Heroica RPG - Quest #53: Chaos in Eubric

[CMP]

Okay, thanks for clarifying.

[Flipz]

"So, Lord of Liars, will you accompany Apprentice Atramor to save Triad? And who else shall we send to each location? I would recommend Apprentice Nyx to remain with Sir Poletad, while Apprentice Hoke ought to stay with Vipera."

[Waterbrick Down]

"Regulus, you would be wise to listen to what little sense Wren still speaks. We cannot save them all. There is no good to be accomplished in attempting such feats and in the end will only make Wren's victory more sure."

[Flipz]

"Here are my personal recommendations, Lord of Liars. If anything, I would prefer we better defend the Spire at the Manor, as Luck on the creature's side would be FAR worse for us than even added strength...on the other hand, any of us falling would be a dramatic loss. I suggest we spread out Smoke Bombs among the members of the Observatory party; after all, if Guffington's Spire falls, we're all screwed anyway, so there's no real need to attempt to escape."

Guffington Manor:

Scarecrow of Sorrow (Arthur)

Royal Retainer of the Banished (Dyric)

Apprentice Hoke

Vipera

Master of Loathing (Haldor)

Lord of Liars (Cronk)

Observatory (Mallelio):

Mistress of Lost Lust (Alexis)

Felton

Apprentice Nyx

Sir Poletad

Magister of Misery (Skrall)

Gray Wizard

Southern Tower (Triad):

Apprentice Atramor

[The Legonater]

I have spoken much about sacrifice. But I believe there is another word we use for Atramor's actions. Suicide. As much as I respect this decision, is it worth it? If it works, it would surely bring an easier battle, but I do hold my reservations.

[Flipz]

"With that staff and a bit of Luck, Atramor could hold off an army. Triad will be with him as well. If he does not succeed, only they will be lost. It is a minimal and worthwhile risk."

[CMP]

"Aye, I know how suicidal this sounds - Steward of Suicide...hmm.... - but I'll always be able to bail if....things don't go as well as planned. I don't wanna give that bastard somethin' for me to regret, so I figure it's at least worth tryin'."

[Professor Flitwick]

"Here are my personal recommendations, Lord of Liars. If anything, I would prefer we better defend the Spire at the Manor, as Luck on the creature's side would be FAR worse for us than even added strength...on the other hand, any of us falling would be a dramatic loss. I suggest we spread out Smoke Bombs among the members of the Observatory party; after all, if Guffington's Spire falls, we're all screwed anyway, so there's no real need to attempt to escape."

"No place in your suggestions for the Prince of the Lost?"

[The Legonater]

I nod in awe.

Very well then. Good luck, Atramor. This will indeed be a memorable sacrifice, whichever way it goes.

[Professor Flitwick]

"Aye, I know how suicidal this sounds - Steward of Suicide...hmm.... - but I'll always be able to bail if....things don't go as well as planned. I don't wanna give that bastard somethin' for me to regret, so I figure it's at least worth tryin'."

For everything the Witch stood for, Thothwick didn't wish death upon him. That wasn't his way, nor the way of S.O.W.s. Deportation would be a suitable punishment for his choices, but death, less so. Raising his eyebrows, Thothwick contemplated his next few words.

"Well. If you're certain, may Orang Pendek guide you, Atramor."

[UsernameMDM]

"Friends, we have a true chance to be done with Wren once and for all. We cannot save everyone. If we try, we may fail, and if we fail, all of Eubric and beyond will be consumed by the vile witch and her new powers. Do we want to take that chance? I do wish we could save them all, but it looks like we cannot."

[CMP]

"Thanks for all the optimism, mates," mumbled Atramor, shaking his head, but with a grin. McCafferey was less than amused.

'Where in the world did I go wrong? This is a waste,' she hissed. Her remarks were again met with silence.

[Zepher]

Felton grabs Atramor by the arm. "Do not be so sure. You could be costing us more lives down the line if you fall. If your explosive staff does not work, you may very well fall very early on. They may be too much for you."

[CMP]

"Don't think I'm gonna just show up to let them kill me. I'm only goin' to try and save Triad, not to make a pointless last stand."

[Zepher]

"But one wrong move early on... I guess I should not try to command you. You are free to do as you see wisest. I have made decisions in the past I grew to regret, but we learn from each fall. If this is the path you've chosen, so me it." Felton grins ruefully. "But if you are foolish, do not expect to see me at your funeral. I will be busy killing chaos monsters."

"And where do Zander and I go in your plan, Arthur? We're coming to the Court with you. Should we just remain here until then? I wouldn't mind waiting, but Zander might get a little antsy. If you want us to go somewhere with someone, just say the word."

[CMP]

Atramor nodded to Felton.

"I'd rather ya' be finishin' Wren than buryin' me anyway."

[Flipz]

"The Prince of the Lost ought to go defend Mallelio, I feel; perhaps your previous acquaintance with him in Dastan will inspire your performance in battle. Zane, Zander, what specific skills do you have in battle?"

[Zepher]

"I think you misheard me. I said I'd go where ever you wanted. I didn't say I'd help. Zander here might get excited during battle and zap something, but don't count on it happening and don't count on it being an enemy."

"It'd be you, Fool! Weak talker. You were never a battler. Oh! Hahahaha, right here is where I fried you the last time! Haha. That was fun."

"Also I'd like to keep an eye on him. The both of us will be returning to the Court with you."

[Flipz]

"Ah, I see. In that case, I'd prefer Zander stayed with the Lord of Liars, as he is best equipped to protect us if Zander behaves...unfortunately. You, I think, might do well in finding Hans and remaining with him. Vipera, have you had any success in contacting Hans, or Bennetton, or Mallelio or Triad?"

Edited January 20, 2013 by Flipz

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk will... endeavor... to pull self together.

Atramor, is friend really set on plan? Cronk would hate to lose Atramor, but Cronk would like to give Triad fighting chance. If Atramor goes, Atramor goes alone. Party cannot afford to send any other friend.

Cronk would like to hear from Nyx and Skrall before deciding anything. One friend would have to lead second group, only fair to give friends say. Cronk will listen to others as well.

Lord of Liars,

If Arthur doesn't stop calling Cronk that, Arthur will be speaking through broken teeth. Understood? Now is not time for games.

[CMP]

"Aye, I know, Cronk."

[Waterbrick Down]

Cronk will... endeavor... to pull self together.

Atramor, is friend really set on plan? Cronk would hate to lose Atramor, but Cronk would like to give Triad fighting chance. If Atramor goes, Atramor goes alone. Party cannot afford to send any other friend.

Cronk would like to hear from Nyx and Skrall before deciding anything. One friend would have to lead second group, only fair to give friends say. Cronk will listen to others as well.

"I still ain't one for Atramor goin' off on his own, I'll say that right off, but if his mind is set, then good luck to him. As for the rest of the groups, I think Regulus gave it a nice split, though I think we need to exchange some Phoenix Essences if we're goin' with that plan. Right now I think I count 6 amid the group for the manor and only 1 for the observatory."

"I fear we're going to be countin' casualties real soon. I don't like thinkin' about it, but it's not something we can go stickin' our heads in the sand about. That bein' said, I don't want the decisions leadin' to those casualties ever havin' to plague Miss Nyx if we make it out of this alive. There are somethings no man or woman should ever have to bear, some miseries that shouldn't be carried." Skrall turned to Nyx, "Not to say you are weak, miss, if anything you have shown quite the contrary, but I would rather that burden fell on my shoulders. Thus, Cronk with yer permission I'll lead the group to go get Mallelio."

Edited January 20, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[Zepher]

OoC: Before you go gallivanting off, check those stats! You've all gone trading again, hopefully I kept track of it all! Also, make sure that you have your loot from the last battles... I swear I included them, but now they look like they're missing. I've added them back in, but just make sure! Also, Alexis giving Arthur all of her stuff is going to make him SO MUCH MONEY. He can hawk all those gems for crazy gold.

"All right, then, ready yourself..." Arthur attempts, for the first time, to use the Scroll of Luck on Atramor, before handing the Scroll of Luck to Atramor.

Arthur casts his scroll, and even though it is his first time, he is successful! (Atramor Lucky, -10 ether, Roll of 1)

"So, Lord of Liars, will you accompany Apprentice Atramor to save Triad? And who else shall we send to each location? I would recommend Apprentice Nyx to remain with Sir Poletad, while Apprentice Hoke ought to stay with Vipera."

OoC: Poletad remained behind...

The Party

Skrall

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 23 *Secondary Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid and Demon Enemies* *Immunity to Fragile* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 36

Defense

: 8

Health

: 37/37

Gold

: 26

Equipment

: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11, +4 vs. Beasts), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile effect, body wear)

Inventory

: Smoke Bomb, 2x Mead, Grand Potion, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), 2 Potions, Minimizing Dust, Nostrum, Remedy

Haldor Skovgaard

Level 23 1/3 Shaman. *Immune to Weakened, Fragile and Blinded* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 7

Health

: 40/40

Ether

: 24/29

Gold

: 32

Equipment

: Zoot er Isen (WP:14, Ice and Light Elemental) Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether, Blinded Immunity), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity), Heavy Armour (SP:+5, Fragile Immunity).

Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Water Elemental), Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Scroll of Sealing, Health Core, Potion (x4), Grand Potion, Remedy (x4), Mead , Nostrum (x2), Smelling Salts (x2), Soma (x2), Venom, Mulled Wine, Phoenix Essence

Hoke Ablesword

Level 20 Mystic Knight

Power

: 34

Defense

: 9

Health

: 38/38

Ether

: 3/20

Gold

: 37

Equipment

: Vintul (Great sword: WP 14), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead)

Inventory

: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), 2x Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging)

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

Level 20 Sorcerer, *Immune to Sealed* *Lucky*

Power

: 32

Health

: 30/30

Ether

: 10/30

Defense

: 3

Gold

: 136

Equipment

: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent)

Inventory

: Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4)

Gems

: 2 Opal (Ice), 2 Amethyst (Darkness), 3 Topaz (Lightning), 2 Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Sapphire (Wind)

Tools

: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Consumables

: Remedy (x3), Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle), Paralyzing Venom, Mead (x2), Potions (x2), Zoot's Plaything, Jester's Hat (Gains one immunity from targeted enemy), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, 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), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened)

Nyx

Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Secondary Party Leader* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 36

Defense

: 3

Health

: 32/32

Ether

: 30/33

Gold

: 48

Equipment

: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), High Heels (+1 Power)

Inventory

: Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Phoenix Essence

Atramor Gibbin

Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* *Lucky*

Power

: 33

Health

: 44/44

Ether

: 3/21

Gold

: 41

Equipment

: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row), Paralyzing), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown

Inventory

: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Grating Stone, Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether)

Thothwick

Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned*

Power

: 32 (28 Ranged)

Defence

: 10

Health

: 35/35

Gold

: 215

Equipment

: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead)

Inventory

: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10)

Dyric Rone

Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Lucky*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Gold

: 1832

Equipment

: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory)

Inventory

: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum (x2), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory)

Cronk

Level 27 2/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 16

Health

: 45/45

Ether

: 5/28

Gold

: 16

Equipment

: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level)

Inventory

: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 3 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), Phoenix Essence, 2 Remedies, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1)

Gray Wizard

Level 27 1/3 Cleric

Power

: 39

Health

: 35/35

Ether

: 31/31

Gold

: 0

Equipped

: Old Stone Staff (WP: 12, Light Elemental)

Inventory

: None

Alexis Fenral

Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 3

Health

: 42/42

Ether

: 15/30

Gold

: 83

Equipment

: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.)

Inventory

: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Health Core, 2 Lightning Bomb

Felton

Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Gold

: 56

Equipment

: Rapier (WP: 10)

Inventory

:

Vipera

Has 1/2 change of making a selected hero lucky or blessed. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of reviving a fallen hero.

"You've got one thick skull don't ya, Arthur? I said I'd stick by you folks. But if you'd really rather, I'll drag Zander and my megablocks back over to the Barracks. You don't have to worry about us fleeing, the Master of Regret said I'd have to go to the Court if I wanted to pay my last debts. Isn't good news for anyone except me... so I'll be there."

<Bennetton did not have time to speak. He has left Poletad, Victor and Hans to protect the Barracks. He moves north now with Gnash and McColt. They will scope out the Court's area and stop anyone from leaving if it comes to that. They hope to intercept Wren. I have also connected with Triad and Mallelio.>

"We see Pongcanis below. They are entering the tower. We assume we are to fight them. We are prepared. Will you be joining us, or will we fight alone?"

"Heroes, thank the Gods. I have barricaded the door but those vile mechanical creatures are tearing through it. I think they murdered the learned men below. What do I do? I am no fighter, but I will fight to the last breath if I must."

Edited January 20, 2013 by Zepher

[CMP]

I should have the Ancient Crown equipped and be Lucky. Everything else looks good. And yay, Pongcanis! I half expected more undead. That would not have gone well.

"I'll be with 'ya, Triad. And hopefully that'll be enough," Atramor muttered to himself. He nodded his thanks to Arthur, and held the staff with a vengeance. He'd grown quite sick of the Pongcanis already. "Like I said Alexis, unless you're gonna give it to Arthur, I'd like to use that Ether Core. I understand if 'ya don't wanna give it to me, but seein' as how 'ya can't even sell it at the moment, I was kinda hopin'...and every last thing's gonna be countin'."

McCafferey ruffled her feathers angrily. Her thoughts became quite clear to him, as if they were not already. 'This is not a noble or necessary sacrifice. This is pointless, absolutely meaningless. Your demise would....I can't even begin to express how much that contradicts your fate, nor how ironic.'

"It'd be worth dyin' to disprove this fate crap," growled the witch audibly. He noted his mistake, and elaborate in thoughtful silence. 'If this is so damn dangerous, then just don't come, nobody's forcin' you.'

'Hmph. Unfortunately, my life means little if yours is extinguished so early. At the very least, I would be stripped of purpose entirely...if we had free will, believe me, I would have left long ago.'

Her last remark left Atramor feeling quite empty.

[Flipz]

"Understood, Sir Cronk. I would recommend lending that Scroll of Frailty to Lady Nyx, so that we have one Scroll of Frailty in each group."

"Dyric, catch!" Arthur lends Dyric the Jester's Hat. "Hoke, Lady Nyx, you should borrow these." Arthur Lends Hoke a Topaz and Lends Nyx an Opal.

OoC: Poletad remained behind...

"We see Pongcanis below. They are entering the tower. We assume we are to fight them. We are prepared. Will you be joining us, or will we fight alone?"

"Heroes, thank the Gods. I have barricaded the door but those vile mechanical creatures are tearing through it. I think they murdered the learned men below. What do I do? I am no fighter, but I will fight to the last breath if I must."

Hey, we went a LONG time without a party roster, at one point I thought Phil was with us for some reason.

Stat-wise, Alexis also handed Arthur her Healing Staff and the Staff of Ennon, and as much as we'd both like her gems to spontaneously duplicate in the transfer...they should't have. And as to the ownership...well, it IS a loan; after all, back at the Hall she can imbue those gems...

"Triad, Atramor is coming to you. It will be a difficult battle, but I believe together you can succeed."

"Mallelio, try to remain calm. Look for anything in the structure you can collapse on top of those things, they're strong but delicate. Also, have you seen sign of any more of XX's minions?"

"Skrall, I'm thinking you ought to swap places with Hoke. Hoke will be able to use Lightning against the Chimaera Guards, while you will do better with the Chaos Beasts Wren promised would be waiting for us at Guffington Manor."