Heroica RPG - Quest #147: Judgment Day

[Lind Whisperer]

"Would you believe it I'm not actually here to fight you?" chuckles Charon.

The Black Knight sighed with relief. He hadn't wanted to fight with one of his few friends.

Immortalis doesn't "let" me enter combat, usually...

"I'd presume from the usually, that there must have been times when he did let you enter it, then..."

So, wondering why I'm here?" says Charon, twirling his cane between two fingers.

"If you aren't here to fight with us, I can only imagine that you are either here to deliver a message, or to open a portal for someone." Edited April 26, 2016 by Lind Whisperer

[Siercon and Coral]

"I can understand. But know that I come to you with no intention of violence. Immortalis doesn't "let" me enter combat, usually... My powers are a bit too... fatal, shall we say.

So, wondering why I'm here?" says Charon, twirling his cane between two fingers.

"Yeah odd, we just heard gurgled screams in these water logged tunnels, so we quickly drained them to come rushing to the aid of this damsel in distress. If we'd known it was you?... Anyways, youre welcome!" Siercon said with a slight bow and wave of the hand. Then continued. "Why are you here... Maybe an apology?"

Edited April 26, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

[JimBee]

"Out of the way, birdboy. We're busy here."

[Flipz]

"Gabriel! I see you decided to join this ragtag group of heroes. Your brother, the dragon, the dragoon, the paladin, and the Progg, too... You've got quite the group going."

"<You will refer to Arthur with respect or not at all,>" Miirym states simply. There is no threat in her tone, merely a warning of dislike. She says nothing more, merely watching the party carefully. She was beginning to see how the fractures in the party had begun, fractures that neither she nor Arthur would likely be able to repair.

Arthur continues to pick his way past the puddles near the back of the party, too preoccupied with concern about the caves potentially collapsing to participate in conversation.

[Endgame]

"<You will refer to Arthur with respect or not at all,>" Miirym states simply. There is no threat in her tone, merely a warning of dislike. She says nothing more, merely watching the party carefully. She was beginning to see how the fractures in the party had begun, fractures that neither she nor Arthur would likely be able to repair.

Arthur continues to pick his way past the puddles near the back of the party, too preoccupied with concern about the caves potentially collapsing to participate in conversation.

"Understood, little dragon.

Now. I'm on the job right now, technically. So if I see chatty... Well, that's what it is. But it has a point. Feeling a little... Light headed right now?"

And indeed, they were. It felt like their strength was sapping away...

"While you were busy gawking at me, we decided to proceed with. Immortalis doesn't like us to kill outright while the storm is going on, just incapacitate..."

Charon points a finger lazily behind the heroes, leaning against the wall.

"With a handy dandy little magic spell that my good friends Vaermina and Telethia started casting while I had you distracted. Oh, and because I get the feeling it won't knock you out fully..."

Charon points his cane upwards.

Two angels had their weapons pointed at the ceiling.

"My other two friends will be dropping a pieces of the ceiling in your paths. Sealed off and sapped... If the storm gets reversed, we'll dig you out, don't worry. Otherwise...

Ciao!"

The spell is completed. The two angels above the heroes bash the ceiling with their weapons, channeling a magical burst, and rocks collapse all around them. The sound, the spells, the sight of both ends of the tunnel getting sealed off before them... it was too much. They drop to the ground. They lose consciousness...

QM Note: Expect PMs.

Edited April 27, 2016 by Endgame

[Endgame]

The collapse that Charon triggered had altered the tunnels - the combination of flooding and collapsing it so many times created new branches, warped old ones, split the party's slumbering forms across a new spiderweb-esque of tiny tunnels. Stumbling through darkness, they reunite as small clusters, before the two groups finally rejoin. Some feathers from Charon's wings were where they stood, marking the area as the site of the collapse.

The Party:

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

24? Year Old Human Female Minstrel

Level 33 *Permanently Nimble* *1/3 Chance to Weaken targeted enemy on successful hits*

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 45/61 (7+8+11+33+2)

Defense: 7 (4+3)

Ether: 17/39 (33+4+2)

Gold: 1657

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 x4, Phoenix Incense x2, Nostrum x4, Smelling Salts x5, Mead, 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, Empath Glass

*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 4/5 *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, Sam's Flask

Tools etc.: Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Arx the Youngling (Pet Dragon controlled by swils)

Level: 48 4/5

Health: 54/78 (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: 23.66

Power: 34 (12+22)

Defense: 13 (3+4+6)

Health: 12/39 (7+23+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 x4, Mulled Wine

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 13

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 22/22

Defense: "6" (1 through 11)

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), Black and Blue Hair Dye (accessory - females gain 1/2 chance of enamoring enemies on successful hits, males 1/2 chance of confusion), 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)

Inventory:

Weapons/Artifacts: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP, ice-elemental; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), 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) Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, grants Special Guard against undead enemies; backwear)

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 21.33 Battlemage (Darkness to all Attacks; Immune to Darkness, Asleep)

Power: 37 (19 levels + WP 17)

Spell Power: 47 (Magicians Gloves +10)

Defense: 5 (Dark Phibbian Cloak +5)

Health: 30/30 (5 base + 19 lvl + 5 class)

Ether: 26/26 (5 base + 19 lvl + 1 class)

Gold: 109

Equipment:

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

Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire- and Earth+Sealed Elemental)

-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), Ethereal Opal (Ice+Fragile), Garnet (Earth), Ethereal Topaz (Lightning+Stunned), Sapphire (Wind)

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, 5 Remedies, Tonic, Venom, Phoenix Essence, Everlasting Venom (Adds Poisoned +10 effect to one weapon permanently; consumable), Mead x2

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), Crystrow Feather (half damage from Electric and Flying type enemies, accessory)

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

Vindsval Half-Born (Asphalt)

39 year old, Male, Half Giant,

Level: 31.75 Paladin *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened, Effects* (Attacks cause bleeding in Humanoids, 1/3 chance against all others) When Poisoned becomes Blessed

Power: 57 (31+24+1+1)

Power Bonus +2 (2015 Henry Awards)

Defense: 30

Health: 19/50 (9+30+11)

Ether: 35/35 (5+30)

Gold: 359

Equipment:

Vampire's Court Sword (WP:12 (24); 1/3 chance to cause bleeding; always causes bleeding to humanoids; great sword.)

Mythril Mail (SP:10; suitable to knights and barbarians only; bodywear)

Mythril Shield (SP: 20 Shield)

Mechanical Arm (Doubles WP for the equipped weapon; wearer cannot become disarmed; suitable for Vindsval only; handwear)

Toxic Hood: (Headwear. The green hood worn by the Rosalia Pestilence. Changes the poisoned effect, to Blessed for the duration of the battle if poisoned while wearing the hood, Usable by all.)

Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity toAsleep,Blinded,Confused, Fragile, and Weakened effects)(lent by Benji)

Inventory:

Consumables: 4X Mead, 4X Smelling Salts, 5X Remedy, Potion, 6X Grand Potion, 3X Smoke Bomb, 4X Tonic, 4x Venom (poison -1), 4X Deadly Poison (Poison -10), Banana, Poison Bomb, 4X Hurricane - This exotic drink grants the Hilariously and Luckily Drunk-effect, doubling the power of every attack, provided the consumer can state a pun related to his attack with every attack for the duration of one battle, Bone, Jarate (deals the Fragile effect to all opponents for three rounds, Consumable Bomb), Fenghuang Essence, Agni Bomb, Elixir, Myrrh, Ambrosia, Mulled Wine.

Misc: Mythril Shard, 4X Grating Stone

Weapons And Shieds

Very Pink Parasol: Broomstick, WP:1, Male enemies are Enamored with the hero

Verkenner (WP:10, Darkness elemental Broomstick,(X2 against Humanoid and Holy/Luminous)ranged)

Xeno Whip (WP:4, poisoning the Xeno Whip doubles the poison output, whip)

Leets d’Loc (WP:9, ice-elemental longsword)

Simurgh Wingblade (WP:12, cannot be used with a shield; greatsword)

Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, (Beasts, Icey, and Plants) gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword)

Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores SP foes weak to Wood,(aquatic and Rock) gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword

Twin Sai (WP: 12, dual strike, dagger)

Artefacts:

Wonky Shoes (footwear, SP: 3, suitable for all classes)(lent by Benj),

Ten-Gallon Hat: Gives the wearer the "Tourist" effect, causing no one to take them seriously)

Witch's Talisman (Causes the witch's poisonous attacks to deal poison 10 instead of poison 1; suitable for witches, accessory)

Gloves of the Hypocritical/Hippocratic Oath, Handwear, (Adds +10 to healing for characters with the Healing job trait and + 10 Poisoning for characters with the Wicked (or future equivalent) fighting style )

Lethauros Mail: SP: 4. Prismatic armor bright enough to banish darkness. You can feel the dragon watching you as your continue on your journey, aiding you in your hunt. The wearer takes half damage from Demon and Dark type enemies. Suitable for anyone, bodywear.

Shikokku's Stealth Suit (SP:6; Power +6, User is immune to Dark & Demonic enemies; Body, Head and Backwear counts as 1 Artefact)

Anniversary Medal (Power +4, SP +4, Max Health +4, Max Ether +4. Values increase by 1 with each passing year; Accessory)

Gauntlets of the Legionnaire (Power +5, immune to Petrified, Handwear)

Gems: Emerald X2, Aquamarine X2, Garnet X2, Ruby, Opal, Diamond, Topaz

Scrolls,

Scroll of Poisoning. Can be cast on a weapon to give it Poison 10, for the duration of the battle at the cost of 5 Ether.

Scroll of Frailty (Enables casting the Fragile effect to one target for three round. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.)

Decamon Cards: Cherub (Luminous 3)

Tools: Bed Roll, Shovel, Magic Compass

Masson Emeritus Cour, Level 50 30.25 Paragon Barbarian *Phantom Pain - Incurable! 2 damage per round* *Can't equip any shields, or weapons other than the Brace Blade!*

HP: 70/70

SP: 7

Gold: 50

Equipment: Brace Blade (WP: 20, Longsword, suitable to Masson Cour only) Syndicate Cape Deluxe (SP: 7) Wedding Ring (Immune to Hexed, Confused, and Enamored)

Inventory: Grand potion x3, Phoenix Essence, ??? x4

Gabriel Cour, Level 31.5 Sniper *Immune to Sleep/Deep Sleep*

HP: 46/46

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, Old Guitar (WP: 0), Phoenix Incense, Cigars x2 (Smoking them permanently boosts Sandman's lethality by 1 for the battle.)

Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 42.6 Dragoon, 24-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Takes Half Damage from Free Hits*

Power Bonus: +1

Health: 68/68 (5+15+41+7)

Defense: 58 (15+2+[6*2]+[13*2]+3)

Gold: 42 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham)

Equipment: Dauntlet Index (WP: 20, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Tin Armor (SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped [current: 2]; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear), Shadeaux Cape (SP:13, Immune to Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Tin Greaves (Immunity to Stunned-, Slowed-, and Hastened-effects; footwear), Coat Hanger (Allows wearing a second bodywear artifact regardless of the amount limit for artifacts; accessory), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone)

Abilities: First Breath (Arthur may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd)

Inventory:

Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, Light-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning- and Wind+Slowed-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [--]),

Artifacts: Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone) (currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory), Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3, Free hits deal half damage, Bodywear)

Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear),

Spell Items (unsuitable): Ethereal Opal (Ice+Fragile), Garnet (Earth), Ethereal Topaz (Lightning+Stunned), Sapphire (Wind)

Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Of Power and Mortals (+1 power each successful quest)

Consumables: Adamantite Shard, Potion, 14x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 2x Elixir, 9x Mead, 6x Nostrum, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Negative Nelly (Causes 30 damage and jinxed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), 1x Silver Ore, Trial Brew, Henry Award,

&

Miirym, 17-month-old Dragon youngling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 42.6 Dragon

Power Bonus: 0

Power: 42

Health: 51/72

Element: Darkness

Abilities: May pay 10 health for a 2/6 chance to make a party member Lucky.

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

"Well, looks like the gang is finally back together."

"Ugh, I can only imagine how much time has passed... How much worse the storm has gotten." Masson's hand twitches at his side. "Everyone OK?"

"...Is this what human hangovers feel like?" says Anemos, clutching his head, reeling the tiniest bit.

Behind them, the party can hear stones shift and move. Two tiny holes had been poked in the vast pile of rock blocking the path backwards.

"Anyone alive in there?!" shouts Fydelle, his voice faint through the tiny hole he managed to pierce.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Endgame

[JimBee]

OOC: Jinnipher should have the dye and helmet equipped - and thus should also have her black/blue hair!

"Well that was pointless. Let's get back to going to Billow."

[Endgame]

QM Note: How could I forget such a dye job? Fixed.

The way backward was blocked. The way forward was blocked. The only directions they could go at the moment where the winding tunnels they had been scattered into before, but none of those led to Billow...

"That you, Moon Elf?" says Fydelle, hearing Jinnipher's voice from the other side of the rubble. "Any casualties?"

[Asphalt]

OOC: should vindsval still be on fire?

Vindsval rubs his sore head.

For the moment, yes. We are still alive. Can you and your team please get us out of this god, er Angel blasted TUNNEL?

[JimBee]

Vindsval rubs his sore head.

For the moment, yes. We are still alive. Can you and your team please get us out of this god, er Angel blasted TUNNEL?

"I don't suppose you do well in small spaces."

She called out to the Progg. "We're fine, just get us out of here." Looking around at the party, "Does anyone have a pickax? I could try digging a way under. You could move some rocks on your own, big guy."

Jinnipher pokes her shovel into the dirt and tries to dig below the rocks.

[Siercon and Coral]

Siercon picked up the feathers. (And stashed them with the other)

He always had an eye out for those...

"Considering the pain I went through to end my conversation short, I was hoping to get you all woken up sooner so we could get a good jump on this tyrant." Siercon sighed.

"Oh well we're all here in the end, now it's where to go?"

Siercon pulls out his magic compass and consults its direction.

"Also, be careful in these types of visions. I don't know how, but I believe that it is only through immortalis' 'benevolence' that what happens in the dreams doesn't affect real life. In other words if you die in a 'vision', you die for real, unless he actively keeps you alive. Don't go throwing your life away because you think it's a 'dream'" Siercon said massaging his hand still feeling the throbbing pain just a little.

"Although I think the reverse is true as well for him. Ignoring all his ridiculous powers of course" Siercon looked annoyed with the current plight.

OOC: Siercon should be at full health still through several battles of natural respite. Unless I'm cursed somehow and need to address the issue? :P do I feel injured?

Edited May 4, 2016 by Siercon and Coral

[Endgame]

"The absurd number of powers he has... I asked him about that too. Not all of them are his. The storm, the visions, are his. But the dream connection the strength sapping spells? Those are all his "angels". Looks like he's pretty strict on who he recruits."

The party can practically Fydelle freeze up as he hears the mention of a pickax and shovel.

"Wait! Wait... Listen, I've seen a collapse or two. Those angels did a shoddy job, perhaps on purpose... Tear this thing down wrong and there's gonna be a lot of rock pouring down on you. Let's do this in a more... controlled way, then just smashing it with a pickax."

Breaking Barriers

-The five red pieces of rock are collapse points. The objective of the puzzle is to get all three of these onto the ground without crushing them.

-Any piece that is on the ground can be destroyed via tool usage.

-However, gravity applies; any pieces that piece was supporting will fall down. They can stack on top of each other, or catch on the edges (e.g. the top left of the barrier). Collapse points do not support other pieces, they merely get crushed by them. Allowing a collapse point to get crushed will fail the puzzle.

-Solutions should be PMed to the QM within 24 hours as a list of pieces to break, listed in order.

If you have any questions please post them here.

[Flipz]

Siercon picked up the feathers. (And stashed them with the other)

He always had an eye out for those...

"Considering the pain I went through to end my conversation short, I was hoping to get you all woken up sooner so we could get a good jump on this tyrant." Siercon sighed.

"Oh well we're all here in the end, now it's where to go?"

Siercon pulls out his magic compass and consults its direction.

"Also, be careful in these types of visions. I don't know how, but I believe that it is only through immortalis' 'benevolence' that what happens in the dreams doesn't affect real life. In other words if you die in a 'vision', you die for real, unless he actively keeps you alive. Don't go throwing your life away because you think it's a 'dream'" Siercon said massaging his hand still feeling the throbbing pain just a little.

"Although I think the reverse is true as well for him. Ignoring all his ridiculous powers of course" Siercon looked annoyed with the current plight.

OOC: Siercon should be at full health still through several battles of natural respite. Unless I'm cursed somehow and need to address the issue? :P do I feel injured?

"<Hmpf. That would have been useful information beforehand.>"

"...It's for the best, all things considered." Arthur looks to the rest of the party. "I know exactly what future calamity Immortalis is afraid of. Miirym and I just spent six months reviving someone who will be crucial in fighting it. Unfortunately, he lacks faith in Heroica's moral fiber to not give in to it, and refuses to see Eubric as the solution rather than the problem. Which is a problem, because for all of its issues, Heroica is important; if the world loses Heroica, the rest of it will not last long, especially with the Darkness--capital 'D'--looming on the horizon."

"<I have to wonder. How much of his rhetoric is really reason, and how much is him getting revenge for his children?>"

"Somehow, I doubt even the dragon himself knows that answer."

Miirym grunts moodily; clearly, whatever had happened in that vision had done little to improve her demeanor. She stares at the rubble for a few seconds, then flicks her tail violently in frustration. "<Arthur...>"

"I'm on it, I'm on it," Arthur chuckles. "Come on. Let's puzzle this out together."

[JimBee]

"...It's for the best, all things considered." Arthur looks to the rest of the party. "I know exactly what future calamity Immortalis is afraid of. Miirym and I just spent six months reviving someone who will be crucial in fighting it. Unfortunately, he lacks faith in Heroica's moral fiber to not give in to it, and refuses to see Eubric as the solution rather than the problem. Which is a problem, because for all of its issues, Heroica is important; if the world loses Heroica, the rest of it will not last long, especially with the Darkness--capital 'D'--looming on the horizon."

"...What a bunch of senseless grumbling. Do you think that a few missing mercenaries will spell the end of the world? We can barely save our own city thanks to a bunch of rocks."

Jinnipher examined the rubble with a frown as she withdrew her shovel.

[JimBee]

OOC: Once a red piece is on the ground, does it matter if it's crushed?

[Endgame]

"Don't be too sure of yourself... Arthur, right? that that's his sole reason. He told me he was afraid of war. Even as someone in this city for only a few months, I can see where he's coming from... I did not think it was worth blowing us all up over, though. Looks like there's a lot of ways we can botch it all up in his eyes, though, eh?"

OOC: Once a red piece is on the ground, does it matter if it's crushed?

QM Note: Yes. To be exact, "crushed" is having a piece dropped onto the red piece without being stopped by another - it can still, say, hang a block over it if stopped.

[Flipz]

"...What a bunch of senseless grumbling. Do you think that a few missing mercenaries will spell the end of the world? We can barely save our own city thanks to a bunch of rocks."

Jinnipher examined the rubble with a frown as she withdrew her shovel.

"<You underestimate what Heroica can accomplish. Our actions are small, but they carry enormous leverage, far more than they ought. We are one of, if not the most influential forces on the face of Olegaia. Without our organization, events will occur quite differently.>"

"Don't be too sure of yourself... Arthur, right? that that's his sole reason. He told me he was afraid of war. Even as someone in this city for only a few months, I can see where he's coming from... I did not think it was worth blowing us all up over, though. Looks like there's a lot of ways we can botch it all up in his eyes, though, eh?"

QM Note: Yes. To be exact, "crushed" is having a piece dropped onto the red piece without being stopped by another - it can still, say, hang a block over it if stopped.

"Whatever his reasoning, it isn't rational. He's not listening to reason, that's for sure. Come to think of it, the whole thing reminds me a lot of another nighttime visit from an opponent on a crusade...somehow, though, I doubt we're going to be redeeming him with the power of love."

Miirym sniffs, a hint of pain disguised among the derision, just enough for the Diplomatic party members to perceive. "<He'll get no sympathy from me so long as he refuses to even listen to reason...>"

Arthur quietly watches his charge with concern. She tried her best not to show it, but his experience with her told him how much her spat with Immortalis was costing her emotionally. At this point, he could only hope the great Dragon's refusal to change his ways would not leave a permanent scar.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Flipz

[Kintobor]

"Whatever his reasoning, it isn't rational. He's not listening to reason, that's for sure. Come to think of it, the whole thing reminds me a lot of another nighttime visit from an opponent on a crusade...somehow, though, I doubt we're going to be redeeming him with the power of love."

"... I'm sorry, am I suppose to comment on this or something? Are we referring to what I think we're referring to, or something else?" Karie asks, confused. She wasn't entirely sure what Arthur was trying to comment on, but she had a feeling it had something to do with Masson.

"Considering the pain I went through to end my conversation short, I was hoping to get you all woken up sooner so we could get a good jump on this tyrant." Siercon sighed.

"Oh well we're all here in the end, now it's where to go?"

"Seems he has it out for you." Karie states bemusedly. "So, what exactly did he do? Can I take a guess and say it had something to do with lightning?" Taking out her three tonics, Karie begins to down them, shaking her head in disgust after downing each one while waiting for a response. "Ugh... still tastes like dirty dishwater..."

Edited May 6, 2016 by Kintobor

[Flipz]

"... I'm sorry, am I suppose to comment on this or something? Are we referring to what I think we're referring to, or something else?" Karie asks, confused. She wasn't entirely sure what Arthur was trying to comment on, but she had a feeling it had something to do with Masson.

Arthur blushes. "Yeah, sorry, that was a bit rude of me, wasn't it? But yes, the whole time Miirym and I spoke with him, I kept flashing back to the conversation Masson and I had in that room above the Albatross, the night everything went down. The déjà vu was incredible." He shrugs. "And afterwards I felt the same feeling of melancholy I feel now, like I could have talked him down but still somehow failed. It's most discouraging."

"<You'll forgive me if I'm less enthusiastic about redeeming the brute,>" Miirym grumbles ill-naturedly. It seems like her grudge is now less violent, yet if anything even deeper than before.

"Of course, Miirym. He hurt you, whether he's willing to admit it or not. You have every right to be upset with him." Despite his soothing words, however, Arthur's worry for Miirym was plainly apparent to those Diplomatic enough to understand the subtlety of his tone.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Flipz

[Endgame]

Masson goes pale at the mention of that night. His lone hand, still twitching at his side, seems to instinctively move to grip one of Karie's palms.

Gabriel rolls his eyes.

"Enormous leverage, most influential force on Olegaia, huh. You sound a bit like Immortalis."

QM Note: Just a quick post from mobile... Puzzle results will come this afternoon.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Endgame

[Endgame]

Fydelle listens closely to the series of points that the heroes describe.

"Way I'm seeing this, sounds like Arthur, Jinnipher, and Siercon got it. Karie, Thormanil, you were close, but you seemed to have missed that we can only destroy pieces on the ground. Me and my men will see what we can do here..."

Arthur, Jinnipher, and Siercon get experience as Fydelle and his men work on tearing down the wall! Before long the wall falls, and about a half dozen armored Proggs run through the wreckage to set to work on the barricade blocking the way forward. Seems like they could handle it by themselves.

"What's the situation like back home? Why'd you only bring half a dozen men?"

"We heard the collapse. I rounded up thirty Proggs to go in - there were four winged fellows, angles, nondescript, blocking the entrance. We thought we could handle them. They said they were sticking to nonlethal, but we did not have the luxury of having a quiet debate. By the time we incapacitated one, another got some sort of spell off, and suddenly half of my men got sapped of their strength and knocked out. A fair number of them got beaten badly by a couple of them before we brought them down. Solon is having a conniption back home."

"...I need to go home. If just four of his angels can do that, you need as many hands on deck as you can have. This isn't-"

"-Your place? We didn't drain this tunnel and tell you to go along just so you could get scared and double back. You're capable. There's nothing you can do for those men, though. Good thoughts only go so far, and I don't think you can swim your way to a cure. You're better off with the heroes. That's a direct order."

Anemos seems to freeze, thinking things over, before giving a salute.

"That direct order goes to your heroes too." barks the guard captain gruffly. "Soon as my men finish unblocking the path - good job on the first wall, by the way - you're all getting your asses to Billow. I don't think I need to tell you twice."

[JimBee]

"Of course, Miirym. He hurt you, whether he's willing to admit it or not. You have every right to be upset with him." Despite his soothing words, however, Arthur's worry for Miirym was plainly apparent to those Diplomatic enough to understand the subtlety of his tone.

Jinnipher rolled her eyes. "Alright, out with it. What's the big secret? Dragons with big egos got into an argument?"

"That direct order goes to your heroes too." barks the guard captain gruffly. "Soon as my men finish unblocking the path - good job on the first wall, by the way - you're all getting your megablocks to Billow. I don't think I need to tell you twice."

"No you don't."

[Lind Whisperer]

"Also, be careful in these types of visions. I don't know how, but I believe that it is only through immortalis' 'benevolence' that what happens in the dreams doesn't affect real life. In other words if you die in a 'vision', you die for real, unless he actively keeps you alive. Don't go throwing your life away because you think it's a 'dream'" Siercon said massaging his hand still feeling the throbbing pain just a little

The Black Knight closed his eyes and shook his head. "Please tell me you didn't try to take on the Father of Dragons solo..."

"Whatever his reasoning, it isn't rational. He's not listening to reason, that's for sure. Come to think of it, the whole thing reminds me a lot of another nighttime visit from an opponent on a crusade...somehow, though, I doubt we're going to be redeeming him with the power of love."

"What about him isn't rational?"

"<You'll forgive me if I'm less enthusiastic about redeeming the brute,>" Miirym grumbles ill-naturedly. It seems like her grudge is now less violent, yet if anything even deeper than before.

"Of course, Miirym. He hurt you, whether he's willing to admit it or not. You have every right to be upset with him." Despite his soothing words, however, Arthur's worry for Miirym was plainly apparent to those Diplomatic enough to understand the subtlety of his tone.

"What happened? I take it you two got into a fight with him as well?"

[Endgame]

"As much as I disagree with his reasoning, I can't argue with his power. Taking him on solo would be a rather... quick and electric suicide, I imagine."

[JimBee]

"As much as I disagree with his reasoning, I can't argue with his power. Taking him on solo would be a rather... quick and electric suicide, I imagine."

"Shocker."