Heroica RPG - Quest #31: Lions and Lambs

[Brickdoctor]

Results of Round Twenty of the Battle of Drakencourt:

Imperial Pikemen A move one hex north-east.

Imperial Pikemen B move one hex north-east.

Lion Crossbowmen A do nothing.

Lion Knights C vs. Rogue Lion Trebuchet C - Miss

Lion Knights C vs. Rogue Lion Trebuchet C - Special Damage (8-2=6 Damage)

Lion Knights B vs. Rogue Lion Trebuchet C - Shield ((4*2)-1=7 Damage)

Lion Knights B vs. Rogue Lion Trebuchet C - Critical Hit ((4*2)-1=7 Damage)

Lion Crossbowmen B do nothing.

Lion Crossbowmen C do nothing.

Lion Pikemen B do nothing.

Imperial Pikemen D vs. Rogue Lion Trebuchet C - Special Damage (8-1=7 Damage)

Alexandre, with victory all but guaranteed, your knights surround the trebuchet and take it down.

"Very nice, very nice. Excellent work, heroes."

All of you gain a half of a Level of XP, so update your signatures accordingly. The enemies drop 60 Gold and 3 Fire Bombs.

Party:

Skrall

, Level 19.5 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader*

*Favors Bestial Enemies*

*Lucky*

*Blessed*

Power:

27

Health:

32/32

Defense:

0

Gold:

29

Inventory:

Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back)

, Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 11; +4 vs. Beasts), Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is

Slowed

), Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Cookie

Alexandre le Chevalier

, Level 13.5 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Second-in-Command*

Power:

21

Health:

22/22

Defense:

7

Gold:

57

Inventory:

Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP),

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7)

, Potions (6), Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb

Isabella del Toboso

, Level 12 Rogue (Dharkan)

Power:

21

Health:

18/18

Defense:

1

Gold:

54

Inventory:

Fauxthril Dagger (WP: 8)

, Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1;

untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle

)

, Venom, Potions (7), Tonics (5), Nostrum, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (2), Dragon Scales (2)

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

, Level 13.5 Mage (controlled by QM)

Power:

20

Health:

19/19

Ether:

12/17

Defense:

1

Gold:

58

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7;

50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd

)

, Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1),

Robe of Magi (SP:1)

, Potion(x2), Bedroll, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Opal (

Ice

), Telescope, Amethyst (

Darkness

), Tonic, Mead

Luke

, Level 19.5 Sage (controlled by Waterbrick Down)

*Pacifist*

Power:

24

Health:

27/34

Ether:

11/26

Defense:

0

Gold:

0

Inventory:

Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5)

, Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (Light), Tonics (2), Bedroll

Count Lewis Knyghton

, Level 14.5 Engineer (controlled by Capt.JohnPaul)

Power:

15

Health:

21/21

Defense:

0

Gold:

0

Inventory: Spatha (WP: 3),

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1)

Party Leader, please divide the spoils of the battle:

60 Gold

Fire Bombs

x3 -

Causes 5 Fire Elemental Damage to all enemies, doubled if the target is weak to fire.

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Not a big deal, but Skrall should be back at 32/32 from his Natural Respite from Zepher's last battle.

Skrall removed his cap, batting all the dust out of it. His breathing was heavy, his voice hoarse, and he his tunic was riddled with spear holes and smeared with dirt from the trebuchet artillary strikes. "Well now you two, it looks like ya made it out without any serious damage. Fer a while I thought ya weren't goin' to make it out of there Ms. Toboso, but it looks like yer Imperial troops stuck it through." Skrall tossed 20 gold to both Alexandre and Isabella and a fire bomb a piece, keeping the remainder for himself.

"Count Lewis would either yerself or Alexandre like to clarify a little more of who was that soddin' chap that perched himself on that hill?"

[Brickdoctor]

OoC: Not a big deal, but Skrall should be back at 32/32 from his Natural Respite from Zepher's last battle.

QM Note:

Oops, I'll fix that.

"Count Lewis would either yerself or Alexandre like to clarify a little more of who was that soddin' chap that perched himself on that hill?"

"Sir Loren's lieutenant, one of four."

"His name was Sir Laurant. Once, he was Sir Leonard best tactician."

[Waterbrick Down]

"I take it he woke up on the wrong side of the bed this mornin' then. By the way Sir Leofard, in all my hop skippin' about I haven't had a chance to speak with ya about yer ex-squire." Skrall unsheathed the Greatsword of Lion Nobles, "She was carryin' this and I figured it was pretty important to yer order. I have little trainin' with a blade, so if ya wish to have this fer a more distinguished bearer than a common-place Ogre tis yer's to decide."

[Brickdoctor]

"I take it he woke up on the wrong side of the bed this mornin' then. By the way Sir Leofard, in all my hop skippin' about I haven't had a chance to speak with ya about yer ex-squire." Skrall unsheathed the Greatsword of Lion Nobles, "She was carryin' this and I figured it was pretty important to yer order. I have little trainin' with a blade, so if ya wish to have this fer a more distinguished bearer than a common-place Ogre tis yer's to decide."

"It is of no value to me, and she was the last of her family, so as far as I know it holds no value as the heirloom it was, either. Sir Leonard might be interested in it, though, if you do not want to keep it."

[Waterbrick Down]

"If it turns out I won't be needin' it for any more fightin' here, I'll speak with him about it. Fer the mean time do we have any idea what's goin' on in the city, now that the problem out here has been dealt with?"

[Brickdoctor]

"If it turns out I won't be needin' it for any more fightin' here, I'll speak with him about it. Fer the mean time do we have any idea what's goin' on in the city, now that the problem out here has been dealt with?"

"I myself do not know at the moment. There are currently no means of communication between the troops outside the walls and those inside the palace. Sir Lyonel should have escorted the emperor back there."

[Zepher]

Almost on cue, there is a flash in their eyes, and a voice in heir heads.

<Master Skrall, you must listen to me and move quickly. You have fought valiantly, but you fought but a diversion. The invading army has slipped below you in a series of tunnels, and you now have a wall between you and them. They have flooded Dastan. You must retreat to the palace. The Emperors will be defended there. I have chosen now to tell you as you must move now. There is an opening on the streets you will need to take.>

Leofard points grimly. The heroes turn to stare back at the city. It is on fire, blazing. Smoke billows upwards. Even from far off, now that they know to listen, they can hear the sound of clashing steel. Leofard turns to the heroes.

"I will use my men to break through the gates, bringing us back to the city. They will then sweep upwards towards the palace, while the nine of us make a dash for it."

The heroes are lead by Leofard to the wall, and when he calls out, his men plow forward, overwhelming the few rogue guards left near the entrance to the city. Leofard's men start to disappear in small squads down different streets, while the heroes follow Vipera's express directions and take a direct route to the palace. As they pass through the burning city, they are successful in avoiding all rogue invading forces.

Leofard bounds up the stairs to the palace's entrance, and pounds on the door.

It slides open.

[Dharkan]

OOC: I'm back, sorry guys. It took longer than I'd expected but she's fine at least.

[Brickdoctor]

Skrall (WaterbrickDown)

Level 21 Hunter

***Party Leader***

*Favors Humanoid Enemies*

Power:

41

Defense:

0

Health:

34/34

Gold:

99

Equipment:

Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is

Slowed

)

Inventory:

Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 11; +4 vs. Beasts), Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back), Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Cookie, Zoot's Plaything

Alexandre le Chevalier (Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 15 Knight

Power:

23

Defense:

10

Health:

23/24

Gold:

127

Equipment:

Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians)

Inventory:

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Potions (4), Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb

Isabella del Toboso (Dharkan)

Level 13.5 Rogue

Power:

22

Defense:

1

Health:

18/19

Gold:

291

Equipment:

Fauxthril Dagger (WP: 8), Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1;

untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle

)

Inventory:

Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Twin Broadswords (WP: 20; user may attack two enemies in a Turn, but may not use a shield; suitable for Knights), Venom, Potions (7), Tonics (5), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Fire Bombs (2), Dragon Scales (2), Bedroll

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz)

Level 15 Mage

Power:

22

Defense:

1

Health:

16/21

Ether:

10/19

Gold:

108

Equipment:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7;

50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd

), Robe of Magi (SP: 1)

Inventory:

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Opal (

Ice

), Amethyst (

Darkness

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Potions (2), Grand Tonic, Tonic, Mead, Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope

Luke (controlled by Waterbrick Down)

Level 21 Sage

*Pacifist*

Power:

26

Defense:

0

Health:

36/36

Ether:

19/28

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5)

[/b]

Inventory:

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (

Light

), Bedroll

Count Lewis Knyghton (controlled by Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 16 Engineer

Power:

17

Defense:

0

Health:

23/23

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Spatha (WP: 3)

Inventory:

Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1)

As the Rogue Lion Knights are mopped up outside the city, Skrall, you lead the rest of your party back to Alandri's wing of the palace. He had already left the South Corridor while you were dividing up the loot, and you find him in a small room that is serving as a hospital. Potions, Remedies and other consumables are lined up on a shelf along the far wall, while two figures lie motionless on beds.

"Ah, heroes, we have prevailed, but at what cost?"

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Emperor Alandri, it is good to see you well after that frightening ordeal. Is the minotaur guard... dead?" Alexandre worries, they had been foolish to not take the guard's warning when the Teuthisal attack, and his good deed is paid off, like this."What is the cost?"

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall looked down upon the body of the young Lyonel, "How did he go?"

[Brickdoctor]

Skrall looked down upon the body of the young Lyonel, "How did he go?"

"Four pikemen had him occupied, and when an archer took down the Minotaur, his back was exposed.

"I must admit, I never expected the Minotaur to fall before Sir Lyonel did."

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Four pikemen had him occupied, and when an archer took down the Minotaur, his back was exposed.

"I must admit, I never expected the Minotaur to fall before Sir Lyonel did."

"Soo... Mr. Enpeesy, what more clean up is left?"

[Waterbrick Down]

The young knight had died because Skrall had put him subservant to his elder. "Such a young one," Skrall thought to himself, his mind flashing back to images of his own children. Skrall unsheathed the Greatsword of Lion Nobles, life was always a puruit to the Ogre, a pursuit of satisfaction and he had yet to find it. A wife had not given it to him; children had failed; the rogue life of an outlaw, nothing; riches and glory from Heroica, empty; the hunting of Wren, pointless; even war and it's spoils had failed to satiate a longing desire that he forever failed to fill. The Ogre looked between the blade and the youth, "Leojagd" he thought to himself, "the Lion's Pursuit. It shall not be sheathed until it receives its due."

Skrall turned to the emperor, "Sir, the rebels have been routed, their leaders slain. Those who have fallen shall be mourned, but what more do you require of us for the time being?"

[Brickdoctor]

"Soo... Mr. Enpeesy, what more clean up is left?"

Skrall turned to the emperor, "Sir, the rebels have been routed, their leaders slain. Those who have fallen shall be mourned, but what more do you require of us for the time being?"

"Sir Leofard?"

"Pretty much nothing, actually. The bulk of the force fell with Sir Laurant, who was the one real tactician among Sir Loren and his lieutenants. Sir Loren brought all his remaining commanders into the palace with him, and the Rogue Lions, though numerous, attacked as an uncoordinated force to draw away the Imperial troops. We believe that Sir Lamorak was supposed to go back out to direct them once Emperor Alandri was captured and the palace secured, but I doubt any of them thought they'd be walking into a battle like the one you just fought.

"I believe that we've done what we were sent here to do."

"Indeed you have. Sir Loren, Sir Lamorak, Sir Laurant, Sir Lyons, and Lord Lucan are all dead. The rebellion has been crushed; the Rogue Lions and their Teuthisal and Pongcanis allies, defeated. I'm not sure what the other emperors have left to do in the aftermath of this conflict, but you and the rest of the Lions have done what I asked you to do, and you are free to return to Uland.

"I am most grateful for your assistance, heroes, Lions. Is there anything I can help you with, or are you ready to depart?"

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Alexandre extends his hand, "My Lord, you are welcome, call on us anytime."

I'm ready to leave.

Edited August 15, 2012 by Capt.JohnPaul

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall's mind is else-where thus he merely gravely nods, "If young Master Regulus has nothing to inquire of, which I'm sure he does, then we shall take our leave."

[Flipz]

"Your highness, I seem to recall a promise made, that, once the battle for the Empire was won, we would, together, pore over some of the ancient texts of your library, and perhaps recover some of the knowlege and wisdom of the ancient past of Dastan. With the Dragons--herefore and forever after I name them Karath Dastanitha, "Dastan's Stweards" in the tongue of my people--once again filling the skies of this land, I can think of no better time. Perhaps we may speak with the Dragons and their Breeders you mentioned earlier, what now seems a lifetime ago?"

As Arthur starts out the door with Alandri, he belatedly notices the others. "You three go on, I'll catch up before anything too important happens."

OOC: Doc, if you want to run an epic roleplaying session, I'm up for a couple more hours, otherwise though Arthur and Alandri can exchange A-mail coordinates and talk about other stuff off-screen and Arthur will rejoin the others for the ending.

[Brickdoctor]

"Your highness, I seem to recall a promise made, that, once the battle for the Empire was won, we would, together, pore over some of the ancient texts of your library, and perhaps recover some of the knowlege and wisdom of the ancient past of Dastan. With the Dragons--herefore and forever after I name them Karath Dastanitha, "Dastan's Stweards" in the tongue of my people--once again filling the skies of this land, I can think of no better time. Perhaps we may speak with the Dragons and their Breeders you mentioned earlier, what now seems a lifetime ago?"

QM Note:

And I recall a QM Note where I said that the books were written in a language that no one could read because I never had anything written in the books in the first place. Sorry to disappoint you.

The books were there to provide a reason for Lady Leofwena to attack Emperor Alandri in the study. Being a cultist, she'd be interested in the book about breeding dragons, the book about transforming Mopag plants, the book about creating chimeras, and the book about bringing beings back from the dead.

"Believe me, I tried to contact them, but you must understand that the dragons have always been one of Dastan's most powerful defenders, and their breeders are not enthusiastic about revealing their secrets. With one of the emperors having betrayed the other two and the capital having been invaded, now is not the best time to insist that they speak with us."

As Arthur starts out the door with Alandri, he belatedly notices the others. "You three go on, I'll catch up before anything too important happens."

"Master Regulus, the men are anxious to return to Uland, and Admiral Thraune's fleet is ready to sail. We should leave soon."

[Flipz]

"Very well. Perhaps another time. When we return to the Hall, I'll be sure to inform Byblos that you are to be granted full access to our own Library, should you ever decide to visit. Please do so! And bring bananas to bribe Byblos with. Farewell, Emperor! May we meet again, and soon!"

"Well, fellows, I am ready to go. Knyghton?"

"Aye, I'm ready as well. It's been a pleasure, but I'm ready ta go home."

"Then go home we shall, old friend."

---

As Arthur followed Sir Leofard and the others, his heart was moved. What had once been an arid, soul-sucking wasteland was now a thriving oasis in the desert--a hard land, to be sure, but one full of life. For the first time in a long time, he was at peace. As the party walked onward, Arthur let his thoughts flow from his lips into song, just as Caroline had taught him so long ago. A painful past...but no longer would it weigh him down. As he sang, a familiar silhouette flew across the sky behind him.

"We're done, but it's not over,

We'll start it again, after the end of the day;

It keeps getting better,

Don't be afraid, we'll do it together,

Come on, come on, You know,

It's your time to move, it's my time to move,

Come on, Come on, Let go,

Leave it all behind, Your past and mine...

Gone are the days of summer,

We couldn't change it if we tried.

Why would we want to?

Let's go where we got to,

Our paths will cross again in time.

It's never the same tomorrow,

And tomorrow's never clear,

So come on, come on, You know,

Our time...Our time is here!

We know, but we're not certain,

How can we be? How can we see what's ahead?

The road keeps on turning,

And all we can do is travel each day to the next.

Come on, come on, You know,

It's your time to move, it's my time to move,

Come on, Come on, Let go,

Leave it all behind, Your past and mine...

Gone are the days of summer,

We couldn't change it if we tried.

Why would we want to?

Let's go where we got to,

Our paths will cross again in time.

It's never the same tomorrow,

And tomorrow's never clear,

So come on, come on, You know,

Our time...Our time is here!

Gone are the days of summer,

We couldn't change it if we tried.

So come on, Come on, Come on,

Come on, Come on, Come on,

So come on, come on, You know,

Our time...Our time is here!"

[Brickdoctor]

Bidding farewell to Emperor Alandri, the six of you return to the underground dock where the Lion fleet is anchored. Before you board the Chimaera, you return the Standard Issue Crossbows to the Imperial Army. You settle in as the soldiers of Dastan dip their oars into the water of the cavern, slowly but surely towing the ships out to sea.

As your voyage comes to an end, you notice that Admiral Thraune has not returned the fleet to the harbor in Eubric from which it first set sail. Instead, you realize that he's taken you around to the northern side of Uland. The Chimaera glides towards a bay, and you see the towers of Bric'Bay Fort on the horizon. The flagship docks at the mouth of the Bric'Lin River, and you can see that men have been working hard to restore the fort. You see new walls rising and old towers restored. A Lion Pikeman runs down to meet you on the newly-built docks of the fort.

"Count Lewis, Master Luke, heroes, welcome to Bric'Bay! We're currently in the process of restoring and expanding the fortifications, but Sir Leonard's quarters are mostly finished, and he'll receive you there."

You follow the pikeman through the construction site to the North Tower. Where the Armory once was, there now is a high-ceilinged hall, and you ascend to the second floor, where the Officer's Quarters have been rebuilt as rooms clearly intended for nobles. The pikeman opens the door to one of the rooms, and motions for you to enter.

You see Sir Leonard standing in front of a large window, through which you can see the men at work on the walls of the fort.

"Welcome back, heroes! Admiral Thraune has already related to me the events that occurred in Dastan. Most unfortunate that our losses were so heavy, but, you got the job done. I didn't realize that Sir Loren had grown so powerful."

As he speaks, Sir Leonard opens the chest in the corner and hands each of you bags filled with your rewards of Gold, 250 each.

Skrall (WaterbrickDown)

Level 21 Hunter

***Party Leader***

*Favors Humanoid Enemies*

Power:

41

Defense:

0

Health:

34/34

Gold:

349

Equipment:

Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is

Slowed

)

Inventory:

Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 11; +4 vs. Beasts), Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back), Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Cookie, Zoot's Plaything

Alexandre le Chevalier (Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 15 Knight

Power:

23

Defense:

10

Health:

23/24

Gold:

377

Equipment:

Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians)

Inventory:

Potions (4), Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb

Isabella del Toboso (Dharkan)

Level 13.5 Rogue

Power:

22

Defense:

1

Health:

18/19

Gold:

541

Equipment:

Fauxthril Dagger (WP: 8), Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1;

untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle

)

Inventory:

Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Twin Broadswords (WP: 20; user may attack two enemies in a Turn, but may not use a shield; suitable for Knights), Venom, Potions (7), Tonics (5), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Fire Bombs (2), Dragon Scales (2), Bedroll

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz)

Level 15 Mage

Power:

22

Defense:

1

Health:

16/21

Ether:

10/19

Gold:

358

Equipment:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7;

50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd

), Robe of Magi (SP: 1)

Inventory:

Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Opal (

Ice

), Amethyst (

Darkness

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Potions (2), Grand Tonic, Tonic, Mead, Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope

Luke (controlled by Waterbrick Down)

Level 21 Sage

*Pacifist*

Power:

26

Defense:

0

Health:

36/36

Ether:

19/28

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5)

Inventory:

Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (

Light

), Bedroll

Count Lewis Knyghton (controlled by Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 16 Engineer

Power:

17

Defense:

0

Health:

23/23

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Spatha (WP: 3)

Inventory:

[Flipz]

"Thank you, Sir Leonard. I think we all underestimated him, to our peril."

"Well, Count Knyghton, Luke, it appears that we have reached the end of another journey together. If you ever require my services again, you know who to ask." Arthur pulls Luke aside for a moment and speaks quietly. "Luke, I know that wielding that staff has been difficult for you, so I'll happily take it back from you if you'd like. Rest assured, I shall be disposing of it properly once I return to Eubric. I think Sir Alexandre would appreciate having his bedroll back as well."

"Farewell, my friends! Do not hesitate to drop by the Hall whenever you can, we would all be more than happy to see you!"

[Brickdoctor]

"Farewell, my friends! Do not hesitate to drop by the Hall whenever you can, we would all be more than happy to see you!"

QM Note:

Just to make sure you know, we're not quite done yet. I'll wait for the other heroes to have a chance to talk to Sir Leonard before I post the conclusion, with Luke's corrected stats.

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Hello Sir. Good to see you. And good to see this fort being repaired. But may I say you look different? Or am I thinking of sir Sir Larwence. Too many L's."

"Luke, Knyghton, good to fight with you again. I want my bedroll though."