Heroica RPG - Quest #51: A Shanty for Science

[Flipz]

"Why is the rum always gone?" Arthur grumbles. He uses his telescope to surreptitiously look out the window to see if they had any "company" below; if not, he makes one last sweep for valuables (including things like the rug or the chandelier, extinguishes and takes the lamp, and leads the party back to Chalvo.

[CMP]

A few people passed below, some Bonapartes, but none looked interested in the building. Arthur grabs the torch and heads back down to Chalvo.

"Ah, good, you're back. What did you find?"

[Flipz]

Arthur deposits the harbormaster with the cadets, makes sure all three are securely bound in such a way that their blindfolds will prevent them from seeing or hearing anything, then turns to Chalvo. "The Wavebreaker isn't the first of your ships the Bonapartes have taken. All have successfully reached port before being intercepted, then sent out to random locations as 'Operire Goods'--does that term mean anything to you? The Wavebreaker was sent to a port called 'Avinkyl' on the sixth day of Harvest."

"Of even more importance is the location to which these stolen goods are transported--a place called "Warehouse O"--before being moved to the Bonaparte docks, from which they depart. Also, these records indicate that an offer is made--it may well be that many of your captains have been bribed and/or blackmailed into joining the Bonapartes."

"How do you wish us to proceed? Shall we pursue the Wavebreaker, or investigate the Warehouse? Also, what do you wish us to do with the captured Bonaparte cadets and harbormaster--shall we leave them in some back alley for the Wolfgang to find? Or do you wish to take them to the Palace in hopes of potentially...acquiring...Bonaparte secrets from them--as I'm sure they have done to the crews of your ships."

[CMP]

It takes some time for Chalvo to process all of the information.

"Well, it...appears my suspicions were correct. Possibly."

"I don't know what Operire goods are, I'll look into that...Avinkyl?"

He blinks, then rubs his eyes.

"No....pursuing the Wavebreaker isn't an option, if that's the case...Avinkyl's a small, foreign port that may as well be on the other side of Olegaia...but why would the automaton be moved to the docks? Hardly makes sense for it to be moved to a warehouse and then back to the docks...hmm...the captain being bribed makes sense. The Wavebreaker isn't a dedicated Ji Pei ship, and if the Bonapartes knew they had high priority Ji Pei goods aboard, no doubt they'd pay whatever was necessary to get ahold of them, even though we paid a considerable amount for the delivery...."

"What, these fellows?! I couldn't possibly bring them to the Palace! Kidnapping Bonaparte soldiers would only justify their hated of us...I...I'll keep them quiet....at least until we're done with all this...if you want to investigate this...'warehouse O', by all means, do so...is there anything else in the logs?"

Edited November 22, 2012 by CallMePie

[Flipz]

"Hmm...Avinkyl wouldn't happen to be anywhere near Strivvi, would it? Or Dastan? If I recall, there's a team of Heroes at the former now, and I have a few contacts in the latter as well. A V-mail or two--" the words leave a foul taste on Arthur's tongue, but he tries not to show it "--could at least let them know to keep an eye out for it, so they can recover the ship at a later date." Arthur shrugs. "Anyway, the only other thing of note I've found on this note is the reference to Magpie--at first, I assumed it was the name of the harbormaster, but now that I take another look I see it's the name of the ship as well. If you'll give me a moment, I'll look through these records for all references to the term 'Magpie' and try to deduce any patterns." Arthur also checks to see if the Chimaera is in port--if it was too far out from the Free Islands, he'd have to rethink the party's cover story.

Edited November 22, 2012 by Flipz

[CMP]

"Oh, no, much farther than either of those."

Arthur finds a few references to the Magpie, bringing in low-key shipments like food and refugees, and there are no patterns evident. And yes, both the Chiimaera and the Magpie were still in port.

[Flipz]

"Ah, well, worth a shot. Still, I'd suggest if you know anyone there, you drop them a V-mail once this mess is cleared up."

Arthur notes this new information with interest as he turns back to the party. "Hmm...with both cadets out of the picture for now, perhaps De'kra and Thalion should head to the docks near the Magpie to observe the situation--if anyone asks why you're there, you can tell them you're merely observing their handiwork or something, and maybe even convince them to give you a tour of the ship. You can borrow my Telescope if you think it will help. Barur and I can visit the Chimaera and have a talk with Admiral Thraune to solidify our cover story. Does that sound like a plan to everyone? De'kra, what does your Magic Compass tell you?"

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra checks his Magic Compass as suggested.

[-obelix-]

Thalion stands in silence, and after a small consideration speaks, "I think its best that whatever we do, we do together. Who knows what might happen. But if that is the plan then master De'kra and I will go to observe the Magpie."

[CMP]

De'kras Magic Compass pointed toward the docks.

Everyone can decide for themselves if they want to split up or not, since obviously Arthur can't force them.

Edited November 22, 2012 by CallMePie

[Flipz]

"I will go visit the Chimaera at the docks. If the rest of you wish to join me, I will not object to it, I simply thought it would be more efficient to split up to cover more ground."

[CMP]

Arthur spots the familiar Lion flagship docked on one of the piers, but there's no gangplank, and nobody's onboard. Evidently all the Lion Knights are at Bric'bay, as is usual.

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded and clicked, " will be will to go to Magpie, if at least one other heroe comes. I suggest we try to avoid any unnecessary fights, and party split in half we are at disadvantage."

[-obelix-]

Thalion nodded, "As Arthur suggested and I have said, I'll accompany you master De'kra. Lets go see whats up with Magpie!"

Edited November 22, 2012 by -obelix-

[CMP]

Party A

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz) *Immune to Sealed* *Party Leader*

Level 18 Sorcerer

Power: 30

Health: 28/28

Ether: 19/28

Defense: 3

Gold: 22

Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Darkness elemental), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.)

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, lent to Barur Tormek; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire, borrowed from Barur Thormek) Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning(Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy, Nostrum, 3 Cobblestones, 2 Bonaparte Cadet Uniforms, Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, dagger), Shipping Logs, Assorted Bonaparte Letters

Barur Thormek (played by Aveal the black sheep)

Level 10 Cleric

Power: 17

Health: 18/18

Ether: 14/14

Defense: 1

Gold: 139

Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Robe of the Magi (SP: 1), Ancient Crown (First successful strike deals the Cursed effect, headwear, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII)

Inventory: Topaz (Lightning, lent to Thalion Dwinlas), Ruby (Fire, lent to Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Potion, Remedy, 2 Venoms, 5 Bones, Bedroll, 2 Tonics, Rune Staff (WP: 4), Mulled Wine (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.)

Party A remains in the alley, for the moment...

Party B

De'kra (played by Tanma) *Immune to Enamored* *Immune to Confused* *Secondary Party Leader*

Level: 19.5 Assassin

Power: 26

Health: 30/30

Defense: 1

Gold: 77

Equipment: Kapura (WP:7, Fire), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect)

Inventory: Explosive Handcannon (WP: 8, double WP to rock monsters), Chiara (WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5, loaned to Thalion Dwinlas), Fauxthril Hand Cannon(WP:7), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (3), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb

Thalion Dwinlas (played by -obelix-)

Level 6 Mage

Power: 11

Health: 10/10

Ether: 10/10

Defense: 1

Gold: 34

Equipment: Shadeuax Dagger (WP: 5, borrowed from De'kra), Leather Cap (SP:1)

Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning, borrowed from Barur Thormek) 2 Potions, Bedroll, Dagger (WP: 3), Mulled Wine (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.)

...while Party B goes to investigate the Magpie, walking along the docks. Most of the ships are getting rigged, loaded, or unloaded as the early rays of the sun bounce off the rather calm waters. Soon enough, they spot dull, almost rusted lettering on the stern of one of them, spelling out The Magpie. It's a rather small vessel, and looks quite worn. Despite the pale white planks that make up most of the hull, faded black planks still show through in many places, and the sails look like they've been patched over Repeatedly. A pile of crates and barrels are stacked on the pier the Magpie is tied to. As they watch, a Hobgoblin and a dwarf start loading the various containers. It's apparent the ship's preparing to leave. Before the odd duo know it, a cloaked woman on the deck addresses them.

"Any particular reason you're on my ship's pier?"

Edited November 22, 2012 by CallMePie

[Flipz]

Arthur spots the familiar Lion flagship docked on one of the piers, but there's no gangplank, and nobody's onboard. Evidently all the Lion Knights are at Bric'bay, as is usual.

Arthur leaves a note for Admiral Thraune explaining the situation, warning them to be on guard against the Bonaparte confiscations, and asking for their cooperation in the Party's cover story. "Well, Barur, sorry to lead you down a dead end. Let's rejoin the others at the Magpie."

[-obelix-]

Thalion bows, "Good day m'lady. We were told by the harbormaster that a captain of the ship called "Magpie" is doing an exemplary job, and we came up to see for ourselves. Are you by any chance captain of this vessel?"

[CMP]

A smirk comes across the woman's face.

"Yes, I am. Do tell your beloved harbormaster we're leaving, I wouldn't want him sending more paperwork here without me being able to sign it, and Neron forbid I forget to pay another pointless tax."

[-obelix-]

Thalion laughs, "Well, I guess all the taxes you paid have put you in high regard with the harbormaster. No, no we don't bring more paperwork for you to sign or demands for more payments. He simply sent us here to make sure that you and the crew are ready, and to check if the cargo is secure before you depart. May we come aboard?"

[CMP]

"Hmph. Yes, I suppose so..."

She stands back from the gangplank just as Arthur and Barur arrive. With the party reunited, will they board the ship?

[-obelix-]

Thalion waits for Arthur to lead the party on board, meanwhile he whispers to De'kra, "Master De'kra, would you use that cloak of yours to scan the captain, the hobgoblin and the dwarf? Or other crew members, if there are any..."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nods in agreement, and scans the crew with his Cloak of the Elven Spy. "Very well done," he clicked softly to Thalion, though he clarifies no further.

[CMP]

De'kra again examines the captain, the dwarf, and the Hobgoblin beyond what any being can ever hope to see.

Captain Illdria

Level 18 Humanoid

Health: 217/217

Special: Saber Dance: Illdria gracefully attacks a random hero for 1-6 damage, and deals the Fragile effect for the next 3 rounds. The hero who rolled Special Damage becomes Enamored with her for the next 3 rounds.

Drops: 40 gold

Immune to Blinded and Weakened

Melvin

Level 10 Humanoid

Health: 87/87

Special I: Order Up: Melvin pelts the party with hot, greasy sausages, Enraging them. Used only if no teammates are injured.

Special II: Today’s Special: Melvin feeds his team delicious tuna and wine. Each of his teammates is healed 2-40 points, and each has a 1/6 chance to gain the Inspired effect.

Drops: Greasy Sausage (Permanent +2 to maximum health), 2 Mulled Wines (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle)

Immune to Poisoned and Badly Poisoned

Knife-Tongue

Level 5 Humanoid

Health: 35/35

Special: Flee: Knife-tongue flees.

Drops: Scarf of Misfortune (Every third round of battle, the hero deals the Jinxed effect, which lasts 3 rounds, accessory)

Immune to Jinxed

Edited November 24, 2012 by CallMePie

[Flipz]

Arthur skids to a halt as he spots Captain Illdria. "Uh-oh..." He quickly magicks up a small note, which appears surreptitiously in Thalion's hand.

Thalion,

I, uh, think I might recognize that woman. For the life of me, I can't remember where, but for the time being I think it'd be best if you acted as Party Leader, at least as far as speaking to these people. Don't worry, I'll take over again if we come into battle--just refer to me as the "Party Tactician" if it comes to it.

--Arthur

In accordance with his guise, Arthur follows quietly behind Thalion.

OOC: Password for the Writeboard is "eurobricks".

Edited November 23, 2012 by Flipz

[-obelix-]

Thalion quickly puts the note in his pocket, and addresses the the captain, "Captain, your crew looks like a capable bunch. Now then, would you mind taking us to check the cargo?"