Heroica RPG - Quest #44: My Best Friend

[Professor Flitwick]

Having opted to stay outside, Thothwicks eye's widened at the news that Sküld would be joining them, in battle nonetheless. Casting Cinna a look of foreboding, Thothwick reluctantly ambled after the party.

[Darkdragon]

Cinna feels Thothwick's accusing gaze burning into her as she slowly follows the party from the back of the group.

[JimBee]

Not keen on having their employer join in fighting, Hybros follows Skuld to the basement. Before they depart, however Hybros turns to Asa, the leader of the tribe. "I have heard that you are a member of Heroica... how have you done so while tending to your people? Is it not difficult to tend to both? Also, do you know anything about this friend of Skuld's?"

[Flare]

Benji hears Hybros ask the same questions that he was planning on asking, so he just quietly stands by and listens for Asa's response.

[Sandy]

"I have heard that you are a member of Heroica... how have you done so while tending to your people? Is it not difficult to tend to both? Also, do you know anything about this friend of Skuld's?"

"Even back in Nôrnia, I was a Battle Mage, tasked to protect the others from norsemen invasions. In fact, I am the only warrior left from our tribe, so the leadership role fell to me naturally. When our ship took us here, Heroica was the most fitting form of employment I could find to take care of the others. I use whatever rewards I get from quests for the good of this community, but it is to my shame that I haven't been able to take us away from the Hovels. This city is just too overpopulated to find an affordable house for almost thirty women to live in. I could take them to the countryside, but that also requires buying livestock and poultry. We didn't have time to take any of our own with us when we fled Nôrnia - it was already a miracle that our ship made it past the viking fleet. But we are alive, that's the most important thing.

What comes to Sküld's little friend, I only know what she's told me. It is good that at least some of us make contact with the other citizens of Eubric. Most of the nôrn women prefer to stay inside the house all day long."

[Scubacarrot]

"Hmm, the girl talked about the House of the Dragon or whatever? What do you know about that place?"

[Sandy]

"Hmm, the girl talked about the House of the Dragon or whatever? What do you know about that place?"

Åsa smiles mysteriously again.

"Yes, I know that house. It lies on the edge of the Hovels, and belongs to the Tiamateus family, who originally came from the Dastan empire. Well, there's only one of them left now, and he does not welcome uninvited visitors. But he rarely stays in the house anymore, for he has other... obligations. If you're going to the house, tread carefully. It might look run-down, but it contains more secrets than its exterior lets on."

"Yeah, like spiders!"

[Flare]

"OK then! Thank you for your time. Lets go!"

[Myrddyn]

"Yes, Benji. Off to the house of the dragon."

[Chromeknight]

Distracted by a small urchin who insisted on bringing her presents, claiming they were for her 'birthday', Nerwen missed most of the conversation with the Nôrnkind.

Nonetheless, she overheard enough to understand Sküld's plight a little better. Seeing that Åsa was still speaking to the others, Nerwen stepped forward.

Stars shine on our meeting Åsa Nifelheimr. I am Nerwen Calmcacil. I am saddened to hear of your plight, I know what it is to be a stranger in a strange land.

I pray fate smiles on you and you find what you seek.

I think I understand Sküld's mother's concern, We will look after her.

I do wonder, is there anything we might do for you, a fellow hero?

Nerwen waited for Åsa's answer, but prepared to follow Sküld to Shaun's house.

Meanwhile, the urchin slipped another 'gift' into Nerwen's hand. Nerwen frowned. She added up the days and surprisingly it was the anniversary of her birth, but how did the little one know that? Perhaps she'd been sent by the Oracle. Many are the mysteries of the workings of the gods...

Yes, it was my birthday on Saturday, then a public holiday today, Monday. So I've had a very full weekend, including a box-like present with that special rattle from my daughter, Yay!

Edited October 1, 2012 by Chromeknight

[Xarrzan]

Sarick had stayed outside as well but was able to piece together the story from the bits of sound he could hear. He was curious as to what powers Asa had, but she stated that she was a battle mage following someone's question. Sarick was ready to head to the Dragon House.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded at the group, he was ready to go. As he waited the echo observed that Cinna seemed a little tense, but he had been wrong so many times before.

[Wedge09]

After looking at the group, Alexander is ready to go.

[Sandy]

The party grows restless, and since they have nothing further to ask from the nôrn leader, they decide to move on.

"I think we should be heading off. Please tell mother not to worry about me."

"I will. I believe you're in the best possible hands."

Sküld waves goodbye to Åsa, and then leads her entourage through the winding alleys to a house on the southern edge of the Hovels, at the foot of Crescent Hill. The house indeed has a Dastanian emblem of a dragon above its porch.

"Here we are: the House of the Dragon! The grumpy man who owns it doesn't seem to be home, so it should be safe for us to enter the basement. Right through here..."

Sküld skips across the overgrown lawn and slips inside one of the cellar windows, from which all bars have been cut off.One by one, the party follows her. Some have more difficulty fitting through the window than others, but they all manage to push themselves through.

"This is it: the place where me and Shaun play. Let me show the secret... Uh oh..."

Rustling and scraping sounds surround the party, and from the shadows emerge spiders.

Hordes of spiders, in all colors and sizes. Small spiders, big spiders, too big spiders and then... a HUMONGOUS MOTHER OF ALL SPIDERS! The party is flanked from two sides, so they have to choose which group of spiders they attack.

PREPARE FOR PINCER BATTLE!

Enemies attacking from the left:

Itsy-Bitsy Spider A (Left)

Type: Vermin

Level: 4

Health: 48/48

Special:

Cobweb

– Causes the bound-effect

Drops: Potion

Itsy-Bitsy Spider B (Left)

Type: Vermin

Level: 4

Health: 48/48

Special:

Cobweb

– Causes the bound-effect

Drops: Potion

Itsy-Bitsy Spider C (Left)

Type: Vermin

Level: 4

Health: 48/48

Special:

Cobweb

– Causes the bound-effect

Drops: Potion

So-So Spider A

Type: Vermin

Level: 8

Health: 115/115

Special: Sloth Snare - Causes the slowed-effect.

Drops: Grand Potion

So-So Spider B

Type: Vermin

Level: 8

Health: 115/115

Special: Sloth Snare - Causes the slowed-effect.

Drops: Grand Potion

Great-Big Spider

Type: Vermin

Level: 16

Health: 252/252

Special:

Tapestry of Dreams

- Causes the asleep-effect to all opponents.

Drops: Health Core, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear)

Bright Widow (Left)

Type: Vermin/Fiery

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Hot Thread

– Causes 13 fire-elemental damage and the enraged-effect.

Drops: Fire Bomb

Gloom Widow (Left)

Type: Vermin/Aquatic

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Weeping Thread

– Causes 13 water-elemental damage and the weakened-effect.

Drops: Water Bomb

Glow Widow (Left)

Type: Vermin/Electric

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Zap Thread

– Causes 13 lightning-elemental damage and the stunned-effect.

Drops: Lightning Bomb

Tomb Widow (Left)

Type: Vermin/Rock

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Suffocating Thread

– Causes 13 earth-elemental damage and the cursed-effect.

Drops: Dirt Bomb

White Widow (Left)

Type: Vermin/Icy

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Cold Thread

– Causes 13 ice-elemental damage and the fragile-effect.

Drops: Ice Bomb

Enemies attacking from the right:

Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Right)

Type: Vermin

Level: 4

Health: 48/48

Special:

Cobweb

– Causes the bound-effect

Drops: Potion

Bright Widow (Right)

Type: Vermin/Fiery

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Hot Thread

– Causes 13 fire-elemental damage and the enraged-effect.

Drops: Fire Bomb

Gloom Widow (Right)

Type: Vermin/Aquatic

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Weeping Thread

– Causes 13 water-elemental damage and the weakened-effect.

Drops: Water Bomb

Glow Widow (Right)

Type: Vermin/Electric

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Zap Thread

– Causes 13 lightning-elemental damage and the stunned-effect.

Drops: Lightning Bomb

Tomb Widow (Right)

Type: Vermin/Rock

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Suffocating Thread

– Causes 13 earth-elemental damage and the cursed-effect.

Drops: Dirt Bomb

White Widow (Right)

Type: Vermin/Icy

Level: 13

Health: 163/163

Special:

Cold Thread

– Causes 13 ice-elemental damage and the fragile-effect.

Drops: Ice Bomb

Murkwood Mother

Type: Vermin/Dark

Level: 32

Health: 999/999

Special I:

Motherhood

– Lays 1-6 Spider Eggs which will turn into Itsy-Bitsy Spiders after a round unless they’re destroyed.

Special II:

Deathspinner

– Instantly knocks out the target.

Drops: 3x Phoenix Incense, Cobweb Cowl (immunity to sudden death; backwear)

Note: immune to sudden death and all negative effects. Specials alternate.

Party:

Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09)

99 years old elven Ranger

Level 1

Power

: 4

(1+3)

Health

: 6/6

Gold

: 10

Equipment

: Bow (WP: 3)

Inventory

: Amethyst (

Darkness

), 2 Potions, Venom, Smoke Bomb

Benji Carvenhall (Flare)

27 years old male half-elven Assassin

Level 21 1/3

*Counterstrike*

*Encouraged*

Power:

34

(21+13)

Defense:

3

Health:

25/32

(6+20+5+1)

Gold:

143

Equipment:

Demonic Scissors (WP:13,

fire

-elemental, damages two enemies in one turn; daggers), Tricorne (SP:3),

Counterstrike Gloves

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP: 13;

darkness

-,

ice

,

light

-elemental), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), 6 Grand Potions, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 5 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 2 Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 3 Bones

Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger)

27 years old male human Knight

Level 14

*Immune to Weakened, Bound and Slowed*

*Encouraged*

Power:

25

(14+8+2+1)

Defense:

4

Health:

23/23

(10+13)

Gold:

109

Equipment:

Great Sword (WP:8), Mockthril Shield (SP:4), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects)

Inventory:

Tricorne (SP:3), Paladin's Armor (unsuitable), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mead, 2 Rums, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bone

Cinna the Dark (darkdragon)

19 years Female Human Mystic Knight

Level 20 1/3

*Immune to

Fire

*

Power:

36

(20+14+1+1)

Defense:

3

(2+1)

Health:

32/32

(5+19+7+1)

Ether:

5/26

(5+19+1+1)

Gold:

6

Equipment:

Mauryl (WP:14, ranged), Aurora Helmet (SP:2, immune to

fire

), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear), Anniversary Medal:Y1 (+1 to all stats per year; accessory)

Inventory:

, Amethyst (

Darkness

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Opal (

Ice

), Ruby (

Fire

), Healing Staff (WP:5), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, 6 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Soma, 2 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, 3 Bones

De'kra (Tanma)

11 year old "male" "echo" Assassin

Level 18

*Immune to Enamored and Confused*

Power:

25

(18+7)

Defense:

1

Health:

29/29

(7+17+5)

Gold:

25

Equipment:

Kapura (WP:7,

fire

-elemental), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Heart Locket (Protects from enamored effect and confused effect)

Inventory:

Chiara (WP:7,

lightning

-elemental), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Cloak of the Elven Spy, 7 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smoke Bombs, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede)

1000 year old male vampire Rogue

Level 4

Power:

9

(4+5)

Health:

7/10

(7+3)

Gold:

11

Equipment:

Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5)

Inventory:

Longsword (WP:3), Potion, Remedy, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll

Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn)

18 years old male human Barbarian

Level 11½

*Restoration*

*Immune to

Water

*

Power:

24

(11+13)

Defense:

1

Health:

18/18

(8+10)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Voltedge (WP: 13,

lightning

-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Sharkskin Armor (SP +1, immune to

water

; bodywear)

Inventory:

Titanic Axe (WP:11,

earth

-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Spear (WP: 9), Holy Bomb, 2 Death Progg Claws

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

42 year old male human Raider

Level 20 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*Dance*

Power:

34

(20+14)

(29 for ranged attacks

(20+9)

)

Health:

33/33

(7+19+7)

Gold:

2793

Equipment:

Fafnir (WP:14,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a "4" is rolled, the wearer can act twice)

Inventory:

Lifestealer (WP:14,

ice

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Throwing Knife (WP:9, ranged, retrievable,

light

-elemental), 3 Grand Potions, 1 Grand Tonic, 1 Elixir, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 3 Meads, 3 Nostrums, 4 Smelling Salts, Shovel, Telescope, Bedroll, Beholder's Eye (allows one round per quest to be replayed), 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril)

Hybros (JimButcher)

50-year-old male imp Assassin

Level 21

*Hastened*

*Immune to Cursed*

*Lucky*

Power:

36

(21+15)

Defense:

0

Health:

33/33

(7+20+5+1)

Gold:

1250

Equipment:

Zoot's Reaper (WP:15,

earth

-elemental), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect)

Inventory:

Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 8, retrievable), Emerald (

Wood

), 10 Potions, 10 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 3 Nostrums, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone

Mizuki Kimura (zakura)

21 years old female human Rogue

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

Level 11½

Power:

21

(11+10)

Health:

17/17

(7 + 10)

Gold:

82

Equipment:

Dagger (WP:10)

Inventory:

Sylph Shuriken (WP:12,

wind

- and

light

-elemental; throwing weapon), Grand Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Cannonball, Death Progg Claw

Namyrra Uq (Quarryman)

***Party Leader***

1337 years old female Fenarian Evoker

Level 21 2/3

*Immune to Sealing*

Power

: 33

(21+12)

Defence

: 8

(5+3)

Health

: 28/28

(5+20+3)

Ether

: 26/32

(5+20+1+1+5)

Gold

: 44

Equipment

: Snake Staff (WP:12), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, immune to Sealing, bodywear)

Inventory

: Shiny Dagger (WP:10), Bone Staff (WP:3), Amethyst, Opal, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, 4 Potions, Tonic, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Phoenix Essence, 5 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, 3 Nostrums, Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, Flash Bomb, Bedroll, 3 bones

Spirits

: Xut the Daemon (

Darkness

), Raiju the Raiju (

Lightning

), Ni the Shrubbery (

Wood

), Mark the Ice Cube Tray (

Ice

), Clay Golem (

Earth

), Battle Angel (

Light

), unknown (

Fire

), unknown (

Wind

)

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

261 year old female elven Cleric

Level 13

*Immune to

Wind

*

Power:

19

(13+6)

Defense:

2

Health:

24/24

(9+12+3)

Ether:

14/17

(5+12)

Gold:

100

Equipment:

Staff (WP:6,

wood

-elemental), White Cloak (+3 Max health; backwear), Winged Circlet (SP:2, Immune to

Wind

; headwear)

Inventory:

Hammer (WP: 6), Leather Cap (SP:1, headwear), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 3 Elixirs, 4 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Venom, 2 Ice Bombs, Shovel, Bedroll, Bone

Raven Ashcroft (Raven Brickroft)

18 years old male human Rogue

Level 1

Power:

7

(1+6)

Health:

7/7

Gold:

10

Equipment:

Hollow Dagger (WP: 6, hollow)

Inventory:

Main Gauche (WP: 3), Wrench (WP:3, target’s level -1, throwing weapon), Water Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom

Sarick Lanse (Xarrzan)

27 years old male naga Mage

Level 12 ½

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

Power:

19

(12+6+1)

Defense:

0

Health:

16/17

(5+11+1)

Ether:

13/17

(5+11+1)

Gold:

54

Equipment:

Dragon's Wrath (WP:6), Gaudy Cloak (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear)

Inventory:

Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15,

wind

- and

fire

-elemental, longsword), Opal (

Ice

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Sapphire (

Wind

), Tonic, 2 Nostrums, Smelling Salts, Venom, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Bone, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril)

Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-)

213 years old male elf Mage

Level 3

Power:

8

(3+5)

Health:

7/7

(5+2)

Ether:

6/7

(5+2)

Gold:

4

Equipment:

Torch Staff (WP:5,

fire

-elemental; staff)

Inventory:

Dagger (WP:3), Ruby (

Fire

), Potion, Tonic, Bedroll

Thothwick (Professor Flitwick)

44 years old Metasimian Black Knight

Level 19

*Damage Undead*

*Immune to Stunned*

Power

: 29

(19+10)

(27 for ranged attacks

(19+8)

)

Defence

: 4

Health

: 34

(7+18+9)

Gold

: 287

Equipment

: Sabre (WP:10), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do damage to undead), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect)

Inventory

: Shuriken (WP:8), Bedroll, Telescope, Dragon Scale

William Harkenshire (VolcanicPanik)

Unknown years old male human Ranger

Level 15

*Hastened*

Power:

20

(15+5)

(21 from the front row

(15+5+1)

)

Health:

20/20

(6+14)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Repeating Crossbow (WP:5, unupgradeable;

fire

-elemental, permanent

hastened

), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement)

Inventory:

Hand Cannon (WP: 5;

lightning

- and

wood

-elemental), Wave Sword (WP:11, inflicts cursed-effect), Croise Crossbow (WP:11), Lion Knight Shield (SP:4, unsuitable), Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to knights, dragoons and skirmishers; accessory), Chimera Armor (+2 SP, +2 Health, unsuitable; bodywear), Sapphire (

Wind

), Remedy, Venom, Mead, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy

Sküld (NPC, controlled by Quarryman)

7 years old female nôrn Altar Girl

Level 5

Power:

7

(5+2)

Health:

6/6

(2+4)

Ether:

14/14

(10+4)

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Silk Fan (WP:2,

wind

-elemental, fan)

Inventory:

Scroll of Sealing

Party leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.

QM Note: Just to clarify, all attacks and items that affect "all enemies" (Shield-skills, bombs, etc.) will only affect the targetted group of enemies. Also, don't forget that you can skip your turn to protect Sküld.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts, goes over to the left battle, takes a Smelling Salts and attacks Bright Widow from the front row with Lifestealer.

Edited October 2, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[Myrddyn]

Erik follows Guts to the left, and attacks So-so spider A from the front row with his Titanic Axe.

[JimBee]

"Finally some action... If we can quickly get rid of the left side, we can deal with the stronger left side more easily, eheh." Hybros goes over to the left side, and attacks the Great Big Spider with his Bladerang from the back row before charging at the Glow Widow from the front row with Zoot's Reaper. Hopefully its earth element would nullify the electricity.

[Tachyon]

Mizuki throws her Sylph Shuriken at Murkwood Mother(Right)from the Back Row before turning and slashing with her dagger White Widow (Right) from the Front Row

Edited October 1, 2012 by zakura

[Tanma]

IC:De'kra didn't move for a long time. Finally he whispered, "I...I fight against Itsy bitsy spider a. I...I use back row. I will use hand cannon.."

Edited October 1, 2012 by Tanma

[-obelix-]

Thalion gasped. "So many spiders! "

Hearing Hybros's comment Thalion snapped out of shock and replyed: "Master Hybros, you make a good point!"

Thalion attack Itsy-Bitsy Spider A (Left) with a fire arrow spell from the back row.

[Fred Daniel Yam]

William fires his hand cannon at the Gloom Widow (left)from the back row.

[Xarrzan]

Sarick might get his chance to try a spider after all. He moved to defend the left and attacked Itsy-Bitsy Spider C (Left) with frost magic and So-So Spider B with frost magic from the back row.

[Fred Fred Burger]

Chris joins the group on the right and attacks the Itsy-Bitsy Spider (Right)

I didn't fight in the last battle so the mead I took awhile ago should still be in effect, I think.

[Flare]

Benji goes and joins the right battle. He sniffs a smelling salts, and then attacks the Ice Widow from the front row with the demonic scissors.

[Professor Flitwick]

"The House of the Dragon, with the Dragon shield, whose proprietor hails from Dastan? Who knows what fascinating insights into those noble creatures, lurk beneath these texts... Did she say spiders?"

Turning around, Thothwick jumped back in full realisation of what Sküld was referring to.

"Gah! Annihilate it! Annihilate it with flames!"

Thothwick attacks the Glow Widow (Right) from the front row, with his Sabre.