Heroica RPG - Quest #150: A Moment of Silence

[-obelix-]

Thalion looks at Grishnod and responds slowly, shaking his head, "Now, now, master Grishnod; I may be a simple elf, but that is not a nice thing to say. I am afraid I will have to detain you."

[Waterbrick Down]

Daske and Aazy moved forward to detain Tarvalk.

"Apologies, clanleader Tarvalk but we need to keep you for a moment while things sort themselves out, we believe your life may be in danger."

Across the hall Skrall moved to F3 and checked his spyglass one final time, he was pretty sure he had pinned down one of the assassins, but he needed to check.

[Zepher]

Boomingham moves to F5 and speaks with Jaret again, maybe a little intimidatingly. "Not much one for drinking? Come on now. It's a celebration! Give Tarok's Blood a try - best Orcish drink I've had tonight!"

Tra-Serral moves to G5.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen moves to the bar that Tra Serral had just vacated, G2.

She speaks to the serving girl.

You said you were in Eubric? Where abouts? Did you ever come across anyone from Heroica?

Speaking to the red lizard soldier she says

Storm Drakes you say? Why would you think I hadn't heard of them?

Olmstyr moves to B9 to help Thalion detain Grishnod.

[CMP]

Sorry, was feeling rather under the weather yesterday, update coming later.

[CMP]

Thalion looks at Grishnod and responds slowly, shaking his head, "Now, now, master Grishnod; I may be a simple elf, but that is not a nice thing to say. I am afraid I will have to detain you."

Olmstyr moves to B9 to help Thalion detain Grishnod.

"What?" snarled Grishnod as Olmstyr and Thalion twisted his arms behind his back. "This is not how one treats a clan leader, outsiders!"

Daske and Aazy moved forward to detain Tarvalk.

"Apologies, clanleader Tarvalk but we need to keep you for a moment while things sort themselves out, we believe your life may be in danger."

"Hmph. Very well."

Across the hall Skrall moved to F3 and checked his spyglass one final time, he was pretty sure he had pinned down one of the assassins, but he needed to check.

Skrall's spyglass spun around briefly, then for the first time lit up red, the color of blood yet to be spilled. There was an enemy in the eight spaces surrounding F3.

Boomingham moves to F5 and speaks with Jaret again, maybe a little intimidatingly. "Not much one for drinking? Come on now. It's a celebration! Give Tarok's Blood a try - best Orcish drink I've had tonight!"

Tra-Serral moves to G5.

"Oh, very well," sighed Jaret. "But I'm certainly not used to drinks like this. Far too strong for my tastes, I'm more used to High Kingdoms spirits, I'm afraid..."

Nerwen moves to the bar that Tra Serral had just vacated, G2.

She speaks to the serving girl.

You said you were in Eubric? Where abouts? Did you ever come across anyone from Heroica?

Speaking to the red lizard soldier she says

Storm Drakes you say? Why would you think I hadn't heard of them?

"Yes, of course. Actually, it was a Heroican who freed me and sent me here; I worked for a captain under the service of the Bonapartes, but I heard he became, um, indisposed by them."

"Because," growled Vendrick. "Small kingdom. Deep north. Not much to say about them. 'Scuse me, miss."

The people scattered around the feast shuffled around once more, save for Tarvalk and Grishnod. Jaret somewhat reluctantly took a sip of the strong orcish drink, face screwing up slightly as he sipped it.

---ROUND EIGHT OF A FEAST TO DIE FOR---

Edited May 28, 2016 by CallMePie

[Zepher]

OoC: Pie, you forgot to move Skrall on the board. Real post incoming shortly, just some strategizing to do first! Also, could you clarify if Jaret actually drank? Thank you!

[CMP]

Done, sorry about that.

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall moves to D2 to detains Vendrick. "'Scuse me sir, but I can't say I've heard of these Storm Drakes an' I've traveled extensively throughout Northern Kingdoms. I'm gonna need ya to stay here." Daske and Aazy hold their positions.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen steps next to Skrall D1

I'm sorry, but no. You are not yet excused.

And assists him in detaining Vendrick

Olmstyr follows Thalion's lead in detaining Grishnod

[-obelix-]

"I agree clan leader, however the way you treated us is not the way one treats a stranger either..."

Thalion holds his position.

[Zepher]

Boomingham moves to E4 and Tra-Serral to D5 and detain Trista. "Sorry about this, ma'm," says Boomingham, still keeping his eyes on Jaret.

[CMP]

Boomingham moves to E4 and Tra-Serral to D5 and detain Trista. "Sorry about this, ma'm," says Boomingham, still keeping his eyes on Jaret.

"O-Oh, uh, o-of course," stutters Trista as Boomingham and Tra-Serral flank her.

Skrall moves to D2 to detains Vendrick. "'Scuse me sir, but I can't say I've heard of these Storm Drakes an' I've traveled extensively throughout Northern Kingdoms. I'm gonna need ya to stay here." Daske and Aazy hold their positions.

Nerwen steps next to Skrall D1

I'm sorry, but no. You are not yet excused.

And assists him in detaining Vendrick

Nerwen and Skrall get on either side of Vendrick and grab his arms, even as the soldier squirms and struggles fiercely.

"You....are making a big mistake," he growls through gritted teeth.

With everyone's hands full, the feast grinds to a halt. The other guests suddenly seem very aware that some of their number have been detained.

"Excuse me, but that's one of my soldier-"

"Taroksh oshuul Olmstyr, why on Olegaia are you holding Tarvalk?!"

"Necessity. Stay back." Tra-Serral glances sideways at her father.

"Heh, wow this is a mess."

"Ven? Really? Why Ven, I always thought he was-"

"Grgh." The blind orc turns slowly, he having been leaning heavily on a wall while the rest of the hall argued. Karstirn appeared to have blood pooling in the corners of his mouth. He looked at Grishnod. "...the spell is....fading."

The grizzled Irlaz clan leader smiles for the first time the whole night, despite his capture.

"Better cast it again. You know what happens if you don't."

"...You really aren't Grishnod."

"...No. He...is not. Tarok's...favor...all lies..." Karstirn coughed and slumped against the wall, blood splattering the ground mingled with saliva. He slid down it slowly, even as some of the others rushed over to him.

"Damn it! Someone, get a, a healer-"

"Too late. Ever heard of the Red Death, friend?" The orc's smile lengthened as the air around him shimmered and distorted. Karstirn, the blind orcish priest, sputtered once more, then went stiff. Grishnod's very being shifted and altered, to something else entirely...something one of the heroes was able to recognize, if vaguely.

"Well, that's not what it looks like, I'm afraid."

As if on cue, somewhere in the hall, a smoke bomb exploded, sending clouds of considerable thickness and intensity billowing through the feast hall for a few moments while a panic ensued. But it took only a few moments for it to clear...and when it did, there were more than a few dishes smashed and people tripping over one another blindly, but everyone appeared to be counted for.

THE HEROES ARE VICTORIOUS!!! Everyone gains a full level of experience for successfully eliminating all three threats.

"Ah. Well. It appears our back-up bailed on us, Vlad."

"Hmph."

"Mh. Poor Vlad. Doesn't talk much, I'm afraid. I had my doubts about his ability to infiltrate, color me the surprised one you found me first, I really didn't-"

"That's enough." Olmstyr twisted the assassin's arm sideways and rammed his fist into his side, causing his knees to buckle. The Blue Assassin grunted, but, as far as the heroes could tell, continued to smile under his mask.

"You know, if I was Red, I'd be the one coughing up blood right about now. Yet here we are. Lucky me. You're quite welcome."

"Now what?"

"Now-" Olmstyr looked over his shoulder briefly, at the wreckage of the feast hall. The clan leaders, and the king, were all arguing with one another. He let out a single sigh. "I need to handle this. Daske, Tra-Serral, lead the way back to the headquarters. Heroes, perhaps on the way you might have a word with these two. I imagine we have the Brothers Blue in custody now. This is an excellent start, but there are still many questions remaining, like-"

"Who was that invisible weirdo?"

"Irrelevant. The question of priority now is, if this zardser posed as Grishnod, where is the real Grishnod."

"I'm so looking forward to it," remarked the man, voice dripping with sarcasm as Olmstyr went to deal with the clan leaders. "Alzar. Blue Assassins. A pleasure. You do good work, Heroica."

Party

Nerwen Calmcacil, Champion of the North Kingdoms (Chromeknight) *Party Leader*

265 year old female elven Shaman

Level 41.4 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking*

Power bonus:,+8

Defense: 1

Health: 63/63

Ether: 50/50

Gold: 293

Equipment: Mourning Star (WP: 10; fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Lesser Ethereal cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to sealed; backwear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory), Chameleon Vest (Max. Health +10, the user becomes able to absorb the last element it was damaged with; bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves, Barbarians boots (natural respite becomes restoration)

Inventory:

Weapons: Nocturne Flute (WP:6; causes asleep-effect; instrument), Mutt's Flute (WP:10; inflicts Weakened-effect; instrument), Party Maracas (WP:4; user is hastened; instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6; Darkness-elemental; instrument), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14; Light-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits; longsword), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Singing Sword (WP 10; causes bleeding, longsword/instrument)

Artifacts: Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to Electric counterstrike an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory), Shield (SP: 5), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3; Immunity to Ice and Water; Bodywear; Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2; Immune to Blind), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired; Accessory; Suitable for Paladins), Trickster's Mask of the Angel, Razor (user is Blessed and Immune to Bleeding, Enraged, and Encouraged; May take up any artifact slot; requires a shaved head), Helm of the Lord of Light (Immune to Light and Jinxed; headwear; Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Encore Plectrum (if the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.)

Spell Items: Opal (2), Topaz (2), Diamond (2), Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Ruby, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Hundred Hero Hymn (Inspired-effect to all allies for 10 ether; song),

Consumables: Phoenix Essence (3), Potions (10), Grand potion (2), Health Core, Tonics (3), Grand tonic, Ether Core (2), Ambrosia (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Neutralisers (2), Tiger Balm (2), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts (2), Venom (4), Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Sushi (restores 5 health and ether), Feather of Lithe (user is nimble for three rounds, 1/3 chance to avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits), Grating Stone, Bright Polish (2), Meads (3), Mulled Wines (2)

Tools/Treasure: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope

Skrall, Krakenwhacker, Titan Smiter (Waterbrick Down)

81 year old male ogre Hunter

Level 44.4 *Natural Respite* *Favors Humanoid and Ancient enemies* *Immune to fragile, blinded, and confused* *1/3 chance to revive when KO'd*

Power Bonus: +2 WP for bows and crossbows

Defense: 11

Health: 58/58

Gold: 3366

Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Moone Greaves (SP: 3), Vorpalis Talisman (1/3 chance of instantly resurrecting with 1 HP and 1 Ether upon being knocked out; accessory),

Inventory

Weapons: Oversized Greatsword (WP:16, double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP,light,lightning,water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Giant Hammer (WP: 13, deals Confused); Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12, double WP against beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30, user is slowed and immune to hastened, axe)

Artifacts: Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from battles, accessory), Paper Doll (Immunity to Hexed) Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Immunity to Weakened), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Winged Sandals (Immune to bound and slowed, footwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent by Thalion)

Consumables: 3 Potions, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, 10 Meads, 8 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Deadly Venoms, 9 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, 6 Bone, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, 2 Neutralizers, Letter of Recommendation,

Tools/Treasure: Spyglass (Reveals if there are spies and eavesdroppers in the vicinity when used; tool)

Lord Lawrence Boomingham, True Hero Who is Actually Worth Something (Zepher)

48 year old male human Vindicator

Level 37.25 *Immune to darkness, fire, fragile, sleep, weakened, and blinded* *Affluence* *1/2 chance of being reinforced* *Zweihänder Grip*

Power Bonus: +5

Defense: 8

Health: 60/60

Gold: 318

Equipment: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Vest of Faded Trials (SP:8, 1/2 chance of granting reinforced effect at the start of every battle, Immune to Fragile; Suitable for Knights, Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, Regulators, Vindicators; bodywear and headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; footwear.)

Inventory:

Weapons: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Frozen Saber (WP: 15; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7),

Artifacts: Crown of the Desert King (SP:6; absorbs fire, wind, and earth; suitable for Boomingham only, headwear.), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear),

Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song)

Consumables: Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, 2x Phoenix Essence, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), 13x Mead, 4x Smelling Salt, 4x Nostrum, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Stun Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Bone, x2 Bright Polish, Tarok's Blood (The user deals double damage to humans and no damage to orcs for the duration of one battle)

Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away), Mythril Shard

Thalion Dwinlas, Super Sleuth, School Inspector (-obelix-)

213 years old male elf Mystic Knight

Level 34 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* *Lucky*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 17

Health: 45/45

Ether: 41/44

Gold: 1063

Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP: 13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, Hollow [Grand Potion stored], staves), Ribcage Shield (SP:12; every time the wielder takes a hit, the shield loses one SP; gives immunity to Doomed and Sudden Death for as long the shield has SP left), Norgh Armor (SP:5, Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Ice, Water, Wood, Wind, Lightning, Earth damage and Sealed, Blind, Fragile, Weaken, Sleep and Confused, bodywear), Blessed Amulet (Protects from Cursed-effect; accessory), Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear), Elven Boots (Wearer is permanently Nimble; suitable to elves; footwear)

Inventory:

Weapons: Despair (WP: 21, darkness-elemental, physical attacks and spells deal double damage to enemies inflicted with any negative effects, staff), Nightfall (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, Hollow [Grand Potion], dagger), Sleeper (WP: 4, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Grand Tonic], melee/throwing weapon), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP: 10, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]) Broomstick (WP:9, ranged), Handy Shield (SP:4, Immune to Blinded)

Artifacts: Slightly Less Lucky Die (Randomly causes the Lucky or Jinxed effect when used, costs 3 ether), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Heart Locket (Protects from Enamored-effect; accessory), Snake-Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Paper Doll (Protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent to Nerwen), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with level less than half of the wearer's are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Dragoon's Helmet (SP:3, makes wearer absorb attacks of the element of their pet dragon, gaining health instead of damage; suitable for dragoons; headwear), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear), Tin Helmet (Protects from Confused and Hexed effects; headwear), Sharkskin Hide (SP: 1, doubles water elemental spells, bodywear, suitable for mages, necromancers, chi monks, and weather mages)

Spell Items: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), 3 Amethysts, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent to Tra-Serral), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Elemental Aura

Consumables: Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the Encouraged, Lucky, Reinforced, and Blinded effects for the duration of one battle), Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Kraken Fang (Grants hastened and reinforced effects when consumed), Grand Potion (7), Potion (4), Remedy (24), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (10), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Bone (2), Smoke Bomb, Blind Bomb (2), Seal Bomb, Sleep Bomb (2), Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of White, Feather of Flight (2), Demon Repellent, Skeleton Decoy (2)

Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Mythril Shard, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 at magic shops)

Olmstyr, Strakvaun (Controlled by Chromeknight)

35 years old male orc Vindicator

Level 41 *Half Damage from Humans* *Immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid* *Zweihänder Grip*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 15

Health: 65/65

Equipment: Serstyr (WP: 25, light-elemental, longsword), Strakvaun’s Longcoat (SP: 6, backwear, immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid, suitable for the Strakvaun), Orc-Made Chainmail (SP: 9, half damage from humans, bodywear, suitable for Olmstyr), The Righteous Hand (Vindicators in the party can use any of the oaths in the wearer’s inventory, handwear, suitable for vindicators)

Inventory: Health Core, Phoenix Essence, Oath of Reclamation (Vindicator’s Oath: After the targeted enemy damages an ally, the enemy immediately becomes stunned, and the vindicator becomes encouraged.), Vindicator’s Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert class)

Tra-Serral, Kahzvaun (Controlled by Zepher)

26 years old female orc Chi Monk

Level 34 *Immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, asleep and afraid* *Lethal* *Nimble* *Inspired* *Encouraged*

Power Bonus: +40

Defense: 0

Health: 42/42

Ether: 27/27

Equipment: Touch of Malice (The wearer has a 1/6 chance of instantly killing enemies with Martial and Chi Hits, but cannot heal allies, handwear, suitable for chi monks), Kazhvaun’s Cloak (Wearer is nimble, immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, and afraid, backwear, suitable for the Kahzvaun), Broken Chains of Tarokai (-10 health and ether, +10 power multiplied by the number of greenskins in the party, bodywear, suitable for descendants of Tarokai)

Inventory: 2 Grand Potions, Amethyst, Ruby, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent by Thalion)

Daske, Marykvaun (Controlled by Waterbrick Down)

21 years old female hobgoblin Dragoon

Level 31 *Immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 20

Health: 53/53

Equipment: Dragon’s Tongue (WP: 20, pierces defense, wood-elemental, spear), Baltarok Buckler (SP: 15, shield), Marykvaun’s Greaves (SP: 5, immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified, legwear, suitable for the Marykvaun), Ally’s Shoulderguards (The dragoon absorbs all attacks that would knock out their dragon, accessory, suitable for dragoons), Ancient Dragoon Visor (Grants a dragoon's companion The Last of His Kind: Uses Fury from Above as its SHIELD and manifests its element early, headwear, suitable for the last Baltarok dragoon)

Inventory: Phoenix Essence, 3 Remedies

Aazy, Aazuuldrahkcand (pet dragon controlled by Daske)

2 years old male dragon Hatchling

Level 31 *The Last of His Kind*

Health: 31/31

Element: Wood

[Waterbrick Down]

"I'm so looking forward to it," remarked the man, voice dripping with sarcasm as Olmstyr went to deal with the clan leaders. "Alzar. Blue Assassins. A pleasure. You do good work, Heroica."

Skrall scratched his head at the assassin's introduction. "Didn't we meet before, halfling business down under Eubric Freeport?"

"Nerwen and I can help get these two back to base," Skrall glanced at Boomingham and Thalion, "Would either of ya be useful in diplomatically calming things down here?"

[Zepher]

"Sorry about that. Didn't suspect you myself for a heartbeat," Boomingham tells Trista as he releases her.

Boomingham glances at the dead priest on the wall. "What the Hel is that all about? What's a Red Death? Think that's one of our boys?" He glances at Nerwen, feeling certain she will be able to fill him in. "I could try my hand at calming things down, but I'm armed enough that I generally intimidate people more than calm them as of late. Might be best if you and I walk these chaps back home and leave the diplomacy to the elves. They've always thought they were better at it anyway." He stared hard at the fake Grishnod. "Besides, I've got a few questions to hash out with him. I'm sure Tra-Serral would love to get her hands on him as well."

[-obelix-]

Thalion nods to Skrall and Boomingham and hands the fake Grishnod over to Boomingham, "All yours, master Boomingham."

He then approaches the king and clan leaders and addresses them using diplomacy, "Please everyone, keep calm, there is no reason to start accusing each other. The assassins that were among us tonight have been apprehended."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods at Boomingham.

You go, Thalion and I can stay.

Good work master Skrall, the spyglass was a very useful tool.

[CMP]

Thalion nods to Skrall and Boomingham and hands the fake Grishnod over to Boomingham, "All yours, master Boomingham."

He then approaches the king and clan leaders and addresses them using diplomacy, "Please everyone, keep calm, there is no reason to start accusing each other. The assassins that were among us tonight have been apprehended."

Nerwen nods at Boomingham.

You go, Thalion and I can stay.

Good work master Skrall, the spyglass was a very useful tool.

"Assassins? We were not informed about this."

"Information regarding the Vauno's movements is up to the Vauno. Nobody else." Tarvalk coughs raggedly, and leans back against a table. "Not even us."

"So, they have free reign to do as they wish with no oversight."

"It works for Heroica, yes? The Vauno are an ancient group, outside the jurisdiction of any of the clans. It's simply how they operate, King Valentino."

"And clear-ly it worked. Wor-ry not, Red King."

"I see." Valentino crossed his arms. His soldiers were staring hard at the detained Vendrick....or Vladius, as the assassin had called him, even as the pair of them were dragged off. "I assume you are taking custody of those two for an interrogation."

"Not our style. But then again, it's not our business either. The Vauno don't work like the rest of the orocund. I trust that they and Heroica will make the right decisions."

"Possibly."

"I can tell you want your man back for a trial, but if he has information regarding clan leader Grishnod's location-"

"Fine." The king waved his hand. "Take him. I will have a committee conduct our own investigation into Vendrick back in our lands. But if we need him for anything..."

"We'll of course cooperate with your people, King Valentino."

"If he still breathes."

Valentino eyed the clan leaders, then left the hall without another word, his soldiers following. The orcish clan leaders relaxed a bit. Olmstyr did not.

"Sir, we told you we have reason to believe there are many assassins after you tonight."

"I know. But Valentino didn't need to know that. If they were targeting him to make us into scapegoats, they just missed their chance. If they weren't targeting him, then this is still a Baltarok matter. And you will handle it appropriately, I'm sure." He stared hard at Olmstyr, who nodded.

"Yes, sir."

"Good! All is settled then. Olmstyr, you know where we'll all be for the duration of the festivities tonight. Find us if you need anything or need to head off the assassins coming for us, eh?"

"You know, this would be a lot easier if Zardalvohl was called off...and I know you know that." Olmstyr sighed. "At least try and be careful."

"Care-ful, yes. Gor al-ways, al-ways care-ful. Good luck, he-roes and Vau-no."

Tarvalk nodded and glanced between the clan leaders as they dispersed and left.

"Vihl azh cal, il cezndo. Tarok kon di canz."

Olmstyr watched them all leave, then looked sideways at Nerwen and Thalion.

"Thanks for that. King Valentino made this one pretty risky, but I think we couldn't've handled that better. Still have a lot of questions, but now we have people who can answer them. Come, we should catch up with the rest of them."

Skrall scratched his head at the assassin's introduction. "Didn't we meet before, halfling business down under Eubric Freeport?"

"I believe so; and we came to an arrangement there, so I'm hoping we can do the same here. Everything has its price, sir."

Boomingham glances at the dead priest on the wall. "What the Hel is that all about? What's a Red Death? Think that's one of our boys?" He glances at Nerwen, feeling certain she will be able to fill him in. "I could try my hand at calming things down, but I'm armed enough that I generally intimidate people more than calm them as of late. Might be best if you and I walk these chaps back home and leave the diplomacy to the elves. They've always thought they were better at it anyway." He stared hard at the fake Grishnod."Besides, I've got a few questions to hash out with him. I'm sure Tra-Serral would love to get her hands on him as well."

"And I'll be more than willing to answer some of your questions."

"Your willingness is not necessary. You will answer all our questions."

"Yep. I can be pret-ty persuasive if I do say so myself. So can Aazy, he doesn't much like the taste of human fingers but he knows when it's gotta be done."

The remaining heroes and Vauno pushed the assassins inside the small, run-down bar that acted as their headquarters. The Blue Assassin and his ally looked around.

"Not much of a base...but I suppose we won't be hanging around here much longer." The heroes could see the man smile under his mask. "As I said, I am Alzar, and this is my friend Vladius. Before we get to your questions, let's start with one of mine; how much will it take for you to let us just do our thing?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen shrugs.

That all depends on what your thing is. I'm not paying for goods unseen. What were you sent to do and how much were you paid for it?

[Zepher]

Boomingham is a little miffed that no one feels like explaining what the Hel a Red Death is. Leaving the questioning of Alzar to Nerwen he instead turns to Vlad. "So, how'd you get stuck undercover for a year while your pal just got to play dress up?"

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall joined in with Nerwen, "That it does, Alzar. We are men of action, we do what we are paid to do. The more your work with us, the more we can work with you."

[-obelix-]

Thalion joins the others, and awaits responses to the questions already asked of Alzar.

[Chromeknight]

Speaking quietly to Boomingham, remembering the question he asked before, she says

You know that girl, Avery, I mentioned before, she was an assassin of the red death. They're powered by some kind of blood magic, and if you find one, you or they die. Usually messily. Makes it much harder to interrogate them.

[Zepher]

"That's a bit of the good and the bad," says Boomingham. "Do you think that these Blue Brothers hired the priest, or was he a separate agent?"

[CMP]

Nerwen shrugs.

That all depends on what your thing is. I'm not paying for goods unseen. What were you sent to do and how much were you paid for it?

Alzar crossed his arms in thought for a moment.

"Alright. I'll play ball. Me and Vlad were after the hobgoblin. Gor. The....client, is one of our regulars. We go back nearly a century. Dishes out the biggest contracts in the biz. And the pay...not even the Shadeaux stack up against wherever he gets his cash."

Boomingham is a little miffed that no one feels like explaining what the Hel a Red Death is. Leaving the questioning of Alzar to Nerwen he instead turns to Vlad. "So, how'd you get stuck undercover for a year while your pal just got to play dress up?"

"Hmph."

"Vlad here doesn't talk much. I figured working his way up from Red Lizard grunt to royal guard would be easier than all the hoops I jumped through to get my disguise. Suffice to say this has been in the works for a long time."

Skrall joined in with Nerwen, "That it does, Alzar. We are men of action, we do what we are paid to do. The more your work with us, the more we can work with you."

"Working as best I can here, friend. We worked out a deal before, no reason we can't do the same here, hm? You do remember Posco, don't you?" Alzar tilted his head sideways at Skrall. "He was running a big risk job for the very same client we're working for now, and blew it. Managed to sneak off afterwards and go into hiding. We tried and failed to find him many times over the decades. Then the client put a big bounty on his head."

"How big?"

"A...motivating amount. Too much, really. Posco made all the Blue Assassins look bad when he escaped, but why would a third party care so much about our wounded pride? You ask me, Posco saw something he weren't supposed to see on that job, and our client wanted to make sure he didn't come out with any deathbed confessions. That spare change me and Vlad paid you and your friends off with turned into a hundred thousand when we delivered the good news." Alzar laughed.

Speaking quietly to Boomingham, remembering the question he asked before, she says

You know that girl, Avery, I mentioned before, she was an assassin of the red death. They're powered by some kind of blood magic, and if you find one, you or they die. Usually messily. Makes it much harder to interrogate them.

"I'll say. It makes them inefficient. Such a blatant disregard for your own life is...unhealthy. Besides. We've only had one runaway in the past few centuries and he's dead. I hear the Reds aren't so lucky."

"That's a bit of the good and the bad," says Boomingham. "Do you think that these Blue Brothers hired the priest, or was he a separate agent?"

"Heh. That was my work, actually. Caught a priest of Tarok on his way back from the temple. I had a disguise scroll all nice and ready, but it needed to be constantly maintained...cast once a day. So I had Vlad lace in a nice little side-effect. Inspired by the Reds. When Karstirn first cast the spell to disguise me as Grishnod, he couldn't stop; he had to do it again, every day, or bite it. Seems like he gave up when I got caught."

"Cute. But this doesn't answer where the real Grishnod is!"

"Who is this client?"

"Clearly you don't know how we work. We only communicate via dead drop. But it's not exactly a who. They're called the Wandering Silence. Some kind of monastic order they call themselves. Bit of a myth among assassins. Sometimes they do their own work, but other times they hire us. Maybe they don't want to attract attention." He shrugs. "But like I said...they dish out the best contracts and the best payouts, and they've been hiring us out for a damn long time. That's a lot of dough. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the money’s coming from royalty."

"Royalty...naturally." Olmstyr sighed.