Heroica RPG - Quest #43: Protect My Brother

[Dannylonglegs]

(Ooc: can dark-knights ditch a fight? )

[Jebediahs]

(Ooc: can dark-knights ditch a fight? )

OoC: Don't be a coward.

QM Note: You already have your scrolls, your items and your artefacts. This battle should be manageable with those and a little bit of strategizing.

This

[Sandy]

QM Note: You have two options: either Nur joins the battle and together with Dak they try to win it, or Dak flees and you'll miss the battle rewards. The two boys are already safe from the troll, so you won't fail the quest if you flee. However, if everyone is knocked out, the quest fails.

[Dannylonglegs]

QM Note: You have two options: either Nur joins the battle and together with Dak they try to win it, or Dak flees and you'll miss the battle rewards. The two boys are already safe from the troll, so you won't fail the quest if you flee. However, if everyone is knocked out, the quest fails.

This

Edited September 26, 2012 by Dannylonglegs

[Darth Nihilus]

"I'll flee from the battle if Nur decides to not come and help, or if he does, take a Potion."

[Dannylonglegs]

So, if we win, we get XP and smelly hide (only usable by Barbs and beast masters). We have 2 phoenix essences with Nur, and 1 with Johon, so it's possible. most of the Trolls' attacks deal 30 damage, which is quite brutal. If you think we can manage it Nur, go ahead and join the fray. It'd involve you wasting a turn healing Johon or me, followed by either you or Johon reviving the other. If we do stay in, we should stay until either you or Johon (whomever has the last Phoenix essence) or Dak is KOed, in which case, he should get us out of here. If they both become KOed, we're up a creek without a paddle. Also, he has 700 or so health, so we'll be with him for about 7 rounds, assuming we all score well. Do you think we can do it, or are the rewards not worth the risk?

[Jebediahs]

"I'll flee from the battle if Nur decides to not come and help, or if he does, take a Potion."

OoC: Why wouldn't Nur come and help? Would he stop and smell the roses or simply walk off away from the quest? My action is in. Just flee before I get there so we can move on.

Nur trips and falls. He tumbles backward until he's back at the pile the boys were trapped in. Some of his belongings scatter across the ground. "That was not one of my finer moments. I hope no one was watching." He stands and begins to collect his inventory.

[Dannylonglegs]

"I'll flee from the battle if Nur decides to not come and help, or if he does, take a Potion."

Since he has not come, I assume it's safe to say Dak Flees.

[Sandy]

Results of Round Two of the Mountain Troll Battle:

Dak flees

THE BATTLE HAS FAILED!

The party gets no experience or rewards.

Party:

Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs)

unknown age, unknown race Druid ***Party Leader***

Level 16½

Power:

24

(16+7+1)

Defense:

0

Health:

1/32

(9+15+7+1)

Ether:

17/21

(5+15+1)

Gold:

50

Equipment:

Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), Helmet (Max. health +1)

Inventory:

Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth

Dak Shadeaux (Darth Nihilus)

35 years old half-elven, half-Mopag Black Knight

Level 16½

*Immune to Asleep and Fragile*

Power:

26

(16+10)

(21 for ranged attacks

(16+5)

)

Defense:

12

(7+5)

Health:

13/31

(7+15+9)

Ether:

0/0

Gold:

3

Equipment:

Black Sword (WP:10,

lightning

-elemental), Fauxthril Shield (SP:7), Trendy Handbag (protects wearer from whatever bad effect was last inflicted to someone else in a battle), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect)

Inventory:

Lute (WP:8, suitable for minstrels), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Stag Shield (SP:6, immune to bound), 5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, Remedy, 3 Meads, 2 Venoms, Nostrum, Mythril Shard, Bedroll, Shovel, Aquamarine

Johon (Bricksandparts)

25 years old male human Raider

Level 18½

*Natural Respite*

Power:

26

(18+8)

Defense:

0

Health:

1/33

(8+17+1+7)

Ether:

0/0

Gold:

272

Equipment:

Sword of Decay (WP:8; 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), Helmet (+1 max health), Dog Statuette (SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.)

Inventory:

Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8,

Light

elemental), Healing Staff (WP:5, Healing effect; lent to Arthur G Regulus- usable by mages and clerics), Focal Staff (WP:5; focus fire: roll a 3 for 5 ether; suitable for clerics and mages), Aquamarine (

Water

), Emerald (

Wood

), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, 2 Venoms, Ice Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Shovel, 2 Pick-axes, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass

En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

30 year old male human Battle Mage

Level 19½

*Lucky*

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to Fragile, Sealed and Blinded*

*Encouraged*

Power:

31

(19+12)

Defense:

5

Health:

33/33

(5+18+5+5)

Ether:

10/24

(5+18+1)

Gold:

233

Equipment:

Stealth Dagger (WP: 12), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects), Loaded Die (

Lucky

effect),

Inventory:

En & Sabah & Nur (

Shurikens 3/3

, WP: 5), Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Quarterstaff (WP:4/8 against humanoids); Traveler's Cloak (SP: 1), Garnet (

Earth

), Aquamarine (

Water

), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Luck, 3 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Phoenix Essences, Remedy, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Venom, 2 Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Garnet Lamp of Summoning

Seeing how powerful the mountain troll is, Dak decides to make a run for it, and drags the unconscious corpses of his two companions with him. On his way down he runs into Nur, and together they get as far away from the nasty troll as they can.

[Dannylonglegs]

I heal all those who need healing (myself, Dak, and Johon) expending the requisite ether.

[Jebediahs]

"Thanks for the distraction gentlemen. There was no way I could have held the rubble off the boys and deflect those boulder thrown by the troll at the same time without the boys discovering me." Nur chuckled. "Looks like things got a bit rough up there. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with that beast."

He looked around confused. "My apologies, I did not pay attention to where the boys might have traveled. Anyone have an idea where we are? Johon, which direction should we head next?"

[Sandy]

QM Note: This was actually meant to be the final battle, so we're headed towards the conclusion... tomorrow. Sorry!

[Dannylonglegs]

QM Note: This was actually meant to be the final battle, so we're headed towards the conclusion... tomorrow. Sorry!

Lol. Whoops. I hope that's not too anti-climactic for you!

[Sandy]

Johon's compass points downhill towards the ocean. The party finds a trail down, and arrive to the Suicide Cliffs just as the sun is about to set down. The two boys have already set camp, and are enjoying sausages as a supper. The party observes them from the bushes, as usual.

"Whoa, it's sure been an adventure to get here, but we made it! Here's to Ly & Nute!"

"I could've done without that bridge breaking under us, or the troll trying to smash us. But now that we're here, will you finally tell me what we came here for? Sure, the view's nice, but you can see the same ocean from the city."

"Hold your horses for a little while. You can only see it when the sun is sinking below the horizon."

The boys gulp down the food, after which Lyren gets up and points to the small island off the coast.

"That's the Doomsayer's Island over there. Do you know the story about him?"

"Sure! He's the dwarven mage who founded Heroica along with five others. They say he retired to that island after a new generation of Veterans took over the organization."

"Yup! They also say the grumpy old dwarf cursed the island before his death so that nobody could get to his hidden hoard. A typical dwarf, if you ask me."

"But there's no proof that such a treasure trove even exists. It's just a legend."

"Haha, you're in for a jaw-dropper! It's time, so look closely to the island."

Sure enough, just as the sun sent its last rays of light, they were reflected from something on the Doomsayer's Island. The glint only showed for a split second before fading.

"Whoa! There really is something on the island!"

"Told ya! I happened to spot the glimmer when I last came here on a hunting trip with Lorcan. You can apparently see it from this precise angle, so the legendary Hinckwell luck was once again on my side. Imagine the riches that the island could hold, Nute! And the two of us are the only ones who know exactly where they are hidden: high up on the northern cliffs of the island. Can you guess where our next adventure will take place at?"

"But what about the Doomsayer's curse?"

"Bah, it's nothing that the Dynamic Duo of Ly & Nute can't overcome! We just have to plan it well. Are you in or what?"

Nuitan looks at his feet. When he speaks, the stutter comes back.

"Y-y-you know what... With you, I f-f-f-feel like I can c-conquer the world."

"You got that right! I will never let anything happen to you as long as I live! I promise that!"

"T-thank you, Ly. F-f-for everything..."

"Nute, you're shaking! Are you cold? Come here."

Lyren wraps his arms around Nuitan, and the two youngsters look at each other in the eyes. Decades of feud between their fathers has not been able to prevent them from coming fast friends, and more... Veiled by the darkness and solitude, the boys dare to go further than ever before, and admit their deep love for each other with a kiss.

What will the party do now?

QM Note: How's that for a twist?

[Dannylonglegs]

QM Note: How's that for a twist?

I love it! They're so cuuuute together! It's a true Romeo and Juliet story!

"Alright," Whispers Sylph to his party, "We should continue to follow Ly until he's back with his family. Should we warn his sister of his 'next adventure' to the island?"

[Bricksandparts]

Johon covers his face and then looks back at the party.

"Well I guess we follow them home now?"

[Jebediahs]

Nur grew tired of watching this scene. He felt as if he had been watching it for days. He whispered. "Party Leader, make a bold decision about our next action so we can get out of here. Johon, I'm surprised you haven't set up a camp already or hunted us down something to eat."

[Dannylonglegs]

Nur grew tired of watching this scene. He felt as if he had been watching it for days. He whispered. "Party Leader, make a bold decision about our next action so we can get out of here. Johon, I'm surprised you haven't set up a camp already or hunted us down something to eat."

"I was waiting for you. We'll follow Ly home. How much should we tell his sister?" Sylph asks the party.

[Sandy]

The heroes keep watch for the whole night through as the two teenagers sleep in their tent. The morning comes after an uneventful night, and the boys wake up and pack their stuff.

"Better get going! It's good that we have this whole trip back to plan the next adventure in peace."

"Don't jinx us, Ly. Who knows what we'll encounter on the way back. But you know what? I feel almost as if someone has been watching over us during this whole trip."

"Now that you mention it, I have the same feeling. As if someone is staring us... watching our every move... watching and waiting... BEHIND YOU!"

"GAHHH!!!"

Nuitan jumps and tumbles to the ground. Lyren topples over from laughter.

"You... you... dirty goblin! I'll get you for that!"

"Come and try! Ha ha ha!"

The prodigies of the two mightiest merchant families dash off laughing, chasing each other and horsing around. The heroes follow them obediently, if not somewhat frustrated for the futility of their mission.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The sun is about to set when they all get back to Eubric again. The trip back was much easier than the way there. No bears, trolls, haughty elves or raiding bands of women in sight. The party watches as Nuitan bids goodbye to his dear friend with promises of seeing each other the next day at the Academy. Then the heroes follow the young Shadeaux back to the Chateau. They wait a moment before entering, and find the twins together at the sitting room.

"Nuitan! Thank Mercutio! You're back safely! "

"O-of course I am, Bellanotte. W-w-why wouldn't I be?"

Bellanotte notices the heroes at the doorway. She gives them a faint smile.

"I reckon I have you four to thank for this. Please, tell me everything."

"W-w-wait, what are you talking about? S-sister, who are these men?"

Nuitan gets so nervous he's literally shaking. He looks at the four heroes with pure fear in his eyes.

What will the party tell Bellanotte?

[Dannylonglegs]

"The boys have a genuine friendship." Stated Sylph bluntly. "We followed them and ensured they were not harmed by any of the threats that lurked in the forest, from bears to bandits to a broken bridge. We even occupied a wild troll. We sensed no plots, nor discovered any traps. Every encounter we made seemed random and unplanned, with an equal likelihood of harming either or both boys as opposed to only Nuitan.. While somewhat reckless, the Hinckwell child did not have any ulterior motives I could perceive. They seem to honestly enjoy each others company. That said, Nuitan has a test for which he should study if he wants to maintain his bon rapports with his professor, and had we not been there, he may have gotten hurt."

Edited October 1, 2012 by Dannylonglegs

[Sandy]

Upon hearing the party's report, Bellanotte turns to Nuitan, squinting her eyes.

"Is it true? That Hinckwell brat did not harm you in any way? You just went camping?"

Nuitan goes red.

"St-st-stop it! You sound just like papa! Who cares if he's a Hinckwell or not, he's my friend! No, he's more than my friend. I love him!"

Bellanotte gasps. Tears swell up Nuitan's eyes.

"T-there, I s-s-said it! I'm a freak of nature..."

"Oh, Nuitan... Nobody knows more about being a freak than me. I... don't know what to say. If papa ever finds out about this, I don't know what he'll do!"

"I-I-I don't even know what I'm going to do! Me and Lyren can never be together the way we want to! Even our friendship is shunned because of the rivalry between our fathers, they could never understand our love. T-t-they will force us to marry some girls and raise a family, even though it would make us both m-mi-miserable..."

Bellanotte closes her eyes.

"I think I have a solution. I will marry Lyren when the time comes. That way our families could perhaps solve our issues, and you two could always be close to each other."

"S-s-sister! Would you really do that... for us?"

"For you, I would do anything."

With the teenagers' plans set in motion, the heroes' services were no longer needed. Bellanotte awared them with 100 gold each, and promised that the Shadeaux would hold them in a higher regard from now on.

THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!

Party:

Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs)

unknown age, unknown race Druid ***Party Leader***

Level 16½

Power:

24

(16+7+1)

Defense:

0

Health:

1/32

(9+15+7+1)

Ether:

17/21

(5+15+1)

Gold:

150

Equipment:

Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), Helmet (Max. health +1)

Inventory:

Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth

Dak Shadeaux (Darth Nihilus)

35 years old half-elven, half-Mopag Black Knight

Level 16½

*Immune to Asleep and Fragile*

Power:

26

(16+10)

(21 for ranged attacks

(16+5)

)

Defense:

12

(7+5)

Health:

13/31

(7+15+9)

Ether:

0/0

Gold:

103

Equipment:

Black Sword (WP:10,

lightning

-elemental), Fauxthril Shield (SP:7), Trendy Handbag (protects wearer from whatever bad effect was last inflicted to someone else in a battle), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect)

Inventory:

Lute (WP:8, suitable for minstrels), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Stag Shield (SP:6, immune to bound), 5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, Remedy, 3 Meads, 2 Venoms, Nostrum, Mythril Shard, Bedroll, Shovel, Aquamarine

Johon (Bricksandparts)

25 years old male human Raider

Level 18½

*Natural Respite*

Power:

26

(18+8)

Defense:

0

Health:

1/33

(8+17+1+7)

Ether:

0/0

Gold:

372

Equipment:

Sword of Decay (WP:8; 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), Helmet (+1 max health), Dog Statuette (SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.)

Inventory:

Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8,

Light

elemental), Healing Staff (WP:5, Healing effect; lent to Arthur G Regulus- usable by mages and clerics), Focal Staff (WP:5; focus fire: roll a 3 for 5 ether; suitable for clerics and mages), Aquamarine (

Water

), Emerald (

Wood

), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, 2 Venoms, Ice Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Shovel, 2 Pick-axes, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass

En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

30 year old male human Battle Mage

Level 19½

*Lucky*

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to Fragile, Sealed and Blinded*

*Encouraged*

Power:

31

(19+12)

Defense:

5

Health:

33/33

(5+18+5+5)

Ether:

10/24

(5+18+1)

Gold:

333

Equipment:

Stealth Dagger (WP: 12), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects), Loaded Die (

Lucky

effect),

Inventory:

En & Sabah & Nur (

Shurikens 3/3

, WP: 5), Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Quarterstaff (WP:4/8 against humanoids); Traveler's Cloak (SP: 1), Garnet (

Earth

), Aquamarine (

Water

), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Luck, 3 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Phoenix Essences, Remedy, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Venom, 2 Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Garnet Lamp of Summoning