Heroica RPG - Quest #150: A Moment of Silence

[Waterbrick Down]

"You implied to Grishnod you had children who did not follow your path. But Heroica is considerably righteous, if only through its own eyes."

Tra-Serral let her...compliment?...sit in the ogre's head for a moment.

"I'm curious why your offspring chose not to continue your legacy."

Skrall paused for a moment considering the path forward before continuing, "It weren't so much as joinin' Heroica, as it was wantin' nothin' to do with me. Can't say I blame 'em though, I left when they were wee little ones and never really made it back home. Always figured we'd reconnect some day and I could explain everythin' to 'em, but so far, the only welcome I've had is a closed door an axe at my throat. They made it to Eubric, but I doubt I'll be seein' 'em any time soon. What of ya? Do ya fancy followin' in yer father's footsteps as clanleader one day?"

Upon reaching the gathering Skrall inspected the crowd. "If Bastala was tellin' the truth we don't have to worry about any more disguises, which means we're on the look out for a greenskin turncoat or someone who ain't from here. Master Thalion, if we've got a teleporter, I think those shackles of yers will come in handy."

<Aazy, you said you got a look at one of the assassins with a helmet during the feast. That him?> Skrall silently indicated the cloaked figure with the green helm.

[Chromeknight]

Once again, sorry everyone. Combo of getting back from holidays and prepping to run a polling place in tomorrow's federal elections here in Australia. Should be the last time I can't post with 24 hrs.

Baba's fight is not with heroica, but with the whole world. I'm told she is the one who sank the continent of Mercution, leaving only the highest peaks as the island of Uland. She is an ancient mindflayer and has made deals with demons and even things from beyond this world.

Nerwen shrugged, then put the cloak of Espionage on again in place of her etherial cloak

Lets see who is out of place.

[CMP]

OoC: Just noticed I didn't gain gold from my tome.

"I don't know any Thormanil," says Boomingham with a shrug. "Or at least I don't think I do... ol' noggin is a little bit leaky sometimes, when it comes to names and faces. But she's a bad lady, regardless. Bit of a manipulator, and afraid to stand herself in the way of a blade for what she's trying to do."

"Didn't think we had too many long term enemies either, but between Baba and what Bastala just said about these Silent chaps, seems they were trying to draw us out as well."

I'll fix that.

"True enough. Sounds like a pretty annoying enemy to fight, too. And I've...been wondering about that too. If the Wandering Silence is here for Heroica, I thought you might have some insight on who they are." Olmstyr rubbed the back of his neck. "Knowing your enemy, and all that."

Baba's fight is not with heroica, but with the whole world. I'm told she is the one who sank the continent of Mercution, leaving only the highest peaks as the island of Uland. She is an ancient mindflayer and has made deals with demons and even things from beyond this world.

"Ah."

"Well, I...suppose that's why her name keeps popping up, then. There's more than one old legend about such creatures cutting their way through Baltarok to try and find the Fountain of Youth. Sure hope she didn't end up getting her hands on it."

Skrall paused for a moment considering the path forward before continuing, "It weren't so much as joinin' Heroica, as it was wantin' nothin' to do with me. Can't say I blame 'em though, I left when they were wee little ones and never really made it back home. Always figured we'd reconnect some day and I could explain everythin' to 'em, but so far, the only welcome I've had is a closed door an axe at my throat. They made it to Eubric, but I doubt I'll be seein' 'em any time soon. What of ya? Do ya fancy followin' in yer father's footsteps as clanleader one day?"

Upon reaching the gathering Skrall inspected the crowd. "If Bastala was tellin' the truth we don't have to worry about any more disguises, which means we're on the look out for a greenskin turncoat or someone who ain't from here. Master Thalion, if we've got a teleporter, I think those shackles of yers will come in handy."

"I ask because it is rarely a matter of choice in Baltarok. Not when it comes to matters such as this...or being a warrior. I am part of the bloodline of Tarokai. It is unthinkable that I would not lead Clan Tarokin when my father is done and I have been preparing for it all my life. It is simply foreign to me why we are so committed to following the bloodline of Tarokai while Heroica seems to have no such legacy, since you all clearly think you are great warriors." Tra-Serral crossed her arms.

<Aazy, you said you got a look at one of the assassins with a helmet during the feast. That him?> Skrall silently indicated the cloaked figure with the green helm.

Boomingham glances around, focusing on the masked fellow. "That an Orc?" ( )

Nerwen shrugged, then put the cloak of Espionage on again in place of her etherial cloak

Lets see who is out of place.

Aazy slithered out from around Daske's shoulders to peek into the crowd...then made an odd, panicked cry and hopped back.

<"Th-That's him! I...I think?? He's got the same mask, for sure!">

The figure almost immediately turned his head to face the party directly, where Nerwen was able to peer past his odd armor...

Shining Pilgrim *Ranged* *Nimble* *Immune to blinded, weakened, confused, and hexed*

Level 80 Humanoid

Health: 540/540

Special I: A Light Shining in Darkness – The Shining Pilgrim makes the weather Bright. All Pilgrims deal light-element damage for the duration of the next round.

Special II: Teleport – Shining Pilgrim switches rows. The Shining Pilgrim is encouraged in the front row, and nimble in the back row. Used if Light Shining in Darkness is already in effect.

Drops: Magic Compass

...but almost as soon as she was done, he turned on a dime, cloak wrapping around him slightly as his entire body seemed to shrink, and then, with a 'whoosh' as though buffeted by a stiff breeze, the Shining Pilgrim was gone.

But not far. Skrall's tuned hunter instincts told him that perhaps the agents of the Wandering Silence didn't have quite the range on their 'teleportation' - it seemed to him as though the strange, aged traces of magic left behind by the technique led upward.

"Hang on. Olmstyr-"

"I know. I've seen that man before...or someone looking a lot like him. He tried to kill Karstaal's advisor, Jaret, shortly before the Battle of Augustus Bridge. The heroes and I present stopped him, but I don't think we killed him. If that's what the agents of the Wandering Silence look like, then they've definitely had their eyes on Baltarok for some time."

"Yeah, you told me about that. Sounds like their interest shot up from 'kill the sneaky advisor now that we've got the chance' to 'kill every single clan leader in one night.' Baltarok is moving up in the world!"

[Waterbrick Down]

"I ask because it is rarely a matter of choice in Baltarok. Not when it comes to matters such as this...or being a warrior. I am part of the bloodline of Tarokai. It is unthinkable that I would not lead Clan Tarokin when my father is done and I have been preparing for it all my life. It is simply foreign to me why we are so committed to following the bloodline of Tarokai while Heroica seems to have no such legacy, since you all clearly think you are great warriors." Tra-Serral crossed her arms.

"Because those who serve Heroica do so under choice. Ya commit yerself wholeheartedly. I can understand it bein' strange and it may be a human thing, but there the free choice of the individual holds much more sway than tradition or honor. For good or bad it is hard to say an' perhaps it may have somethin' to do with their shorter life spans. It is difficult to see how one's actions will have consequence beyond the here and now when one's life is but a breath on the wind compared to other races."

"Yeah, you told me about that. Sounds like their interest shot up from 'kill the sneaky advisor now that we've got the chance' to 'kill every single clan leader in one night.' Baltarok is moving up in the world!"

"Some positions are not to be envied." Skrall watched as the assassin escaped, but dared not draw his weapon in fear of startling the crowd, "He's up top, but we're goin' have to figure out a way to pin this guy down, if he keeps hoppin' all over the place we'll never get him. Should we split up in hopes of cuttin' off his escape route?"

Edited July 2, 2016 by Waterbrick Down

[-obelix-]

"Some positions are not to be envied." Skrall watched as the assassin escaped, but dared not draw his weapon in fear of startling the crowd, "He's up top, but we're goin' have to figure out a way to pin this guy down, if he keeps hoppin' all over the place we'll never get him. Should we split up in hopes of cuttin' off his escape route?"

"We can do that, there is a ladder over there, to the right..." Thalion points to the right of the stage. "But how should we cut of his route?"

"I don't know a spell for teleportation, but perhaps I can create some sort of a barrier to slow it down; if I knew where it might want to go to..." Thalion looks upward, trying to determine where the figure is and where the next probable place it could teleport to could be.

[Zepher]

"True enough. Sounds like a pretty annoying enemy to fight, too. And I've...been wondering about that too. If the Wandering Silence is here for Heroica, I thought you might have some insight on who they are." Olmstyr rubbed the back of his neck. "Knowing your enemy, and all that."

"Haven't the foggiest," says Boomingham as the man warps away. "But I think we're about to have an idea."

"I'd say we cut him off like Skrall said. Is that an approach from all around? Smart thing to do would be to leave a guard on Karstaal as well. Seems that's his target."

[Chromeknight]

Thalion. If we get close again, perhaps you or I could seal him? That may prevent his teleporting. Maybe try the shackles of war also?

He carries some sort of ranged weapon, so we must find a way to prevent him sniping at Kaastal.

[Waterbrick Down]

"So perhaps two of us should head up the ladder, three around one side and three around the other?"

[Chromeknight]

I'd also like to leave some of us near Kaastal, in case he pops back or takes a pot shot. So, two up, two pairs around and two stay down?

[Waterbrick Down]

I'd also like to leave some of us near Kaastal, in case he pops back or takes a pot shot. So, two up, two pairs around and two stay down?

"I'm up for that. I'll head up top in order to stay on the trail."

[Chromeknight]

Take Boomingham with you, in case he engages and you need a shield. Lawerence, can you take the shackles of war from Thalion.

Daske, Aazy. Stay down here near Kaastal. Shout if the assassin comes back. Thalion, you and Olmstyr go that way. Seal him if you can.

I'll take Tra-Serral and go around the other way, trying the same thing.

[-obelix-]

Thalion nods to Nerwen, tosses Shackles of War to Boomingham and heads in the direction Nerwen pointed him and Olmstyr to.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Aye, Lord Boomingham, whenever yer ready." Skrall began to gingerly ascend the ladder.

[Zepher]

Boomingham catches the shackles and places them on his wrist, dropping his tome into his bag as he does so.

"Righto, lead the way, Ogre. Just know that if we lose track of him and the elves get to gloat about capturing him before us, I will consider it your fault." He turns to Nerwen. "And we are taking him alive, right? Seeing as any clue as to what the Hel we're up against and why they want Heroica involved would be best."

[CMP]

Update will come tomorrow. Late night 4th of July celebration.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen shook her head.

Don't feel any obligation to keep him alive. If he values his life, he'll ask to make a deal. But if we preserve him without sign of his cooperation, it will be difficult to extract information he does not wish to give.

Though, I am concerned that there are five assassins named, but only four clan leaders.

[CMP]

"Because those who serve Heroica do so under choice. Ya commit yerself wholeheartedly. I can understand it bein' strange and it may be a human thing, but there the free choice of the individual holds much more sway than tradition or honor. For good or bad it is hard to say an' perhaps it may have somethin' to do with their shorter life spans. It is difficult to see how one's actions will have consequence beyond the here and now when one's life is but a breath on the wind compared to other races."

"Maybe." Tra-Serral blinks and frowns very slightly. "Thank you."

Take Boomingham with you, in case he engages and you need a shield. Lawerence, can you take the shackles of war from Thalion.

Daske, Aazy. Stay down here near Kaastal. Shout if the assassin comes back. Thalion, you and Olmstyr go that way. Seal him if you can.

I'll take Tra-Serral and go around the other way, trying the same thing.

"Fine."

"Will do," Olmstyr nodded and moved to stand by Thalion.

"Oh for- how the hell is it I'm the one getting stuck with guard duty?" complained Daske. "I don't see any of you carrying around freaking dragons!"

"That's how we know you can handle yourself. Remember that none of what we're doing matters if Karstaal dies," replied the vindicator sternly. "So keep him safe. Can you do that?"

"Right. Fine." Daske adjusted her visor while Aazy poked his head up into the air.

<"I...do you any of you, uhm, hear...that? There's a...buzzing.">

"How in the world do you hear over this noise? Well, whatever...whatever it is it can hardly be any louder than the chant. So, Team Old Guy is going up on the wall, Team Silent Knight is headed around to the construction area, and Team Gonna-Kill-Eachother is going thataway through the palace. And we're looking for an...assassin that can teleport, it looks like."

"Right."

"Uh-huh. Well at least with the chant going on we'll have more than enough strength to deal with 'em. Good luck everyone. Probably don't die yet, there's still more assassins to deal with."

"I anticipate it," remarked Tra-Serral dryly before heading out. With that, the party split into four groups to try and pin down Karstaal's assassin.

PMs incoming.

Edited July 6, 2016 by CallMePie

[CMP]

Sorry about the delay. I had to transfer all my files (including the necessary picture) to my new PC. Naturally there were casualties. The Word document for this quest no longer exists. But we're getting ever closer to the end now and things should be relatively straightforward to the end.

Around the city of Imaestym, the frantic chanting of the orcs, and the music seeking to drown it all out, subsided. The fractured groups of both heroes and Vauno were drawn like a moth to the flame to the apparent source of all the commotion. Boomingham, Skrall, and a shifty-looking man dressed for a performance stood atop a high tower, and Nerwen, Thalion, Olmstyr, and Tra-Serral were quick to join them. The man raised his eyebrows.

"Ah...hmm." He blinked. "Clearly I was outmatched before I even started...but, nothing keeps the Gentleman Thief from collec-, well, let's say, honoring a contract, right? You're all familiar with the concept, I assume? Did you enjoy my performance?"

"That's not how the Vauno or Heroica work." Olmstyr had his hand on his weapon already. "If you're in it for the money, then I assume a better offer will get you talking."

"A man of discerning intuition!" The Thief looked sideways critically at Skrall and Boomingham then strode over to Olmstyr. "I'm certain we can figure out an arrangement to keep everyone satisfied and keep me from getting into any more trouble. I'm afraid I just have a penchant for it...like a moth to a flame."

"Like a fat crow to a corpse."

"Well, ain't you just the sweetest thing." The man shook his head. "Now listen. There's very little I can tell you about my employers...surely you understand they don't give us information we don't need. Their name, for example....a well-guarded secret, I can assure you. Perhaps, a loosened tongue might-"

"You work for the Wandering Silence. They hire Blue Assassins, among others such as you and your allies tonight. They don't seem to have a particularly vested interest in killing our clan leaders. And it seems as though they can teleport themselves."

"But if you do need your tongue loosened, Tra-Serral is very skilled with a blade."

"...Hmmph." The Thief's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. He ground his mostly-fake teeth slightly. "Fine, what do you want to know?"

We're still waiting on one minor loot division, then I will update stats, too.

[Chromeknight]

The first question is, what was your contract for? Simply to disrupt the chant?

[Waterbrick Down]

"I trust everythin' went well with the rest of ya?" Skrall tosses the Ethereal Diamond to Boomingham before turning to the assassin. "Aye, ya mind tellin' us what ya were doin' on top of the wall in the first place?"

[-obelix-]

Thalion stands next to the other heroes, "We encountered no major problems master Skrall, though I am afraid we were not able to catch that masked figure. I hope you or the others had more luck!?" He looked at the Thief and awaited his responses to the questions.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Aye, caught this chap raisin' a ruckus on the roof, but no sigh of the masked fellow."

[Zepher]

Boomingham rolls the diamond around, letting the others grill the idiotic martyr.

[CMP]

The first question is, what was your contract for? Simply to disrupt the chant?

"Hah, cute. Afraid not, love: I was being hired to kill a man. I think you can guess who, hmm? I just figured rather than strike 'em while they've got the advantage, we take the advantage for ourselves."

"Hmph. Thus the performance."

"I trust everythin' went well with the rest of ya?" Skrall tosses the Ethereal Diamond to Boomingham before turning to the assassin. "Aye, ya mind tellin' us what ya were doin' on top of the wall in the first place?"

"Waiting for my opportunity, of course! I am nothing if not opportunistic, my large friend. This was merely a job like any other. I am a man of many contacts and much ill repute, of course, but don't think this wasn't an easy gig to get ahold of. These wandering fellows pay very well but can be awful picky about who they hire. No doubt they saw value in my myriad skills and cunning disguises. Alas, it was not enough, for I knew as soon as I saw your raw experience that I was outmatched. With my gracious surrender out of the way, perhaps we might lay out some terms of an arrangement in exchange for my information..."

"Term one, you will address me with the respect you would show any defeated, yet honorable foe, and as either 'the Gentleman Thief' or 'you Gentlemanliness'."

"Term two-"

The subtle whoosh of a cloak echoed from behind the Thief. He whirled around as the Vauno's hands flew to their weapons, as everyone's eyes fell upon the duo that had just appeared.

"Our oath is broken. For now."

The masked figure's voice was incredibly rough and hoarse from what seemed to be disuse.

"Ah...here's one of my employers now." The Thief's eye twitched as he turned and put on an even brighter, faker smile for the figure, but it cut him off.

"Your part is over. We speak to the heroes."

The pair of them looked directly past him at the party.

"Your quest proceeds with no small degree of success. Your progress is most impressive. Your apparent 'mercy' towards the assassins so far is noted. There remain hurdles to overcome."

He looked briefly at the Vauno.

"Tarokai grolakh tan Set, asht vihl adhakh eznakh ev droog. Sacrifices in war are inevitable, and it has been a very long war."

"You have been told the 'when'. When you arrive, you will need to burn the flag. Then you will be sought out, and your quest will be completed, one path or another."

"But for now, you are awaited by the Red Death at your headquarters. An offer will be made. An old wrong yet to made will be righted. Perhaps you will finish what your Founders did not."

"Well- hang on- wait, my part is-"

"The oath is remade. We will never speak again."

The 'Pilgrims' turned and once more slipped right off the roof into the darkness below. The Gentleman Thief lunged towards the edge and looked down into nothingness.

"...Always the goddamned freaks. No such thing as honest work anymore..."

"How thrillingly vague."

"You get the strangest visitors, heroes." Olmstyr put his hand on his weapon, and with the other hand he grasped the back of the Thief's collar, pulling him backwards towards the party. "Are we dropping this one off, or..."

"What, from this height? That's kind of a messy way to kill someone, don'tcha think?" Daske clambered up the ladder Skrall and Boomingham had taken up. "So, that was an interesting Chant. Karstaal's fine, but he's still trying to figure out who paid for the lightshow up here, and I just saw two guys throw themselves off this wall, so...I kind of figured we were done here? What in the world happened?"

Party

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

265 year old female elven Shaman

Level 42.4 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking*

Power bonus: +8

Defense: 1

Health: 64/64

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), Champion’s Voulge (WP: 14, gains 1 WP when the hero protects an ally by reducing or preventing Damage or Special Damage, axe)

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), Tonics (3), Grand tonic, Ether Core, Ambrosia (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Neutralisers (2), Tiger Balm (3), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts, 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), Health Core

Tools/Treasure: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, 3 Scrap Metal

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

213 years old male elf Mystic Knight

Level 34.5 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* *Lucky*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 15

Health: 45/45

Ether: 32/44

Gold: 1063

Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP: 14, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, Hollow [Grand Potion stored], staves), Ribcage Shield (SP:10; 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, lent to Boomingham), 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), Vexing Vestaments (SP: 3, +8 max ether, the user can no longer heal undead to damage them, but healing humanoid, holy, and luminous enemies will now deal damage and inflict the hexed-effect, suitable for clerics and chi monks)

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 (8), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Bone (4), 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), Ethereal Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect)

Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Mythril Shard, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 at magic shops), 3 Scrap Metal

Skrall, Krakenwhacker, Titan Smiter (Waterbrick Down)

81 year old male ogre Hunter

Level 44.8 *Natural Respite* *Favors Humanoid and Dark enemies* *Immune to fragile, blinded, and confused* *1/3 chance to revive when KO'd* *Second Party Leader*

Power Bonus: +2 WP for bows and crossbows

Defense: 11

Health: 50/58

Gold: 3346

Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect, poisoned by 10), 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, Deadly Venom, 9 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, 6 Bone, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, 2 Neutralizers, Letter of Recommendation, Ethereal Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect), Feather of Darkness (The weather is changed to Dim (see Weather Mage), consumable)

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

Power Bonus: +5 on the front row

Defense: 15

Health: 39/60

Gold: 365

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), 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.), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Round Metal Shield (SP:7)

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), ,

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), , Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory, lent by Thalion)

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), Ethereal Diamond (Light-elemental spells deal the blinded-effect; one ethereal gem can be imbued in a weapon to deal the same effect)

Consumables: Potion, 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), 12x 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), Ethereal Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect), Feather of Darkness (The weather is changed to Dim (see Weather Mage), consumable)

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

Olmstyr, Strakvaun (Controlled by Chromeknight)

35 years old male orc Vindicator

Level 41.2 *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: 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 34.5 *Immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, asleep and afraid* *Lethal* *Nimble*

Power Bonus: +10

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 31.25 *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: 3 Remedies

Aazy, Aazuuldrahkcand (pet dragon controlled by Daske)

2 years old male dragon Hatchling

Level 31.25 *The Last of His Kind*

Health: 31/31

Element: Wood

Edited August 3, 2016 by CallMePie

[Chromeknight]

Hand the edain to Kaarstal and tell him he was trying to assassinate him, let you clan leader demonstrate his methods for dealing with those who come after him.

Let's go to headquarters. I am concerned. We've had plots on Kaarstal, Grishnod and Gor. Taravalk is next in line? But for all we've 'foiled' these plots it feels like we are still being led by the nose. And we have not come across the burning pilgrim yet either, only the shining pilgrim who seems to be one of the wandering silence. Unless the other one was the burning one. Still. It could well be a trap.

Nerwen heals Boomingham and Skrall.