Heroica RPG - Quest #147: Judgment Day

[Flipz]

"I think some of us are fighting a different battle here than others. Some of us are fighting for moral high ground. And I will go on record as saying that that struggle is pointless. I doubt Immortalis will back down because a fraction of a percent of all the people he condemned show some class. He's a big picture guy. The thing that's gonna save Eubric is handcannon bullet right between the bastard's eyes. And if I have to be the one to deliver it? So be it. And I gotta say, little dragon..." says a suspicious Gabriel, looking at Miirym. "You two have the same eyes. Funny, that."

"<Is that so? Then perhaps I might have a better idea of what lies behind them than any human...even Arthur.>" Miirym looks like she wants to say more, but in light of the mixed company--and especially the increasingly violent Heroes among them--she holds her tongue. No sense upsetting her adoptive father when he already had so many things of which to remain mindful.

"Stick together. The Falconer is right. This infighting looks pretty selfish when you think what the people in Eubric- those relying on us - are feeling. Our mutual goal is stop Immortalis. The "how" can be decided later. But some of us have wives and children at stake here...

Oh, and Arthur? We never did tell you just who removed my arm, did we...?"

"...?" Arthur cocks his head at Masson. "No, you didn't...I had assumed some accident...whether in the workshop, or when you killed...well. Our common enemy." Even now, having come mostly to peace with his hidden, inky form, Arthur did not like thinking about The Regret, and the extremes to which his feud with the villain had driven him. Nevertheless, he begins to brood slightly as the party moved onward, unable to completely repel the more unpleasant memories.

The path they were taking led them past some different faces.

Two green, noxious smelling, tentacled Proggs had set up a ramshackle little shop.

"Not often we get humans down here."

"Interested in buying any venom?"

"I'm game. Although, given the sheer volume of venom you seem to be working with, I'd hazard a guess you're more than experts...I don't suppose you'd be able to permanently infuse existing venoms into a weapon? I have two right here I've been saving for a rainy day--no pun intended--but if I could get more mileage out of them, I'd be much more likely to use them."

With both Arthur and Jinnipher distracted by the venom-green Proggs, Miirym returns her attention to Gabriel, projecting her words only to him. "<Look. Between you and me--and I mean between you and me--I have a suspicion you're right. But...>" She sighs mentally, the sound somewhat strange as the mental projection was, unlike usual, not accompanied by a physical counterpart. "<There's more to beating Immortalis than just beating Immortalis. For me, anyway. I want--no, I need to prove, if only to myself, that one day I'm not going to just end up on the same end of that handcannon as he's going to be. My father--that is, Arthur--doesn't understand. He tries, heavens bless him, but he thinks...well-->" At this point, she scans the room cautiously, even though her conscious mind knows she won't be overheard. "<--he thinks that I need a family like he found with the Ziegfrieds. By my relatives aren't a big happy bunch of humans living in a magic manor. We're Dragons, a dangerous race on the best of days. And unlike my adoptive father's family, my blood's proven dangerous enough to need execution on two separate occasions...three, counting tonight.>" Miirym levels her gaze stoically at Gabriel, her eyes filling in the missing words she refused to even think. "<It's not exactly comforting to learn that first your father, then your grandfather turn out to be tyrants. So you'll forgive me for trying not to descend to their level.>" Her gaze grows dangerous, an azure glare the sniper had almost surely seen before. "<But again. Not a word of this to anyone. Not even Arthur. It's none of the Munchkin's damn business, and I don't trust your mate or the Paladin not to try and execute me on the spot. And the rest...well, I doubt they'd be good with secrets. Not ones this big. But you...you seem like you've kept a fair few in your lifetime. And as for Arthur...>" Miirym's gaze momentarily softens, briefly showing the vulnerability beneath the facade. "<I don't know if you'd understand this, but he made an enormous sacrifice following me back into Heroica. His problems with the organization are...not insignificant. But he made that sacrifice so I could learn about my father and uncle...even if I don't exactly like the answers I got. So, publicly anyway, I'm going to support him on this, even if I think he might have it wrong. When push comes to shove, and my grandfather refuses to stand down, Arthur will have my back--and, assuming they haven't turned on us, the rest of the party's as well. In the meantime, playing things the hard way is a small price to pay...especially if I can prove to that smug bastard that I'm better than him, that I won't grow up to be his perfect little heir.>" Despite her mental words, it was clear that Immortalis is not the only Dragon of her line she is trying to prove herself to. With a little huff of her wings, Miirym settles back in to wait for the others, as if she'd said nothing at all.

[Lind Whisperer]

With that he turns his back on Jinnipher and directs his attention to Lind.

Thank you Whisperer, I would gladly accept the helmet. Though, this suit that I wear saved my green skin many times over in the fight against Vaermina and her horde. If we are to continue fighting against those with an affinity to the dark, I believe it would serve better to live long than strike hard.

OoC: Oops, my bad. I missed the "Head slot" bit on the suit.

"I can definitely see the reason in that logic.

Anyone else want the Helmet? If not, I'm just going to stash it away."

"Safe and sound, back underground... Assuming Immortalis doesn't have more men to spare. How many other significant angels do we know of, anyway?"

"There's Charon, Immortalis's second in command. Master of portals, and a pretty charismatic guy - when he's not trying to drop a tunnel on your head. And Strivus - he trains Immortalis's angels using golems.

If Immortalis is going to send anyone after us, I'd imagine it will be Strivus..."

"Interested in buying any venom?"

"That depends on what you're offering - and for how much..."

[Asphalt]

"If you made it this far, I expect you all to hold it together. Your infighting has more at stake than your own lives. If there is anyone at all you care about in the city, then remember stopping Immortalis is for them."

My apologies Honored veteran, I will endeavor to not let the opinions of those around me to distract me from the greater goal.

Vindsval follows the group back to the Progg colony, mumbling something under his breath about more tunnels. His spirits rise and his interest peaks as he sees the two new green creatures and their wares. He moves closer to them as Authur begins making his speech.

Two green, noxious smelling, tentacled Proggs had set up a ramshackle little shop.

"Not often we get humans down here."

"Interested in buying any venom?"

I too would be interested in any vials you would have that might offer a permanent or unique effect.

Edited June 5, 2016 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

"...?" Arthur cocks his head at Masson. "No, you didn't...I had assumed some accident...whether in the workshop, or when you killed...well. Our common enemy." Even now, having come mostly to peace with his hidden, inky form, Arthur did not like thinking about The Regret, and the extremes to which his feud with the villain had driven him. Nevertheless, he begins to brood slightly as the party moved onward, unable to completely repel the more unpleasant memories.

With both Arthur and Jinnipher distracted by the venom-green Proggs, Miirym returns her attention to Gabriel, projecting her words only to him. "<Look. Between you and me--and I mean between you and me--I have a suspicion you're right. But...>" She sighs mentally, the sound somewhat strange as the mental projection was, unlike usual, not accompanied by a physical counterpart. "<There's more to beating Immortalis than just beating Immortalis. For me, anyway. I want--no, I need to prove, if only to myself, that one day I'm not going to just end up on the same end of that handcannon as he's going to be. My father--that is, Arthur--doesn't understand. He tries, heavens bless him, but he thinks...well-->" At this point, she scans the room cautiously, even though her conscious mind knows she won't be overheard. "<--he thinks that I need a family like he found with the Ziegfrieds. By my relatives aren't a big happy bunch of humans living in a magic manor. We're Dragons, a dangerous race on the best of days. And unlike my adoptive father's family, my blood's proven dangerous enough to need execution on two separate occasions...three, counting tonight.>" Miirym levels her gaze stoically at Gabriel, her eyes filling in the missing words she refused to even think. "<It's not exactly comforting to learn that first your father, then your grandfather turn out to be tyrants. So you'll forgive me for trying not to descend to their level.>" Her gaze grows dangerous, an azure glare the sniper had almost surely seen before. "<But again. Not a word of this to anyone. Not even Arthur. It's none of the Munchkin's damn business, and I don't trust your mate or the Paladin not to try and execute me on the spot. And the rest...well, I doubt they'd be good with secrets. Not ones this big. But you...you seem like you've kept a fair few in your lifetime. And as for Arthur...>" Miirym's gaze momentarily softens, briefly showing the vulnerability beneath the facade. "<I don't know if you'd understand this, but he made an enormous sacrifice following me back into Heroica. His problems with the organization are...not insignificant. But he made that sacrifice so I could learn about my father and uncle...even if I don't exactly like the answers I got. So, publicly anyway, I'm going to support him on this, even if I think he might have it wrong. When push comes to shove, and my grandfather refuses to stand down, Arthur will have my back--and, assuming they haven't turned on us, the rest of the party's as well. In the meantime, playing things the hard way is a small price to pay...especially if I can prove to that smug bastard that I'm better than him, that I won't grow up to be his perfect little heir.>" Despite her mental words, it was clear that Immortalis is not the only Dragon of her line she is trying to prove herself to. With a little huff of her wings, Miirym settles back in to wait for the others, as if she'd said nothing at all.

"...The Regret didn't cut off my arm. It was on his island, sure, but it wasn't him. It was after we killed him... Boomingham did it."

Gabriel gives mental projection a whirl, not sure if Miirym would receive his thoughts.

<I hope you know that the person you are trying to prove yourself to may very well be dead by the night's end.

The only gifts my blood gave me was severe mental illness - that I only fixed a couple months ago - and throwing me out with the bathwater. So I can somewhat relate. But your actions will not be controlled by your blood. And that is what will define you. Play your cards right, and even if dragons are the most wretched things to exist - which they aren't, by the way - people will still see you as a "hero" or a protector or whatever the hell you want to be.

My "mate", huh? Hah. Looks like someone was watching the little scene at the HQ... Or is it that obvious?>

"Nothing permanent, though, but I think you'll find some of our custom brews to pack quite a punch."

Toxiprogg Wares

Venom 5 10 gold

Deadly Venom 50 75

Plague Venom (15 damage and -1 SP per turn) 100 150 gold

Splattering Venom (No inherent poisonous qualities - however, for the duration of one battle, makes all venom on the applied weapon Splatter, hitting all enemies on a successful hit.) 70 100 gold *4 in stock!*

Edited June 5, 2016 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"Last I remember, the last one remaining was that git Charon." Karie replies to her husband. "Although with what's her face, Telethia, getting away, I wouldn't be surprised if they're collaborating on something as we speak." She didn't want to admit to it, but the thought of fighting Charon scared her. The thought of seeing him again made her worried. The small glimpse back in Eschaton of his potential rage made her spine crawl.

Karie covered her nose as she noticed the noxious vapours before the two proggs.

"I'm going to sit outside for a minute. Get off my feet for a minute." Taking this moment, Karie sat down and began touching up on her face, adding white paint to her face, mumbling to herself. "I really should've brought more of this stuff.."

[swils]

Thormanil buys one splattering venom.

[Flipz]

Thormanil buys one splattering venom.

"Here, Thormy, heads up!" Arthur gives Thormanil his Noxious Venom and Crumbling Venom. "I don't exactly have the cash for any of this stuff, so you'll make better use of what I've got than I will."

[Asphalt]

"...The Regret didn't cut off my arm. It was on his island, sure, but it wasn't him. It was after we killed him... Boomingham did it."

Vindsval starts.

​Boomingham you say. I believe I met him briefly.

Vindsval rolls his shoulder and clenches the fist on his mechanical arm.

I lost mine to prevent a plague ravaging the city of Eubric. Why did he take yours?

"Nothing permanent, though, but I think you'll find some of our custom brews to pack quite a punch."

Toxiprogg Wares

Splattering Venom (No inherent poisonous qualities - however, for the duration of one battle, makes all venom on the applied weapon Splatter, hitting all enemies on a successful hit.) 70 100 gold *4 in stock!*

Interesting stuff that. I would have one. 'tis quite the pity I do not have more gold. Do you excrete them yourselves? Or are you chemists as well?

Edited June 6, 2016 by Asphalt

[Kintobor]

Vindsval starts.

​Boomingham you say. I believe I met him briefly.

Vindsval rolls his shoulder and clenches the fist on his mechanical arm.

I lost mine to prevent a plague ravaging the city of Eubric. Why did he take yours?

"Lawrence couldn't comprehend losing to a man like Masson. He couldn't comprehend the idea of redemption. Even after Masson saved his life, and went through... Enough in his place, he cheaply attacked him and took his arm as I could do nothing but watch." Karie grimaced, brooding as she applied her face paint, her strokes becoming violent. She stopped herself, closing her kit with a snap. "Vind, do you think I'd make a good veteran of Heroica?" Karie looked up at Vind, something she'd normally have to do, but sitting down made his presence even more formidable.

[Asphalt]

Vindsval listens to Karie, at first unsure how to respond to her question. He sits down beside her, attempting to make himself as small as possible. He looks at her, not quite certain of how to comfort the woman in her obvious distress. He settles with tentatively placing his still living hand across her shoulders. Touching her as lightly as his mass will allow. His voice pitched low and as soft as he can make it he begins to speak to her and her alone.

We are very different people you and I. Some would not even say both person, but I feel a kinship with you Karie. You have trusted me when you had no reason to. You have treated me as a man not a monster. You have led us well on this quest, regardless of what some of those around us would say. You are a strong woman, a worthy companion, and champion. You strive to do what is best not only for yourself, but for everyone. I know little of what the Veterans are or were. But if you wish to know if I believe you to be a true hero, and worthy of the loyalty of those both around and beneath you? If I believe you would lead the hall to greatness? That you would strive to make the city and those within it safe and prosperous by eliminating any threat to go against them? That you are above all a GOOD person? If those are the qualities which would make a good veteran than yes, I believe you would indeed make an excellent veteran of Heroica. If that is the Path you would choose, there are many who would see you walk it.

Edited June 6, 2016 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

QM Note: I wish to clarify something about the Splattering Venom, before the next battle: It's meant to only synergize with the damage poison spurts out - in other words, if you apply a venom that gives your weapon Poison 5/Blindness, and apply Splattering Venom, only the poison 5 will splatter.

"Karie's painting me a bit too nicely. I deserved what I got..."

[Kintobor]

Karie smiled thankfully towards Vind. "I appreciate the sentiment, Vind. Thanks." She'd never been given that much praise by anybody, besides her husband. She pictured herself among the elite of Heroica hall, sitting among them and being considered a champion. "Vind, I know we haven't been acquainted for long, but I consider you a good friend and a dependable ally."

"Karie's painting me a bit too nicely. I deserved what I got..."

Karie frowned. "You can't honestly look at me and say that."

[Endgame]

Masson gives a one shouldered shrug. A chill goes up Karie's spine, starting with the Empath Glass and moving up.

"...Yes. I think I can."

[swils]

OOC Assumed as much.

"Thanks, Arthur. Hopefully we don't face any more armies, but they don't exactly like playing on even footin'. Yknow, if no one else wants one, before we move on, I'll actually buy one more of the two remaining."

[JimBee]

Jinnipher turned her nose up at the venom. "There's nothing worth the cost here. Let's go."

[Lind Whisperer]

OOC Assumed as much.

"Thanks, Arthur. Hopefully we don't face any more armies, but they don't exactly like playing on even footin'. Yknow, if no one else wants one, before we move on, I'll actually buy one more of the two remaining."

"You're welcome to it."

Jinnipher turned her nose up at the venom. "There's nothing worth the cost here. Let's go."

"Well, they are in the middle of nowhere, so they do have to hike the cost up - but they are a bit pricey.

I'm ready to move on, whenever everyone else is."

[Asphalt]

Karie smiled thankfully towards Vind. "I appreciate the sentiment, Vind. Thanks." She'd never been given that much praise by anybody, besides her husband. She pictured herself among the elite of Heroica hall, sitting among them and being considered a champion. "Vind, I know we haven't been acquainted for long, but I consider you a good friend and a dependable ally."

And you as well.

He stands slowly and offers her his hand in a lift to her feet.

Shall we be on our way?

[Siercon and Coral]

Jinnipher turned her nose up at the venom. "There's nothing worth the cost here. Let's go."

"I'd tend to agree. I'd much rather spend my money on bombs..."

[Kintobor]

Karie shook her head towards here husband. She didn't want to stir something up. There was enough issues in the party that getting into a feud with Masson would only make things worse.

"Whenever people are ready to move along, let's do so." Karie got up, having finished repainting her face. "We need to press on."

[Asphalt]

Then let us be off.

Vindsval walks up to Thormanil.

If you would make full use of your new potions, I would help by enhancing your weapon. If you would allow me. He points at the weapon the man calls Shiskabob.

[swils]

"Hard t' say no." He offers up his spear to Vindsval.

[Asphalt]

The giant nods and accepts the weapon. He holds it out in front of him with his steel hand while he holds the Scroll of Poisoning with the other. He begins the now familiar chant. AS he continues, a faint sickly green light pools around the scroll and drips, syrup like, onto the spear. It flows over the weapon, under his hand and across the spears entire length. It leaves a glistening fluid coating over Shishkabob. Chant complete he hands it back to Thormanil. Vindsval casts poison on Shishkebob.

This will now will now poison as well as piece. Use it well.

[swils]

"I'll be sure to, thanks Vind."

[Endgame]

"Thank you for your patronage. We apologize for raised prices. Our prospective home was recently flooded, you see, and we needed to raise prices to compensate for new arrangements." says one Toxiprogg with barely held politeness, betraying that the Progg probably knew exactly who he was talking to.

"You run along now. And stay safe. The Colony is all stirred up."

And the party does just that, tracing the path back to Solon and Fydelle's headquarters in order for them to be sent back topside. Sure enough, the Proggs of the colony were butting heads with the police force, some quite literally.

From the narrow catwalks that led the party to Billow and back, a blockade of Armored Proggs were forced to rais ehteir shield against a horde of civilians, only one infraction away from sparking a riot. A wary Fydelle and Solon join them, looking down at the conflict from the party's perch above.

"Made it out with the Veteran?"

"Indeed. If you were the ones that got the heroes to me, I thank you." The Falconer glances down at the heated scene below. "Especially since it seemed to come at a cost for your people."

"Proggs are no strangers to loss. We will move on."

"But not easily. We took some really drastic measures to get to you. I've been biting my tongue so far, but if we took all of these losses and you still fail..." Anemos heaves a sigh.

"Listen. Heroes. I think I ought to stay here. I have a homefront to keep under control. Put an end to Immortalis's reign, will you?

"In the mean time, we may have to sneak the lot of you out. The public is pretty riled up, and they have a couple of good reasons."

Edited June 8, 2016 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"I don't like being "that guy", but I told you so." Karie exclaims to the group at large.

She turns to Anemos, nodding her head in approval. "Anemos, you've been great help. I assure you Immortalis will come to heel, along with his cronies. Do what you need to do." Karie tips her figurative hat to the progg in recognition.