Heroica RPG - Quest #30: Ambassadors to Dastan

[CMP]

"Funny, our quest description says our top priority's protectin' some important folk. You're not our employers this time, mates. We're here to do our job, not yours. I can't 'gree with you more, order's just a buncha people thinkin' they're better than others and corruptin' the world, but the coin's damn fine. Think 'bout that before ordering us 'round."

Atramor is clearly irritated by Felton's tone, although he does share the Wren hunter's mindset. McCafferey chuckles in his head, obviously pleased.

[Fred Daniel Yam]

"That us where you are wrong sir, Wren is your top priority. Our top priority is protecting the big brass. See, it's like we're fighting a hydra here, Wren is only one head among the assassins and cultists. If you're so into killing Wren, you'll forget about the other heads and they'll come and kill you."

[Pandora]

Nyx bows deeply and gracefully towards both Hans and Felton

"Greeting sirs, I am the mage Nyx and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. It would seem I am at a disadvantage here, knowing nothing about Wren except her name and that which you have just told me, however, she strikes me as someone who lurks in the shadows like a coward and works by whisperings and manipulation. She also strikes me as someone who needs a ruddy good slap.

If she is indeed involved in the assassination attempts, then I see no conflict of interest here. We will protect those whom we have been requested to, and if we encounter her along the way then we shall... kill two birds with one stone, as it were.

We shall heed your wise counsel, don't worry, however if we fail to do our duty in protecting the assassination targets then that will likely only aid her further. It sounds as though you have yet more information to gather, so I have every confidence that you will find us again when you have a better idea of where she is and what she's up to. Meanwhile, we really should stick to our itinerary. Thank you for your information."

[Rumble Strike]

Despite three of the party telling Hans and Felton what the party's mission in Dastan was, Tarn also weighed in to labour the point further. He had been a Party Leader in two previous Quests and despite being one of the lower ranked heroes, was not afraid to speak his mind.

"As these stout fellows and Nyx have said, our mission here is one of protection, not revenge. If this Wren is part of this conspiracy, then we will take care of her at the right time. Our first priority is to protect those we are charged to protect."

[Zepher]

"Course we understand how Heroica works! We're just telling you that we're around, and Wren is too, so be on the look out."

"I am not blind to danger, heroes. Dastan has just as much right as us to deal with its troubles. I am not asking for a mission of revenge. But Wren is larger than the squabble of this Empire. I am warning you, heroes, that if you only focus on what Dastan is asking of you, you may miss the bigger picture. It is as Nyx said, you must kill two birds with one stone."

[Professor Flitwick]

"Mr. Felton, Mr. Hans. A pleasure to be reacquainted who you both. I am afraid you won't be pleased to hear what I have to say, as all I shall to is echo my companions. We are but mercenaries in this war, and must do what is asked of us. If, like the cultists of Sphinx, Wren rears her head during our Quest, then we shall be eliminated too."

"Shall we head on to the market to escort Mr. Nikolai, or do any of you have anything else you'd like to do before hand?"

[Rumble Strike]

"I am ready to go," Tarn assured the Metasimian.

[CMP]

"I'm fine with goin' to see Nikolai. Nobody let nothin' interestin' pass your eye, this whole speech thing sounds like a fine time for the man to get killed."

Edited April 23, 2012 by CallMePieOrDie

[Fred Daniel Yam]

"I'm ready, lets go."

[Pandora]

"Please, do take us where you need us to be, Mr Phil. "

[Zepher]

Before the heroes can depart, a face new to them, but known to Heroica hops up. He turns to William.

<Greetings, hero! My name is Sir Earl Poletad! I hail from the High Kingdoms... you are a Ranger no?>

William indicates that he is.

<Thank Amphibiannoc! Hans and Felton have been trying to pick up a word or two, and Felton isn't bad, but it's a blessing to really be able to speak again! I have heard from a bat that knows a snake that knows a lion that knows a Dragon, strange duo those two, who knows a frog that Wren is in the area of Dragonclaw! If Nikolai is there too, the assassins are certainly making a move! Tell Felton and Hans, please, this could be a nice and easy double header!>

William relays the message. Felton and Hans look concerned.

"I will go with ya, heroes. There ain't another lead. We got to keep on the move."

Felton looks around uneasily.

"That is a good plan, Hans. Poletad and I will remain here and see if we can pick anything up... she has been known to leave false trails before..." Felton turns to the heroes. "As a show of good faith, we'll keep an eye on your charges who remain here. You know Wren is my top priority. I will still protect those who need protection."

Hans has joined the party.

The Party

Thothwick

, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader*

Power: 22 (19 Ranged)

Health: 25

Gold: 538

Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope

Atramor Gibbin

, Level 16.5 Witch

Power: 26

Health: 34/34

Defense: 2

Ether: 14/14

Gold: 1

Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic

Nyx

, Level 17 Battle Mage

Power: 30

Health: 27/27

Ether: 22/22

Gold: 5

Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2)

Tarn Valco

, Level 13 Barbarian

Power: 23

Health: 20/20

Gold: 0

Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts

William Harkenshire

, Level 11.5 Ranger

Power: 16

Health: 16/16

Gold: 10

Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb

Hans

(NPC controlled by Zepher)

Level 15 Wren Fighter

Power: 24

Health: 45/45

Gold: 0

Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead

Shield – Fury: Does five damage to first five opponents.

The heroes are led to a carriage. Phil bids them farewell as they climb aboard. It is late afternoon when they arrive in Dragonclaw. The marketplace has already been prepared. A fuming Nikolai approaches them.

"Welcome, heroes, you're a little late, but we'll make due. I have to begin within the minute. You need to split up. There are six of you? Yes, perfect. I need four of you on surveillance. You are to rest on the near-by roofs, look down, see if you can see anything fishy. I've got good old Dastan Knights on stage, though they're obviously just for show if they're not on the front lines. Worst of the worst, that's who they've left me with. I can't wait until I get to the battle. Two of you will guard a passage at the back of the stage, where I will enter and exit from. If someone tries to attack me from the audience, those on the roof will be able to alert me, and I can deal with them. The passage way is small. If someone tries to stab me in the back, you can stop them, or at least slow them down long enough for news to reach me, and I will deal with them too. Make your selections, heroes. The populace is waiting for me.

What will the party do?

[Pandora]

"Thothwick you are our leader and I will do whatever you wish. I will say, though, that these days I pack one hell of a punch (and I don't even break a nail in the process, which is nice,) although I have keen eyes too. If you were to wish me to act as guard, then I know I can fight effectively with Atramor, although obviously I have no doubt that any of us would work as a duo."

Nyx turns to Nikolai and flashes a charming and delightful smile.

"General Nikolai, do not worry, we will have you fully covered whilst you make your rousing speech. "

[Fred Daniel Yam]

"Since I'm the weakest here, I assume I'm on surveillance?" "Eyes of an eagle right here. "

[Professor Flitwick]

"I agree, Ms. Nix, that you are certainly the most able bodied person for this task. If the witch has no objections - and you yourself has no quarrels with being trapped alone with one - then he could accompany you. I certainly don't mind being a look out, but Mr. Harkenshire, Mr. Valco, do either of you have any burning desire to take the place of the witch? It isn't my intention to ever speak on behalf of someone, and end up making them do something they wouldn't want to do."

[Fred Daniel Yam]

"No burning desire here Thothwick. I'll just lead me and my horse on top of a building eyeing every hooded figure carefully."

[CMP]

Gee, 'the witch'. Couldn't kill him to even tack on a bloody 'Mr.'...

"I'm just fine with guardin' the passage, it sounds to me like those of 'ya on the roof won't be fightin' much, so it only makes sense to have the strongest ready to get into a scrape. And if anyone other than the monkey have a problem with my being a Witch I hope you're stocked on plenty of potions. And antivenoms. So, shall we head off?"

Edited April 23, 2012 by CallMePieOrDie

[Rumble Strike]

"I know Atramor to be a skilled and cunning fighter, he should go with Nyx. I do not mind being a lookout."

[Professor Flitwick]

"Very well. Mr. Nikolai, we have reached a decision. Mr. Hans, Mr. Valco, Mr. Harkenshire and myself shall be lookouts. Goodluck."

[Pandora]

"If the witch has no objections - and you yourself has no quarrels with being trapped alone with one - then he could accompany you."

"I managed not to set fire to him or his chicken on the last quest; I'm kinda used to him now. "

As an afterthought Nyx adds:

"Thothwick, you do know you pronounce my name with a 'y' not an 'i', don't you?"

[Rumble Strike]

"Let's go, everyone. Keep sharp eyes focused and sword hands ready."

He pulled the Party Leader aside. "Mr Thothwick, it's just Tarn. The 'Valco' is an honorific given by the Clerics who raised me once I became an adult. I am Tarn of Valco."

[Professor Flitwick]

"Thothwick, you do know you pronounce my name with a 'y' not an 'i', don't you?"

"Oh dear! I can only offer my condolences, Ms. Nyx, it is a Humanish name I was unacquainted with until recently."

"Mr Thothwick, it's just Tarn. The 'Valco' is an honorific given by the Clerics who raised me once I became an adult. I am Tarn of Valco."

"My word, I do appear to be getting names wrong today. I apologies, and shall now on refer to you as Mr. Tarn from now on."

[Zepher]

The heroes split up. Nyx and Atramor walk down the dark passageway as the other heroes make their way onto the surrounding roofs. William has to leave his pony behind.

Nikolai's speech begins.

"The Dastan Empire has always stood strong. Today, I have come to you to assure you that that strength will remain for years to come. The rumors you may have heard are true, I will not deny them. The Lion Knights have landed on our shores, and they do plan to defeat us in combat. But do not fear, citizens. You have three Emperors, united, prepared to defend you. To my right stands a noble Dragon Knight. The Dragon Knights have fought-

Nikolai freezes. The heroes try to bolt down to him. They cannot move.

The entire crowd is frozen. The heroes' hearts race. Their muscles do not budge. There is a sudden deafening crack.

"Oh my, all these people, just for me?" Wren giggles. "You should have... you know what? I hate hogging the stage. I'd like to invite up one of my dearest friends... XX, come up here, would you?"

"Certainly." A man with bulging muscles waltzes forward, literally pushing the frozen crowd aside. Behind him he drags a huge glass ball. Colors and mists and liquids swirl and splash around inside of it. The heroes recognize him instantly from the slips of paper they were handed the previous day. His orb's function is also clear to the heroes - it is a magical explosive.

Behind him come two other men, each lugging two more bombs. The heroes can only watch horrified as they set them up around the marketplace.

Wren's voice rings out in a place that it is all too comfortable. The normal gentle and high pitched pierce that sends a shiver down their spines appears in the heroes' heads.

"Hello heroes. Thothy, my dear, they just keep sending me such lovely old friends to play with. And Tarn of Valco... hello. Forgive me, you seem boring, I won't talk to you. Mr. Harkenshire, we'll see about you as well. Thothy, you didn't pick very nice friends to play with. Hans, of course, dull and persistent as always. Lovely to see you here. Is Felton feeling under the weather... oh, and Thothy, honey, you've gone and locked your two most interesting friends out. Oh dear, good luck without them. Oh, here I am rambling... let's get to business, shall we?"

"XX will know that you're coming. He's a reasonable man. I'll let him fill you in on himself when I'm done here. He likes a good challenge. He really just loves his work. He's a joy to watch. Anyway, here's what's happening. This explosion will decimate the marketplace, and sour the public opinion of the Empire. I know, I know, we're the ones blowing it up, but there are only a small number of assassins, and where was the Empire when it should have been defending its people? And of course Nikolai will be dead as Draco."

"But I've decided, and XX has agreed, to give you a fighting chance. When I leave, you four lovelies will be unfrozen. The bombs are on timers. You must disarm 3 of the 5 to save the marketplace and Nikolai. Good luck, my doves."

"You've get everything covered here?"

"Yessir! Are your friends around?

"Yes."

"Fantastic! Let me do a quick little intro! Name is XX, I love explosives. I work for money, so if you folks and I both end up alive at the end of this whole shindig, you should look me up sometime. And before you try to dig deeper, that's all I work for. I don't give a rat's megablocks about who rules what. Wren has given us this lovely opportunity to go macho-de-macho. You folks ready?"

"Good luck."

"Don't need it, but thanks all the same!"

"I wasn't talking to you."

Wren leaves, and the heroes become unfrozen. They rush down to face XX, who grins at them.

"Le's get to it, then!"

Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode.

XX

Level 20 Fiery, Humanoid

Health: 1500/1500

Special I: Countdown – All Bombs dials go down by one

Special II: Explosion – Does 5 damage to all heroes, regardless of row/SP and burns the hero targeting XX, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack).

Drops: Bomb XX x5, Explosive Staff, Fire Amulet

Note: Special I is used if not targeted in the place of a free hit. Special II is used if targeted. Will flee when all bombs are destroyed.

Bombster A

Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid

Health: 250/250

Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack).

Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold

Bombster B

Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid

Health: 250/250

Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack).

Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold

Bomb A

Level 0 Mechanical

Health: 150/150

Dial: 5

Special: Turns into a Faulty Bomb (Health and Dial Reset)

Drops: Bomb XX

Bomb B

Level 0 Mechanical

Health: 150/150

Dial: 5

Special: Turns into a Faulty Bomb (Health and Dial Reset)

Drops: Bomb XX

Mini Bomb A

Level 0 Mechanical

Health: 50/50

Dial: 2

Special: Hit

Drops: Bomb XX

Mini Bomb B

Level 0 Mechanical

Health: 50/50

Dial: 2

Special: Hit

Drops: Bomb XX

Bomb XX

Level 0 Mechanical

Health: 200/200

Dial: 7

Special: Dial drops by 1

Drops: Bomb XX

The Party

Thothwick

, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader*

Power: 22 (19 Ranged)

Health: 25

Gold: 538

Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope

Tarn Valco

, Level 13 Barbarian

Power: 23

Health: 20/20

Gold: 0

Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade (Mead equipped)), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Smelling Salts

William Harkenshire

, Level 11.5 Ranger

Power: 16

Health: 16/16

Gold: 10

Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb

Hans

(NPC controlled by Zepher)

Level 15 Wren Fighter

Power: 24

Health: 45/45

Gold: 0

Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead

Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given.

Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl

Edited April 27, 2012 by Zepher

[Rumble Strike]

"Mr Thothwick, my battle axe is doubly effective against mechanical foes. I could use a Mead from my hollow blade, take my Smelling Salts and still get a hit on one of those bombs. It appears time is our greatest enemy otherwise."

[Professor Flitwick]

"Son of a Monkey! Right, we should try and get these bombs out of the way, particularly the ones on the lowest dial. Seeing as we can't afford to let Mr. XX turn the dials down, I'll attack XX from the back row with my Shuriken!"

Battle Order

Tarn Velco

Hans

Thothwick

William Harkenshire

OOC: My first battle order, so forgive me if it's terrible!

[Zepher]

And forgive me, I failed to label Bombs A/B. They are fixed now!