Heroica RPG - Quest #138: Fade To Black

[Lind Whisperer]

"Charon was a manipulative, deceptive prick, and I'm glad to be rid of him. I don't see any other way around it, and the fact that you think he's pleasant disturbs me." Karie states, glaring Lind over.

"Sometimes, global events have to be manipulated in a certain fashion for the benefit and preservation of the current population," Father Steve said angrily.

In a calmer voice he continued. "Suppose that you knew of, let's say, demons invading from another dimension. Their coming would inevitably change the world as we all know it for the worse. If people even so much as knew about the demons coming, there would be terror in the streets and panic in the air. So, you go, you close up the invasion, and keep the world safe for another day, with no panic, and none the wiser.

Would you really blame me for "manipulating" things in that case?"

"If there were two dragons we would've found evidence of one. They're huge, apex predators. I doubt Vorpalis could just hide another dragon on Moone."

"I'm just saying, we have to keep the fact in mind. This party is just not capable of fighting two dragons at once - we're barely capable of facing one..."

[Endgame]

"I'm just saying, we have to keep the fact in mind. This party is just not capable of fighting two dragons at once - we're barely capable of facing one..."

"Not to mention dragons tend to get stronger with age. There's talk that Vorpalis is too old to be an Elder Dragon, you know. They're thinking of classifying him as an Origin Dragon. What his father would be is a mystery..."

[Kintobor]

"Sometimes, global events have to be manipulated in a certain fashion for the benefit and preservation of the current population," Father Steve said angrily.

In a calmer voice he continued. "Suppose that you knew of, let's say, demons invading from another dimension. Their coming would inevitably change the world as we all know it for the worse. If people even so much as knew about the demons coming, there would be terror in the streets and panic in the air. So, you go, you close up the invasion, and keep the world safe for another day, with no panic, and none the wiser.

Would you really blame me for "manipulating" things in that case?"

"And what about manipulation for the deterrent of the global population? You're here to kill a dragon, one's who power can bring continents to its knees and turn kings into gibbering madmen. And yet you support a demi-entity who can manipulate events on a global scale? Do you not see how backwards your logic is?"

Karie purses her lips and crosses her arms. "Then tell me this. Why didn't Charon stop the Regret? Why did your buddy allow hundreds of thousands of people to be slaughtered by his hand?"

Edited August 10, 2015 by Kintobor

[Lind Whisperer]

"And what about manipulation for the deterrent of the global population? You're here to kill a dragon, one's who power can bring continents to its knees and turn kings into gibbering madmen. And yet you support a demi-entity who can manipulate events on a global scale? Do you not see how backwards your logic is?"

"Because I have yet to see any evidence that he is affecting them in a negative manner. As it was, he seemed quite competent."

Karie purses her lips and crosses her arms. "Then tell me this. Why didn't Charon stop the Regret? Why did your buddy allow hundreds of thousands of people to be slaughtered by his hand?"

"That is an excellent question. I will remember to ask it the next time we meet. Whether or not it will favorable to his character...will need to be determined then.

I do not have the full data at the moment. Perhaps, by letting hundreds of thousands die, they saved millions. Or, perhaps he is part of a group of notoriously careless demi-entities. I quite simply do not have the data at the moment.

However, after speaking with him as little as I had time to, I feel confident in him. Keep in mind, he helped save us. Perhaps we are a tool to help save the lives of millions."

[Kintobor]

"I do not have the full data at the moment. Perhaps, by letting hundreds of thousands die, they saved millions. Or, perhaps he is part of a group of notoriously careless demi-entities. I quite simply do not have the data at the moment.

However, after speaking with him as little as I had time to, I feel confident in him. Keep in mind, he helped save us. Perhaps we are a tool to help save the lives of millions."

"Here we go again about the "greater good". The entire idea that one does something for "the greater good" is the most pathetic excuse I've heard. The Regret murdered people and sowed discord because he was xenophobic. He hated everyone that wasn't him, or his Oculoid spawn, and even then they were just a means to an end.

Speaking of means to an end, that's what he's using us for. A means to an end. He saved us so he can advance whatever scheme he's hatching. If you want to be considered a "tool" Lind, by all means, I'd agree that you're one. I however, am the master of my own fate, not some cryptic buddy of yours." Karie returns to her healing.

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Jinnipher nodded in approval at Karie's healing. "Not bad. Think you could help me out with the same thing? The dragon knocked me off my feet just by roaring..."

Still, as they walked a cloud hung over the Moon Elf's head about Faust. She read the gravestone marker with disdain. "Well isn't that cute. A whole family of murderous lizards. I hope Vorpalis is ready to join his brother in the dirt."

"Warlen, didn't you say something about Lethauros back there in Mermont? Did you fight him?"

"No. My friend, Quarion, fought him and died. We're going to need to be on the top of our game."

Ignoring Linds request, Warlen sculls the same concoction as before.

[Lind Whisperer]

"Here we go again about the "greater good". The entire idea that one does something for "the greater good" is the most pathetic excuse I've heard. The Regret murdered people and sowed discord because he was xenophobic. He hated everyone that wasn't him, or his Oculoid spawn, and even then they were just a means to an end.

"The greater good I stand for is that, whatever happens, the most people live as possible. The Regret wasn't after the "greater good," he was after the advancement of his life and his ideals."

Speaking of means to an end, that's what he's using us for. A means to an end. He saved us so he can advance whatever scheme he's hatching. If you want to be considered a "tool" Lind, by all means, I'd agree that you're one. I however, am the master of my own fate, not some cryptic buddy of yours." Karie returns to her healing.

*Sigh* "None of us are masters of our fate, Miss Alderflask. None of us. We're all controlled by greater beings than we can understand, and what we perceive as free will, is their machinations."

"No. My friend, Quarion, fought him and died. We're going to need to be on the top of our game."

"Aww. I liked that guy..."

OoC: I'll need to get off shortly. Lind's ready to follow the group to wherever, and if a round is fought tonight, and I don't post, Kintobar/Skrall can control him. Keep in mind, he's Encouraged.

Edited August 10, 2015 by Lind Whisperer

[Endgame]

*Sigh* "None of us are masters of our fate, Miss Alderflask. None of us. We're all controlled by greater beings than we can understand, and what we perceive as free will, is their machinations."

"What twisted scholar told you that?"

[Lind Whisperer]

"What twisted scholar told you that?"

"The teachings of the Dodekube. You see, the Dodekube isn't the top of his "pantheon" - in fact, the Dodekube itself is said to be only the carried out actions of even greater beings - beings that control all of us. We never see them, we never hear them, and we likely never shall, but they control us. We are the living embodiments of their desires, their intentions, and their designs. We live through them, as they live through us." Father Steve shrugged.

[Endgame]

"We can continue the theological debate later."

The party continues along their path to Moone Palace, the grave still hanging heavily in their minds. The path doesn't go on for much longer, the tan cobblestone path leading to the impressive moone Palace. The party steps on the bridge above the moat...

The fog here was oppressive. Lind had to keep Puffy on constantly, creating a protective bubble of steam as the black fog tried to swarm the heroes and taint their minds. They cautiously begin their walk across the bridge, stepping into the forcefully open gates and into the darkness. The halls of the palace were brimming with fresh fog, requiring Puffy's full capacity to keep the miasma at bay. Stumbling through the darkened corridors of Faust's fallen castle, the party eventually reaches the throne room.

The party stares at the kingless throne, the room eerily silent. Bloodstains are scattered on the floor, a sure sign of recent life lost here. The stairs to the left of Faust's throne would lead to the roof, where their final battle with Vorpalis awaited them...

Would the party make any preparations for the final battle?

[Lind Whisperer]

"We can continue the theological debate later."

"Probably best. I'm getting the distinct feeling everyone's opinion of my intelligence level is dropping like a stone."

"Despite my barely being able to see it, let me be the first to congratulate you on the quality of your peoples' craftsmanship. A truly excellent castle.

Dratted fog, spoiling the sightseeing..."

The party stares at the kingless throne, the room eerily silent. Bloodstains are scattered on the floor, a sure sign of recent life lost here. The stairs to the left of Faust's throne would lead to the roof, where their final battle with Vorpalis awaited them...

Would the party make any preparations for the final battle?

"Unless anyone wants to go search for the palace armory like I suggested early on, or a certain half-elf - or anyone else stocking them - feels like selling me a couple of highly useful potions - I'm ready to go face a dragon.

I think I'll spend these few moments while I wait for the rest of y'all making sure that...are attended to...saving the...yeah, I'm just going to search for anything, eh, "lying around"."

Father Steve searches the room for anything "lying around".

It's the aftermath of a huge struggle. There's got to be a few things lying around...

[Endgame]

The only thing in the room is the throne, the rug, and the streamers - with blood being on all three.

[Lind Whisperer]

The only thing in the room is the throne, the rug, and the streamers - with blood being on all three.

"Does anyone really need this rug? I mean, it's got blood all over it..."

[JimBee]

"No. My friend, Quarion, fought him and died. We're going to need to be on the top of our game."

Jinnipher nodded. "Then here's your chance for revenge. Make it count."

"If anyone has any venom that I could add to this sword, I might be able to poison the worm to death. Otherwise... I'm ready to end this." She looked determinedly at the stairwell, trying to ignore the eeriness of the empty throne room. She found herself standing next to Gabriel again and inched slightly closer.

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Can we get a current stat status before going up?

Skrall hands 7 venoms over to Jinnipher. "Make 'em count."

[JimBee]

Skrall hands 7 venoms over to Jinnipher. "Make 'em count."

Jinnipher slaps 35 gold into Skrall's gigantic hand for the venom. "I don't owe you anything."

She applies all seven vials to the Brine Blade.

[The Chosen Minifigure]

A steely look in his eyes, Warlen passes the deadly venom to Jinnipher.

[Endgame]

Gabriel glances at Jinnipher and visibly relaxes, his tense shoulders drooping and his grip on his weapon growing tighter.

QM Note: A few more hours of preperation, before you ascend to the roof.

The Party:

81 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 43.2 *Natural Respite* *Favors Humanoid and Beast enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, Confused, Weakened, and Hexed* *Encouraged!* *Lucky!*

Power Bonus: +2 WP for bows and crossbows, +2 power

Defense: 8

Health: 57/57

Gold: 3371

GP: 3

Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12, double WP against beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Paper Doll (Immunity to Hexed) Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Immunity to Weakened), Giant Hammer (WP: 13, deals Confused)

Inventory: Oversized Greatsword (WP:16, double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP,light,lightning,water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from battles, accessory), 3x Potion, Phoenix Essence, 3x Phoenix Incense, Fenghuang Incense (After being consumed, automatically revives all party members with full health once when knocked out; cannot revive targets that are already knocked out.), 8 Meads, 5 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 4 Smelling Salts, 2 Deadly Venoms, 9 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Spyglass (Reveals if there are spies and eavesdroppers in the vicinity when used; tool), 6 Bone, Blind Fury, Wolfgang Insignia, Black Goo, Grating Stone, 1 Grand Potion, Level-Up Mushroom, 2 Neutralizers, Nostrum, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory),

Warlen Melimane, Eulalia's Knight (The Chosen Minifigure) *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Ether Reduction* Physical attacks pierce SP! *Encouraged!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* *Drunk!*

23 year old male half-elf Mystic Knight

Level 18

Power: 28 (17+8+3).

Health: 32/32(5+18+1+3+5+7*)

SP: 10 (3+3+4)

Ether: 32/38 (5+18+4+3+5+1)

Gold: 150

Equipment: Sean Cole's Sword-Cannon (Can be used as a longsword or handcannon, WP: 8 - defies SP in sword mode, deals Bleeding 1 in cannon mode), Eagle Shield (SP: 4, prevents ether reduction), Fenarian Robes of the Vampire (SP:3, Max. Ether +4, Immune to Darkness, backwear), Lethauros Ring (Health and Ether +5. Suitable for anyone, accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons: Plasma Shield (SP: 3, absorbs electricty, belongs to Lind), Healing Staff (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging),

Artifacts: Magician's Glove* (+10 spell power) Counterstrike Gloves, Locustoid Grevaes (+4 ether, immune to Earth Class, can be used by any ether user), 7 10-gallon Hats (Grants wearer tourist effect, causing no one to take them seriously), Moone Greaves (SP: 3)

Spellbook: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Antimagic

Must Be RPed: Lightning Ball (25 electric damage to all enemies, bomb), Small Frost Ball (10 ice damage, bomb)

Consumables: Potion x3, Grand Potion x3, Health Core, Tonic x3, Remedy x3, Banana, Smoke Bomb, Milk x2 (+15 HP and Ether) 3x Hurricane (Grants Hilariously and Luckily Drunk - if wearer makes pun every round, the strength of their attack is doubled.) Viper Scale (worth 40 gold to a certain someone), Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense

Other Junk: Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Bones x6, 2 shiny gold rocks (worth 1 gold at most stores, 5 at magic stores).

Karie Alderflask-Cour, A True Hero (Kintobor)

24? Year Old Human Female Witch

Level 32.25 *Permanently Nimble* *Immune to Sealed*

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 49/49

Defense: 2

Ether: 37/37

Gold: 2107

GP: 36

Equipment: Blazing Palm (WP: 14, Fire Elemental whip, successful hits lower the target's level by 1), Catsuit (Wearer becomes nimble and has a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE, and FREE HITS, suitable for women only, body wear), Ethereal Cloak (SP: +2, Max Ether: +4, back wear), Mage's Muffler (Provides immunity to sealed, accessory, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

*Weapons: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, successful hits lower the target's level by 1, whip) Spring Staff(WP: 12, healing someone else through this staff also heals the user by the same amount, water elemental staff), Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10, staff), Sexy(WP: 11, disregards SP, longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3, dagger), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, deals the poisoned by 10, breaks after 3 uses) Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to dark-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only; shield.)

-Minstrel Weapons: Angelic Trumpet (WP: 5, user is blessed, instrument), Vagrant's Guitar (WP: 5, user is lucky, instrument), Fine-tuned Guitar (WP:15, user is lucky; instrument)

*Artefacts: Glittering Dress (The users job traits are replaced by those of a Harlot: Promiscuity, Flee, and Money Maker, suitable for women only), Skull Mask (SP: 1, wearer can pose as undead, headwear), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes user's appearance into that of an elf of the same gender, accessory), Snake Eyes Charm (Provides immunity to petrified, accessory, suitable for anyone) Paper Doll (Provides immunity to the Hexed effect, accessory),

*Minstrel Artefacts: Encore Plectrum (If the same song is sung for more than one round of combat in a row, the song's ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable for minstrels, accessory)

*Gems: Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind)

*Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Newtity

*Battle Songs: True Loves Serenade (restores 50 health to the rest of the party, costs 10 ether, Battle Song), Murder on the Dancefloor (Has 1/6 chance of instantly knocking out each opponent (unless immune to sudden death) when sung; costs 30 ether per round; Battle Song)

*Consumables: Grand Potion x11, Tonic x3, Grand Tonic x10, Remedy x8, Phoenix Essence x5, Phoenix Incense x2, Nostrum x3, Smelling Salts, Fire Bomb, Neutralizer x3, Herbal Infusions x3 (Removes Negative Effects and causes Blessed and Transcended effects), Oculoid Miasma, Elixir x2, Tiger Balm, Ether Core, Health Core, Potion x2, Mead, 16 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, Jinxy Juice, Love Potion, Bone

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

*Sheep: Baaffy (Pet Sheep; whenever unleashed deals the fast asleep effect to one random opponent once per battle, unlimited use)

Quest/Roleplay Items: Masson's Journal Entry #11, Map of Brendenton, Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal, Blue Syndicate Outfit, Kayla's Mask, Ulric's Letter

Flynn Flisperer? *Encouraged at half health* *Double Experience* *Immune to Fire* *Deceptive!* *Encouraged!*

21-year-old elf male Human of the Munchkin clan

Class: Assassin

Level: 21

Defense: 7

Health: 12/37 (7+21+5+4)

Gold: 111

Glory Points: 14

Equipped Gear: Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Invader's Armour (SP: 3, wearer is encouraged when their current health is at half or below the wearer's maximum level), Anniversary Medal (+4 Health, +4 Power, +4 SP, +4 Ether, Immune to Fire; accessory, suitable for anyone), Medal of Valor (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience in battle. Accessory), Steel Knife (WP: 12, throwing weapon) Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone)

Unequipped Gear: Plasma Shield (SP: 3, user absorbs electric attacks), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Human (suitable for anyone, changes users appearance into a human of the same gender, accessory), Mugger's Mask (Protects from loss of gold from gold stealing enemies, headwear.), Akrone Fez (Artifact; SP: 1, Max. Health: +1, Headwear, suitable for anyone)

Unequipped Weapons: Darker Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon)

Gems: Ruby

Potions: x5 Potions, Mead, Remedy, Bone, Military Grade Firebomb x2

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel

Quest/Role-playing Items: Newspaper with Picture of Lupine, Alfendi's Cape, Alfendi Lupine's Blank Calling Cards

Decamon Deck: Tweetybird (Flying 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2)

Loaned Out Gear: ________

Loaned Gear: Phoenix Incense x1 ~ Loaned by Skrall

Medal of Valor (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience in battle. Accessory) ~ On loan from Karie Alderflask

Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee)

76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight

Level 5

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 14/14

Defense: 5

Gold: 65

Equipment: Brine Blade (Greatsword, WP: 5, deals Poison 5 (now Poison 22)), Full-Moon Shield (SP: 2), Moone Armor (SP: 3)

Inventory: Potion, Bedroll, Phoenix Incense, , Crescent Sword (WP:3; longsword), Grand Potion, Military Grade Firebomb

"I'm glad that's over with..."

Gabriel Cour, Level 31Sniper *Immune to Sleep/Deep Sleep*

HP: 25/46

SP: 4

Gold: 300

Lethality: 1/6

Equipment: Somnamblast (WP: 13, 1/6 chance of inflicting Sleep on succesful hits, handcannon), Sandblasted Helmet (SP: 2, immune to sleep/deep sleep), Sandblasted Robes (SP: 2)

Inventory: Grand Potion x3, Sleep Bomb, Old Guitar (WP: 0), Phoenix Incense

Edited August 11, 2015 by Endgame

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Skrall should be at full health due to Natural Respite.

"I'm all set, the rest of ya?"

[Lind Whisperer]

With a mildly disgruntled look towards the half-elf, Father Steve nodded. "Ready."

[Kintobor]

Karie takes a smelling salts as she gingerly walks for the door to the staircase, holding it open for everyone.

"Shall we?"

Edited August 11, 2015 by Kintobor

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Warlen nodded silently, withdrawing his blade.

[Endgame]

The party ascends the staircase, the winding stone steps leading up a silvery brick tower. As the party cramps into the stairwell, Karie, the last hero in line, slams the door shut, a triumphant little grin on her face. Black fog hung above them like a miserable veil, and followed them up like a hungry beast, the Puffy machine keeping both miasmas of fog from collapsing in on them and driving them mad. They reach the top of the stairs and step out into the night sky, the bright full moon almost blotted out by the dragon's fog. Visibility was poor...

The party's eyes dart around the roof, various towers casting looming shadows over them. Finally, they spot two amber beacons amidst the shroud of darkness, and a draconian silhouette to match. Its wings unfurl, and it soars down onto the ground below - the dragon, of course, being none other than Vorpalis.

The elder dragon was a sight to behold. With his wings splayed out, his dark body blotted out the horizon. His fog leaked from between his razor-like teeth, trailing behind him like a cape. It ignited into a blue corona around the dragon - with every step, the dragon makes a point of scraping his talons across the roof, the spark igniting another deafening blue explosion, sending up plumes of cinder and ash in his wake. Staring out from the aura of ebony insanity and azure doom was Vorpalis.

"Now you understand why I had to hold back in Mermont, yes?" hisses the dragon

Edited August 11, 2015 by Endgame

[Lind Whisperer]

The party ascends the staircase, the winding stone steps leading up a silvery brick tower.

Father Steve, as the second to the last hero in line, stuffed a certain rug into his bag, before following the rest up the tower.

"Look out below, Plane of Holding - big delivery coming through..."

Many dimensions away...

"We didn't start the building..."

"Gack, who's always dropping gum?

"Trollius, this table is not a stage!"

"'Cause it was always creating, since the world's been building..."

"This is a Bag of Holding, not a trash can..."

MUFFLED THUMP!

"See, what'd I tell you? If you hadn't been dancing, you wouldn't have crushed by...Why is there a bloodied rug on my table?"

"Great, now the gum's sticking to my fingers. Stupid heroes..."

"Who keeps a bloodied rug?"

The elder dragon was a sight to behold. With his wings splayed out, his dark body blotted out the horizon. His fog leaked from between his razor-like teeth, trailing behind him like a cape. It ignited into a blue corona around the dragon - with every step, the dragon makes a point of scraping his talons across the roof, the spark igniting another deafening blue explosion, sending up plumes of cinder and ash in his wake. Staring out from the aura of ebony insanity and azure doom was Vorpalis.

"Now you understand why I had to hold back in Mermont, yes?" hisses the dragon

*gulp*

For once, Father Steve seemed to have nothing to say.

Edited August 11, 2015 by Lind Whisperer

[JimBee]

Jinnipher trembled, but didn't let it show. She held her sword and prepared to charge. She had nothing more to say to the dragon.