Heroica RPG - Quest #136: The Sorcerer's Stone

[Purpearljellyblob]

"That's fine, Inki. Can you determine which door was used recently though?"

<EEk! That is beyond me!>

"We need to look at the other three doors to make sure they aren't traps. I would but I don't have a magnifying glass." Mhinak sighs.

Elnath hands Mhinak his magnifying glass,

"No harm doing so, but I can see those inscriptions pretty clearly without any magnifying glass."

[Yzalirk]

"Okay, no need to fret about it, Inki."

"Thanks, Elnath."

Mhinak examines Door #3 (The third on from the left) to see if it's trapped.

[KotZ]

"We could always knock," Kiray shrugs half jokingly. "Works in the stories my mother told me when I was young." She checks the last door for traps.

[Zepher]

Bobby hangs at the back of the group, a little nervous about picking the wrong door.

"Yo, why is only one door marked? Like, do the other three doors just say nothing? How could we pick between them, then?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Mhinak examines Door #3 (The third on from the left) to see if it's trapped.

Mhinak carefully inspects the third door (from the left) with the magnifying glass and could not find any traps. As he looks closer, Mhinak notices another inscription underneath the keyhole. It reads <This door is trapped.>

"We could always knock," Kiray shrugs half jokingly. "Works in the stories my mother told me when I was young." She checks the last door for traps.

Kiray could not see any traps without a magnifying glass, but as she checks the last door (from the left), Kiray notices another inscription underneath the keyhole. It reads <The inscription on the first door (from the left) is false.>

[Zepher]

Bobby wanders up and examines door #2, to see what it had to say for itself.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Bobby wanders up and examines door #2, to see what it had to say for itself.

Bobby does a thorough examination on the second door and finds an inscription underneath the keyhole. It reads <You do not want to open this door.>

QM Note: Congratulations! you have uncovered the four different inscriptions, I can now reveal the next part: Two of those statements are true and two of them are false. Good luck.

Elnath scratches his chin,as the Heroes report their findings to each other,

"Time to crack out brains, shall we?"

Edited August 18, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[Yzalirk]

"Dammit. Okay, let's see..." Mhinak takes a moment to think. "Okay, so the first door is a trap, if the last door is true. The third door could be trapped but so could the second door. I don't know... so... what do you guys think?"

[Zepher]

Bobby thinks out loud.

"Yo, so we just sort of test this all out, right? So, if #4 is a lie, then #1 is true and not trapped. But then if that's true, #2 and #3... there's no real way to tell them apart, right? One could be a lie and the other true and there'd be no way to tell them apart. So let's not assume that..."

"Now, let's say that #4 is true, and that means that #1 is a lie and is trapped. And again we've got a lie and a truth... and no way to tell #2 and #3 apart. There's no way really to tell if they're true or not, right? Like, nothing points to them, and both #1 and #4 have to be either a truth or lie, you dig? So like, what about trying door #4? It's the only one that like does have any hints, so even if it's true or false like maybe it's a dope door, you know what I mean? I don't know, though. I don't see anyway to crack #2 and #3 with what we got, and then there's no real way to tell if #1 and #4 are a lie or not, but ignoring all the lying and trotting nothing is telling us to go through #4 or not. So does it even matter what all the other ones say, you know?"

[Yzalirk]

"I'm up for whatever door you guys want to go through."

[CMP]

"Mhinak, check if the first door is trapped. This gives me a headache."

"There's no traps on the third door, so it's a lie, of course. Who comes up with this? This is dumb," grumbled Miderun stubbornly. "Whoever wrote this should be standing here so we can kill him and move on."

[Yzalirk]

Mhinaks inspects Door #1 for any traps.

"These damn doors better not be the deaths of us."

[Purpearljellyblob]

QM Note: Hint: Checking the door for traps does not help to solve the puzzle in any way. Checking for traps just means your PC won't die/injure opening the door, which isn't the purpose of this. The purpose is to find the right door that leads to the penitentiary, if that helps.

"Mhinak, check if the first door is trapped. This gives me a headache."

"There's no traps on the third door, so it's a lie, of course. Who comes up with this? This is dumb," grumbled Miderun stubbornly. "Whoever wrote this should be standing here so we can kill him and move on."

"Darn Star Elves..." Bain mutters, as she checks the door behind them again, this time sounding more anxious when she closes the door, "Heroes, made up your mind yet? We don't have all night..."

Mhinaks inspects Door #1 for any traps.

"These damn doors better not be the deaths of us."

Mhinak uses Elnath's magnifying glass and did not find any traps on the door.

[CMP]

"....This is stupid."

Miderun pushed open the fourth door.

[KotZ]

"Alright let me get this straight for my brain," Kiray begins, thinking out loud. "Two are false, two are true. Door 1 states it is not a trap, 2 states-"

Kiray stops mid sentence as Miderun opens the fourth door. "Or we could do that."

[Yzalirk]

"Might as well..." Mhinak mutters before following Miderun through the fourth door.

[samurai-turtle]

OoC; I won a "Skadi Bomb" from the lottery. Plus, it looks like some of the other party members won some stuff too.

[Purpearljellyblob]

OoC; I won a "Skadi Bomb" from the lottery. Plus, it looks like some of the other party members won some stuff too.

Loot from the Anniversary Lottery added to the pile! Congrats!

"....This is stupid."

Miderun pushed open the fourth door.

The fourth door creaks open and there lies a brick wall behind, before realising that they have chosen the wrong door, the brick wall starts to swirl loudly around its sides and dissolves into a portal. The Heroes could see that the portal opens into another room in the prison, in there lies four different elves wearing different pieces of armour, and a guard at the corner of the room. In the middle of the room lies a huge map of Spesialia and on it what seems to be tokens on different parts of continent.

Bain grabs Miderun by the shoulder and pulls her back,

"Not good. That is." Bain pauses, as her tone becomes more intense, "The Quarters."

Before the Heroes could silently back out, close the door and choose another path, the entrance door behind them swings open, this time a Star Elf Berserker walks through, pulling Germ by the leg through into the chamber. He drops Germ by the door and hails at the top of his voice, kicking his unconscious body towards the party and hefting his hammer at the party. Elnath quickly helps Germ up and finds him still alive (1 health).

"Major Eladio-Vuentei! Major El-Alquist! INTRUDERS!!" the sound of which catches the attention of the elves across the portal, who proceed to take an interest in the commotion outside.

One of them, in full battle gear, turns around and marches towards the party, the sound of each step echoes through the walls, and hands his chalice of elvish wine to one of the others, who followed behind. He stops in front of the party and scrutinises everyone in the party, finally turns to the Star Elf Berserker,

"Worthy of praise, as usual, hand picked by General Oswain."

The Star Elf Berserker remains emotionless, and remains in battle stance,

"Orders!"

The elf in the battle suit waves him off, and signals the other elf holding the broomstick,

"El-Alquist, join me."

"I am impressed. This place hasn't been breeched for more than a thousand years, and it seems like the Fenarians are behind it." Eye piercingly directed at Bain and Naîm, "But foolish nevertheless, I would have imagined Fenarians doing better than hire a bunch of stiff backed pirates and children, for whatever purpose?"

Palms out facing the Heroes and extending sidewards,

"Welcome. To General Oswain's Penitentiary in the City of Valhullu. I am Major Eladio-Vuentei, the warden of this place. I apologise but we do not offer travellers tours within our historic landmarks."

What will the party do?

The Party:

Miderun (CallMePie), The Woman Who Killed Sean Cole *Party Leader*

18 year old Female Orc Barbarian

Level 14.5 *Attacks cause Enamored**Encouraged*

Power: 26 (13+13)

Power Bonus: 6 (3 in back row)

Defense: 0

Health: 21/21 (8+13)

Gold: 388

Equipment: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, 1/6 chance of dealing the infected-effect, causing an enemy to lose health equal to 1/3 of their level rounded down at the end of each round, club), Seductive Perfume (Holder deals the enamored-effect, accessory, suitable for women), Lesser Orc Gauntlets: +6 power on the front row, +3 on the back, handwear, suitable only to orcs)

Inventory: Bonaparte Cutlass (WP: 9, doubled if the user has reputation among the Bonapartes), Club(WP:5, Club), Serstyral (WP: 3, axe), War Axe (WP: 9, suitable for suitable for barbarians, alchemists, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Lucustoid Axe (WP: 3), Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, 1/6 chance of dealing the slowed-effect, throwing weapon), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear, suitable for anyone), Opal, Amethyst, Phoenix Essence, 4x Potions, Remedy, Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women.), 7 Venoms, Loincloth of the Ancient (SP: 3, Absorbs Earth, footwear), Mermaid Scale (Increase SP by 1 for the duration of one battle; consumable)

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Deputy Party Leader*

24 year old Female Human Black Knight

Level 17.5 *Immune to Blinded, Doomed, Blessed, Light, Darkness* *Deals Bleeding +2, Double damage to Holy and Demonic Foes**Lucky*

Power Bonus: 6

Defense: 29

Health: 35/35 (10+16+9)

Gold: 207

Equipment: Smith’s Katana (WP:10, Darkness elemental, Deals Bleeding +2), Never Blessed Helmet (SP: 8, Immunity to Blinded, Doomed and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Holy Enemies, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers), Orcish Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Never Blessed Armor (SP: 10, Immune to Darkness, Light, and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Demons, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers)

Inventory:

Weapons and Shields: Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Sword of Fire and Light (WP: 7, Fire-Light Elemental, Greatsword, Two Fanged Orcish Shield (SP: 7, Immune to Darkness, Shield Bash Replaces Meditate)

Artifacts: , Snug Armor (SP: 5, Cannot be De-Equipped, Suitable to all classes that use shields, body wear), Fishy Scale Mail (SP: 6, wearer absorbs water-elemental damage as health, immune to Fire; suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers, and regulators, body wear)

Gems: Diamond, Emerald

Consumables: 3 Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Nostrum, Ambrosia, Mead, Smelling Salts, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), Smoke Bomb, 2 Bone, Soma, Ambrosia, Mead, Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Dragon Scale, 3 Fire Bomb, 4 Venom, Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Noxious Venom, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target)

Tools: Bedroll, 2 Shovel

Bobby "Young" Bucks Jr. (Zepher)

19 year old Male Human Rogue

Level 12 *Immune to Earth, Darkness, Cursed**Attacks cause Enamored**Encouraged*

Power: 22 (12+10)

Defense: 3

Health: 19/19 (11+7+1*)

Gold: 339

Equipment: Hue and Saturation whip (WP:10; causes Enamored), Nondescript Cape (SP: 3; protects from Cursed effect; suitable for rogues; backwear), Nice Boots (SP: 1, Footwear: Immune to Earth and Darkness

Inventory: Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear.), Fine-tuned Flute (WP:15, user is nimble; instrument), Dagger (WP:5, Dagger), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Mugger's Mask (Head-wear, wearer cannot have gold stolen from them), Raw Horsehide, 4x Potion, 2x Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Health Core, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Shovel, Pickaxe, Tako Sushi Plate (Restores 10 health to each member of the party), Sapphire, Pixie Dust

The Demon Germ (Samuraiturtle)

??? years old Male Half Demon Rogue

Level 10.5 *Immune to Darkness*

Power: 15 (10+5)

Defense: 1

Health: 1/16 (7+9)

Ether: 0

Gold: 128

Equipped: Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Weapons: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP:3), Shuriken (WP:5), Charred Longsword (WP:10 1/6 chance of breaking whenever used, longsword), Skadi Bomb (Deals 100 ice-elemental damage to all opponents when used.)

Gear / Armor: Red Shield (SP: 8)

Gems / Scrolls: -

Consumables: Potion, Level-Up Mushroom, Phoenix Essence, Floral Bomb, Bone, Deadly Venom, 3 Remedy, Venom, Noxious Venom

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Others: Gold Ring (worth 15 gold, or can be given to someone else to make them Enamored with the giver)

Decmon Cards: Will-o'-Wisp (Fiery 1) ; Carrion Squirrel (Dark 1) ; Glow Worm (Luminous 1)

Na'im Thamir (Enceladus)

2,314 year old Male Fenarian Cleric

Level 7 *Encouraged*

Power: 10 (7+3)

Health: 15/15 (9+6)

Ether: 10/16 (6+5+5)

Gold: 15

Equipment: Lucerna Beautus (WP: 3, Staff), Badge of the Smokemaster (Max. Ether +5; User can spend 5 ether in each battle to make the whole party flee; suitable to classes with ether; accessory)

Inventory: Scroll of Sealing (Enables casting the sealed-effect to the target, making them unable to use a special skill for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, 2 Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, 2 Bone, 3 Tonic, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness (Enables casting the blinded-effect to the target, making them unable to use a physical attack for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether; Loaned from Germ), Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Opal, Pixie Dust, Gaia Bomb (Deals 100 earth-elemental damage to all opponents when used.)

Mhinak (Goliath)

40 Year Old Male Dwarf Ranger

Level 6 *Aligned with The Guardians**Inspired*

Power: 14 (6+8)

Health: 11/11 (6+5) 22/22

Gold: 255

Equipment: Red Handcannon (WP: 8), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, no longer flameproof; bodywear, suitable for anyone; Loaned from Kiray)

Inventory: Wooden Hand Cannon (WP: 3), Potion, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, and Telescope [Left Eye], Merman Stylish Gel (Deals Enamoured effect to female gender; consumable), Insignia of The Guardians (Grants the Diplomacy job trait, suitable for Mhinak only; accessory), Anniversary Medal (Power +4, SP +4, Max. Health +4, Max. Ether +4. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year; accessory.)

Elnath Van Cleef, The Prospector *Takes suggestions from party*

99 years old male Human Sorcerer

Level 21 *Doubles the amount of gold stolen*

Power: 31 (21+10)

Defence: 5

Health: 31/31 (7+20+4)

Ether: 21/21 (+21)

Gold: 1000

Equipment: Golden Staff (WP: 10; staff), Cloak of the Silk Road (SP:5, doubles the amount of gold stolen, backwear)

Inventory: Shadir Oswain's Noble Seal (Quest item), Nekrastone (Blue variant, Quest item), 2 Phoenix essence, 1 Grand tonic, 2 Grand potion, Telescope, Magnifying glass, Scroll of Arc Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Ruby (Loaned from Germ)

Bain Ga *Controlled by QM, opens to suggestions*

1937 years old female Fenarian Assassin

Level 16.5 *1/2 chance of assassination**Lucky*

Power: 18 (2+16)

Health: 27/27 (7+15++5)

Gold: 0

Equipment: Sange (WP:2 Infused with the power of the Red Nekrastone, additional 1/3 chance of assassination; dagger)

Inventory: Sack (random assortment of rations and consumables), Pouch (Bain's private stash)

Inki The Panther Warrior *Takes suggestions from Mhinak*

1 Year Old Panther Cub

Level 5

Health: 25/25

Rolls:

1-3: Deals Damage 3x level

4-6: Nothing Happens

Note: Inki does not take damage from free hits and does not level up.

Edited August 20, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[KotZ]

"Give me a shot at this," Kiray whispers to the others. She bows her head in a quick nod to the Star Elf. "Major. I must say, we did not intend to come face to face with you all, I'm quite sure you've guessed that by now. Although this is quite a beautiful place. Slightly dark, but it has it's own charm. This is a rather confusing penitentiary. Those doors you had out there made little sense, yet that probably explains why you have relatively little intruders, and probably little escapees.

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak equips the Anniversary Medal.

"I could have sworn there were more Dwarves here." Mhinak adds as cunningly as possible.

[Enceladus]

OOC: very sorry for my inactivity guys! I've been hit quite badly by the cold, so I've been recuperating for the last few days, but I'm much better now.Not that I'm great at logic puzzles in the first place, so I wouldn't be much help anyway!

Na'ims hands tighten around the Lucerna Beatus In expectation of a fight. He doubts Kiray will be able to deflect the star elves suspicion but he lets her continue anyway.

Instead he turns to Bain and, shifts his cloak so that the badge of the smokemaster is visible to her "flee?" He mouths in her direction

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Give me a shot at this," Kiray whispers to the others. She bows her head in a quick nod to the Star Elf. "Major. I must say, we did not intend to come face to face with you all, I'm quite sure you've guessed that by now. Although this is quite a beautiful place. Slightly dark, but it has it's own charm. This is a rather confusing penitentiary. Those doors you had out there made little sense, yet that probably explains why you have relatively little intruders, and probably little escapees.

El-Alquist steps forward,

"Formalities and rhetorical statements don't buy you time. I designed these magical doors and they scan each and everyone of you when you step through those doors. Interestingly, most of you here have some sort of protection that I couldn't figure out what, especially on that Fenarian." Pointing to Naîm. "This is disconcerting, especially when it feels... how should I word it, powerful on a Fenarian." Turning back to Kiray, "We definitely knew you were coming and we don't normally expect first timers to get these doors right. Then again, they never attempt the second time. I don't know why, perhaps they are not alive or well to be doing that?" the elf shrugs.

"It is true. We constantly change the exits and entrances. We would like the ones who are keen to exercise to have a little bit of muscle and breathing time, but they usually end up in our room, all the time. I should say."

"I could have sworn there were more Dwarves here." Mhinak adds as cunningly as possible.

"Dwarves... shouldn't you be underground, or something? Like your Fenarian friends?"

OOC: very sorry for my inactivity guys! I've been hit quite badly by the cold, so I've been recuperating for the last few days, but I'm much better now.Not that I'm great at logic puzzles in the first place, so I wouldn't be much help anyway!

Na'ims hands tighten around the Lucerna Beatus In expectation of a fight. He doubts Kiray will be able to deflect the star elves suspicion but he lets her continue anyway.

Instead he turns to Bain and, shifts his cloak so that the badge of the smokemaster is visible to her "flee?" He mouths in her direction

No worries, get well soon!

Eladio-Vuentei points to Naîm,

"Saying something back there? I would like to know."

"If you are thinking of backstabbing us, you can shred that thought right now. Or you can tell us why you are here, doesn't matter anyway." the elf shrugs again.

Edited August 20, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob

[Yzalirk]

"There are surface Dwarves, like myself. There are also various tribes, one of which my cousin is from..." Mhinak grumbles. "You guys don't seem thrilled to be here. I'm sure you guys get payed handsomely for your duties, no?"

[samurai-turtle]

The Star Elf Berserker remains emotionless, and remains in battle stance,

"Orders!"

"I am impressed. This place hasn't been breeched for more than a thousand years, and it seems like the Fenarians are behind it." Eye piercingly directed at Bain and Naîm, "But foolish nevertheless, I would have imagined Fenarians doing better than hire a bunch of stiff backed pirates and children, for whatever purpose?"

Palms out facing the Heroes and extending sidewards,

"Welcome. To General Oswain's Penitentiary in the City of Valhullu. I am Major Eladio-Vuentei, the warden of this place. I apologise but we do not offer travellers tours within our historic landmarks."

Looking at the Berserker and starts to wonder if it is even "Eleven"?

It is so easy when this "child" can manipulate you so easily. I just wished I could of caused more trouble for you.

You should that way every one can know how awesome you "elves" are.

"It is true. We constantly change the exits and entrances. We would like the ones who are keen to exercise to have a little bit of muscle and breathing time, but they usually end up in our room, all the time. I should say."

Eladio-Vuentei points to Naîm,

"Saying something back there? I would like to know."

"If you are thinking of backstabbing us, you can shred that thought right now. Or you can tell us why you are here, doesn't matter anyway." the elf shrugs again.

And now I know how to get out of here, smarty pants.

Noticing what Na'im was trying to do. Yea, he has this weird urge to heal me.

Can you just throw me in my jail cell now? Wondering if the other are going to try some thing.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"There are surface Dwarves, like myself. There are also various tribes, one of which my cousin is from..." Mhinak grumbles. "You guys don't seem thrilled to be here. I'm sure you guys get payed handsomely for your duties, no?"

"If you understand how the world works, you will realise that there is a role for every individual, tribe and race. Your ancestors originate underneath the surface, in mountains, in caves, in quarries, and this is how the world works. Dwarves are dwarves. Do you realise by emerging from the surface, your ancestors are actually disrupting the balance of life? Some are destined to be under the surface, some are not and the Gods has set everything perfect in place, for us to govern, not destroy. Just like our great race, The Star Elves, we observe our roles. We were born as warriors, and we live, train and die as one. Our great General is one role model to follow, both in nobility and as a warrior. And we do not live for reward, we live because it is our duty to fulfil our roles in our society. Our duty is to protect our people, those behind the dome, who have their individual roles to fulfil. We get our enjoyment when as a society, we succeed as one. That is what our Gods intended for us, and we seek pleasure from it."

"Dwarves don't live long enough to understand that. All you think about is treasure, precious rocks and tinkering. That is what your race is intended to do right? Not going about trespassing into the property of others, agree? What do you gain from helping the Fenarians?" Pointing to Bain and Naîm, "They neglected their fundamental duties to the society, all because of greed, lust and selfishness. Look at all the ruins and wastelands outside this prison, do you think the Gods wanted all these viable land to go to waste? It wasn't previously, until the Fenarians, decided all that they are given isn't good enough. Obviously fulfilling their role underground isn't good enough, and who are they blaming? Us? The Gods?" Pointing to Miderun, "I have heard of the war between the orcs and humans, what is your role in your clan? Why are you here?" Pointing to Bobby, Kiray and Elnath, "And what about humans? Role as a performer, housemaker or magician?" Pointing to Germ, "What are you and why are you even here?" And finally pointing to Inki, "This beast should be hunting in the forest, as a predator, not here, behind walls made of stone."

Looking at the Berserker and starts to wonder if it is even "Eleven"?

It is so easy when this "child" can manipulate you so easily. I just wished I could of caused more trouble for you.

You should that way every one can know how awesome you "elves" are.

And now I know how to get out of here, smarty pants.

Noticing what Na'im was trying to do. Yea, he has this weird urge to heal me.

Can you just throw me in my jail cell now? Wondering if the other are going to try some thing.

"You are already in one, don't you know?" El-Alquist snaps his fingers and all doors in the chamber shits tight and then open again, and all the doors lead to nowhere other than the room they are already in. "Magic. Poof. You cannot go anywhere unless you destroy the source of this power. Me. If you can." winks El-Alquist.

Bain hisses, and pulls out her dagger,

"Hypocrites! Where is Eckmar?"

"This is the next safest place in Spesialia outside the Capital. He is safe with us, we will look after him. Perhaps if he is lucky enough, his name can be inked in our historic annals of <Residents of Oswain's Penitentiary, Obituaries. Eckmar Mot and his pet, Grigorlis.>"

Edited August 21, 2015 by Purpearljellyblob