Heroica RPG - Quest #48: Death's Homecoming

[Jedi master Brick]

"Aqous, I cannot say fell sorry for you after how many people you have killed. As it stands your actions have done pretty much nothing to help people. Your best chance for redemption is to join our cause and convince as many proggs as possible to stop invading Loush. Only then you will of redeemed yourself. A lot of heroes have sad back stories but they decide to help people. I mind as well help heal your blindness. It would be unnecessarily cruel not to." Elgar tries to heal Aqous' blindness

[Fugazi]

"Pah. You're just wasting ether. What has this creature done to deserve a dying wish? Death is reward enough for him. Aquos has spent 1100 years terrorising his people and possibly anyone he has ever met. And to blame this on his difficult upbringing? Lots of people I know have had difficult childhoods, difficult lives. He's not the only being born blind, ridiculed by peers and cast as a pariah. Just look at Punii here. He's been abandoned, ostracised because of his handicap, yet has he become a mad sadistic monster? Not that I know. Don't tell me that Aquos hasn't had a single chance in all those 1100 years to reconsider his actions, to grow up and steer his life in a different direction. There's no good in him, despite what you think. Get this over with quickly please, we still have living mad Proggs to take care of."

"Oh, and that egg. It probably should be destroyed as well, but it's a call that Beatrice should make. I think we should return it to her so that she decides what to do with it."

[Endgame]

"Most people aren't born both blind and a slave. Most people aren't forced to listen as their slavemasters debate whether or not to put you down. Most people don't have to wonder what they look like... what their parents look like, what their brothers look like, what their son is going to look like.

But if that is how you feel, rogue, then so be it. You can be the one who puts me down if you wish."

Edited January 14, 2013 by Endgame

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Galen, you wouldn't understand him unless your eyes were cut out. All the happiness in life would be gone. Even if he could see for just 1 second, he would appreciate the world much more. If he could see years ago, maybe he wouldn't have killed all these people."

[Fugazi]

"Most people aren't born both blind and a slave. Most people aren't forced to listen as their slavemasters debate whether or not to put you down. Most people don't have to wonder what they look like... what their parents look like, what their brothers look like, what their son is going to look like.

"You're using your disabilities and unhappy childhood as an excuse for everything that has happened to you ever since. Many like you have moved on and found ways to lead positive lives despite the odds. Actually, many of Heroica's heroes have been taunted or tortured in their youth and yet they managed to outgrow their hatred and do some good for a change. I think you were just too powerful to ever consider mending your ways. Boundless power is a double-edged sword."

But if that is how you feel, rogue, then so be it. You can be the one who puts me down if you wish."

"Sure thing. But I will wait until my leader performs any magic he fancies to on you first."

"Galen, you wouldn't understand him unless your eyes were cut out. All the happiness in life would be gone. Even if he could see for just 1 second, he would appreciate the world much more. If he could see years ago, maybe he wouldn't have killed all these people."

"He never had sight, so he can't really know what he's missing. And if one's unhappy, that doesn't justify trying to make everyone else unhappy. I can't believe you're growing this soft, guys."

[TheBoyWonder]

"I'm with Galen. These beasts don't deserve to be granted a dying final wish. Your bitter about being enslaved, and not being able to see, but you carry on with a needless invasion, that injures and kills hundreds of innocents. "

Lycan growls before continuing, "I doubt he gave a final wish to all those he slaughtered, either directly or inderectly. Yet we want to give one to him? What kind of idiocy is this? "

"I know what its like to be enslaved, I know what it's like to be hunted, to be forced to the brink of death. No one ever gave me a chance."

Lycan grows taller. "This beast was about to slay us. We must not give him any mercy. " Lycan laughs.

"Can you stop calling me Lycan, it's an alias. My real names Romulus."

[Jedi master Brick]

After hearing his fellow heroes arguments Elgar said "I will only help Aqous if he shows remorse and excepts full responsiblity. He also should tell us any infomation that may help us. He must show he is sorry before I give him his dying wish."

[Dannylonglegs]

"Al fair points Galen, Romulus, but I am compelled ti help this dying creature. It is not entirely impossible that if we show him compassion now, we won't Regret it later. There's much at work here, and if we do not perform the occasional good deed or miracle, than what right do we have to call ourselves Heroes? Otherwise, we're no better than mercenaries. I do not ask you to join this farewell. Take what you want from his corpse. I simply wish to fulfill my own obligation to the natural code with this beast that walks the line of nature and abomination. Such is my duty... as a druid. Those who feel compassion for dying creatures--no matter how vile--are welcome to join me. Elgar, Alex, and I are the only part necessarily to the ritual though. We will have time to rest afterwards, so no one is wasting anything." Spoke Sylph gently, but grimly from his crouching position. He hadn't stopped staring at the dead eyes of the dying beast. 'I would be no better than this twisted creature if I faltered from my goal. While the means justifies the ends, I must maintain my compassion so that all the killing I do does not consume and corrupt me.' Sylph thought darkly to himself, still wondering why he displayed such hate towards the creature, when he believed himself to be above that emotion.

"While we're deliberating, everybody speak out as to what he wants from the loot. I'll take the Trial if no one wants it. but with this many items, I'd like to have some party feedback as to who gets what. Otherwise, I'll split the loot as I see fit."

Edited January 14, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[TheBoyWonder]

"You can't Give and not receive. He hasn't given kindness, he's given fear and pain. So that's what we should give him. " Romulus turns and raises Combrys high.

[Dannylonglegs]

"You can't Give and not receive. He hasn't given kindness, he's given fear and pain. So that's what we should give him. " Romulus turns and raises Combrys high.

"Hold your sword. Even if you won't show compassion, as is your right, I wish to fulfill my own imperative. When we're done, you may put him out of his misery."

[Jedi master Brick]

"I will not take part in the ritual unless Aqous shows remorse. He does not deserve our help unless he shows he is sorry."

[TheBoyWonder]

"Elgar and Galen has the only one who have sense here. Let's vote. "

"I vote we kill him and don't cure him. If he shows remorse, you can heal him."

[Fugazi]

"I don't agree Aquos should be granted a dying wish, but I won't stop anyone from attempting to heal him if it can help them make peace with their conscience. I respect the leader's decisions. As long as Aquos is killed for good once it is done, of course."

[TheBoyWonder]

" I got smacked halfway to death and back by Rhodus, Smashed unconscious by Aquos. Johon had his turn, now it's mine." With that, Romulus spins on the ball of his foot to face Aquos, and throws his Throwing Knife straight in Aquos eye before walking forwards.

[Fugazi]

Galen looked on as Lycan -- or was it Romulus now? -- threw his knife at Aquos. Would it prevent Sylph from healing him? He didn't really mind either way, as long as they could all move on with their mission.

"You asked about loot, Sylph. Any of the items we found will do, but I kindly request that I am allowed to take the Black Egg back to Beatrice."

[TheBoyWonder]

"I want the Garnet, although if I get it I will lend it to Elgar."

[Dannylonglegs]

Sylph looked up at Romulus and said nothing. He looked back at the dying Aquos and removed the dagger from his eye. "Show remorse and you may see for once before you die. I cannot speak for my compatriot's actions, but know that hate begets hate." He mumbled. "It can't be long now." Sylph turned and addressed the party, standing up. He no longer appeared to be brooding, but rather, the same self-confident leader the party was familiar with.

"Everyone gets 40 gold. Romulus, you get the garnet. It would serve us well if you would lend it to Elgar for the duration of this campaign. Also, if you wouldn't mind returning the items you received during the battle, you can do that now. I'll take the Trial Brew, as no one else would claim it. Alex, you may have the elixir. Johon, you used many of your phoenix essences and for that I am grateful. Take the Phoenix Essence. Galen, of course the Egg is yours. Galen, Romulus and Johon, you all get potions. Elgar, Alex and I get Tonics."

[TheBoyWonder]

"Here Elgar Catch." Romulus tosses the Garnet to Elgar "Thanks for the gold, and the garnet. "

[Endgame]

Aquos recoils as the knife plunges into his eye, letting out a bloodcurdling scream - the loudest sound the party would ever make. The horrified sound bounced around the cavern, echoing over and over and over... Aquos vomits from the pain, blood gushing out of every wound. A dozen arrows poke from every part of what was left of Aquos's body, gasshes and cuts going up and down his weathered shell. Aquos recovers, then continues.

"What... do you expect me... to do?! I have perhaps a minute left... no working appendages to speak of, and am completely immo-"

Suddenly, Sylph tears the dagger out of Aquos eye and instead places his hand on it - then in it, through the gash left by Lycan. Alex immediately joins in to the ritual, channeling his ether into Sylph. Reluctantly, Elgar joins in too, all them trying to fix the Prince's dead, unseeing eyes. Aquos's eyes grow brighter and brighter during the routine, the once green eyes turning into a blinding white. The ritual proves to be draining, to say the least - by its end, the party was completely depleted of ether. Exhausted from the ritual, Sylph removes his hand gently from Aquo's eye. The party steps back, observing Aquos - the creature's eyes darted around the room in shock, blinking rapidly, settling on the egg for a few seconds. Tears silently stream down the creatures face, absorbing what he had gone so long without. He speaks in a raspy whisper.

"So... So this is what it is like. This is what I've done without for 1,100 years. Thank you.

I'm... I'm ready. End it. End it all."

Galen steps forth, his whip in hand - he had finally conquered his fear of the weapon, and this was going to prove it. With one last lash, Galen swings the whip down on Aquos, ending the creature's life. His once-dead eyes fade then become extinguished, his tail and the stumps of his tentacles fall limp. The party takes one last look at the beast, some in a state of melancholy and others silently cheering that Aquos... was dead at last. At the very least, he was happy and at peace in his final moments...

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: 0/23 (5+16+1)

Gold: 59

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, 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

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

Level: 21.33

Power: 29 (21+8+0)

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

Shield Power: (1 + 5)

Ether: ~/0

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

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 849 (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)

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.

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 20.5 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!*

Power: 31

Defense: 6

Health: 30/30

Ether: 0/19

Gold: 233

Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) 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: 0/18

Gold: 48

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

Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder)

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

Power: 33

Health: 17/17

Gold: 93 (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

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: 1009

Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons),

Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench (WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately), Leather Armour (SP:1), Potion, Peculiar Egg

"We won! We *wheeze* won!"

Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist

Jellies: Red x1

Will the party reutrn to the Toxic Burrow?

Edited January 14, 2013 by Endgame

[Jedi master Brick]

Elgar has a grand tonic and then goes to the burrow

[Dannylonglegs]

"Don't drink yet. We're going back to the Town to rest. I don't anticipate any fights on the way." States Sylph as he steps up from the corpse, gloved hand dripping blood unwashed.

[Bricksandparts]

Johon sighs and walks to a wall.

"It's a hard thing to accept death. It's not something I like to deal out."

Johon pulls out his fire bow and starts a fire, then sets fire to Aqous. It was the most noble of ways that they could have done so at a time such as this, they needs to leave soon.

"May your spirits roam free..."

[TheBoyWonder]

"And may your spirit burn in the depths of Tartarus."

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: Probably would have done this earlier, but I wasn't online.

Johon's rage at this 'Hero' has built up too far, and Johon runs towards Lycan (Or whatever his name is) and delivers a devastating punch directly at his face.

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Aquos, I will pray for my god to have mercy. You're welcome. Sight is the best gift." Speaking of gifts, Alexandre hands Lycan/Romelus 30 gold." I hope these pay for the nostrums."