Heroica RPG - Quest #29: Journey to Dastan

[posades]

Xander quietly took the green potion from Sarick, clasping his scaly forearm as he was helped off the ground. Giving his hand a firm squeeze and solemnly nodding his head, Xander felt indebted to Sarick. He then immediately turned to Nerwen, thanking her (albeit tersely) for the healing of his wounds.

Situating his belongings, Xander reflected on the past battle; slightly groggy from the actions that had transpired, one thing was weighing heavily on his mind. Out of all the heroes on the quest, he felt he let down De'kra the most. Ashamed of his performance on the battle field, he secretly hoped it would not tarnish the shade's opinion of him. Xander was not one to make friends easily, but he would understand if De'kra lost trust in his abilities...

[JimBee]

The Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 8 Cleric

Power: 14

Health: 15/15

Ether: 6/12

Gold: 25

Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, Potion, 2x Tonic, Remedy, 2x Nostrum, Fire Bomb, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Red Potion

De'kra (played by Tanma)

Level 14 Rogue

Power: 19

Health: 20/20

Gold: 93

Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Pongcanis Dagger (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, 6x Potion, 2x Remedy, Ice Bomb, Water Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Purple Potion, Bone

Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader*

Level 9 Mage

Power: 15

Health: 13/13

Ether: 8/13

Gold: 0

Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Opal(Ice), Topaz(Lightning) Potion, Tonic, Nostrum, Blue Potion, Bone

Xander Unth'or (played by posades)

Level 13 Barbarian

Power: 21

Health: 20/20

Gold: 280

Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Fire Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb, Green Potion

Sarick takes the Summoner's headdress. It doesn't seem to grant any sort of power, but Sarick tries it on. The Naga then looks around the room. It is a large catacomb, sparsely furnished with only a few chairs, tables, and beds. A large fire pit took up the center of the room, with a hole in the cave ceiling above leading to the surface to let the smoke out. Only a few charred bones and ripped clothing litter the room, but there are a few books on one of the table. When Sarick tries to read out of one, the text is indecipherable, written in an ancient tongue. Russel is inspecting a few of the corpses.

"Yup, these were the villagers alright. Damned cultists, we never knew the problem was so serious. We'd better head back to the crossing where we left the other two, if you're all done here."

QM Note: Xarrzan, there is still one bone to distribute.

[Chromeknight]

Speaking out loud, De'kra clicked, "Before team go further in cave, would healer want one of I potion so they save power next time they wound?" There was a new flavor to his voice, so much richer, yet so much sadder.

Thank you De'kra, but no. You keep it in case we get seperated. Healing everyone and keeping us together is why I am along on this quest, I am merely doing my duty and require no extra thanks.

[Xarrzan]

Sarick

handed one bone to Nerwen.

"I am done here, let's head back to the crossing and meet up with the othersss."

Sarick placed the headress in a bag for later inspection.

[JimBee]

Russel leads the party back to the intersection where they left Cronk and Galen. They wait only a few minutes before they can hear footsteps, and soon the Paladin and the Rogue emerge from the shadows.

"There you are. How'd it go? Were you successful?"

The Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 8 Cleric

Power: 14

Health: 15/15

Ether: 6/12

Gold: 25

Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, Potion, 2x Tonic, Remedy, 2x Nostrum, Fire Bomb, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Red Potion, Bone

De'kra (played by Tanma)

Level 14 Rogue

Power: 19

Health: 20/20

Gold: 93

Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Pongcanis Dagger (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, 6x Potion, 2x Remedy, Ice Bomb, Water Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Purple Potion, Bone

Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi)

Level 8 Rogue

Power: 13

Health: 14/14

Gold: 22

Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), Potion, Remedy, 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP: 6, suitable to Barbarians)

Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader*

Level 9 Mage

Power: 15

Health: 13/13

Ether: 8/13

Gold: 0

Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Opal(Ice), Topaz(Lightning) Potion, Tonic, Nostrum, Blue Potion, Bone

Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock)

Level 19 Paladin

Power: 31

SP: 9

Health: 29/39

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 30

Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), 2x Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents

Xander Unth'or (played by posades)

Level 13 Barbarian

Power: 21

Health: 20/20

Gold: 280

Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Fire Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb, Green Potion

[Fugazi]

Galen greets the rest of the party.

"It's good to see you all again! I wouldn't have made it were it not for Cronk!

We met the Head cultist, a man named Gottfreid, and a follower named Dmitri Finegold. We had no choice but to kill them both, but we did manage to bring back some information. They are indeed planning to raise the Chimera, we heard them scheming."

Galen's continued in a hushed voice.

"But they already raised villagers from the dead. Their bodies inhabited by other souls! What is their purpose, and where the souls come from I do not know.

Vipera, ambassador for the Dragons, appeared to us. She said that there are many ways to raise the Chimera, and that she is growing stronger. We're not out of danger yet."

Galen turns to Cronk.

"Am I forgetting anything, friend?"

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded and clicked, "Bigger half of team encounter three foes, one able to resurrect dead foes. Resurrector manage to resurrect three skeletons in fight, Hammer-Hero knock out for time. Team end up use bombs to weak foes enough to finish foes off. Group not find much else, though resurrector had four strange potions. Here one of them."

De'kra pulled out his Purple Potion, and showed it to the others, "Either of you recognize this kind of fluid?" Tilting his head towards the guide the echo asked, "You know where other cultist bases might exist?"

As De'kra spoke his clothing began to roll about, squirming about him also like it was a living thing.

[Xarrzan]

While Galen spoke Sarick brought the headress back out. He tasted the air around it for any foul magic. Upon not sensing anything, Sarick put the headress onto his head to see how it fit. Maybe soon he will be able to summon minions.

"I am glad you two got rid of the cultistsss and have made it back safely. Are the raised villagers nearby? We will need to dispose of them if they are a threat. What did the ambassador look like?"

Sarick turned to the guide and said "Are there any other passage waysss for us to take?"

[JimBee]

Sarick turned to the guide and said "Are there any other passage waysss for us to take?"

"The way we came is the only way I know out."

[CorneliusMurdock]

Oh, Cronk and Galen find these items in a chest. Cultist documents are written in language Cronk cannot read so Cronk not know what documents mean. Perhaps if friends can find someone to translate, friends can prevent Chimera from rising.

[Chromeknight]

Turning over the red potion in her hands, Nerwen tries to use her connection with healing and order to determine if the potion is beneficial or harmful, using 1 ether if necessary

Seeing the documents, Nerwen asks Cronk

May I take a look at that please?

Having a faculty for languages Nerwen thinks she might be able to read it, or at least recognize the language even if she cannot read it.

[CorneliusMurdock]

Be Cronk's guest, friend Nerwen. If Nerwen can determine what paper says without friends having to find translator, will save time. Cronk will hand Nerwen the documents.

Cronk will also heal Cronk while waiting.

[JimBee]

Turning over the red potion in her hands, Nerwen tries to use her connection with healing and order to determine if the potion is beneficial or harmful, using 1 ether if necessary

Seeing the documents, Nerwen asks Cronk

May I take a look at that please?

Having a faculty for languages Nerwen thinks she might be able to read it, or at least recognize the language even if she cannot read it.

Nerwen inspects the bottle containing the potion, but the red liquid simply sloshes around inside. It is impossible to know the effect of it until consumed.

Be Cronk's guest, friend Nerwen. If Nerwen can determine what paper says without friends having to find translator, will save time. Cronk will hand Nerwen the documents.

Cronk will also heal Cronk while waiting.

Nerwen tries to read the book and loose papers, but even her knowledge of many languages is not enough to comprehend the script. Though, looking at the book's inside cover, Nerwen can make out small, neat writing reading "Finegold".

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen tries to read the book and loose papers, but even her knowledge of many languages is not enough to comprehend the script. Though, looking at the book's inside cover, Nerwen can make out small, neat writing reading "Finegold".

Nerwen returns the papers to Cronk.

I cannot understand the writing. No doubt the Emperors will have scholars that could assist.

Finegold...

Finegold...

I'm sure I've heard that name before.

Wasn't there a quest to capture them?

[CorneliusMurdock]

I'm sure I've heard that name before.

Wasn't there a quest to capture them?

[/color]

Dmitri did mention that Heroes killed brother.

Perhaps party's guide knows where friends can get documents translated? Or if there is anything more to explore in cave?

[JimBee]

"We will be heading to a merchant city known as Dragonclaw after this, and there I'm sure you could find someone who could decipher this text. If you're all ready, we will be returning to the emperor now. There is nothing of interest that our spies have uncovered in the cave."

With that, Russel leads the party back through many winding passageways, until finally crimson light can be seen at the end. It must be sunset. The heroes emerged to find themselves looking over the small town between the mountains, at the spot that they had entered the cave. They walk down the mountain path a ways before reaching Emeraldo's makeshift camp.

"Welcome back, heroes. It is good to see you all in one piece. I assume your task went well?" Russel nodded to the Emperor. "Excellent. Dastan thanks you for getting those criminals out of the way. Now, if you are ready, we shall travel to Dragonclaw. It is a large trading city just west of our capitol, Drakencourt. There is a shipment of medical supplies that came in, and we need to get it to deliver to the front lines of our defense. The workers at the harbor will need an emperor's signature and seal, as these supplies are very valuable. You will pick up the medical supplies there, while I take care of some business there myself. Understood? Excellent. We are on our way then."

The heroes and Roland's guard descend the mountain. As they do so, Russel catches up to them.

"Heroes. I just wanted to say that I am impressed with your valiance displayed in the cave. If there's anything you need, or you just want to talk, feel free."

The entourage reached the foot of the mountain by the time the sun had set, and packed into a caravan of horse-drawn carriages. They departed for Dragonclaw, which took much of the night.

Finally, they arrived at the crack of dawn. It was a bumpy ride all the way, and the heroes didn't sleep well. They dismounted the carriages to find themselves at the edge of a bustling market district of Dragonclaw. Many of the citizens noticed the emperor's arrival, and whispered excitedly among themselves. It was clear that Roland Emeraldo was well-liked among his people.

"Alright then, I trust you all know what to do. Russel will be accompanying you again, as this is a big city and we wouldn't want you to get lost. Though I'm sure you could handle yourselves if that was the case. Remember, visit the docks to pick up the medical supplies, you will need these letters of approval bearing my signature and seal to obtain them."

Emeraldo handed an envelope to Sarick.

"You can also visit the Vendor's Square, if you need any supplies of your own, and the Dragon's Hoard Tavern, if you wanted to speak to some Dastanian citizens. There's a very... diverse crowd there, so I imagine you'll find what you need."

"Meet back here around midday. Farewell."

The emperor turned to speak with his troops.

"Where to, heroes?"

The Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 8 Cleric

Power: 14

Health: 15/15

Ether: 6/12

Gold: 25

Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, Potion, 2x Tonic, Remedy, 2x Nostrum, Fire Bomb, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Red Potion, Bone, Cultist Documents

De'kra (played by Tanma)

Level 14 Rogue

Power: 19

Health: 20/20

Gold: 93

Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Pongcanis Dagger (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, 6x Potion, 2x Remedy, Ice Bomb, Water Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Purple Potion, Bone

Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi)

Level 8 Rogue

Power: 13

Health: 14/14

Gold: 22

Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), Potion, Remedy, 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP: 6, suitable to Barbarians)

Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader*

Level 9 Mage

Power: 15

Health: 13/13

Ether: 8/13

Gold: 0

Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Opal(Ice), Topaz(Lightning) Potion, Tonic, Nostrum, Blue Potion, Bone, Roland's Letter

Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock)

Level 19 Paladin

Power: 31

SP: 9

Health: 39/39

Ether: 19/20

Gold: 30

Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), 2x Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents

Xander Unth'or (played by posades)

Level 13 Barbarian

Power: 21

Health: 20/20

Gold: 280

Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Fire Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb, Green Potion

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra clicked, "It might...be?...good idea to visit Vender's Square. I have gotten some gold from attackers, so I could restock party and bombs, tonics, potions, and other supplies. It not much gold, but it only seven less than 100. Also, I not sure if Hammer-Hero have enough for it, but if there gems and blacksmiths at market, you might be able to upgrade one of you weapons so it can hurt undead."

[Xarrzan]

Sarick accepted the letters from Emeraldo. "We will return with the medical suppliesss before midday."

"The medical supplies are most likely guarded well, so they can wait for our arrival. I believe it will be beneficial to visit both locations before the docks. I'd say visiting the Vendor's Square first would be best. It would be good to lower the amount of funds we have before visiting a shady tavern.

Russel, lead on to the Vendor's Square." said Sarick.

[Fugazi]

Gander produced a massive weapon from his pouch.

"Xander, we have found this Battle Ax back in the caves, and it's only suitable to barbarians. It's not as powerful as your current weapon, but do let me know if you're interested. Otherwise I guess I'll just sell it in the market."

[JimBee]

Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP: 6, Suitable to Barbarians): Allows the wielder to swing twice if they miss their target, dealing damage equal to WP on Miss rolls.

Russel leads the party farther into the market district, to Vendor's Square. It is still very early in the morning, and most of the vendor stalls seem to be closed. There is one open, however, and the party approaches it. There is a nervous-looking man sitting inside.

"H-h-hi there. Customers? Must be, or why else would you be here? Yes yes, I am Miguel. I sell the cheapest wares around! You look like you could use some potions. Or maybe the rare Phoenix Essence? Yes, buy! Buy something!"

Miguel's Merchandise:

Potion - Costs 15 gold

Tonic - Costs 25 gold

Grand Potion - Costs 30 gold

Grand Tonic - Costs 50 gold

Remedy - Costs 20 gold

Phoenix Essence - CLEARANCE SALE! ONLY 3 LEFT. 75 GOLD EACH.

Mythril - VERY RARE ITEM. ONLY ONE IN STOCK. 1000 GOLD.

[posades]

"A gem would have been useful in future battle, unfortunately this vendor does not seem to carry any," Xander replied to De'kra.

"And Galen," he continued, "the ax seems like a capable weapon. It will be helpful in the instances that I miss my target. What shall I give you in return?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen looked over the stall listlessly, feeling the light weight of her coin purse.

Perhaps we should come back when there are more stall open? And there is possibly gambling at the tavern which would let those of us without much gold maybe win some.

Especially if the tavern challenges were a puzzle rather than based on luck... Please, please, please.

[Fugazi]

"And Galen," he continued, "the ax seems like a capable weapon. It will be helpful in the instances that I miss my target. What shall I give you in return?"

"If you like it take it, it's yours. Maybe I will need to borrow some change from you if I fancy something in this market."

Galen hands the axe to Xander then turns to Miguel. Between clenched teeth he whispers:

"You sound awfully nervous to sell your overpriced mixtures. Stolen merchandise I'm sure? Let's see how much you can shave off your prices if we don't call the town guards."

[JimBee]

"Stolen?! N-n-no they're not! Of course not! And you wouldn't call the guards... you wouldn't!"

"Good thinking Galen. Though I think he'll need some more convincing if he's to cave... I'd arrest him myself if there wasn't moire important matters to attend to."

[CorneliusMurdock]

(Diplomacy) And is Miguel willing to take that chance? Cronk believe in redemption. Whatever Miguel has done in past would not matter so much if Miguel would become a force for good. Cronk and Cronk's friends are trying to save Dastan from threat of Chimera and are in need of supplies. Miguel has supplies and a need to even out karma. Maybe if Miguel were to give heroes a discount, Miguel would be on Miguel's way to rehabilitation. Then Cronk's friends would have no need to call guards.