Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World

[UsernameMDM]

OoC: Total. I think the Ethereal Opal will fetch a fair price, and you can always convert the other one. I also am not including Guts here - Scuba has not checked in for a month.

Gotcha.

Torc blasts the ceiling with flames. The ice shimmers and reflects the light, and for a short moment the entire cavern is filled with light - revealing only ice and dripping water. The heroes and their companions are alone in the room. The whispering, however, continues.

"What are you doing?! We're trying to save the room, not destroy it!" And sure enough, the dripping intensifies as little droplets land on Torc's snout.

"Trying to see what we are looking for. Apparently, there's nothing here," Hoke says as he shakes the last bit of the ominous chill from his spine.

He pockets the Etheral Opal and tosses the Opal and gold to Matthias.

Matthias glances around for something to fight, but there is nothing. Suddenly, Skuld begins to murmur strangely to herself. She turns to face Matthias and locks eyes with him.

"Give me that."

"Easy," he says as he steps in front of Skuld,"What is going on here?"

"Heroes...?"

Hoke looks at the Void Master, giving him a signal that it might be time to leave.

Edited May 24, 2016 by UsernameMDM

[StickFig]

"Give me that."

He pockets the Etheral Opal and tosses the Opal and gold to Matthias.

Matthias pockets the gemstone and gold. "Give you what? The anvil? I am the Bearer."

Edited May 25, 2016 by StickFig

[Zepher]

Skuld ignores the heroes and begins to pace towards Matthias. Melquiades, for the first real time since the heroes have met him, stands up straight and steps forward commandingly.

"Skuld, what are you playing at?"

Skuld waves her staff and ice wraps around the (former)Selkreeth's feet, freezing him in his spot. Lady Felix starts to chip away at the ice as Skuld grows closer.

"We're going. Are we taking her with us, or not?"

[UsernameMDM]

"If yoi believe she is of no harm to Ehteria,we all go. If not," Hoke eyes Skuld threateningly, "she stays."

[Zepher]

OoC: It's your decision! You need to pick one.

[UsernameMDM]

"I'll let Etheria judge her. Let's all go ."

[StickFig]

Matthias keeps his weapon pointed at Skuld and his hand on the anvil as the void master moves them out of the room, wondering what will come back in Skuld's body or mind.

[Zepher]

Skull throws herself at Matthias just as Lady Felix finishes her work on Melquiades. He grabs Skuld by the shoulder as she bowls Matthias over and suddenly everyone is thrown into the Void once more. They fly through the nether and Skuld lets out a cry of shock and pain. Landing back in City Center she sits huddled as Melquiades helps Matthias to his feet. Luis jogs over, shocked.

"What happened in there?"

Melquiades holds up a hand and stops the were-bat in his tracks. They all look at Skuld, who continues to stare at the ground. Electrical energy cackles behind the heroes as they see us stepping out from behind his golden chest, a bolt of energy in his hands. Luis unfurls a scroll.

"Skuld?"

"I'm alright." She stands up, looking even paler than normal (is that possible??) and then blushes suddenly. "I don't know what came over me. Some commanding voice in my head... it's gone now. I apologize, Matthias. That is a powerful anvil. I wouldn't be surprised if something else tries to snatch it from you in the future."

"Let's get her to Iceborn." Luis rolls back up his scroll and Zeus returns to his chest, glancing over his shoulder. "If it bears further investigation, he and the Council will be able to figure out the best course of action. They should at least hear what happened to Skuld. And if they need to keep an eye on her."

"Right." Melquiades turns back to the heroes. "After I bring Skuld to the Captain, I'll be able to take you back to Eubric, or elsewhere if you'd like. I'm a one stop sort of guy though, so wherever I drop you it'll be on you to get back home from there."

Skuld is still visibly shaken as Luis attempts to comfort her. Is there anything else the heroes would like to do or say in Etheria?

[UsernameMDM]

"I believe I have a way to Eubric," Hoke says as he pats Torc's neck,"Thanks for your assistance Void Master. This certainly has been an interesting trip."

[StickFig]

Matthias collects himself, his thoughts, and the Anvil after the harrowing teleportation and gives Skuld a long look. "No, I believe I am ready to return to Heroica Hall," he says, obviously stretched thin. He runs his hand along an imaginary groove in the face of the Anvil. "But first, I believe the proper place for this is in Etheria's treasure room."

Matthias does still need to do some shopping before he departs Etheria though!....

Edited May 27, 2016 by StickFig

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke says his farewells, not seeing anything else to accomplish here. He mounts Torc who vaults into the air with a flick of her wings and tail. They take to the skies effortlessly, soon out of Etheria and gliding peacefully over a crystalline blue sea.

[Zepher]

Matthias collects himself, his thoughts, and the Anvil after the harrowing teleportation and gives Skuld a long look. "No, I believe I am ready to return to Heroica Hall," he says, obviously stretched thin. He runs his hand along an imaginary groove in the face of the Anvil. "But first, I believe the proper place for this is in Etheria's treasure room."

Matthias does still need to do some shopping before he departs Etheria though!....

OoC: Shop away!

"I will return for you and the Anvil after I've taken Skuld a safe distance." He turns to Skuld and smiles. "Never can be too careful." With a zap they're gone, and Matthias is left to finish up any business he has in Etheria.

[StickFig]

Matthias visits Zeus to buy a Gaia Bomb, Toxic Hood, and Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon, then goes to the Forge Master and uses the Gaia Bomb to defeat another set of Ice Sprites, earning another Ethereal Opal. Returning to Zeus, he idly inquires about the prices of Raw Meat, Buckets of Buffalo Wings, Greasy Sausages, Chicken Drumsticks, Totally Dope Hair Gel, and Carrots as he waits for Melquiades to return.

922 - 150 - 200 - 400 = 172 Gold remaining

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*

Power Bonus: 10

Defense: 6

Health: 36/36

Ether: 3/26

Gold: 172

Equipment: Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:9, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness- and Lightning-elemental, 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), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow), 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), 3x Ethereal Opal (Ice and Fragile), Ethereal Ruby (Fire and Afraid), 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

[Zepher]

"You're certainly hungry! Here's a complete list of your requests!"

• Raw Meat - 1125 Gold
  
• Buckets of Buffalo Wings - 750 Gold
  
• Greasy Sausage - 520 Gold
  
• Chicken Drumstick - 270 Gold
  
• Carrot - 150 Gold
  

"I can't sell you the Totally Dope Hair Gel! I need it for my hair."

[StickFig]

Matthias consults his depleted coin bag. "Thanks anyway. And your hair does look great!" He settles in to wait for Melquiades.

[Zepher]

Melquiades and Piglina arrive and greet the gnome.

"Ready to go home? Piglina will deal with the anvil."

"Do not worry. It'll be more than safe here. Please ensure you get that bauble to my brother, and best of luck." Piglina bows to Matthias as Melquiades whisks him away and deposits him outside the Hall.

[Zepher]

OoC: Stickfig, I forgot to post Matthias' new abilities, so here they are!

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*

Power Bonus: 10

Defense: 6

Health: 36/36

Ether: 3/26

Gold: 172

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: Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:9, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness- and Lightning-elemental, 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), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow), 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), 3x Ethereal Opal (Ice and Fragile), Ethereal Ruby (Fire and Afraid), 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

[UsernameMDM]

It was a pleasant trip overall. Something neither Hoke nor Torc seemed to have enjoyed lately. They took a leisurely pace, but Hoke noticed Torc slowing down the closer they got to Eubric.

Something was amiss. He sensed it. He sensed it after they left Dastan and the other dragons.

Eventually, they touched down just outside Eubric, in a small clearing in the woods near the city. Hoke felt another familiar presence and understood what was going on as soon as he saw an old friend perched atop the stump of a felled tree.

<Are you ready sister?> Hoke heard Vipera ask as he slid off her back. He looked Torc in the eyes and saw sadness but also determination.

<Yes little one.> Torc said, not taking her eyes off Hoke <I will teach the Dragons of Dastan what we have learned together. I will return to you.>

Hoke removed his glove and placed his hand on her snout. She breathed him in, backed away, and took to the air.

<I will watch over her. Our kind will surely benefit from what you have done for Torc and I. She will return, and so will I.>

Vipera took flight as well, catching up with her larger sister. Hoke watched them fly off until they disappeared on the horizon. He turned to walk back to the Hall with the same look that Torc had in her eyes, sad, but determined.

Edited May 30, 2016 by UsernameMDM

[StickFig]

Melquiades and Piglina arrive and greet the gnome.

"Ready to go home? Piglina will deal with the anvil."

"Do not worry. It'll be more than safe here. Please ensure you get that bauble to my brother, and best of luck." Piglina bows to Matthias as Melquiades whisks him away and deposits him outside the Hall.

"I will seek out Sir Pigley at once." Matthias struggles to order his thoughts as he rests his hands on the anvil. Bowing to Piglina, he finds a few words. "I will return, over and over perhaps, to study this and to put its secrets to use for all people. I will have plenty of time." And the Void Master whirls him away.

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)

Did you want to do Sir Pigley now, or should I wait and sign up for the next Zepher quest? I'm cool either way.

[Zepher]

OoC: We can do Pigley now! I won't make you look far and wide for him. I'll just narrate it really quickly, and then let you respond - sorry to hijack your character, know that's generally a no-no but I don't want to drag you out longer than need be.

Before returning to the Hall, Matthias makes good on his promise to Piglina. Asking various birds, rats, dogs and other critters Matthias is able to track his old friends down somewhere in the Hovels, where they seem to be staying for the time being.

Approaching the back of a worn down inn, Matthias finds an even more worn down stable. A familiar voice calls out to him.

"Do my eyes deceive me or is that Matthias?!" calls the little crab, waving his sword enthusiastically to get the gnome's attention. "What brings you to these parts?" Pigley peers out from behind a troth of food.

[StickFig]

"Master Ruffers!" the gnome calls out, excited to see an unambiguously friendly face. "And Sir Pigley! How are the two of you?! It's been ages. Sir Pigley, I've had the pleasure of meeting your sister Piglina. She sent me to give you this." Matthias pulls the Orb of Life from one of his pouches and holds it out towards the pig, watching to see Sir Pigley's reaction. "Were you expecting a package from her? She also mentioned some sort of troublesome encounter ahead for you - is everything ok, my friends?" Brow knitted slightly, the gnome looks from pig to crab and back.

[Zepher]

Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon

(UsernameMDM)

Human Male Dragoon

Level 55.6

*Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1,

Dark

, Light, Ice*

Power Bonus: 2, +7 WP

Defense: 41

Health: 94/94 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +54 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread)

Gold: 138

Equipment

:

Zoot's Order

(WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only),

Steel Buckler

(SP:31, Darkness-elemental),

Sven's Heavy Armor

(SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile),

Hydra Skin

(SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear),

Warrior's Treads

(SP:2, Health +1),

Samurai Helmet

(WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors),

Medal of Glory

(Wearer gains triple experience, accessory),

Bone Claws

(+3 WP, 2 SP, hand wear),

Inventory

:

Weapons

-

Vintul

(WP: 16; greatsword),

Gladiator Trident

(WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear),

Wasabi Blade

(WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword),

Glistening Halberd

WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance),

Blue Steel Shield

(SP:5, Immune to Blind),

Fang Dagger

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

Hollow Flagpole

(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance),

Great Axpeord

(WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear),

Blade of Tranquility

(WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, Long-sword)

Artefacts

-

Sharkskin Gloves

(Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks),

Helm of Prestige

(SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons),

Sterile Gloves

(Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone),

Cultist Hat

(damage vs undead),

Sigil of the Cold Circle

- (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers),

Heavy Armo

r (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile),

Electro Gear

(Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory),

Coat Hanger

(Allows for a second body wear, Accessory),

Pugilist Gloves

(+2 to power, immune Weakened),

Shadeaux Cape

(SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.),

Iceborn's Improved Summoning Amulet

(Can be used once per quest to revive a fallen enemy to join the party. The enemy has a level equal to their previous level, and health equal to the half the health of the hero reviving them. Their class can be determined by the QM, and they cannot be revived by Phoenix Essences. Accessory)

Gems

- Ruby (Fire), Etherial Sapphire (Sealed+Wind), Emerald (Wood), Etherial Aquamarine (Confusion+Water), Topaz (Lightning), Etherial Garnet ( Slowed+Earth), Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned), Etherial Opal (Fragile+Ice)

Scrolls

- Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep

Tools

- Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb

Consumables

- 3x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 3x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Mythril Shard

Decamon Deck

- Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8)

"Master Ruffers!" the gnome calls out, excited to see an unambiguously friendly face. "And Sir Pigley! How are the two of you?! It's been ages. Sir Pigley, I've had the pleasure of meeting your sister Piglina. She sent me to give you this." Matthias pulls the Orb of Life from one of his pouches and holds it out towards the pig, watching to see Sir Pigley's reaction. "Were you expecting a package from her? She also mentioned some sort of troublesome encounter ahead for you - is everything ok, my friends?" Brow knitted slightly, the gnome looks from pig to crab and back.

"We've been well! Very well!" Ruffers' looks shocked (however crabs go about doing that) when Matthias mentions Piglina. "Your sister? Pigley, I thought you hadn't spoken to her for years!"

"I see her whenever we're both in town," says Pigley defensively. "It just doesn't happen all that often." He sniffs at the Orb of Life and then picks it up with his mouth. He trots back over to the feeding troth and drops it in with the gruel. "It is, I will admit, a little odd for her to send me gifts."

"As for a troublesome encounter, there is nary a minute we aren't in one! Right now we are hunting down a house that went rogue and stole the cart it was carrying, full of valuable sea salt! If that isn't dangerous - a crab versus a horse - I don't know what is!"

Pigley snorts sadly.

"I highly doubt Piglina fears that encounter... that being said, heavens know what she really does fear. I am certain, had she known the nature of the danger, that she would have sent word..." he looks at Matthias. "What will come will come. Nothing we can do to prevent that. Thank you for this, Matthias. Make sure you watch your back, and we will make sure to watch ours' as well."

[Zepher]

On his way back to the Hall Hoke stops by Guffington Manor to find out what the extra loot he was promised is. U'Or opens the heavy gates for him.

"Ah, Mr. Abelsword, glad to see you made it back to Eubric all in one piece! You are no doubt here to collect that extra payment that you and Master Guffington negotiated." U'Or hands Hoke a small golden brooch. "This will let the world know that you are a friend of Guffington Manor, and will entitle you to a sweet little drink that our very own Doc Daneeka has cooked up as well as letting the world know you are a friend of the Manor. Simply stop by the Manor before every quest, and we will make sure you are supplied!"

Guffington's Seal (Proves the Hero is a Friend of Guffington. The hero starts every quest with one "Hero's Cocktail")

Hero's Cocktail (Makes the hero encouraged, hastened, lucky and inspired)

"We have one for each of your quest mates will receive one! Please inform them that they should stop by the Manor to collect their seals."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke takes the seal and pins it to his cloak.

"Many thanks. I will seek out my quest mates and let them know. Thanks for the adventure. It was truly one for the books."

[StickFig]

"I highly doubt Piglina fears that encounter... that being said, heavens know what she really does fear."

Matthias laughs along heartily with Ruffers, glad to feel once again the crab's pure, simple, and virtuous point of view, but the look he gives Pigley is pained. "I ...saw, a glimpse of something, in Etheria. You were asking for her help with something, something that sounded awful. If I can be of any help...." Embarrassed, the gnome trails off, but he looks to his animal friends and nods. "You know where to find me."