Heroica RPG - Quest #56: The Stealer of Senses

[joeshmoe554]

Jeaux passed out the weapons to his companions. He gave the long sword to Arnulf, the Great sword to Brickington, the Dagger to Karie, and kept the bow for himself. These weapons were of a finer quality than the ones they had come with, and with the sharpening stone Em had received after the previous bout, it would increase the total power of the party considerably.

"Thank you for your assistance" Jeaux said to the Captain of the watch. "We will use these weapons wisely, if you can provide us with directions it would likely help. If not, then we should probably get moving. The noise from our fight may have attracted other guards from elsewhere in the compound."

[Shoker86]

" We should take his weapon out as soon as possible, i don't want him to use it on us " Arnulf suggested, "Maybe shooting him in the hand first, or sneaking upon him and take that thing , yeah "Harvester" it's named" Then he retreated to study his new weapon. It was finer blade and it had longer reach. Usefull in theese situations where sneaking and speed wasn't in focus.

[Endgame]

"The reports were of 2 men.

As far as we are aware, only 1 room remains in the Locunon... the final battle may very well be nigh."

[Kintobor]

Karie knows what must happen next.

Lab rat, lab rat, lab rat...

She coats her dagger with the venom, not sparing even a drop.

Lab rat, lab rat, lab rat...

She looks at the rest of the party.

Lab rat, lab rat, lab rat....

"Anyone else here a little nervous? Besides me?"

"my beautiful little lab rat."

[Brickington]

"Let's kick these guy's a$$." Sir Brickington said with pride.

[Emjajoas]

"Anxious more than nervous," Em replies, tightening his bowstring slightly. "Slightly bloodthirsty if it counts for anything," he continues, his face stone, though his mannerisms slightly aggressive.

[joeshmoe554]

"If everyone is feeling back at fighting strength, then I say we press on." Jeaux said, as he continued straight ahead.

[Brickington]

"Agreed" Sir Brickington put his shield in front of himself and sword in ready position and walked forward with his leader. He wondered to himself what would happen. What would become of his fellow heroes and him if they lost...

[Shoker86]

"Agreed, let's go" Arnulf replied as he followed party straight ahead, " If anyone wants to apply venom to their blades it would be good time"

[Brickington]

Sir Brickington applied venom to his greatsword.

[Emjajoas]

I follow the party, taking rear guard, bow drawn and an arrow on the string.

[Endgame]

The Party:

Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) *Party Leader!*

Age: Unknown, Male Automaton Ranger

Level 3

Power: 7

Health: 8/8

Gold: 35

Equipment: Sagitta (WP: 3, longbow) Bow (WP: 4)

Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Remedy, Potion

Sir Brickington (Brickington)

19 year old human male knight

Level 7

Power: 6 (Level 3 + WP: 3)

Defense: 2 (SP: 2)

Health: 8/12

Gold: 40

Equipment: Great Sword (WP: 3), Triangle Shield (SP: 2), Great Sword Mk. II (WP: 4 *Envenomed!*)

Inventory: Potion, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion,

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. (I just can't think of a good name, okay?)

Age: Unknown. Presumably mid twenties.

Gender: Male.

Race: Human.

Class: Ranger.

Level 2

Power: 5

Health: 7/7

Gold: 55

Equipment: Bow(WP:3)

Inventory: Smoke bomb, Potion x2, Grating Stone, Remedy

Name: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male Human Rogue

Level: 3

Power:7 (4+3)

Health: 9/9

Ether: 0

Gold: 35

Equipment: Dagger(WP:3), Long Sword (WP: 4)

Inventory: Potion, Venom, Bedroll, Remedy

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintober)

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 3

Power: 7

Health: 9/9

Gold: 48

Equipment: Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Dagger (WP: 4 *Envenomed!* )

Inventory: Venom (1), Bedroll (1), Potion, Remedy

The party forges onwards, with their new weapons in hand. The group of guards gives a salute of good luck as the party presses down the corridor, some of them drenching their weapons in venom. The came across an old, moss-plastered door, still as sturdy as can be. Light and odd sounds leak from the doorway... what waited beyond it? The party throws the door open and enter the final room of the Locunon.

An odd console, dotted with buttons and levers of all shapes and sizes, nests the Harvester. It was a most peculiar sight to the heroes, the device whistling and whirring, flashing and beeping. The machine blade gleams grimly, as if powered up by the odd apparatus that held it. A table sits next to the gadget, housing a plethora of vials and bottles, all containing strange substances. A rather large box and three barrels sit in the corner, a strange hissing sound emanating from some of them. In the center of the room stands a smug Apprentice. Though his mask concealed his face, the party could detect a wicked smile underneath all of the head garments.

"Ahh, you made it past Ian and his little posse! Funny, really... rob someone of their common sense and they treat every order as if it was from god itself. What a lovely device the Harvester is...

Anyway, heroes, you made it. Would you, by any chance, like to hear a story? It'll be a good one, that I assure you."

[Kintobor]

"Now it makes sense!" Karie exclaimed. "You steal people's common sense, not their taste! And it's powered by your huge ego!"

Her cocky smile turned into a snarl.

"Story time, oh joy unbounded, make it quick, we've got some pulverizing to do, anymore than fifteen words, I'm not interested."

Edited February 21, 2013 by Kintobor

[Shoker86]

" Yes master apprentice i would like to hear your story" Arnulf turned to Karie and whispered, "Karie i want you to take his attention , so i can try sneaking, maybe we can make him let his guard down"

Arnulf waits for opurtunity to sneak

Edited February 20, 2013 by Shoker86

[joeshmoe554]

"We will give you an opportunity to speak, but at the first sign of danger from you, story time is over." Jeaux prepares an arrow and keeps a watchful eye on the Harvester to ensure the Apprentice doesn't get the drop on them a second time.

[Endgame]

"anymore than fifteen words, I'm not interested."

"Sigh. I suppose beauty and intelligence are inversely proportional... Worry not, this story is quite the interesting one.

There was once a young boy who lived in the hovels. The little lad, like most young boys, had a mother and father. The boy and his family weren't exactly kings and queens - not even middle class - but they got by on their meager earnings.Mommy worked in one of the hovel's kitchens, and daddy earned his money by doing the odd repair job, patching up walls and fixing up planks. The young lad earned his lot by being a snake tamer. He had found his slithery little friend when a year or so prior when the scaly chap slithered his way into the house. The boy and the snake became fast friends, and through their cooperation, earned a gold or two each day from street performing.

One day, however, this little family of 3 expanded to 4. The lad's aunt, his mother's sister, simply couldn't find any work - positively heartbroken after her husband passed away. She found herselves entangled in some criminal activities... and died, murdered during a heist. Her son, the little boy's older cousin, soon joined the family. However, work was growing scarce for the mommy and daddy, and especially with another mouth to feed, needed more work. Work that simply wasn't availible. However, mommy had some "connections" from her sister... and soon, the lad's parents were both trapped in the same web his aunt had weaved. They too suffered the same fate, killed when they were just trying to put food on the table for their nephew and son. The lad and his older cousion grew up alone in the hovles, both of them oprhaned. The young boy continued his snake performances, while his older cousin worked at an aid in the Ji Pei. The cousin had a remarkable head on his shoulders, despite his humble upbringings. He soon acheved mastery of technology. However, despite his excellence, his tainted origins prevented him from securing a full job. Rejected, the cousin began to tackle various "jobs", unbeknownst to the young boy. They raked in enough money to make by, the lad's cousin away during the day and holed up in his room at night. One day, the young boy got curious. Very curious. He decided he would peek into his elder cousin's room one night... and found him toiling away at a formidable weapon, adorned with two razor sharp blades."

The Apprentice signals to The Harvester.

"Can you guess who the young boy was? I'm sure if you somehow manage to think extra hard, you'll figure out who the cousin was too."

[Brickington]

Using Diplomacy "So you are good, it's just you had some hard knocks. Come on, don't be evil."

[joeshmoe554]

"So where is your cousin now?" Jeaux inquired. The apprentice was the only person he could see in the room. The hissing sound was most likely the man's pet snake. If this was merely the apprentice then where could the Stealer of Senses be?

[Kintobor]

Using Diplomacy "So you are good, it's just you had some hard knocks. Come on, don't be evil."

"The world is never in black and whites. Only greys."

She looks deadpan at the Apprentice.

"I've heard that story more than enough times back home. I honestly don't care what situation you found yourself in. I can't forgive you."

Lab rat, lab rat, lab rat, lab rat, lab rat, lab rat...

"If you step away from that weapon, and take off your hood, I'll take off my mask, just for you."

[Endgame]

"Come now, knight. Surely you don't think that a few words coated in your nice demanor can change my mind.

So, shall we do battle? Or will you go back to your cage, lab rats?

And sorry, this mask simply isn't coming off. I'll spare you my good looks."

Edited February 21, 2013 by Endgame

[Shoker86]

"I can see why you are such a nihilist" Arnulf said "Being an orphan is a mean thing i know that, but you haven't learned valuable lesson, only hard work and dedication can make you great, and i say we fight"

[Endgame]

"I can see why you are such a nihilist" Arnulf said "Being an orphan is a mean thing i know that, but you haven't learned valuable lesson, only hard work and dedication can make you great, and i say we fight"

"Hah! You think I haven't put the hours into this little ploy? I've gotten my hands dirty more then I had to... evidenced by the fact I defeated you, outnumbered 1 to 5, and threw you into a dirty little cell. Do not try to place yourself as my superior - I am infinitely better than you.

And this time, I won't be outnumbered against you pitiful fools."

In one swift motion, The Apprentice strides over to the beeping console. He swipes the powered-up Harvester and points at the heroes, their eyesight beginning to jitter just from that simply gesture. The Appretnice takes a step back, standing alone in the middle of the room He speaks:

"When my parents passed away, I had to perfect my little snake training act... and in the prcoess, acquired some rather exotic species of snake. Come on out, my comrades!"

With a whistle, the Apprentice draws out his scaly minions. First, 3 cobars all of different colors emerge from the barrles in the corner, hssing and glaring at the group of heroes. However, an ominous rumble is heard as the large box rumbles... and a massive snake emerges from inside. He brandishes his venom-drenched fangs and spreads his blood-red hood, screeching in hatred of the heroes. His eyes almost seem to glow as he looks down on the puny group of heroes, nearly petrified at the sight of the massive reptile.

"Let us settle this, once and for all!"

PREPARE FOR THE FINAL BATTLE!

"Let the battle... begin!"

The Apprentice, Level 7 Humanoid

HP: 28/28

SP: 1

Specials:

Rob Them Blind: Hits all heroes for 4 damage, stealing 5 gold from each. The hero who rolled Special Damag is Blinded for 3 rounds.

Swiped Senseless: Steals the hero's common sense, Hexing them for the next round.

Specials alternate.

Drops:

50 gold, Nostrum, Quest Reward

"Hissssssssss!" Translation: Thisssss will be over fasssst.

Anacondie, Level 6 Beast

HP: 24/24

SP: 1

Specials:

Venom Spurt: Spits venom all over the party, each hero having a 1/6 chance of being poisoned.

Drops:

Venom, Mead, 25 gold

Hisssssshisshisshisshiss. Translation: Tisssss' a tragedy that life musssst be wasssted.

Vipunch, Level 4 Beast

HP: 14/14

Specials:

Rattle Rattle: Vipunch rattles its tail, invigorating the entire party. All enemies regain 12 HP.

Drops:

25 gold, Soma

Skrrrrrawwwrrrr! Translation: Ssssstrife!

Hissticuffs, Level 5 Beast

HP: 12/12

Specials:

Bludgeon: Rushes the hero who rolled Special Damage, dealing 7 damage.

Drops:

25 gold, Potion x2

[Placeholder: I forgot to upload the red snake picture, sorry! ] Rattlerattlerattle. Translation: Foolsssssssssssssssss.

Cobrawler, Level 4 Beast *Poisoned!*

HP: 15/15

Specials:

Toxic Drool: Increases the passive special's probability by 1/6. (1/6 to 1/3, 1/3 to 1/2)

Passive Specials:

Contagious: Every hero targetting Cobrawler has a 1/6 chance of becoming Poisoned.

Drops:

25 gold, Venom x2

The Party:

Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) *Party Leader!*

Age: Unknown, Male Automaton Ranger

Level 3

Power: 7

Health: 8/8

Gold: 35

Equipment: Sagitta (WP: 3, longbow) Bow (WP: 4)

Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Remedy, Potion

Sir Brickington (Brickington)

19 year old human male knight

Level 7

Power: 6 (Level 3 + WP: 3)

Defense: 2 (SP: 2)

Health: 8/12

Gold: 40

Equipment: Great Sword (WP: 3), Triangle Shield (SP: 2), Great Sword Mk. II (WP: 4 *Envenomed!*)

Inventory: Potion, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion,

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. (I just can't think of a good name, okay?)

Age: Unknown. Presumably mid twenties.

Gender: Male.

Race: Human.

Class: Ranger.

Level 2

Power: 5

Health: 7/7

Gold: 55

Equipment: Bow(WP:3)

Inventory: Smoke bomb, Potion x2, Grating Stone, Remedy

Name: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male Human Rogue

Level: 3

Power:7 (4+3)

Health: 9/9

Ether: 0

Gold: 35

Equipment: Dagger(WP:3), Long Sword (WP: 4)

Inventory: Potion, Bedroll, Remedy

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintober)

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 3

Power: 7

Health: 9/9

Gold: 48

Equipment: Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Dagger (WP: 4 *Envenomed!* )

Inventory: Venom (1), Bedroll (1), Potion, Remedy

Edited February 21, 2013 by Endgame

[Shoker86]

OOC: i've used my venom in last fight, i should have none left

Arnulf was stunned for split second, the sight of big snake made him uncoftorable. He felt it would be along bloody fight. " We need good battle plan guys" Arnulf said drawing his longsward in defenive stance.

[joeshmoe554]

OOC: Is the cobrawler already poisoned?

The apprentice had declared combat on the party. Jeaux quickly spoke to his party to establish a plan for the battle. "Arnulf and Karie, take care of those lowly serpents (cobrawler & vipunch). Em, turn that 3rd one (Histicuffs) into a pin cushion. I'll work on eliminating the large snake in front of us. As for the apprentice, he's all yours Sir Brickington." Jeaux loads an arrow on his bow and takes a shot at the embiggened cobra from the back of the room.

Party Order:

Karie

Arnulf

Em

Jeaux

Brickington

Edited February 22, 2013 by joeshmoe554

[Emjajoas]

I aim and fire at Cobrawler from the back row.

Edited February 22, 2013 by emjajoas