Heroica RPG - Quest #48: Death's Homecoming

[Endgame]

"Erm. We're already in the hall. We're a floor above the vendors, though, lets head back down."

The party leaves the place of delivery and heads downstairs, most of the vendors in a corner or crouching under furniture of some kind.

"Is it safe to come out?"

"C'mon, sis, don't be such a wimp!"

"Glad that was over with, aye."

"Spooky stuff, yup."

"Too much excitement for one week..."

Riht's Emporium

Items for sale:

Bravado Boots: "Footwear, wearable be everybody. Has a 1 in 6 chance of making the wearer Lucky at the beginning of every battle. Costs 200 gold. I'm not sure how the boots do this, it is just evident it does from the customer feedback we've gotten. Weird."

Azure Hood: "Headwear, wearable by ether users. Gives +4 to max ether and protection from the Sealed effect. Costs 175 gold. We had Mr. Dini enchant these for us, they work like a charm!"

Overkill Gloves: "Handwear, wearable by everybody. Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy. (Example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold.) Costs 700 gold. One of our best sellers for people who brawl for a living! Some people just buy them for the snazzy black color, though..."

Scarlet Hood: "Headwear, wearable by everybody. Gives +4 to power and and protection from the Stunned effect. Costs 200 gold. It is a pretty dashing red hood, isn't it? Makes me want to punch out some wolves, for some reason..."

Stingy Gloves: "Handwear, wearable by everybody. Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you. Costs 100 gold. Everybody should wear these in the shady parts of Uland, eh? It is a real shame that they aren't easy to mass produce."

Emerald Hood: "Headwear, wearable by everybody. Gives +4 SP and protection from the Fragile effect. Costs 275 gold. Made from the finest textiles available! Cushiony on the inside, tough on the out - lets Proggs give you a hard whack on the head when you have this on, eh?"

Shaun Hoppe's Shoppe

Items for sale:

Potion – Restores 10 health to the target. Costs7 gold.

Tonic – Restores 5 ether to the target. Costs 18 gold.

Grand Potion – Restores 25 health to the target. Costs 12 gold.

Grand Tonic – Restores 15 ether to the target. Costs 35 gold.

Elixir – Restores 50 health and 10 ether to the target and removes all negative effects from the target. Costs 50 gold.

Phoenix Essence – Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle. Costs 65 gold.

Mead - Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle. Costs 20 gold.

Smelling Salts - Causes the hastened-effect, allowing the target to act twice in one round for the duration of one battle. Costs 30 gold.

Nostrum - Causes the lucky-effect, allowing the target to roll the battle die twice and get the better result of the two for the duration of one battle. Costs 40 gold.

Soma – Causes the blessed-effect, allowing the target to recover 3 health at the end of each round for the duration of one battle. Costs 55 gold.

Trial Brew: Halves the drinkers max HP, max ether, and max SP for the duration of one battle. These effects are irremediable. Surviving a battle without getting knocked out in this state nets you double EXP. Being revived after being knocked-out removes these effects. Costs 80 gold.

Adam Envil's Smithy

Services available:

Upgrade a weapon (+1 WP):

Any weapon can be upgraded with this service, adding one point to its power per upgrade. Each upgrade costs the amount of WP the weapon has after the upgrade times ten. For example, when a Sword (WP: 3) is upgraded to a Sword (WP: 4), it costs 40 gold. When an Axe (WP: 6) is upgraded to an Axe (WP: 7), it costs 70 gold. You can also upgrade the SP of shields this way.

You can order several upgrades for your weapon, but the costs will stack. For example, upgrading a Mace (WP: 3) to a Mace (WP: 5) will cost {40 + 50 =} 90 gold.

Merge a weapon with an elemental gem:

You need a weapon and an elemental gem for this service. Merging the gem will give the weapon all the elemental attributes of the used gem, but the gem itself will not be available to use anymore. This service costs 50 gold.

The merging can be undone to get the gem back, but it will cost another 50 gold. Multiple gems can be imbued into one weapon, but they all need to be merged separately.

Mythrilize weapons (+10 WP):

You need a weapon and some Mythril, which is a very rare item, for this service. Forging the weapon with Mythril will increase its power by ten points, but the Mythril will be expended. This can only be done once to any weapon. This service costs 100 gold.

Permanently Envenom Weapons:

For this, service, you need:

For permanently imbuing Decaying Venom: 300 gold, plus 12 Decaying Venoms.

For permanently imbuing Deadly Venom: 300 gold, plus 12 Deadly Venoms.

You can't put both one one weapon, and when it is imbued, it is imbued permanently: you can't switch it to another weapon.

QM Note: In due time, B&P. You'll get what you desire eventually. I promise, I do have some parkour planned...

[Dannylonglegs]

Sylph purchases a smelling salts.

[Bricksandparts]

Johon purchases Bravado boots and the scarlet hood.

OoC: Since the bravado boots aren't used in battle, are they really an artefact?

[Endgame]

OoC: Since the bravado boots aren't used in battle, are they really an artefact?

QM Note: There have been passive artifacts before, so yes.

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: Ok, so it will still take up a artifact slot... hmff..

[TheBoyWonder]

"Nostrums. Them and Phoenix Essences. Sell whatever you don't need. "

[Endgame]

"Nostrums. Them and Phoenix Essences. Sell whatever you don't need. "

"Are ya going to buy anything yourself, sir?"

[TheBoyWonder]

Romulus buys 3 Nostrums, and gives one to Sylph, and one to Alex.

[Dannylonglegs]

Romulus buys 3 Nostrums, and gives one to Sylph, and one to Alex.

"Thank you Romulus. You are very generous." Stated Sylph, appreciatively.

[TheBoyWonder]

"Your Roots Of life and Alexs Guardian Angels are the best 2 moves we have."

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"40 gold for a spoiled nostrum!? What kind of crap is this?!" Alexandre snorts.

"Anyways, I'll be sure to pay back who ever gets me a nostrum if it actually works."

OOC: That was in character, don't think I'm bashing you Endgame.

[Endgame]

OOC: That was in character, don't think I'm bashing you Endgame.

QM Noite: I know - but why in the name of sweet merciful batman on a stick did you bold the snorting? Do you want me to run that as an action or something?!

Also, oddly nonchalant after you got a formal invitation... to your doom.

Edited January 16, 2013 by Endgame

[Dannylonglegs]

QM Noite: I know - but why in the name of sweet merciful batman on a stick did you bold the snorting? Do you want me to run that as an action or something?!

Also, oddly nonchalant after you got a formal invitation... to your doom.

OoC: Nah, it'd probably miss.

[Fugazi]

"Welcome to the party, Hal! It's good to have you with us on the last leg of this Progg chase, something tells me that we will need every help we can get. Talking about help..."

Galen buys 1 Nostrum, 1 Mead, 1 Smelling Salt, 2 Phoenix Essences for (40+20+30+65+65=) 220 gold.

"Spoiled or not, it's not as if we have any other options" he mutters under his breath.

[Endgame]

QM Note: Gah! I wanted to update in the morning, but EB was down for maintenance. Returning to your regularly scheduled program...

The party once again invests, knowing very well that the final battle was drawing closer and closer. The words of The Suffering echo in their mind over and over, sending chills up and down their spines. "Emperor Eidolon shall rule. Luosh will fall, and the rest of Uland will follow." The Proggs have proved themselves of being fully capable of committing such an act, and no doubt even if they failed in their conquest of Uland the deathtoll would be enrmous. The only shot to end this without any more wounds being created... without innocent people bleeding more blood... without the defenseless suffering... without all of Uland drowning in regret... was to overthrow Eidolon, here and now. The heroes were given a mission, and they intended to carry it out.

The Party:

Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!*

unknown age, unknown race Druid

Level 20

Power: 28 (20+7+1)

Defense: 0

Health: 36/36c(20+17+7+1)

Ether: 20/23 (5+16+1)

Gold: 19

Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls)

Inventory: Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x3, Venom, 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, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts x2, Helmet (Max. health +1), Quartz, Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Journal of The Wound, Sword Fragment (2), Grand Tonic, Emerald, Trial Brew, Nostrum

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider

Level: 21.33

Power: 33 (21+8+4)

Health: 36/36 (19+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (1 + 5)

Ether: ~/0

Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned*), *Natural Respite*

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 449 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M)

Equipment: Dog Statuette - (suitable for anyone, SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Scarlet Hood (+4 to power, immunity to stunned)

Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights.

Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. Bravado Boots (1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle)

Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8, Light elemental), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages)

Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1)

Consumables: Potion (5), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essences (2), Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption)

Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Confusion (1)

Quest items: (None)

Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick)

Level 20.33 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!*

Power: 31

Defense: 6

Health: 30/30

Ether: 19/19

Gold: 233

Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile)

Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, (Borrowed) Garnet,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 Potions, Trickster's Mask of the Elf(Accessory, Changes user's appearance into an Elf),Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic x3, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking)

Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 18.5 Paladin, 20 year old elf male

Power: 28

Defense: 13

Health: 38/38

Ether: 18/18

Gold: 18

Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10; ignores SP, +1 gold per successful strike), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 10) (Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Dapper Hat (Headwear, wearer has a 1/6 chance of becoming encouraged at the start of each battle)

Inventory: Potions (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x3, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Elixir, Nostrum

Lycan Romulus Dean (played by theBoyWonder)

Level 13.5 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned*

Power: 33

Health: 17/17

Gold: 3 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal)

Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Scarlet Hood ^{(Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned)}, Pugilist Gloves^{(Power +2, protects from weakened)}

Inventory: Bedroll, Staff of The Frog Paladin (WP:6, ^{1/6 chance of Amphibianocs Blessing (protects from damage)}), Throwing Dagger (WP6), Deadly Venom, Venom x3, Sylvania's Cowl^{(grants Animal Talk to Wearer)}, Garnet, Potion, Nostrum

Galen Woodward (Fugazi)

36 year old male human Rogue

Level 16

Power: 26 (16+10)

Defense: 1 (+1)

Health: 26/26 (7+15+4)

Gold: 889

Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately)

Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x3, Mead x3, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Smelling Salts x3, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench (WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Leather Armour (SP:1), Potion, Peculiar Egg, Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Phoenix Essence x2

"Welcome to the *wheeze, cough* club, Hal!"

Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist

Jellies: Red x1

"Lets roll."

Hal Bohrd, Luosh Guard Captain

Level 18

Power: 28

Defense: 3

Health: 35/35

Gold: 50

Equipment: Halberd (WP: 10) Luoshian Armor (SP: 3, Bodywear)

Inventory: Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Potion

Rolls:

6: Charge! Does damage to the target equal to all conscious party member's WP added together. The special effects in the weapon (such as decay) are not transmitted.

5: Critical Hit: WPx3+Level

QM Note: B&P, I placed the boots in the extra artefacts section of your stats, since you didn't have enough room for it. Reaarange your artefacts to your liking if need be.

Stocked up, Hal unfurls Punii's map of Luosh on a small end table.

A: Crash Site

B: Town Hall

C: Toxic Burrow (The Toxiproggs live here. Maybe we should pay them a visit?)

D: Commoner's Quarter

E: Marketplace

F: The Dock

G: The Riht's Bridge

H: Riht's Manor

I: Mushroom Gardens

J: Mystrinitri Woods

K: Dini Manor

L: Aristocrat's Quarter

M: Commerz Bank

N: Murkwood

O: The Smith

X: The Clearing

Hal taps on "K" with his right index finger, massaging his temple with his other hand. He speaks grimly.

"As if this wasn't enough of a mess... I'm 42, I'm getting too old for this. Ugh. We've been "cordially" invited to the biggest trap of the past eon, and I don't see anything else we can do but meander into it.

We've got some crown cornation crashing to do, it seems... "Darkest hour" indeed."

Where will the party go? Dictate your route, please!

Edited January 18, 2013 by Endgame

[Fugazi]

"I think someone mentioned at some point that one needs to cross the Mushroom Gardens to enter the Mystrinitri Woods, is that correct?"

[Endgame]

"I think someone mentioned at some point that one needs to cross the Mushroom Gardens to enter the Mystrinitri Woods, is that correct?"

"That would be correct, yes. The garden isn't even that big, an acre at most. We harvest spices from the mushroom spores and export it, it's a delicacy in some parts. Don't knock it til' you try it... I could really go for some spore soup about now.

I doubt that the Proggs, after that invite, will try to stop us from reaching the manor. The woods are barrier enough already. They need to conserve their men for the little "party" they have planned, I'd think..."

QM Note: So should I automatically do Gards-->Woods-->Manor, or is there a detour you'd like to take?

[Dannylonglegs]

"I think someone mentioned at some point that one needs to cross the Mushroom Gardens to enter the Mystrinitri Woods, is that correct?"

"I believe that is so. Should we go the more direct way, or should we clear out the commoners' quarters and maybe the clearing on our way? It's possible that we could find more tools there to help us in our final endeavor. I'm sure Ediolon will wait for our deaths before making his move anyways. He can't expect to lead an army to conquer Uland when he can't even control Luosh."

[Endgame]

"The commoner's quarter is under our control. I set up a perimeter of 12 guards. We're holding in there, though.

And The Clearing... It is just a field of blue roses. No Progg influence whatsoever.They have better things to do then stop on flowers, I suppose..."

Edited January 17, 2013 by Endgame

[Dannylonglegs]

"Then I believe we've cleared every location apart from the forest and Dini. Let's move out Gentlemen. Garden, Woods, Dini."

[Endgame]

The party progresses, going to the Mushroom Garden... only to see there wasn't a garden at all!

It seems that the entire garden has been defiled, the mushrooms plucked out of the ground and made off with. A seemingly abandoned house sits on the side of the garden, a lean-to shed containing a few farming supplies sitting next to it. As the party gazes around cautiously, a roll of thunder can be heard... and the sky opens up a gentle drizzle falling down on the heroes. Hal speaks over the rain.

"This the Mushroom Gardens. Small plot of land, but more lucrative then you could believe. Unfortunately, it has been plucked dry - and it is not harvesting season.

[Dannylonglegs]

"Tragedy. This seems like a healthy tract of land. It should be growing. " grunted Sylph. "Let's go. The Proggs won't attack us until we get there."

[Fugazi]

"We should check out the house, maybe there's someone there?"

[Endgame]

Hal walks over to the door and raps his knuckles on it.

"Anyone home?"

A voice emanates from behind the door, stern but clearly shaken - it doesn't sound like a Progg.

"Nobody is home! Scat!"

Edited January 18, 2013 by Endgame

[Jedi master Brick]

"Hello, we are here to help you. We are not proggs."