Heroica RPG - Quest #26: Quarry Clean Up

[Scubacarrot]

"Good work. If the other spiders are like this, we will be out of here before sundown."

Guts cleaned his sword with a rag, before sheathing it, downed another mead for the next battle, and asked:

"So. Singer, tell us why you are here. Without breaking into song."

[Xarrzan]

"Good work. If the other spiders are like this, we will be out of here before sundown."

Guts cleaned his sword with a rag, before sheathing it, downed another mead for the next battle, and asked:

"So. Singer, tell us why you are here. Without breaking into song."

The bard tuned his guitar as he spoke "Not break out in song, thats blasphemous what you speak right there. But a small break to rest my voice and get my guitar in tune is appropriate, I say with a sneer. Ha! I still got it! Anyways, I am a Bard, as you well know, and a master of lore!" Singerson said with enthusiasm. "I'm always seeking more stories to tell and songs to sing. I am currently searching for the components of a mystical artifact called 'The Forever Song'. I had tracked one of the components to this very quarry. I started my search in this outcropping of rocks when I first saw the spider. I set my trap for him but at the same time he was setting a trap for me! I'm very glad you've came to my aid. This quarry seems to be abandoned and I had all but lost hope. I was planning to search the rest of the quarry for the first artifact. Would you like to join me? You could be the muscle and I could compose your epic battle music! Everyone should enter battle with music playing, that just makes sense."

[Scubacarrot]

"What exactly is this 'Forever Song'? And why would we help you? Can you handle yourself in battle?"

[JimBee]

Hybros observed silently while Guts interrogated the man. The battle had gone well, and he felt stronger than ever.

"Let's see what this man has to say, hehe..."

[Jedi master Brick]

Elgar looks as his triple shot goes into the spiders with plesure, then he tried to understand the bards song

OoC: I made a mistake with my stats, my max helalth should be 15 at level 10. So my health should be 13/15 sorry

[Xarrzan]

"What exactly is this 'Forever Song'? And why would we help you? Can you handle yourself in battle?"

"Well...the lore is vague when it comes to 'what' the Forever Song is or what it does, heh, but I know it is a powerful tool the best bard around can't do without! Some rumors say it enhances a singers voice, giving them powers beyond compare or enhancing what powers they do have. Another rumor says that it will generate the loveliest music you've ever heard! Can you imagine? Your very own back-up band!

And why would you help me? Is not the thrill of adventure enough? If not, aren't you heroes from Heroica. Don't you dedicate yourselves to those in need?

Can I handle myself in a battle? I'll have you know I've seen more battles than you can sing about haha. But no, I don't partake in the physical altercations but I do aid my allies. My songs inspire, enthuse, exhilarate, and can put you in a good mood. So what say you? Shall we join forces and continue searching the quarry?"

OoC: Elgar, I have updated your health.

[Jedi master Brick]

"well this bard guy is nice enough, no harm wil, happen if he comes with us"

[Scubacarrot]

"Hmpf, this artifact sounds particularly useless, but to each his own. It's true Heroica helps those that need, but a reward is customary. From what I gather, you being here alone and looking for an artifact that you hope will make you rich and famous, you don't have the monetary means to afford us helping you. Let me tell you about our mission, we were send here to exterminate spiders, not rescuing bards. Consider what we did a personal favour, in other words: you owe us. And if you want to stick to that analogy, my singing voice is not what it should be, so you're skills seem pretty lacking, to me. Bluntly said: Be aware that if we take you, you are a liability, make no mistake."

Guts sighed, turned to the party and said:

"I'm prepared to have him tag along with us, on the conditions he limits his vocal contributions to a bare minimum, and takes care not to alert anything to our presence. Furthermore: he is to stay with us until we say he is to go, he shall hold no share in any loot or the reward, and during battle, he must not hinder us in any respect."

Looking at all party members and the bard, the rogue then asked:

"Agreed?"

[Bricksandparts]

"If no one else wants the venoms I'll take one or both."

[JimBee]

"His singing powers may become useful, as far as healing. I'm fine with his company, eheh."

[Bioniclover]

Knifk hands Johon and Guts each a Venom, then extends his hand to the bard. "Guitar man can come with party if he uses his powers to help out in battle."

[Bricksandparts]

"Speaking of his seemingly powerful song, would he be able to heal the party?"

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: I just remembered I never added the potion from the arena into my inventory. So I guess you could add that in.

[Xarrzan]

UPDATE TO PARTY

Party:

Knifk

(Played by Bioniclover)

*Party Leader*

Level 12 Knight

Power:

21

Health:

19/21

Shield Power:

6

Ether:

-

Gold:

1

Inventory:

Tfel (WP: 9 Longsword, Earth-elemental), Aegis (SP: 6 Shield), Potion x2, Remedy, Floral Bomb, Deadly Venom, Bedroll

Hybros

(Played by JimButcher)

Level 15 Rogue

Power:

25 (20 for throwing weapons, except 22 for Ancient Throwing Dagger)

Health:

21/23

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

322

Inventory:

Zoot's Reaper (WP:10, Earth), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5, retrievable), 2 Throwing Knives (WP:5, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP: 5, damage all, retrievable), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 7, retrievable), Helmet (Max HP +1), 5 Grand Potions, 6 Potions, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 6 Nostrums, 6 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 2x Deadly Venom, Shovel, Bone, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy

Guts Holla

(Played by Scubacarrot)

Encouraged

Level 11.5 Rogue

Power:

19

38

Health:

17/17

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

239

Inventory:

Lifestealer (WP:8,Ice, attacks restore 3 health), Bedroll, Shovel, Potionx2, Meadx4, Venom

Johon (Alf Gregory)

(Played by Bricksandparts)

Level 14 Barbarian

Power:

22 (14+8)

Health:

19/22 (21+1)

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

36

Inventory:

Armour-Helmet I+1 max healthI-IequippedI Weapons-greatsword IWP.3I-IunequippedI---Sword of Decay IWP. 7I I once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages Knights and Barbarians I---Meteor Blade IWP.8I-ILight elementalI-IequippedI-Healing Staff IWP.5I-Healing effect. -lended- usable by mages and clerics.---Focal Staff IWP.I 5 Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages. IunequippedI Tools-shovel---pick-axe---Magnifying Glass---magic compass POTIONS---potion I3I-Venom I2I-Ice Bomb I1I-Phoenix Essence I1I-Mead I1I ELEMENTS-Aquamarine, Scroll of Sleep I1I---Scroll of Blindness I1I---Scroll of Sealing I1I---Scroll of Confusion I1I

Elgar Gligin

(Played by Jedi master Brick)

Level 10.5 Ranger

Power:

19

Health:

13/15

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

2

Inventory:

Mockhril crossbow (WP:9 Lightning Elemental), Faxthril Longbow WP:5, Smoke bomb, Bedroll, emerald, Orc Venom, Potion (2), Venom, Spade

Singerson strums his guitar and says “Great to be be part of the team! I’ll keep this group together just like a seam! Now, some lore on my songs, they can be...” The bard continued to talk as the party walked through the outcropping of rocks.

BARD HAS JOINED YOUR PARTY!

The bard has 5 songs that can be sung, each with a different effect and number of uses.

Encourage The Horde - This song causes the encouraged effect on all members of the party for the current round of battle. The effect disappears at the end of the round. This song can be only sung once per battle. “...Sing the song more than once? Why would you do such a thing? Do you not know the bardic law?”

A Hearty Jaunt - This song heals all members of the party. The amount each member is healed is determined by a die roll (1-6 hp). This song can only be sung once per battle. “...You ask again about singing it more than once? Let me recite to you the 75 pages of the bardic law. Page 1, the bard shall...”

Fastest Flight - This song causes the hastened effect on all members of the party for the current round of battle. The effect disappears at the end of the round. This song can only be sung once per battle. “...of the voice. Page 27, the bard shall do...”

Lady Luck’s Lure - This song causes the lucky effect on all members of the party for the current round of battle. The effect disappears at the end of the round. This song can only be sung once per battle. “...hopping on his or her toe. That is one of my favorite laws. Page 54, the bard....”

Dirge of Dispair - This song revives one fallen ally to full health during a battle. This song can only be sung once per quest. “Ah...the dirge. This song is far too sad to be sung more than once in a very long while...”

During the battle the Party leader decides the battle order. S/he also can tell the Bard which song s/he would like the bard to sing. If no song is designated, the bard might sing anyways but the songs will have no effect other than your enjoyment. Singerson CANNOT attack or be attacked by any enemy. You do not have to worry about adding him to the order of the party.

Edited April 7, 2012 by Xarrzan

[JimBee]

"Very useful indeed... hehehe. Let's move on. Which way are we going?"

[Scubacarrot]

"Alright, shall we move on? What are our options?"

I should have 4 meads left. ;)

[Bricksandparts]

I yet again look around the current area to look for traps with my magnifying glass, and see if I can find anything useful to mine out of the wall.

[Jedi master Brick]

Elgar introduces himself to the bard and welcomes him to the party and then says "I think we should go further into the quarry, we best be quick"

[Xarrzan]

OoC: I have updated Guts' number of meads.

Johon searching for traps with his magnifying class but comes up with nothing.

"I only placed the one trap," said Singerson "but searching for more should be a snap!"

Johon began picking at the wall in various places but found nothing. Anything of value had been stripped from this area.

Singerson turned to Elgar and said "Well met man of the forest, I greet you at your behest. Options, well we can head back to the quarry landing where I assume you turned left to get to this area. Or we can bypass that and head straight to the rest of the quarry. Of course, we could always head back to the entrance. What is your choice my friend who is green, and from adventuring has become quite lean?"

[JimBee]

"I say we go back and explore the rest of the quarry. There might be more beasts that were scaring off the workers".

[Scubacarrot]

"Alright, if there is nothing more here, let's go."

Just to make sure, Guts dug around for treasure with his shovel.

[Bioniclover]

"Knifk agrees, let party return and take the other path. Knifk would prefer to explore every nook and cranny in the hopes that we will find more loot and kill more things to XP."

[Bricksandparts]

S/he

"I don't mean to sound rude, but could you tell us more about yourself?"

Johon examines the bard to decide if it is a he or she.

"Oh! I never had time to show you the map."

Johon redraws the map in his palm and adds where they met different things.

"I believe we should go left and check out that part of the quarry."

regardless of where they go, Johon checks for traps, anything that could be of any use, or anything that seems strange.

[Xarrzan]

Guts dug around in the dirt searching for treasure. The ground in the area was particularly hard and he didn't get very deep or find anything of value.

Singerson perked up at the indication that someone wanted to know more about the bard. "Of course you can know more about me! I came from a fishing village, the only child of a Tavern owner and his wife. Right next to the tavern was a play hall where actors, singers and performs came to entertain those in port. My father loved taking me there. His favorite play was about a simple family. The father of the family drank tons of ale, the mother strangely had tall blue hair, they had an elder son who always got into trouble and two intellegent daughters. The play was different every week. My father named me after the drunk father character in the play." The bard paused to examine Johon's map. "That is a great map of the quarry! You would make a fine cartographer my friend. The only thing is, you found me and fought the deadly spider, on the left side of your map, where all those dots are. Those dots are representing the rocks you fought between. We are currently heading to the right of your map."

The bard continued to chat about the past when the group entered the quarry's lowest floor. It was barren and empty as far as they could see.

Singerson suddenly paused in his endless chatter to listen intently. His face went pale as it drained of blood. He started shaking and looked to the skies. "It's...it's...it's a...dra...dra....dragon!" The dragon flew in lazy circles above the group before swooping in quickly and landing in front of them. It titled it's head to examine them then roared its anger.

Singerson continued shaking, barely holding onto the guitar. "Not...not only is it...is it a dragon, but it's an ancient dragon! I have studied dragons for a long time, and seen many of them, but never met an ancient dragon before. They are the last stage of the dragon's life cycle. They have lived over 1000 years! They are immune to any type of element due to the years of experience and building up a tolerance. They are extremely powerful. The only hope we have is the fact that it was recently hibernating so it will be weaker than usual. I can tell by it's slightly sluggish movements. This must be the creature that scared the miners away!"

PREPARE FOR BATTLE!

Enemies:

Ancient Dragon

Type: None (Ancients take no extra damage from any type of gem)

Level: 20

Health: 1000/1000

Special I: Ground Slam - Dragon jumps into the air and slams into the ground, damaging all opponents for 4 damage, (those in the back row take half damage)

Special II: Flame Breath - Blows flame onto everyone of the attacker's row dealing 3 fire damage. (Burns targets for 1 damage for additional two rounds unless a Remedy is used.)

Special III: Frost Breath - Blows frost onto everyone in the attacker’s row dealing 2 cold damage. (Covers the people in frost causes them to be slowed and miss their next turn)

Special IV: Lightning Breath - Electrocutes the attacker and hero next to him (next in party order of actions) for 2 damage and (Causes the

hastened

effect on those hit by the lightning for the next round)

Drops: Dragon’s Hoard (The dragon is blocking the view of the specific items in the hoard)

Note: A separate roll determines special used.

QM Note: Dragon emits Fear Aura, causing the Afraid effect to all members. Effect is removable by a mage at the cost of 10 ether. Once the effect is removed, the party can no longer be afraid of the dragon.

Party:

Knifk

(Played by Bioniclover)

*Party Leader*

Afraid

Level 12 Knight

Power:

21

Health:

19/21

Shield Power:

6

Ether:

-

Gold:

1

Inventory:

Tfel (WP: 9 Longsword, Earth-elemental), Aegis (SP: 6 Shield), Potion x2, Remedy, Floral Bomb, Deadly Venom, Bedroll

Hybros

(Played by JimButcher)

Afraid

Level 15 Rogue

Power:

25 (20 for throwing weapons, except 22 for Ancient Throwing Dagger)

Health:

21/23

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

322

Inventory:

Zoot's Reaper (WP:10, Earth), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5, retrievable), 2 Throwing Knives (WP:5, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP: 5, damage all, retrievable), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 7, retrievable), Helmet (Max HP +1), 5 Grand Potions, 6 Potions, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 6 Nostrums, 6 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 2x Deadly Venom, Shovel, Bone, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy

Guts Holla

(Played by Scubacarrot)

Encouraged

Afraid

Level 11.5 Rogue

Power:

19

38

Health:

17/17

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

239

Inventory:

Lifestealer (WP:8,Ice, attacks restore 3 health), Bedroll, Shovel, Potionx2, Meadx4, Venom

Johon (Alf Gregory)

(Played by Bricksandparts)

Afraid

Level 14 Barbarian

Power:

22 (14+8)

Health:

19/22 (21+1)

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

36

Inventory:

Armour-Helmet I+1 max healthI-IequippedI Weapons-greatsword IWP.3I-IunequippedI---Sword of Decay IWP. 7I I once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages Knights and Barbarians I---Meteor Blade IWP.8I-ILight elementalI-IequippedI-Healing Staff IWP.5I-Healing effect. -lended- usable by mages and clerics.---Focal Staff IWP.I 5 Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages. IunequippedI Tools-shovel---pick-axe---Magnifying Glass---magic compass POTIONS---potion I3I-Venom I2I-Ice Bomb I1I-Phoenix Essence I1I-Mead I1I ELEMENTS-Aquamarine, Scroll of Sleep I1I---Scroll of Blindness I1I---Scroll of Sealing I1I---Scroll of Confusion I1I

Elgar Gligin

(Played by Jedi master Brick)

Afraid

Level 10.5 Ranger

Power:

19

Health:

13/15

Shield Power:

-

Ether:

-

Gold:

2

Inventory:

Mockhril crossbow (WP:9 Lightning Elemental), Faxthril Longbow WP:5, Smoke bomb, Bedroll, emerald, Orc Venom, Potion (2), Venom, Spade

Party Leader, choose the order of action.

All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee or if you want to use an item instead of attacking.

Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

Singerson gathered the courage to speak again. "We are under the effect of it's fear aura and I don't see a mage in this group. Each of you seem to have a magic weapon of some sort. If you can hit the dragon five times with any gem enhanced weapon than that should disrupt it's aura of fear, and then you all can draw near!"

Edited April 8, 2012 by Xarrzan

[JimBee]

Hybros jumped back in fear of the huge beast. He had only caught a glimpse of a dragon before in his life, but he had no idea how fearsome they were. This would surely be his toughest battle yet.

"If we can land five successful hits on this thing, we should be more effective. Knifk! Have Singerson play Lady Luck's Lure so that we may have a good round. I'll attack the dragon from the back row with Zoot's Reaper!"