Heroica RPG - Quest #115: The Tale of One Bleach Too Many

[Endgame]

In a ring of chairs sits five eccentric storytellers, talespinning experts huddled up in one of Uland's more obscure taverns. A friendly, yet slightly unsettling bartender sits to their needs, silently filling up their drinks as they weave story after story, tell yarn after yarn. All of their meeting proceeded this way, all of them sharing stories... Perhaps ones they devised, perhaps ones they witnessed. Who can say?

The meeting was now in full swing, one story already reaching its conclusion.

One of the oddest of the storytellers takes a drag of his fungal cigar, before clearing his lungs of the noxious fumes. He speaks, clearly and distinctly:

"Hmm. A good bloodbath, though I was thinking of spinning a different type of tale. Bloodbaths are so... Impersonal. As if every life lost is just collateral. The tale I have in mind is one of deadly dedication."

One of the white-garbed man's compatriots folds his hands on the bar, already ensnared.

"A bold proposition. You had me at "deadly", Isaac." Lucas takes another long drag from his pipe, exhaling a large smoke ring. "Don't keep us in suspense! The night is still young, after all."

"Hey, it doesn't have to be personal or dedicated - when the sea itself runs red, it won't much matter who's dead. But now that that's all been said..." Val drummed her fingers against the tabletop. "Well, go on, we're all waiting!"

"Ah, dear Hellsinger, but where is the build-up or the suspense if we know the what and when? Though I'll admit your tale did awake in me some of those blood-lust feelings of my primordial ancestors. Hidden dedication and intention, now that's a story worth hearing, tell on my glowing friend." The Sharkling ordered a drink bubbling and overflowing with green steam.

"Bloodshed has its time and place, but the time has come for a different pace." She catches Val's eye, for a brief moment the faintest hint of a smile teasing at the corners of her mouth. "Speak, Isaac. We await your account."

"Very well, friends, very well. You know I am not man of commitment. Hell, I'm surprised I'm still in this society, to be honest. And do you want to know why? Because passion, dedication, obsession... They are the most brutal killers Olegaia has ever seen

Fellow Midnight Society Members, I present, for your delectation... The Tale of One Bleach Too Many."

-------------------------------------

The two heroes chosen for their task - to rid a man's manor of disturbances - find anote addressed to them, pinned to the questboard.

Meet me at the Inn of the Weeping Angel.

-Jonathan Gryphinn

With their objective known and their destination in mind, the two heroes set off. Those two heroes are...

Vindsval Half-born (Immune to Fire) (Asphalt)

37 year old, Male, Half Giant, Cleric (immune to Sealed effect)

Level: 5

Power: 13 (5+8) (x2 VS Aquatic, Flying, and Mechanical)

Defense: 3 (Fiery Robes of the Archmagi)

Health: 13/13 (9+4)

Ether: 14/14 (5+4+5)

Gold: 7

Equipment: Spark Hammer (WP:8, (X2 against Aquatic, Flying, and Mechanical) lightning-elemental hammer)

Fiery Robes of the Archmagi (SP:3 Bodywear +5 Ether, immunity to Sealed Effect and Fire)

Inventory:

Consumables: Remedy X3 , Potion X3, Smoke Bomb X2, Mead X2,

Tools: Bed Roll

Weapons: Broomstick (WP:7, ranged; suitable for mages, clerics, artisans and necromancers)

Artefacts: Tailored Overcoat (SP: 1; Immunity to wind-, earth-, and water- damage; suitable for rangers, rogues, hunters, and beast warriors; back wear)

Zunde Xravia (Da Smash Bro)

40 years old male ogre barbarian

Level 1

Power: 4 (1 + 3)

Defence: 0 (0)

Health 8/8 (8)

Gold: 10

Equipment: Bronze Axe (WP: 3)

Inventory: Potion, Bottle of mead

The two set off into the streets of Eubric, a crescent moon hanging above them. However, they soon reach an impasse... They had no idea where the Inn of the Wayward Angel was. They found that they were quite wayward themselves, darting around the streets of Eubric, confounded. Finally, a man weidling a spear stops them.

"I've seen you walk past here twice now. Are you lost?"

[Asphalt]

Vindsval stops short as the man approaches. He pulls back the hood of his robes and holds out his hands to show he is holding no weaponry. He knows full the figure he cuts in daylight, let alone how they must look now, a beast of his size accompanied by a Brown one, in the middle of a dark night. He does not want to start a brawl in the streets before his journey can even begin.

Peace Centurion, When one walks the Wanderer's path he is never truly lost. Simply travelling towards a destination not yet discovered. Though it truth's be told, we are looking for a specific destination. Do you know of the Inn of the Wayward Angel?

Edited October 17, 2014 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

The watchman looks at the Half Giant, expecitng muttered grunts instead of actual speech.

"...Ah. That place. Due to the... Nature of it, I'm going to have to ask you why you want to go there."

[Asphalt]

I am my silent... umm... follower here, he motions as non-confrontaionally as he can to the Brown skulking in the shadows behind him, have been hired by one Jonathan Gryphinn. We were directed to find the Wayward Angel Inn. But we did not receive any more specific information that that.

[Endgame]

"The... Wayward Angel. I do believe I passed it today... On the foot of Sungold hill. I never set foot in that place, though, so I'm surprised you've met someone who has..."

[Asphalt]

If I may be so bold, could you tell me two things?

The first, how do we get to this Sungold Hill?

And the second, why do you seem so . . . out of sorts, when you mention the Wayward Angel?

[Endgame]

"It's West of here. The signage will guide you.

I can't wrap my head around the place, that's all. Perhaps my own lack of attention span..."

QM Note: Da Smash Bro has only about 12 to 16 hours to respond before I seek a replacement.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

After a moment puzzling over the remark about attention span, Vindsval kneels and extends a massive hand towards the man to shake.

My Thanks, Perhaps one day we will meet again and I can recount to your my experiences in the Inn

​After shaking the spearman's hand, Vindsval stands and heads west looking for signs to direct him to Sungold Hill.

[Asphalt]

QM Note: Da Smash Bro has only about 12 to 16 hours to respond before I seek a replacement.

OOC: Well Boss, What's the verdict?

[Endgame]

"Before you go, it seems like your ogre friend seems a bit, uh, feverish."

Indeed, the hero was slumped against the brick wall, his forehead hot to the touch. Vindsval deciseds it best to escort the ailing hero back, another hero joining him on his quest to the Inn...

Salt-Upon-Wounds (Goliath)

33 year old Male Hobgoblin Barbarian

Level: 1

Power: 4

Health: 8/8

Gold: 10

Equipment: Sturdy Spear (WP: 3)

Inventory: Mead, Potion

The duo proceeds to Sungold Hill, night descending upon the city...

QM Note: When Goliath posts, we can get this show on the road!

Edited October 19, 2014 by Endgame

[Yzalirk]

"Aye, thank you from bringing me along. Shall we proceed?"

[Asphalt]

We shall, but by all that is holy, stay down wind.

[Asphalt]

Do not forget we are no longer in the walls of the guild. The humans here may not view you and I as kindly as the heroicans do.

[Endgame]

The mismatched pair navigate their way to Sungold Hill, the setting sun illuminating the city as they progress through Eubric's winding alleys. They weave through eerily identical roads before they find themselves standing in front of a weathered old tavern, the image of a darkened angel glaring down at them above the rotting doorframe. Thinking they had finally found their objective, the party heads in, and find the tavern empty... Besides one bartender.

The bartender gives the two heroes a slightly unnercing smile, the grin reaching far fgurther up his face then it really should've.

"Well, hello, hello there, guests! You're arriivng just before one of our regulars."

Sure enough, standing behind them is a man in white grabs.

"Hmm. Rarely do we others here."

His face obsured by a green veil of light, the man brushes through the heroes nonchalantly before sitting down. Oddly, the bartender already has his drink ready for him. he accepts it gaciously.

"Your drink, sir."

"And my cigars? As well as the second bottle I require?"

"Right here, Isaac."

The bartender passes the white-garbed man a bundle of fungal cigars... And a bottle of poison. Delibrately the man drips a few drops of the horrid liquid into his glass of wine, taking a sip before he light his cigar. The smell of his cigar quickly fills the entire tavern

What will the heroes do?

[Asphalt]

Ever uncomfortable in spaces designed for the smaller races, Vindsval hunches his shoulders and bends his knees to better fit within the space. While this allows him more freedom of movement, it only enhances the impression of a giant monster getting ready to strike. He takes several deep breaths to calm his nerves before speaking slowly and softly. His voice rumbling and rolling though the space like boulders down a hillside.

My name is Vindsval, called the Half-born by my kin. My companion and I have been sent here by the Guild of Heroica at the behest of one Jonathan Gryphinn. We were hired to ...shall we say... take care of some household cleaning. Do either of you know where we might find him?

After speaking he nods his head to both gentlemen and breaths in a trail of the cigar smoke. It reminds him of something, a memory he can't quite place.

[Endgame]

"Oh, Jonathan. The man with one arm... Yes. I wouldn't call him a regular, but he pops in here enough. I've crossed his path on occasion. But please, pardon my manners, or lack thereof. Barkeep!" He barks. "Fetch this man some proper seating."

"Eheheh. Right away, Mr. Faare."

Before long, the barkeep brings out an empty wine keg for Vindsval to sit on, the same demented grin locked on his face.

"Take a seat, fellow. And the other gentleman loitering in the doorway too - come, sit, have a drink while you wait.

So... you said you two were "heroes", if I'm not mistaken?"

Edited October 19, 2014 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

Vindsval takes a seat on the barrel, his knees still clearing the edge or the table. At the mention of his being "a Hero" his face fall and his countenance darkens.

I told you I was here as a representative of the Guild, I make no claims of being a hero. On my last mission I allowed the death of an innocent. It was unavoidable, and not by my hand, but until that blight is wiped from my soul I will not be able to claim that title. But, you are not my confessor and I do not mean to darken your path with my sins.

He turns his head and looks at the bartender, the mans Cheshire grin slightly unnerving, even to the giant.

Do you have anything Hot?

To the stranger in white

Isaac is it? I am new to this city, what can you tell me about this place? On our way here, I met a centurion who acted quite strangely when I asked about the Wayward Angel.

[Endgame]

"Hmm. I see you're the type that dedicates yourself to your morals and your standards. i cannot say I'm such a man.

Oh, spearmen? That would be a member of the Town Watch. They patrol the streets, among other things. As for why he was standoffish about this place, well...This is by no means your standard bar, but people only realize that on their second visit to this place."

"One flaming gumball, coming up!"

A few seconds pass, and Vindsval s passed his drink.

"Ah, those are s staple of Eubric liquor. Me, though?"

Isaac dispenses a few more drops of the vial of poison in his drink.

"I crave a more... sharp taste, shall we say."

[Asphalt]

It is a personal battle. When one is viewed as a Monster, one must choose whether to be that monster or to be more than he appears. And when one is as monstrous as I, well the battle can be a great one.

He eyes the man adding poison to his drink.

I have known more than one traveler who has enjoyed a Bite to their drinks.

He picks up the tiny flaming glass he was given, snuffs the flame with his thumb, and throws it back.

Not bad at all, not exactly what I would call a drink of ...heroes per say, but it has its place.

He sets down the glass.

He raises an eyebrow

Why only on "Their Second Visit"?

Edited October 19, 2014 by Asphalt

[Yzalirk]

[salt-Upon-Wounds maintain a steady grin while looking around the bar and takes a seat on one of the bar stools.]

"May I get a bottle of wine, barkeeper? And I think I'll pass on the poison, Isaac."

[Asphalt]

Ooc: I will be heading out shortly for the afternoon. I will be back early this evening.

[Asphalt]

OOC: I'm back

[Endgame]

"Hmm, I do suppose. I suppose I eventually just... Stop caring about a lot of things.

And, yes, the flaming gumballs are quite excellent around here.

Why on the second visit, you ask? You'll see..."

[salt-Upon-Wounds maintain a steady grin while looking around the bar and takes a seat on one of the bar stools.]

"May I get a bottle of wine, barkeeper? And I think I'll pass on the poison, Isaac."

"Your loss, my friend!"

The barkeep hands Salt-Upon-Wounds a bottle of wine in a green glass bottle.

"A bottle of Amontillado, sir. Eheheh, it's quite popular here."

[Asphalt]

Well then allow me to enlighten myself.

With that Vindsval stands, as mush as he is able anyway, nods to the three men in the room and steps out of the bar.

He closes the door behind himself, without removing his hand from the handle. He counts slowly to five, opens the door and steps back into the Wayward Angel.

He looks around, taking it all in A Second Time.

[Endgame]

Vindsval tries to leave, but finds someone else standing in the doorway.

A ragged man missing his right arm, his left grasping on a cane.

"I am Jonathan Gryphinn, and you are...?"