Heroica RPG - Quest #147: Judgment Day

Lind Whisperer · March 3, 2016

"What's the alternative to him not choosing any of us?" It seems Punii was left in the dark.

"...What are your feelings on being entirely erased from history?"

Endgame · March 3, 2016

"...Take a *wheeze* guess?!"

Siercon and Coral · March 4, 2016

"If zis dragon is truly ze "Father of Dragons" he claims, then I will be very impressed. One would think we would've heard of zis dragon beore, but perhaps Olegaia likes keeping secrets...

And it seems zat we already have a fine dragon right here." Umbra pats Arx on the head. "...Thormanil, iz it? You've done good service for ze Shadeaux."

Siercon approaches. "Agreed" Siercon says in response to her words. "Dragons who lie under the radar for far too long often demand attention... often in more ways than one. He may need some encouragement to 'acclimate' " he said the last word with some sarcasm, but still clearly kept an open mind on the whole operation... The last time, he and his allies faced a dragon, they killed the wrong one, despite his utmost efforts to stop it.

"Lind soon feels a spiny tail be slapped into his palm. It coils around his hand it shakes it up and down enthusiastically."

Seeing this interaction, Siercon follows suit. Though he approached somewhat delayed, lost in thought about dragons from his past. He offered a semi caporal hand solid to the touch through a slight gaseous margin. He was always excited to meet sentient non human beings, though this expression was hard to read.

"And... this yellow critter.... Punii, I think, from the Guild of Invision."

"Hello *wheeze*, heroes! It's been a while. For the uh, uninitiated, I'm a progg, wormy, lobster-y creatures.

I recognize one of you, but not all of you - and I can't even get a good look at that black misted fellow, for *cough* some reason?"

"Going pretty well! I have a *cough* small burrow near the Hovels I live in - great soil there - and I do work for the Guild *wheeze* of Invision. I'm not sure if they selected me to talk to Immortalis 'cus they know I've *cough* seen some pretty big beasts, or because they don't take him seriously...?

How have you and your husband been doing since the Lonely Island incident? I don't think Masson and I spoke at all on the trip back... He seemed so, uh, listless, I guess.

Also, did I huff too many fumes, or is there a black mist man wearing robes with you guys?"

"Apologies, It is good to meet you. My name is Siercon." Siercon was fascinated by this intelligent crustacean.

"If the dragon wishes to know who deserves to lead Eubric, then I will tell him why the Bonapartes, and the Sungold Alliance as a whole, should lead. Simple as that. It's survival of the fittest, and the Union is quite strong."

Siercon found this funny, and did not stifle a small chuckle. This man would be fun to watch he thought, but not to follow.

"You don't mean to tell me that the Bonapartes are aligned with the likes of this pipsqueak?" Jinnipher jabbed her thumb at Lind. "The Tritech aren't much better. In any case, this isn't the time for politicking. I don't think Immortalis can level the whole city just like that, but it is a dragon and he can probably eat you if he so chooses. He's not going to choose a side in the bickering in this city and spare half of you. So I suggest you all come up with a plan that will keep everyone from danger, if you want anyone to succeed."

Siercon showed, that he fully agreed with Jinnipher, but strategically added a shrug at her talking of Lind. Hopefully the two of them wouldn't have the same problem she just addressed to these others"

OOC: No questions at the moment, there are many new faces for Siercon. I'll try to read a few historical quests so I can refresh more familiarity with these particular people and places. (open to go ahead)

Edited March 4, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

Kintobor · March 4, 2016

"If zis dragon is truly ze "Father of Dragons" he claims, then I will be very impressed. One would think we would've heard of zis dragon beore, but perhaps Olegaia likes keeping secrets...

And it seems zat we already have a fine dragon right here." Umbra pats Arx on the head. "...Thormanil, iz it? You've done good service for ze Shadeaux."

Lind soon feels a spiny tail be slapped into his palm. It coils around his hand it shakes it up and down enthusiastically.

"Heh, well, there's better *wheeze* examples of Proggs out there. Most are horse-sized."

"Going pretty well! I have a *cough* small burrow near the Hovels I live in - great soil there - and I do work for the Guild *wheeze* of Invision. I'm not sure if they selected me to talk to Immortalis 'cus they know I've *cough* seen some pretty big beasts, or because they don't take him seriously...?

How have you and your husband been doing since the Lonely Island incident? I don't think Masson and I spoke at all on the trip back... He seemed so, uh, listless, I guess.

Also, did I huff too many fumes, or is there a black mist man wearing robes with you guys?"

"That's good to hear. I hope the Guild takes you seriously, considering what you've been through." Karie didn't respond to Punii's inquiries about Masson initially. She nodded her head a few times before speaking. "He's been... alright, I suppose. Better than he was a few months ago." Karie looked behind her to the shadowy figure. She didn't remember him introducing himself.

"Him? I don't know what he's about. Why don't you go ask him?"

Endgame · March 4, 2016

QM Note: Sorry if I'm throwing you into the deep end here, swils and Siercon! :blush: If you want to catch up on the previous two parts of the trilogy, Q134 and Q138 should give you an idea.

Now, moving on...

"Apologies, It is good to meet you. My name is Siercon." Siercon was fascinated by this intelligent crustacean.

"Punii. I'm sorry I *wheeze* thought you were a hallucination or something for a second. Being near chemicals for that long can *cough* do that for you, and doesn't help your breathing, 'specially if you have half a lung like I do..."

"That's good to hear. I hope the Guild takes you seriously, considering what you've been through." Karie didn't respond to Punii's inquiries about Masson initially. She nodded her head a few times before speaking. "He's been... alright, I suppose. Better than he was a few months ago." Karie looked behind her to the shadowy figure. She didn't remember him introducing ]

"I'm pretty *wheeze* okay at what I do, I guess. They don't treat me like a dummy or anything. Then again, I'm *cough* second guessing that right now, because I was never told that if immortalis didn't pick someone, there'd be nobody left to pick at all.

I'll... Just take your word about Masson."

"I'm glad to see you all are at least tolerating each other's company. Now, before I called you here, I picked names from a hat and it looks like Karie will be your Party Leader. If any of you have objections, sort them out on your own. You have to get these people to the Dragon's lair."

And with that, the party left Heroica Hall. The streets of Eubric seemed a little dirtier, a little darker, and a little more hostile than usual... Recent events were starting to bring out the worst. And as the party continues their cautious escort through the city, the six representatives trailing behind them, they soon found themselves face to face with the worst.

"Well well well well..." said an orange haired man, sounding a little too gleeful.

"You look like you have some cash..."

"Yeah! Lots of it!"

"Mind parting with some of it?" said a voice that could only be created by smoking, cigarettes or otherwise.

The main in the armor stumbles up last, and speaks. His breath carried the stench of alcohol, moreso than the others. He stands up and manges to slur out a few sentences.

"Tell you what. There's a lot of you, right? A dozen, maybe, counting th' lizard? We normally ask for 45 gold per head when people cross by, but since there's so many of you, I can slash the price just a tiny bit... 35 gold per head. 420 gold and you guys are all in the clear, no hassle from us.

Just a drop in the bucket for you guys, right? No biggie." The man guffaws.

The Party:

Karie Alderflask-Cour, A True Hero (Kintobor) *Party Leader!*

24? Year Old Human Female Minstrel

Level 32.5 *Permanently Nimble* *1/3 Chance to Weaken targeted enemy on successful hits* *Lucky*

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 60/60 (7+8+11+32+2)

Defense: 7 (4+3)

Ether: 38/38 (32+4+2)

Gold: 1907

GP: 36

Equipment: Fine-tuned Guitar (WP:15, user is lucky; instrument), 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), 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), Vorpalis Crown (SP: 4, the wearer has a 1/3 chance of dealing Weakened to the targeted enemy on successful hits. Headwear, suitable for anyone.), Fenarian Robes of the Vampire (SP:3, Max. Ether +4, backwear)

Inventory:

-Weapons: Angelic Trumpet (WP: 5, user is blessed, instrument), Vagrant's Guitar (WP: 5, user is lucky, fire and wind elemental 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), Mage's Muffler (Provides immunity to sealed, 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),

*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 2 ether per healed ally, Battle Song), Murder on the Dancefloor (Has 1/6 chance of instantly knocking out each opponent (unless immune to sudden death) when sung; costs 5 ether per non-immune enemy; Battle Song), Serene Etude (Removes negative effects from the rest of the party instantly. Costs 1 ether per negative effect removed; Battle Song)

*Consumables: Grand Potion x11, Tonic x3, Grand Tonic x10, Remedy x8, Phoenix Essence x5, Phoenix Incense x2, Nostrum x4, Smelling Salts x5, Fire Bomb, Neutralizer x3, Herbal Infusions x3 (Removes Negative Effects and causes Blessed and Transcended effects), Oculoid Miasma (Consumable, reduces level of one enemy by 10.), Elixir x2, Tiger Balm, Ether Core, Health Core, Potion x2, Mead x4, Venoms x16, Deadly Venoms x2, Jinxy Juice, Mulled Wine x2, 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)

Weapons No Longer Usable: Blazing Palm (WP: 14, Fire Elemental whip, successful hits lower the target's level by 1), 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), Sexy (WP: 11, disregards SP, longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3, dagger)

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

Thormanil Nihai, Dragonslayer, Orc-kin (swils)

24 years old male vertically challenged giant Dragoon

Level 48 1/5 *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened*

Power: 65 (48+16+1)

Defense: 13 (10+3)

Health: 70/70 (8+47+15)

Gold: 1999

Equipment: Shishkebab (WP:16, dual-strike, darkness-elemental, lance),Skirmisher's Shield (SP:10, shield), Bright Armor (SP:3, Wearer is immune to Darkness, bodywear), Winged Sandals (Wearer is immune to Light, Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Lightning, and the Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened-effects; footwear)

Inventory:

Weapons: Dragonsbane Lance (WP: 20, triple damage to enemies with 'Dragon' in their name, lance), Gladiator Trident (WP:11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Guardian Halberd (WP: 5, target's defense is used as additional WP, halberd), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, deals Stunned, halberd), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss -> "Aim"), Frozen Saber (WP:9, longsword, Stuns enemies), Repeater Crossbow (WP:7, crossbow. Hastened for first round of combat while equipped.), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, +5 gold from stealing; dagger), Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow), Crystal Shield (SP:2 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued; cannot be upgraded otherwise; shield)

Artifacts: Bejeweled Collar (Amethyst, Emerald, For each gem imbued into the collar, the pet dragon gains the ability to attack with the respective element instead of their natural one. Both the pet dragon and the dragoon also become immune to the imbued elements; suitable to dragoons only; Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Weredog (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory), Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Aqua Gear (Wearer deals and is immune to water-elemental damage, accessory)

Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Opal (Ice)

Consumables: 2x Potion, Diluted Arc Tonic, Grand Tonic, 4x Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Milk, 2x Elixir, Nostrum, 3x Smelling Salts, 3x Mulled Wine, Soma, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Feather of Lithe, 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, 3x Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, 4x Water Bomb, Doomsday Bomb (99 damage to all enemies), 2x Grating Stone, Teleportapple

Tools etc.: Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Arx the Youngling (Pet Dragon controlled by swils)

Level: 48 1/5

Health: 78/78 (30+48)

Element: (Ice, Darkness, Wood)

Lind Whisperer *Encouraged at half health* * *Immune to Dark* *Double damage to humanoids* *Halved damage from Holy/Light enemies* *1/3 chance of dealing Fragile* *STEALS on rolls of Hide*

22-year-old Human

Class: Black Knight

Level: 22.66

Power: 34 (12+22)

Defense: 13 (3+4+6)

Health: 38/38 (7+22+9)

Gold: 23

Glory Points: 14

Equipped Gear: Gladius (WP: 16, darkness-elemental greatsword, 1/3 chance of causing Fragile on successful hits), Invader's Armour (SP: 3, wearer is encouraged when their current health is at half or below the wearer's maximum level), 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.), Vorpalis Netherwings (SP: 4, the wearer deals double damage to humanoid type enemies and takes half damage from Holy/Light enemies. Backwear, suitable for anyone.), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to dark-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only; shield.)

Unequipped Gear: Steel Knife (WP: 12, throwing weapon), Star-Breaker (WP: 5, darkness-elemental halberd *1/2 chance of stun*), 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), Plasma Shield (SP: 3, user absorbs electric attacks)

Unequipped Weapons: Darker Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Wind Spitter's Deck of Cards (WP:10; wind-elemental; causes triple damage to mobs; suitable to Lind only; throwing weapon)

Gems: Ruby

Potions: x3 Potions, Bone, Last Wish Powder, Military Grade Firebomb x2, Grand Potion x2, Remedy x2

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel

Things:

Quest/Role-playing Items: Newspaper with Picture of Lupine, Alfendi's Cape, Alfendi Lupine's Blank Calling Cards, Map of Olegia, Arena Pass x2

Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee)

76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight

Level 11

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 20/20

Defense: 12

Gold: 110

Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5 and Bleeding 3; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, grants Special Guard against undead enemies; backwear)

Inventory:

Weapons/Artifacts: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP, ice-elemental; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Helmet of the Tactician (SP:-5, Power +5 when fighting in the front row; SP:5, Power -5 when fighting the back row; cannot be upgraded; headwear), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), Gloves of the Aspirant Zieg-friend (Spellpower +5, Max Ether +5; suitable to those with reputation among the Ziegfrieds only; if reputation is great, values are doubled; if reputation is outstanding, values are tripled; handwear)

Consumables: 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Mead, Venom, Bone, Fire Bomb

Other: Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation

Siercon (Siercon and Coral)

Male, Age and species unknown (Visual appearance of hollow black smoke in human form.)

Level 20.66 Battlemage (Darkness to all Attacks; Immune to Darkness, Asleep)

Power: 36 (19 levels + WP 17)

Spell Power: 46 (Magicians Gloves +10)

Defense: 5 (Dark Phibbian Cloak +5)

Health: 29/29 (5 base + 19 lvl + 5 class)

Ether: 25/25 (5 base + 19 lvl + 1 class)

Gold: 109

Equipment:

-Giant Spear (WP:17, causes Bleeding, Hollow upgrade [Potion Stored])

-Dark Phibbian Cloak (SP:5, Adds Darkness-element to attacks and protects from darkness, suitable for magic users, body wear, Immune to Sleep,)

-Magicians Gloves (Spellpower +10, Artifact, Hand Wear)

Gems: Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood)

Bombs: Cataclysm Bomb 200 (200 damage to all enemies with all elements [except darkness], ignores row and SP), Muddy Bomb (deals blinded and poisoned by 3 to all foes),Confuse Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the confused-effect to all opponents), 7x Bone (Distracts monster for 1 turn when thrown), Smoke Bomb (Allows party to flee from 1 battle)

Consumables: 8 Potions, 3 Remedies, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Venom, Phoenix Essence, Everlasting Venom (Adds Poisoned +10 effect to one weapon permanently; consumable)

Inventory: Sylvania's Cowl (Artifact, Head Wear, Animal Talk), Sanctified Rito Spear, (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies, Hollow upgrade [ ____ Stored]), 2x Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril)

Tools: Magic Compass, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Decamodifier

For Sale: (Message if interested): Chain Scythe (WP:6, applies Enamored), Hood of the Dark Druid (wearer absorbs Wood- and Darkness-elemental damage; headwear, suitable for druids only),

Quest: Good Rep: Shadeaux, Rito

Glory Points: 41-Decamodifier-Phoenix Essence

Edited March 4, 2016 by Endgame

**JimBee** · March 4, 2016

"You had all better fork over some gold, ambassadors. These guys look tough."

Lind Whisperer · March 4, 2016

"Punii. I'm sorry I *wheeze* thought you were a hallucination or something for a second. Being near chemicals for that long can *cough* do that for you, and doesn't help your breathing, 'specially if you have half a lung like I do..."

"Aww, poor guy.

Would it help in any way if I were to carry you for this trip?"

"I'm glad to see you all are at least tolerating each other's company. Now, before I called you here, I picked names from a hat and it looks like Karie will be your Party Leader. If any of you have objections, sort them out on your own. You have to get these people to the Dragon's lair."

"No ojections here, M'lord."

"Mind parting with some of it?" said a voice that could only be created by smoking, cigarettes or otherwise.

"Yes."

The main in the armor stumbles up last, and speaks. His breath carried the stench of alcohol, moreso than the others. He stands up and manges to slur out a few sentences.

"Tell you what. There's a lot of you, right? A dozen, maybe, counting th' lizard? We normally ask for 45 gold per head when people cross by, but since there's so many of you, I can slash the price just a tiny bit... 35 gold per head. 420 gold and you guys are all in the clear, no hassle from us.

Just a drop in the bucket for you guys, right? No biggie." The man guffaws.

"Counter-offer. You get out of our way, and I'll consider not killing you." Edited March 4, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

Endgame · March 4, 2016

"You had all better fork over some gold, ambassadors. These guys look tough."

"What? We hired you to protect us, not to tell us to give up more gold! Hmph!"

"I'm afraid I didn't bring that much with me, anyway..."

"Counter-offer. You get out of our way, and I'll consider not killing you."

"Let me guess. Heroica."

"Almost as bad as the houses."

Lind Whisperer · March 4, 2016

"You had all better fork over some gold, ambassadors. These guys look tough."

"Seriously? We fought worse than this back in Moone...:"

"What? We hired you to protect us, not to tell us to give up more gold! Hmph!"

"I'm afraid I didn't bring that much with me, anyway..."

"No worries, m'lords and ladies, we'll handle this."

"Let me guess. Heroica."

"Almost as bad as the houses."

"Close.

Try almost-king of the Crescent Union."

The Black Knight pulled Gladius from its sheathe.

"And right now, I feel like laying down some law."

Endgame · March 4, 2016

"Almost king?! Please. You people think you can decide everything for themselves! We didn't we common folk get a say in anything? Why is Eubric just a bunch of powerful idiots deciding things for themselves and screwing it all up for everyone? We had no say on if you become king or not. You're nobody!"

Edited March 4, 2016 by Endgame

**JimBee** · March 4, 2016

Jinnipher rolled her eyes. "I was kidding."

"Almost king?! Please. You people think you can decide everything for themselves! We didn't we common folk get a say in anything? Why is Eubric just a bunch of powerful idiots deciding things for themselves and screwing it all up for everyone? We had no say on if you become king or not. You're nobody!"

"Well I'm with you there, sister. But no one here has the gold or time to give you right now so if you'll all kindly step aside, we have an appointment."

Her sarcasm held a hint of diplomacy.

Lind Whisperer · March 5, 2016

"Almost king?! Please. You people think you can decide everything for themselves! We didn't we common folk get a say in anything? Why is Eubric just a bunch of powerful idiots deciding things for themselves and screwing it all up for everyone? We had no say on if you become king or not. You're nobody!"

"Some people might muse that waylaying people in the middle of the street is screwing things up for everyone."

The Black Knight's voice took on a provoking tone. "Beat it. Now."

Endgame · March 5, 2016

The girl seems prepared to step aside peacefully, but Lind's intimidation causes her to shrink in fear. She was sufficiently afraid, looking at the huge blade Lind beared... But the others were not.

"That any way to treat a lady? Listen. We've already cut up three people today. I dunno but my other fellas here, but we're not afraid to get the death count to go into the double digits this morning.

What do the rest of you say? You can't put a high enough price on safety, right? 'Cause trust me. I'm down on my luck, yeah. This city either kicks the shit out of you, or you end up like the bastards you're helping. But I'm pretty good with a weapon. In fact..."

The man smashes the bottle he was carrying on a box, and points the tip at the heroes.

"I'm willing to bet I don't even need a proper sword to deal with you."

Edited March 5, 2016 by Endgame

Lind Whisperer · March 5, 2016

The girl seems prepared to step aside peacefully, but Lind's intimidation causes her to shrink in fear. She was sufficiently afraid, looking at the huge blade Lind beared... But the others were not.

"That any way to treat a lady? Listen. We've already cut up three people today. I dunno but my other fellas here, but we're not afraid to get the death count to go into the double digits this morning.

"Only three people? Y'all are a bunch of lightweights."

What do the rest of you say? You can't put a high enough price on safety, right? 'Cause trust me. I'm down on my luck, yeah. This city either kicks the shit out of you, or you end up like the bastards you're helping. But I'm pretty good with a weapon. In fact..."

The man smashes the bottle he was carrying on a box, and points the tip at the heroes.

"I'm willing to bet I don't even need a proper sword to deal with you."

"Can I have this guy? He's getting on my nerves..."

**JimBee** · March 5, 2016

The girl seems prepared to step aside peacefully, but Lind's intimidation causes her to shrink in fear. She was sufficiently afraid, looking at the huge blade Lind beared... But the others were not.

"So Lind, how about you stop screwing things up for everyone and keep your mouth shut?"

swils · March 6, 2016

"Please don't mind Lind, he's not nearly as scary as he comes off. We've got a long trip ahead of us, I'm sure the rest of us would rather not clash with you," he says, diplomatically.

Endgame · March 6, 2016

"Just... What mission are you guys on, anyway?"Says the young women, clearly contemplating her options.

Siercon and Coral · March 6, 2016

Siercon's eyes glazed nonchalantly. He was really looking past the ragged crew at the crates, and trashcan. "What's in those..." he thought. Contemplating to the clear din of the rats scurrying around, he wondered if this lot really had gotten that much gold from each travelers, and how much was left. He retorted back to his thought, with an audible mumble "Heh, they probably drank it all."

As Lind spoke, he placed his hands in his pockets. Siercon was down for a fight, and this lot looked like the deserved it. He didn't want to look like he was going for his money, but 'placing his hands in his pockets' was really to fist a dozen gold coins. He was this close to saying "Here's your gold" and flinging the golden chips up into the air as a distraction to quickly jamming his spear into one of the crew before...

"Please don't mind Lind, he's not nearly as scary as he comes off. We've got a long trip ahead of us, I'm sure the rest of us would rather not clash with you," he says, diplomatically.

"Oh..." he thought "Seems like people want to do diplomacy. logical. appropriate." He figured his aggressive inclination was from being rusty, as usually diplomacy would be siercon's first choice.

Adding to the the conversation he spoke. Nodding to the drunk knight while facing the girl he said.

"One man shouldn't make a decision, that you all might regret." following this he changed the conversation, adding some cheerful small talk...

"Hey, no worries man, what's more money, when you have good drink. Am I right?! What's the brew? Looks good." Siercon asked, trying to seem amiable. "Though you've gotta tell me which is better, your bottle or his flask?" Siercon made an awed gesture with both hands palm up at the man on the right and said, "Do my eyes deceive me, or is that inscribed?"

Siercon figured, whatever the reaction he didn't care... perhaps this guy would feel like his man was holding out on him, maybe they'd just attack. regardless, he thought if they attacked a man acting 'all nice', it would probably help swing over the girl. And hey, if small talk continued, maybe they'd just get to wasted to fight... Maybe...

Endgame · March 6, 2016

"You think we're your friends, Smoky? What do you know about drinks, anyway? You're all vapor!

You do seem to get the gist, though. We do need more money for more drink, and the fact that you're breathing is the only thing getting in the way of us taking it. We can fix that, though."

"Come on, guys, this isn't worth it..."

"Lucy, you're really have doubts about this...?"

"That's hardly like you..."

"All of you... Can it! Lucy, you're either with us or you're not. Gerald, get your head in the game. And the rest of ya here... Well, here we go."

Lucy bites her lip, and takes a couple steps away, cowering next to the mouth of nearby alleyway. She was out. The rest of the unsavory citizens advance towards the heroes...

Prepare For Battle!

"Still wanna go against me, Black Knight?"

Callahan, Level 110 Human

HP: 700/700

Specials:

Staggering Strike: Callahan stumbles around a little bit, drunk, having a 1/3 chance of making every hero Confused. He regains his balance and then strikes the hero who rolled Special Damage for 110 damage.

Beatdown: Callahan knocks the hero to the ground and pummels them. The hero takes 110 damage and becomes Confused for the rest of the battle due to the head trauma. (Cannot be remedied.)

Specials alternate.

Drops:

Mulled Wine

"Nnrgh."

Gerald, Level 50 Human *Confused!*

HP: 500/500

Specials:

Trash Talk: Gerald taunts the hero who rolled Special Damage, making them Enraged and Fragile.

Trash Toss: Gerald tosses one of the garbage cans behind him at the heroes. All heroes get the Poisoned 7 effect.

Specials decided randomly.

Passive Specials:

Filthy: Gerald maybe spent a little too much time loitering in dirty alleys. Every round, he inflicts the Poison 5 effect to a random hero.

Drops:

Mead x3

"Let's go, let's go, let's go!"

Max, Level 30 Humanoid

HP: 400/400

Specials:

Max Damage: Max strikes the hero who rolled Special Damage, reducing them to 1 HP.

Passive Special:

Battle Crazed: Max's craving for battle makes him more formidable than he looks. He will defy SP and Row whenever attacking a hero higher level than him.

Drops:

Remedy x4

"Hee hee hee..."

Samuel, Level 30 Humanoid

HP: 400/400

Specials:

Powerful Blow: Samuel punches the hero for damage equal to his level * 2.

Crippling Blow: Samuel shanks the hero across the stomach, halving their max HP for the rest of the battle.

Specials alternate.

Passive Specials:

Sadist: Samuel likes seeing people in pain - no matter who it is. He gains 1 level for every enemy/hero that takes damage, and 4 levels any time anyone is knocked out. (Poison damage does not boost his level, and multiple-hit attacks that damage multiple people only boosts his level by 1.)

Drops:

Sam's Flask