and leadership to keep people in line?"

"Oh sure, there's all of that. But you're still going to get a hodgepodge. First off, this is Eubric, there's no way to not get a diverse crowd if you have a group over... well, there's nine of us right now. Dwarf, gnome, five humans, orc, whatever the winged fellow is. See what I mean?"

"On top of that, the Watch isn't the best pay. It draws some folks who have no other way to get by, some folks who want to abuse the limited power it grants, and then some folks actually dedicated to good. But you have to remember our wages are paid by the houses, and there's so much infighting there and every guard has their own loyalties, so... more divisions."

"I don't understand," says Parvati quietly. "I was under the impression that cities were more civilized. But the more that I see of Eubric, the more I become convinced that they are less civilized, just better at hiding it. The wandering tribes kill each other if they have a dispute. It seems the same way in Eubric, except that you're better at it, which is worse."

[StickFig]

"I don't understand," says Parvati quietly. "I was under the impression that cities were more civilized. But the more that I see of Eubric, the more I become convinced that they are less civilized, just better at hiding it. The wandering tribes kill each other if they have a dispute. It seems the same way in Eubric, except that you're better at it, which is worse."

"You might be right. Then again, this is the Hovels, a place so ...uncivilized that the rest of the city walled it off. This is a barbarous place, certainly, and there are plenty of similar ones outside the walls in Eubric proper, but there are also wonderful people, families, children, art, culture... much more than killing at will."

[Duvors]

"I apologize. I didn't mean to drag any skeletons in the closet out. I was only excited and intrigued to meet someone else who had been. A dwarf who has been to the Darklands and who speaks Orcish... you must know you are a rare breed." Solimon pauses. "I hope you did not have any trouble with mutants while you were in the Darklands, but I wouldn't be surprised if you did. My people can appear as brutes, though they aren't, truly."

"Yes, I have... intimate knowledge of that. A rare breed? Nonsense, I'm nothing special, I'm just someone who does what he's told, even if he does it badly."

[wiz]

"They call themselves heroes. That's different enough, ain't it? Some of them actually try to be, too. Me, I've always said heroes don't live too long, but maybe I'm wrong." Everyman chuckles. "You trying to be a hero too, amigo? Or just easiest group of sellswords to align yourself with in the city?"

"It depends on if being a hero is what I'm being paid to do."

Edited September 24, 2016 by wiz

[Comrade Commander]

"Yes, well having me around evens him out a little, usually. And having a job to do. Like I said, he's really dedicated to preserving the peace - sometimes he's so dedicated to it he forgets who he hates." Bert chuckles dryly.



"Oh sure, there's all of that. But you're still going to get a hodgepodge. First off, this is Eubric, there's no way to not get a diverse crowd if you have a group over... well, there's nine of us right now. Dwarf, gnome, five humans, orc, whatever the winged fellow is. See what I mean?"

"On top of that, the Watch isn't the best pay. It draws some folks who have no other way to get by, some folks who want to abuse the limited power it grants, and then some folks actually dedicated to good. But you have to remember our wages are paid by the houses, and there's so much infighting there and every guard has their own loyalties, so... more divisions."



"I don't understand," says Parvati quietly. "I was under the impression that cities were more civilized. But the more that I see of Eubric, the more I become convinced that they are less civilized, just better at hiding it. The wandering tribes kill each other if they have a dispute. It seems the same way in Eubric, except that you're better at it, which is worse."

"You might be right. Then again, this is the Hovels, a place so ...uncivilized that the rest of the city walled it off. This is a barbarous place, certainly, and there are plenty of similar ones outside the walls in Eubric proper, but there are also wonderful people, families, children, art, culture... much more than killing at will."

Darksten ponders for a second before speaking

"Sure, every city is a mixture of good and bad places. Yet Eubric seems so much more...disorganized. Certainly diversity is good, but as you say Ma'am, it does seem to be no better than roaming bands of barbarians.

I think the problem is that there is no clear leader, no stabilizing force. In the woods the food chain keeps everything in balance, and I think we need an alpha predator here to keep those below them in check. The fact that not even the watch's pay comes from a single source is concerning.

Tell me though Sir, is there a particular house that the majority of the Watch is most supportive of?"

Edited September 23, 2016 by Comrade Commander
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