Heroica RPG - Quest #53: Chaos in Eubric

[Scorpiox]

"You're right, whoever you are, we did win. We have all been hit hard this quest, but I can go home with a stupid smile and relax in the hall that we just earned ourselves a place in. In this moment, I regret nothing, bloody nothing at all. Hans, Felton, Gnash, Triad, Sasha, Bal and Bennetton gave their all for this city, I think they're deserving of a plaque if someone will help me make it. Cronk, you handled us lot well indeed, even when we reached breaking point, I give you credit for that. And to you, Dyric, Skrall, Hoke, Thothwick, Nyx and Atramor, you my friends are people worth dying alongside, though I am thankful it did not come to that. I hope we will work together in the future, where we must now all turn our minds."

Haldor waits for a moment, wondering what to say.

"Come on, let's share out this loot and get going, there is a beer with my name on it somewhere upstairs."

[CMP]

What response Atramor might've had to the Regret was masked as he handed the Explosive Staff back to Nyx, the Ethereal Cloak to Haldor, and the Jester's Hat to Arthur, pulling his White Cloak back around his shoulders and accepting his Amethyst back from Mallelio, with a nod.

"Hope ya' got some good use outta this, mate. Ya' gonna be alright? Ya' still look a bit weak," he observed, glancing around the treasure scattered about with them with disinterest that surprised even him. The battle weighed more on his mind than its reward, for once.

"Not picky about most of this loot," he stated dryly to Cronk.

[UsernameMDM]

LOOT:

Zoot's Plaything (Becomes a Weapon with WP=3/4 of the hero's level, usable only by that player)

Hoke sees the familiar dark orb amongst the ruin of the battle. He picks it up and rolls it around in his hand. He can feel the energies contained within as the orb seems to sink into his hand.

[Scorpiox]

"Looks like Hoke's found himself a friend. Cronk, let him have it, he's been gasping for one since Haddon..."

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall sucked in the clean air, it revived his spirits a little. "Anyone got a shovel?"

[Flipz]

Skrall sucked in the clean air, it revived his spirits a little. "Anyone got a shovel?"

"Me," he says quietly. Arthur readies his shovel to dig graves for the deceased at Skrall's order.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Let's get it over with then. Couldn't ask for a better view at least. If anyone has any words, now's the time to say 'em." Skrall nodded for Arthur to commence digging.

Edited March 26, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[The Legonater]

I approach the graves being dug, and begin to speak.

Sir Poletad, a while ago, once asked us about death. At the time, I did not know quite what to say. I spoke of heroism and sacrifice and honour. We had all hoped that day that we would not live to see our friends fall before us.

Unfortunately, that day has fallen. We have lost Hans and Gnash, both great warriors, and men of honour. I did not know Gnash as well as I would have liked, but I knew that he was an orc that knew no fear, who took hits and KO's and still kept fighting. More than that, he was courageous. Strong, in body and in mind. As for Hans... he was a simple man, and always was, yet he had a heart and fire of which I've never seen before. He was a true warrior, and fighter. I think deep down we all knew he would die for the cause, and he has. Going up against Wren, against all odds... he would have wanted it no other way.

But though these great people have fallen... I do not feel sad. Mournful, perhaps, but not sad. When Wren's assaults grew too much and I fell I had... something like a vision. A brush with death, perhaps. And... well, perhaps the images I saw can never be put into words. But they give me hope. Peace. Serenity. Somehow, I am convinced that Hans and Gnash have passed on to greater things, much like Felton. So let us be joyful this day, and remember their lives, and the victory they fought and died to reach. Let us remember the Wren Hunters.

Edited March 26, 2013 by The Legonater

[Flipz]

OOC: OK, this should all be correct, but CHECK ME! I may have missed a few permanent trades. MDM, are we still on for that trade of one Topaz for that Hollow Blade dagger?

The Party (Unofficial tally!)

Cronk

Level 30 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking*

Power

: 46 (+2 due to cookies)

Defense

: 16

Health

: 48/48

Ether

: 8/31

Gold

: 132

Equipment

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

Inventory

: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Twin Broadswords (WP:21, dual-strike, user is unable to use a shield), Amethyst, 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), Health Core,

Alexis Fenral

Level 28 2/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Blinded and Fragile*

Power

: 37

Defense

: 3

Health

: 47/47

Gold

: 4431

Equipment

: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile)

Inventory

: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Diamond, Tonic, Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 2 Somas, Carrot, Fifty Shades of Bley, 2 Lightning Bomb, Venom, 2 Health Cores, Potion, Grand Zoot Cookie

Haldor Skovgaard

Level 25 2/3 Shaman *Immune to Weakened, Blinded, and Fragile* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 41 (+2 gloves)

Defense

: 7

Health

: 8/43

Ether

: 7/35 (+4 cloak)

Gold

: 184

Equipment

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

Inventory:

Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Water Elemental), Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Potion (x4), Remedy (x4), Venom, Scroll of Sealing,

Nyx

Level 25 2/3 Battle Mage *Natural Respite*

Power

: 39 (+1 Heels)

Defense

: 3

Health

: 33/36

Ether

: 14/35

Gold

: 91

Equipment

: Zee Standard (Staff, WP: 13 Ice Elemental, Necromancers Raise Enemies with 2 extra levels), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), High Heels (+1 Power),

Inventory

: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), 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)), 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), Opal (Ice), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Smoke Bomb, X2 (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), Grand Zoot's Cookie, Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects)

Skrall

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 25 1/3 *Favors Goddess and Beast Enemies* *Immunity to Fragile* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 32

Defense

: 8

Health

: 38/38

Gold

: 178

Equipment

: Precision Bow (WP: 6, Aims become hits), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile effect, body wear), Tricorne (SP: 3)

Inventory

: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11, +4 vs. Beasts), Smoke Bomb, Grand Potion, Potion, Minimizing Dust, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), Grand Zoot's Cookie

Atramor Gibbin

Level 24 2/3 *Deals Badly Poisoned*

Power

: 36

Health

: 0/50 (+3 cloak)

Defense:

0

Ether

: 0/26

Gold

: 207

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), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear)

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, 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, Health Core, Pongcanis Flail (WP: 6), Grand Tonic, Amulet of the Court (Negative Effects last one round),

Phil (Victor)

Level 22 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 37

Health

: 0/40

Defense

: 2

Gold

: 50

Equipment

: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2),

Inventory

:

Thothwick

Level 23 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned*

Power

: 37 (33 Ranged) (+2 due to cookies)

Defence

: 10

Health

: 38/38

Gold

: 339

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

: Sabre (WP:10), Shuriken (WP 8), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 1 Bone, Venom, 2 Health Cores, Grand Zoot Cookie

Hoke Ablesword

Level 22 1/3 Mystic Knight *Damage Undead*

Power

: 37

Defense

: 12

Health

: 15/40

Ether

: 1/22

Gold

: 233

Equipment

: Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (SP: 10), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle)

Inventory

: Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 4 Potions, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Ether Core, Grand Zoot Cookie, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

Level 21 2/3 Sorcerer, *Immune to

Sealed

*

Power

: 29

Health

: 33/33

Ether

: 21/31

Defense

: 3

Gold

: 1842

Equipment:

Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to

Sealed

), Scarf of Misfortune (

Wearer deals the

Jinxed

effect on every third round, accessory

), Jester's Hat (

Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy

)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7,

50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics

), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, hollow-blade [nothing stored]), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5,

Light

-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5;

heals instead of damaging

), Healing Staff (WP:5;

heals instead of damaging

), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable)

Artifacts:

Ancient Crown (

First successful strike of battle deals

Cursed

-effect

), Cloak of Deception (

Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent

), Lens of Speed Reading (

Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users

.

),

Gems:

2x Opal (

Ice

), 2x Amethyst (

Darkness

), 2x Topaz (

Lightning

), 2x Diamond (

Light

), Garnet (

Earth

), Ruby (

Fire

), Aquamarine (

Water

), Sapphire (

Wind

)

Tools:

Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Scrolls:

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

), Scroll of

Luck

(

Grants target the

Lucky

-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.

)

Consumables:

Potion (x2), Remedy, 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.

), Zoot's Plaything

Dyric Rone

Level 20 1/3 Assassin *Lucky* *Immune to Bound and Slowed*

Power

: 32 (+1 due to cookie)

Health

: 1/32

Defense

: 0

Gold

: 3365

Equipment

: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Winged Sandals

Inventory

: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aquamarine (Water), 4 Potions, 4 Grand Potions, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Mead, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Bone, Grand Potion, Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory)

Sir Earl Poletad

Level 20 Frog Paladin

Power

: 20

Health

: 20/20

Ether

: 12/20

Mallelio

Level 17 1/2 Sage *Fragile (Perma)*

Power

: 18

Health

: 32/32

Ether

: 1/24

Gold

: 0

Equipped

: Wooden Staff (WP: 1)

Inventory

: Topaz (Lightning)

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.

Vipera

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

"Let's get it over with then. Couldn't ask for a better view at least. If anyone has any words, now's the time to say 'em." Skrall nodded for Arthur to commence digging.

"I have some." Arthur overlooks the graves he has finished digging, the bodies of Gnash, and Hans. "I'm sorry, both of you. This should have been me." Arthur places Gnash's halberd atop his body and helps Thothwick lower him in.

I approach the graves being dug, and begin to speak.

Sir Poletad, a while ago, once asked us about death. At the time, I did not know quite what to say. I spoke of heroism and sacrifice and honour. We had all hoped that day that we would not live to see our friends fall before us.

Unfortunately, that day has fallen. We have lost Hans and Gnash, both great warriors, and men of honour. I did not know Gnash as well as I would have liked, but I knew that he was an orc that knew no fear, who took hits and KO's and still kept fighting. More than that, he was courageous. Strong, in body and in mind. As for Hans... he was a simple man, and always was, yet he had a heart and fire of which I've never seen before. He was a true warrior, and fighter. I think deep down we all knew he would die for the cause, and he has. Going up against Wren, against all odds... he would have wanted it no other way.

But though these great people have fallen... I do not feel sad. Mournful, perhaps, but not sad. When Wren's assaults grew too much and I fell I had... something like a vision. A brush with death, perhaps. And... well, perhaps the images I saw can never be put into words. But they give me hope. Peace. Serenity. Somehow, I am convinced that Hans and Gnash have passed on to greater things, much like Felton. So let us be joyful this day, and remember their lives, and the victory they fought and died to reach. Let us remember the Wren Hunters.

Arthur hears Dyric's speech. He cannot bring himself to look at the man, nor any of the others, but tears fall from his face into the freshly-turned earth. "It should have been me..." he whispers again.

Edited March 26, 2013 by Flipz

[CorneliusMurdock]

May Ennoc guide souls of Friends to a paradise far richer than this world can offer. Friends deserve it.

Cronk will help digging.

It is a simple task, digging. Cronk finds it relaxing. Maybe that is what Cronk needs. Relaxing. Maybe a hobby, something besides bashing for Cronk to focus upon.

If any friends wish for anything specific from loot, now is time to ask.

[CMP]

Hoke's Counterstrike Gloves are mine, actually.

Atramor listened intently as Dyric delivered his speech, and nodded, crossing his arms and remaining silent as Hans and Gnash were buried. He couldn't help but remember Triad, as well. If anyone deserved to pass on to greater things, it was her. Honor wasn't as empty an idea as he once thought.

[Flipz]

If any friends wish for anything specific from loot, now is time to ask.

Arthur's in no mood to ask for loot, but: I'd prefer a larger share of the Gold to anything else.

Edited March 26, 2013 by Flipz

[The Legonater]

If any friends wish for anything specific from loot, now is time to ask.

I speak quietly, trying not to disturb the funeral.

If anyone has an Amethyst to spare, then I will take that and the Diamond.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke's Counterstrike Gloves are mine, actually.

Yup. Care to trade/sell?

If any friends wish for anything specific from loot, now is time to ask.

"I believe I have what I want," says Hoke discreetly to Cronk as he closes his fist around the plaything. "Anything else would be a nice bonus. Also, I do have some interest in your Twin Broadswords."

MDM, are we still on for that trade of one Topaz for that Hollow Blade dagger?

"Mayhaps a trade can be made for this topaz," Hoke says as he tosses Arthur the Hollow Bladed Dagger. "Have you given any thought if parting with that Healing Staff?"

Edited March 26, 2013 by UsernameMDM

[Flipz]

"Mayhaps a trade can be made for this topaz," Hoke says as he tosses Arthur the Hollow Bladed Dagger. "Have you given any thought if parting with that Healing Staff?"

Arthur catches the dagger before responding to Hoke's offer. "In another life, maybe," he says quietly. "But I've caused too much harm. To my family, to this world, to all of you. I need to heal this world, and this staff is the best symbol of that duty I can think of." Arthur looks down at the fallen Wren Hunters' graves. "And I owe it to them, to everyone I've harmed, to stay on that path. I never want to forget. This staff will remind me." Arthur raises his Garnet, and seven handsome slabs of polished stone rise from the ground. Using his new dagger, he begins to carve the names and likenesses of the Wren Hunters into them. "Sir Cronk, Emperor Phyllus, you knew Hans and Felton best, better than most of us. You certainly knew them the longest. And Haldor, you and Sir Cronk were closest to Gray and Triad in Ennon. Do you, perhaps, have a suitable epitaph for our fallen comrades?"

Edited March 26, 2013 by Flipz

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall stood motionless as the two warriors were lowered into their graves. That was it, no trumpets, no fanfare, the world would barely ever know of its near destruction. Not that he cared for the world's gratitude or thankfulness, he wasn't sure what he cared about anymore for that matter, but those lost deserved it.

"May you both find peace and contentedness in whatever lies before you."

[Scorpiox]

"I would rather them have been buried in the sun, so that their bodies can be reminded everyday of the world while their spirits soar high. But here is as good place as any, I only wish that we could have Triad, Bal and Bennetton for buriel too."

After examining the grave, Haldor stepped forward to say a few words.

"Triad, she was like no person that I've ever known before. She cared nothing for herself, only for the wellfare of others. Triad was always brave, always strong, in all I knew her, she never once showed fear or feelings of self-preservation, even in death. Triad fought with honour, only doing so when the life of a comrade was at risk. She fell as she was in life, protecting her friends, at the cost of her own safety. We can never forgot her, or what she did. Triad, we mourn your loss, but know that your soul is high above us now, watching. I doubt there is, or ever has been, a more selfless, honourable, calm and perfect individual that crossed this land. Goodbye, dear friend, the world is missing a part of it after your passing."

The nord coughed, attempting to disguise a sob.

"Cronk, would you like to speak for Bal?"

Haldor turned his face away, and wept into the hem of his cloak.

[CorneliusMurdock]

Bal... was bravest and most loyal being that Cronk ever knew. May Bal be ever remembered in song and story for his noble deeds...

Song... Would friend Alexis be willing to part with flute?

Rather than hold up the quest much longer, I'll be sorting out the loot in a few hours. Get in your requests by then.

[Flipz]

Suggested music choice:

Arthur stood stoically, too emotional to speak. He quietly reached for Alexis' hand, expecting her to pull away, but desperately hoping she wouldn't.

[Pandora]

Rather than hold up the quest much longer, I'll be sorting out the loot in a few hours. Get in your requests by then.

I would have liked an Amethyst or a Ruby had there been one, but of the gems I guess I'm most interested in the Diamond, but then so is everyone else. If Elphaba's coming back, money might be better. However you want to do it Corny.

[UsernameMDM]

"They were valiant warriors. May their deeds live forever."

With the heroes' companions laid to rest, Hoke looked at the remaining party members and could see that all were exhausted, physically, mentally and emotionally. He unslung his pack and sat down to rest. Then he noticed all of the equipment he had borrow over the quest and returned the items back to their rightful owners with thanks.

"Should we return to the barracks? Do we have any business left unattended?"

[Professor Flitwick]

Thothwick stood, arms folded behind his back, nodding at the various eulogies being spoken, occasionally saying "Well said" or "Indeed". He didn't really know what to do with himself, with Metasimian funerals being quite different to the one being practised now.

[CorneliusMurdock]

Here's the loot distribution:

Cronk gets a Phoenix Essence and 100 gold

Nyx gets an Amethyst (from Cronk's inventory) and 80 gold

Alexis gets a Phoenix Essence and 70 gold

Dyric gets a Diamond and 70 gold

Atramor gets an Emerald and 70 gold

Arthur gets 100 gold

Thothwick gets a Saphire, a Dragon Scale and 70 gold

Skrall gets a Topaz and 70 gold

Hoke gets The Plaything and a Dragons Scale

Haldor gets an Aquamarine and 70 gold

Friends can trade gems if not happy.

[Masked Builder]

"Oh yes of course Nyx." Alexis hands her 30 gold. She turns to Dyric. "Would you be willing to temporarily trade my quiver for your die? I won't be able to use of quiver here soon. Of course I'd be willing to give it back to you whenever you'd like it." She grabs Arthur's hand and squeeze tightly, giving him a reassuring smile.

"I can't say any of loot really interests me Cronk. Gold would be nice but I'm not to picky. And yes you may have the flute. I can't use it myself. It's yours, free of charge."

OOC: I totally had more than just one gem.

[UsernameMDM]

"Thanks, Cronk," Hoke hoarsely says as he pockets the Dragon Scale.

The toll the quest had wrecked on Hoke was starting to set in. A few days rest at Heroica Hall would do him and the rest of the party well. He rolled the small yet deceptively heavy orb around the palm of his hand. The plaything seemed to have a thousand tiny fingers trying their best to hold onto Hoke's hand. Hoke looked at the orb again, then slid it into a small pouch tied around his neck.

Edited March 26, 2013 by UsernameMDM