Heroica RPG - Quest #70: The Syndicate

[Kintobor]

Karie sighed. She wondered what made her a "hero".

"Well, I don't feel like a hero. I feel like I've feel like I've been used and lied to since the moment I became a "hero", Marcus."

She hid her head in her arms again.

[Endgame]

Boomingham smiles wanly as the woman lights her drink on fire. "Quite a nifty trick. Once upon a time that would have frightened me, but the company I keep has forced me to no longer be surprised when fire spurts out of no where. Have you ever had a Flaming Gumball?" Boomingham looks around for Arthur. "Boy, where the Hel did you go with my mead?"

"So, what brings you to the Albatross, my dear Miss Pigeon?"

"Flaming Gumball? Nope. Sounds great...

Why am I here?" she giggles "What else but for the drinks, mistah Boomingham? Nothin' better then gulpin' down a few cups of your favorite brew 'fore you hit the hay, 'specially after a tough day..."

She wobbles a bit, still smiling the same vacant smile. She steadies herself with her ivory cane - it was clear she was more then a little drunk.

Karie sighed. She wondered what made her a "hero".

"Well, I don't feel like a hero. I feel like I've feel like I've been used and lied to since the moment I became a "hero", Marcus."

She hid her head in her arms again.

Marcus does the closest thing anatomically possible to a shrug.

"Sometimes we just need a shoulder to lean on, miss."

Edited June 16, 2013 by Endgame

[Zepher]

"That's the truth of it," says Boomingham happily. He glances around yet again for Arthur, continuing to sharpen his sword on his stone. "I've had quite the day myself, believe you me. Care to swap stories?"

[Emjajoas]

"Often those who believe themselves to be the hero turn out to be the villain," Em says flatly, joining the Progg at the table. "Any news from belowgrounds?"

[Endgame]

"Nothing much... for the time being we are simply... Buidling!"

"Construction!"

"Assembling!"

"Creating a subterranean city in which we may thrive!"

"And stuff!"

They had fallen back into their chipper routine, it seems.

QM Note: Remember, just announce when you want to go to your room (can be done individually, not as a group decision) and I'll move things along - until then, you can spend an eternity chatting up the NPCs and getting drunk.

[Emjajoas]

"Is your city going to be open to visitors when you've completed it? A city of Progg sounds like it would be a sight to see," Em says, taking another drink of the liquor in his glass. "Wouldn't mind going, myself. There's a certain something about underground cities that amazes me, and I've yet to see Progg architecture."

[Flipz]

Arthur sighs and points out the Mead he had placed beside Boomingham before he began talking to the two sailors.

Walking a short distance away, he pulls out a Scroll and casts Luck on himself.

[Zepher]

OoC: You only said you were carrying it, I thought Arthur got distracted on the way.

Boomingham tosses Arthur the 15 gold he assumes the Mead costed, and begins to take huge swigs of it while he waits for Miss Pigeon to respond.

[Shoker86]

"Odds that this is the Stealer gleaning supplies to make additional Harvesters rising..." Arthur mutters to Arnulf.

"Yeah , that's very possible. Can someone at the Watch look after it. Inspect the docks?" Arnulf whispers back to Arthur."Ji Pei technology in Wolfgang armory, now this. Plenty of room for dirty buisness"

[Endgame]

"Is your city going to be open to visitors when you've completed it? A city of Progg sounds like it would be a sight to see," Em says, taking another drink of the liquor in his glass. "Wouldn't mind going, myself. There's a certain something about underground cities that amazes me, and I've yet to see Progg architecture."

"Whether or not humans and Proggs will get along is... iffy. And that determines whether or not humans may commerce underground."

"Not a single adult has gone aboveground lately..."

"We want to build our city before we invite in any strangers."

"Only when we are presentable to humans will we consider opening the gates."

"And stuff!"

"That's the truth of it," says Boomingham happily. He glances around yet again for Arthur, continuing to sharpen his sword on his stone. "I've had quite the day myself, believe you me. Care to swap stories?"

Miss Pigeon swishes around her glass before answering.

"Eh, nothin' too excitin'. Managed to eek my way through magic academy, became an adept. degree and everything, y'know? Been involved with a few groups of buisness men and women over the years... Doin' quite good for myself, if I do say so.

Still, doesn't mean you don't have a rough day or two. Lonely girl in a big, bustling city, y'know? Magic degree mens next to squat in business, unless you're working in certain channels. I'm working on a new business plan: Step 1. Find a bar that serves good alcohol. Step 2. Spend the rest of my money on alcohol. Step 3. Profit."

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 Years Old, Human, Level 25 1/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened*

Power: 38 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 45/46 (+2*)

Ether: 15/24

Gold: 148

Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to Boomingham's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, immunity to sleep and weakened, accessory) ****Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power)

Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Bedroll, 3 Meads, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Marksman's Monocle, Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, 1 Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing, Garnet, Sapphire, Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Admantite Shard, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Phoenix Essence,

Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 25 1/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Lucky!*

Power: 38 (25 + WP:13)

Health: 37/37 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*)

Ether: 0/35 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1435 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur,)

Equipment: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Overkill Gloves

Inventory:

Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable)

Artifacts: Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves, Sticky Gloves

Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth),

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

Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, 2x Scroll of Sealing (1x Lent to De'kra), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 2x Scroll of Frailty (1x Lent to Nyx), Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening,

Consumables: Grand Potion x4, Remedy x8, Elixir x2, Nostrum x 3, Smelling Salts x 4, Mead x 3, Jinxy Juice, Ether Core, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb, Grand Tonic, Double Rainbow, Bright Polish

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Lucky!*

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 13

Power: 18 (lvl 13 + WP: 6)

Health: 19/19

Gold: 224

Defence: 1

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect), Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1)

Inventory: Potion (3), Mead (4), Remedy (2), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear), Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Mulled Wine (2)

Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male human Rogue

Level 11.5

Power: 20 (10+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 16/16 (7+9)

Gold: 265

Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round)

Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 3 Meads, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious.

Unknown age male human ranger

Level 11.5

Power: 19

Health: 16/16

Gold: 70

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7 *Badly Poisoned!*, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear)

Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x5, Remedy x3, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion, Bow(WP:5), Mead x2

Edited June 15, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Karie looks back at the little orange Progg and gave a small smile.

"Yeah, I guess."

She sat for a few seconds before getting up.

"Thanks."

She scratches his back and then went to her room for the night.

[Emjajoas]

Em nods knowingly at the little Proggs. "I understand. If there comes a day when you do open your doors to outsiders, so to speak, expect me at the gate."

[Flipz]

OOC: Scroll of Luck costs 10 Ether, I'm afraid. Also, sorry for so little interaction, I'm just not feeling it today.

"I'm heading up for the night, too." As he follows Karie upstairs, he quietly casts Luck on her as well, before turning back and casting his Scroll of Poisoning on Em's Aquabow. He then goes to his room and rests.

Edited June 15, 2013 by Flipz

[Emjajoas]

"Anyways, it seems as though it is high time to rest." Em nods to the Proggs, downs the rest of his drink, returns the glass to the bartender, and then makes his way to his room.

[Zepher]

Boomingham watches as the others begin to retreat to their rooms. "That's not a bad business plan, Miss Pigeon. Tell me if you need a partner in crime." He then finishes his drink. and looks at the bar forlornly. "I'd love to keep up with you, Madam, but I fear these children are unable to function on their own, so I've got to function for them. Adieu." Boomingham retreats to his room.

[Endgame]

QM Note: Those who have retired to your rooms have been given a PM. Until your business in the Pm resolves, please do not post in this topic.

[Shoker86]

"Lord Boomingham how about a round " Arnulf aproached Lord Boomingham "And then I'll be headed to the room"

[Emjajoas]

Em makes his way downstairs, hoping the bar is still open. He had a lot to think about.

[Endgame]

~9 hours after retiring to their inn rooms...~

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 25 1/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* *Hastened!*

Power: 38 (25 + WP:13)

Health: 37/37 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*)

Ether: 35/35 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1435 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur,)

Equipment: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Overkill Gloves

Inventory:

Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable)

Artifacts: Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves, Sticky Gloves

Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth),

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

Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, 2x Scroll of Sealing (1x Lent to De'kra), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 2x Scroll of Frailty (1x Lent to Nyx), Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening,

Consumables: Grand Potion x4, Remedy x8, Elixir x2, Nostrum x 3, Smelling Salts x 4, Mead x 3, Jinxy Juice, Ether Core, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb, Grand Tonic, Double Rainbow, Bright Polish

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Lucky!*

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 13

Power: 18 (lvl 13 + WP: 6)

Health: 19/19

Gold: 224

Defence: 1

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect), Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1)

Inventory: Potion (3), Mead (4), Remedy (2), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear), Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Mulled Wine (2)

Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male human Rogue

Level 11.5

Power: 20 (10+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 16/16 (7+9)

Gold: 265

Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round)

Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 3 Meads, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious.

Unknown age male human ranger

Level 11.5

Power: 19

Health: 16/16

Gold: 70

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7 *Badly Poisoned!*, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear)

Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x5, Remedy x3, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion, Bow(WP:5), Mead x2

The party staggers out of the inn rooms, having a rather eventful night. Some heroes appeared haunted... Others frightened, and some more determined then ever. only their leader, Lord Boomingham, has yet to stir out of his room... The party looks a each other, and similar emotions were ethced on all of their faces. Perhaps now would be a good time to share what happened last night...

QM Note: This takes place after all of the sidequests have concluded. Just wanted to let you guys roleplay a bit while the last sidequest finishes up.

Edited June 17, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Karie stumbles out of her room, black rims around her eyes. She had gotten little sleep.

"Well, shame the alcohol's gone. Could use a spot right about now."

She looks about at her fellow quest mates. She wondered what else happened that night. Boomingham was missing. Perhaps he picked that woman up from the bar? She didn't see him retire for the evening. Heck, she saw no one else go to their rooms. If memory served her right, she was the first to head upstairs.

"Is Boomingham usually like this? Lucky guy. Wish I could sleep in. Stupid internal clock."

[Shoker86]

"Karie, how was your sleep?" Arnulf walked slowely down the stairs. He pulled his act together and maintained his cool "Care for a drink Karie?"

[Kintobor]

"Miserable. How was yours?"

Karie's voice was rather calm, almost accepting the horribleness of her sleep.

"Of juice maybe. No milk though. God, I swear, if I forgot my elixir I'll be choking to death before you can say moo!"

Karie rummages through her pouch and reveals a small vial with blue liquid. She sighs in relief.

"Just in case I eat dairy products. I'm lactose intolerant."

Edited June 17, 2013 by Kintobor

[Flipz]

OOC: Hey, in the PM you said I had restored Ether from that nap, and I should be Hastened and Encouraged as well now.

"Here," Arthur says blearily as he staggers into the room, setting the bottle from his room in front of Karie and making tons of spelling errors. "A bottle of...something...they gave me in my room. Didn't drink it 'cause I was sure the Stealer would have somehow tracked us down and poisoned it...but considering what happened last night, I don't think that was his plan. 'M lucky to be alive and in control of my own mind this morning, actually." At least I HOPE I wasn't whacked in my sleep...in either sense of the word.

[Endgame]

QM Note: Fixed.

Oddly enough, the door downstairs was locked tight, and they lacked the key. What was going on here...?

[Kintobor]

"I don't like the feeling of this. Not one bit. Arthur, what happened to you last night? Same goes to everyone present."

Karie looked down the hall at Boomingham's door.

Edited June 17, 2013 by Kintobor