Heroica RPG - Quest #53: Chaos in Eubric

[The Legonater]

I assist with the tracking.

[CorneliusMurdock]

OoC: I'd say NO to the protection against the passive special, but YES to the protection to the MInd Eating. Seem fair?

Okay, then.... Changes coming.

Cronk sees wisdom in friend Atramor's plan.

Cronk will instead bash Mephisto from front row.

Hans, stay bashing magician from front row since Hans will want to stay encouraged for now.

Gnash, bash Mephisto from front row.

McColt, encourage Hoke, please. If Hoke is to bash Mephisto next round, Hoke may want effect to give up instead of lucky.

Order:

Atramor

Alexis

Alexis

McColt

Hoke

Hans

Gnash

Cronk

[Professor Flitwick]

Thothwick followed a safe distance behind Skrall and Dyric, as not to interfere with their tracking.

"Ms. Nyx was instructed to join our group, should she have succeeded before us. I do there's a pleasant reason for her being detained..."

[UsernameMDM]

McColt, encourage Hoke, please. If Hoke is to bash Mephisto next round, Hoke may want effect to give up instead of lucky.

"Agreed!"

If Encouraged, give up Encouraged. If not, give up Blessed.

[CorneliusMurdock]

"Agreed!"

If Encouraged, give up Encouraged. If not, give up Blessed.

Um, Cronk thinks encouraged would be better than blessed for bashing foes...

[UsernameMDM]

Um, Cronk thinks encouraged would be better than blessed for bashing foes...

"Well, yes, sorry."

[Waterbrick Down]

Thothwick followed a safe distance behind Skrall and Dyric, as not to interfere with their tracking.

"Ms. Nyx was instructed to join our group, should she have succeeded before us. I do there's a pleasant reason for her being detained..."

"Or she's dead, not really a pleasant reason."

[Scorpiox]

Haldor turned briefly.

"There's nothing that we have except to think on the bright side, so just calm yourselves yeah? We'll find out when we get there. I'm sure that she can handle herself."

[UsernameMDM]

Just in case I wasn't clear:

Give up Blessed.

[Zepher]

Court of Demons Round Six

Atramor v. Mephisto - Damage (NA)

Alexis v. Mephisto - Special Damage Damage (NA)

Alexis v. Mephisto - Critical Hit Shield (+42 Gold)

McColt encourages Hoke - Success (2)

Hoke v. Mephisto - Damage Critical Hit ([([21*2]+20)*2]-10=124) ([([21*2]+20)*2]-10=124)

Hans v. Magician - Optimism

Gnash v. Mephisto - Shield (14-10=4)

Cronk v. Mephisto - Special Damage

Bleeding - Magician (-5)

The heroes charge forth, but Mephisto beast back most of their attacks with a twirling of his weapon. Hoke and Gnash land blows, but are thrown back by a blast of energy as fire, electricity and ice crawl over Mephisto's skin. His eyes now glow a ice cold blue... and he seems to be getting stronger...

The Court of Demons Party

Cronk

Level 28 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Fragile*

Power

: 40

Defense

: 17

Health

: 25/46

Ether

: 19/29

Gold

: 20

Equipment

: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), 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), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile)

Inventory

: 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), 2 Remedies, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1)

Alexis Fenral

Level 26 2/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Lucky*

Power

: 40

Health

: 30/44

Gold

: 936

Equipment

: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Lucky Die

Inventory

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

Atramor Gibbin

Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned*

Power

: 33

Health

: 44/44

Ether

: 18/21

Gold

: 41

Equipment

: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (Deals Cursed Effect on First Successful Hit)

Inventory

: 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, Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether)

Hoke Ablesword

Level 20 1/3 Mystic Knight *Lucky* *Encouraged*

Power

: 41

Defense

: 4

Health

: 33/38

Ether

: 14/20

Gold

: 67

Equipment

: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear)

Inventory

: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7)

Hans

Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Orderly* *Encouraged*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Defense

: 6

Gold

: 56

Equipment

: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2)

Inventory

:

Gnash

Level 14 1/2 City Watch Guard

Power

: 22

Health

: 10/28

Defense

: 1

Gold

: 17

Equipment

: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1)

McColt

(Controlled by PL)

Has a 1/2 chance of either encouraging or hastening any given hero. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of inspiring a hero.

The Court of Demons Enemies

Mephisto, King of Demons

Level 42 Ancient *Immune to Instant Kills* *Blessed*

Health: 635/980

SP: 10

Ether: 3/3

Special I: Soul Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s soul. The hero is sealed until the end of the quest. Cannot be remedied. Uses one ether.

Special II: Mind Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s mind, instantly KOing them. Used if no ether remains.

Passive Special I: Miracle of the Court – Negative effects inflicted on Mephisto last only one round.

Passive Special II: Soul Sucker – All heroes targeting Mephisto lose one positive effect of their choice at the end of the round (excluding perma-effects).

Passive Special III: Demons' Blessing - The Demons of Zoot have blessed Mephisto.

Drops: Amulet of the Court of Demons (Artifact, Accessory, Negative effects last only one round on user), Amethyst, Diamond, Opal

Magician of the Court of Demons

Level 10 Soulless *Immune to further Negative Effects and Instant Kill* *Bleeding*

Health: 125/800

Special: Ravenous Hunger – Drains 10 ether and 10 health from the hero, disregarding row/SP.

Passive Special: All AoE attacks/effects only effect the person the hero is targeting.

Drops: Ether Core, Health Core, 200 Gold

The other party continues down the sewers. Dyric and Skrall soon pick up the scent of their friend, mixed with the smell of sweat and chemicals that Skrall is able to associate faintly with the man XX. They continue to follow the smell, but the sewers are cavernous and with the running water which is high in this section, it is hard. They have yet to find anything... but they haven't found any blood and smell no death, which they take heart in. Poletad sits on Skrall's shoulder.

<Sir Skrall, Nyx will be okay, right?! The Gods would not let anything happen to a brave warrior like her! Why did the Gods allow for Death, Skrall? I do not understand it! I have been told many times, and I guess that the brave must sometimes die to protect the weak or defeat the evil, and of course the evil must die so that they stop, but why is it around at all? The Old Gods, they seem to have lived a long time and have not died! Why is everyone not like them?>

Edited February 5, 2013 by Zepher

[CMP]

Does Hoke strike twice due to the Twin Broadswords?

Atramor ducked - Mephisto's massive pike sailed over his head, deflected by the aura enveloping the party created by Cronk's angel. He took a few steps backward, stowing his weapon, and narrowed his eyes at the demon king.

"Hmmm. Cronk, mate, I have an idea. Nobody targets Mephisto or the Magician - ya' can counterstrike the bastard to death. If ya' stand in the back row, you and Mephisto will deal 4 damage to eachother each round. Both me and you can just focus on healin' ya' whenever ya' hit, say, 13 health, and McColt can work on Inspirin' ya'. Mephisto won't be able to use his special at all, a risk I think should be avoided...Hoke can just switch to Vintul and do the same thing to Magician, he won't be takin' any damage at all. What do ya' think?"

I'm hoping this isn't too ridiculously complex to run for you, Zepher. That is just one nasty Special Skill...

Edited February 5, 2013 by CallMePie

[Zepher]

Sorry, yes he should, this is the first time I've ever run a battle with double strike. That will however probably change your strategy, check the changes.

[CMP]

Atramor blinked at the sudden glow that consumed Mephisto.

"Okay....you'll only be dealing 1 damage every round. Strategy's still sound enough."

[CorneliusMurdock]

Wait, wait, wait... Where'd that third passive come from?! I don't think Zepher wants us to go with your plan, CMP. I have to say I'm more than a little surprised you of all people suggested it.

Demon is blessed now? How is that possible?!

[Zepher]

Wait, wait, wait... Where'd that third passive come from?! I don't think Zepher wants us to go with your plan, CMP. I have to say I'm more than a little surprised you of all people suggested it.

It came from his health - it is NOT a punishment for the plan, it is simply that he is at lower health than before because I hadn't accounted for duel strike. I will never punish you guys for a plan, but things that were preplanned might disrupt it! It still seems sound to me for the time being.

[CMP]

It's a suggestion. Anyone who wants to put their soul on the line can go for it. Alexis still stands a good chance, but I know from Quest 51 that even lucky heroes can have their luck run dry eventually. He's Blessed now, too, we're running out of options.

I didn't think you added it in just because we're winning anyway. Your enemies might be crazy powerful, but at least they're planned like that from the start.

"It's not a demon. Not completely a demon, anyway."

Edited February 5, 2013 by CallMePie

[Waterbrick Down]

The other party continues down the sewers. Dyric and Skrall soon pick up the scent of their friend, mixed with the smell of sweat and chemicals that Skrall is able to associate faintly with the man XX. They continue to follow the smell, but the sewers are cavernous and with the running water which is high in this section, it is hard. They have yet to find anything... but they haven't found any blood and smell no death, which they take heart in. Poletad sits on Skrall's shoulder.

<Sir Skrall, Nyx will be okay, right?! The Gods would not let anything happen to a brave warrior like her! Why did the Gods allow for Death, Skrall? I do not understand it! I have been told many times, and I guess that the brave must sometimes die to protect the weak or defeat the evil, and of course the evil must die so that they stop, but why is it around at all? The Old Gods, they seem to have lived a long time and have not died! Why is everyone not like them?>

<That is a question for another ogre my friend. My younger siblings went to the university to argue upon such philisophical questions, but they never held much of an interest for me. After all, even if you knew why we only lived so long, why there was death, I doubt there was much you could do to change it, otherwise it would have already been done. I'd rather just let the end come the way it will and be content with it than worry and fret about all the when's and how's. The old gods seem of different sorts, they aren't of our kind perhaps not even our world, whatever or whoever created us don't seemed to like to have fashioned us after their making. Take heart little friend, rejoice that your life should only be for such a little while and your joys outweigh your sorrows, to live past one's time is only to chance the possibility of incurring only more pain and misery.>

[CorneliusMurdock]

It came from his health - it is NOT a punishment for the plan, it is simply that he is at lower health than before because I hadn't accounted for duel strike. I will never punish you guys for a plan, but things that were preplanned might disrupt it! It still seems sound to me for the time being.

For a second there, I thought he might just eat the effects that the heroes give up. That would totally suck for us. We wouldn't want him encouraged or lucky...

You have to admit the timing is funny, though.

Atramor, battle would take forever if friends just countered. So much evil to bash and so little time... Friends should at least wait until Mephisto's ether is gone before going with such a plan. Get Demon a little less healthy first

Alexis and Hoke can still attack Mephisto this round if friends choose. Atramor, please heal Gnash.

Hans will bash Magician from front row.

Gnash will attack Magician form back row only if healed first. Otherwise Gnash will do nothing.

Cronk will heal self from back row.

McColt, try to inspire Cronk.

Order:

Alexis

Alexis

Hans

Hoke

Atramor

Cronk

Gnash

McColt

[CMP]

Atramor shrugged, instead trying to heal Gnash.

[The Legonater]

<Sir Skrall, Nyx will be okay, right?! The Gods would not let anything happen to a brave warrior like her! Why did the Gods allow for Death, Skrall? I do not understand it! I have been told many times, and I guess that the brave must sometimes die to protect the weak or defeat the evil, and of course the evil must die so that they stop, but why is it around at all? The Old Gods, they seem to have lived a long time and have not died! Why is everyone not like them?>

After such a long time with Poletad - both through Hadden and recently - Rone has managed a basic understanding of Froglish. At Poletad's question, Dyric thinks for a moment, trying to accurately phrase what he means to say, and slowly works through the sentences.

<Death? I may not be Skrall, and I will not pretend to be an expert on such things - if anyone is - but I believe I can tell you the following. While I have not experienced death myself - this should be clear - I have came closer to it than I would have liked. I have been tortured, shot at, knocked out, ruined, one could hardly say I have good luck. But through these tortures I have learned that death in itself is not as painful or bad as one would seem. The elves are immortal, they shall see generations more than any of us. Yet they shall never know what comes beyond. Always they shall remain on this pitted, ruined ground where despair shall always thrive in one place or another. And while I cannot say for certain what lies beyond death, I know that whatever it is, it shall certainly be a sight to behold. Some legends speak of white shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. And such legends give me hope. They give me courage. They tell me that death is not such a horrible experience, that perhaps it is a gift that even the elves in all their beauty never received So do not fear, Sir. Know that the brave die to protect the weak, they do it for the innocent who could not protect themselves, and will be remembered for that, and shall not pass in pain. For, this is why we fight. Because there is evil in the world, all around us, but there is good as well. Everyday we come closer to sacrificing ourselves for the innocent, the helpless. This gives our death honor, and legend. These sacrifices will be remembered forever not in mourning, but in rejoicing. For it is men and women like these who have passed into greater places at their own forfeit, for another's life. So do not fear death, Sir Poletad. Rather, embrace it when it comes. Though, it is my personal belief that neither your, nor Nyx, nor I shall have to embrace it this day. For once on this quest, I have hope, Sir. The tide is turning, and I believe it is for the better.>

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke charges Memphisto, fully encouraged by McColt and protected by Cronk's angel. He lands two devastating hits, and twirls around to see the damage. Memphisto looked weaker, but a small smile stretch itself across the skeletal face...

Diamond, Memphisto, Back Row, Give up Encouraged.

[Masked Builder]

Alexis twirls and repeats her attack.

[Zepher]

Court of Demons Round Seven

>Alexis v. Mephisto - Damage Damage (42/2=21)

>Alexis v. Mephisto - Damage Shield (+42 gold)

Hans v. Magician - Hit (26*2=52)

>Hoke v. Mephisto - Damage Shield (6+4=10 hits, 5 directed to Mephisto, 5 null by Magician's special) (41*2-10=72*5=360) 155

>Atramor heals Gnash - Failure

>Cronk heals self - Heal Less (+27 health) (-1 ether)

Gnash does nothing

McColt inspires Cronk - Failure (6)

Bleeding - Magician (-5)

The heroes continue their assault. Alexis is beat back by the demon and feels a coldness running up the inside of her body. Cronk is able to heal himself, and Hoke, with all the bravery his heroes have come to expect of him, wheels his two blades at the Demon King who is hardly able to hold them off. Bone chips go flying, but an electrical blast makes Hoke stop his assault. Now electricity dances across the armor of the King, and his eyes sparkle and crack glowing a shimmer green.

The Court of Demons Party

Cronk

Level 28 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Fragile*

Power

: 40

Defense

: 17

Health

: 46/46

Ether

: 18/29

Gold

: 20

Equipment

: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), 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), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile)

Inventory

: 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), 2 Remedies, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1)

Alexis Fenral

Level 26 2/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Lucky*

Power

: 40

Health

: 9/44

Gold

: 978

Equipment

: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Lucky Die

Inventory

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

Atramor Gibbin

Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned*

Power

: 33

Health

: 44/44

Ether

: 18/21

Gold

: 41

Equipment

: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (Deals Cursed Effect on First Successful Hit)

Inventory

: 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, Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether)

Hoke Ablesword

Level 20 1/3 Mystic Knight *Lucky*

Power

: 41

Defense

: 4

Health

: 33/38

Ether

: 14/20

Gold

: 67

Equipment

: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear)

Inventory

: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7)

Hans

Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Orderly* *Encouraged*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Defense

: 6

Gold

: 56

Equipment

: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2)

Inventory

:

Gnash

Level 14 1/2 City Watch Guard

Power

: 22

Health

: 10/28

Defense

: 1

Gold

: 17

Equipment

: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1)

McColt

(Controlled by PL)

Has a 1/2 chance of either encouraging or hastening any given hero. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of inspiring a hero.

The Court of Demons Enemies

Mephisto, King of Demons

Level 42 Ancient *Immune to Instant Kills* *Blessed*

Health: 275/980

SP: 10

Ether: 3/3

Special I: Soul Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s soul. The hero is sealed until the end of the quest. Cannot be remedied. Uses one ether.

Special II: Mind Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s mind, instantly KOing them. Used if no ether remains.

Passive Special I: Miracle of the Court – Negative effects inflicted on Mephisto last only one round.

Passive Special II: Soul Sucker – All heroes targeting Mephisto lose one positive effect of their choice at the end of the round (excluding perma-effects).

Passive Special III: Demons' Blessing - The Demons of Zoot have blessed Mephisto.

Passive Special IV: Electrical Speed - On rounds that are multiples of three, Mephisto is hastened.

Drops: Amulet of the Court of Demons (Artifact, Accessory, Negative effects last only one round on user), Amethyst, Diamond, Opal

Magician of the Court of Demons

Level 10 Soulless *Immune to further Negative Effects and Instant Kill* *Bleeding*

Health: 73/800

Special: Ravenous Hunger – Drains 10 ether and 10 health from the hero, disregarding row/SP.

Passive Special: All AoE attacks/effects only effect the person the hero is targeting.

Drops: Ether Core, Health Core, 200 Gold

The other party keeps walking. Poletad listens to Dyric and Skrall intently.

<I do not fear death myself!> The little frog assures them. <I know that I must die sometime, long before you do, we frogs have short lives, but I will die protecting the weak and fighting the just cause, and there will be a place for me next to Amphibiannoc! It is others I worry about! I know I will die some day, but I hope it is before I see a friend go.>

The heroes hear a bang down the tunnel and rush forward. Eventually they reach a more open area. From one of the walls, dark flames (true darkness, the kind you can't see) leap forth. The area is empty save for that.

<Do you think that's the void?! Spilling forth?! Where is Nyx?!>

Edited February 6, 2013 by Zepher

[CMP]

Hoke should've done twice as much damage, his Encouragement isn't removed until the end of the round.

"Damn it," grumbled Atramor, quickly attempting to heal Alexis from the back row, increasingly annoyed by Mephisto's random bursts of power. "Cronk, I think Hans should keep the bastard occupied, we've got healin' to do..."

[UsernameMDM]

(McColt Encourage & Hoke attack again, OR Counterstrike time?)