Heroica RPG - Quest #58: Brothers-in-Arms

[Scubacarrot]

"Why am I not surprised? Do you really think you will walk away, really?"

Guts attacks Meathook, then Greybeard.

[Chromeknight]

The oldest of the pirates and the apparent leader of the bunch tips his hat off to Nerwen.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintace, ma'am. You can call me Meathook, and these are my old crewmates."

It is a pleasure to meet you also. I am sorry that we now need to beat you up. I am sure you understand. Perhaps when this is all over I will buy you a drink as you tell us everything we need to know.

Nerwen looks over her shoulder to see that Eric and Guts were ready to fight. Both had the stuttery movements that indicated they had taken smelling salts

This would seem like a fair fight, there is three of us and five of you. Now, Mr Guybrush, this is the END for you, you gutter-crawling cur!

Nerwen strikes Guybrush from the front row using the mourning star, even if it was not as powerful a weapon as her staff, a good blow would leave the pirate in a fragile state indeed.

Speaking to Eric and Guts, she said

Which of you gentlemen wants to go first? Perhaps Eric this time and Guts next battle? We need not fret too much about it at the moment, let us just pile in.

Battle order

Eric

Eric

Guts

Guts

Nerwen

Edited February 25, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Chromeknight]

Eric! Now is not the time to be daydreaming about that barmaid! Attack Popeye and Parakeet.

Eric attacks Popeye then Parakeet from the front row with Godricsleif.

coming up on 24 hrs since Sandy posted last round and more than 24 since Khorne's last post. As always, if he posts before the round is run, his actions take priority, but if not, the round can now be run.

[Khorne]

Eric smiled, "You jealous?"

The Nord unsheathed his huge greatsword and prepared to attack the pirates following Chromeknight's plan.

For the record:

Eric attacks Popeye from the front row with Godricsleif.

Eric attacks Parateek from the front row with Godricsleif.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts said mockingly, "Leave the poor man be, Nerwen, the girl gave him the crawlies, he´s in pain." If these pirates were by any chance not telling them lies, then the Nord had not told them the truth, and what reason could the pirates have to lie?

[Chromeknight]

Eric smiled, "You jealous?"

Jealous? Sure. Next time you can be given brush off by weregators and I get to tup the barmaid for information.

[Sandy]

Results of Round One of the Retired Pirate Battle:

Eric vs. Popeye - Shield/Special Damage (Ravage - All enemies: 278 health-(40x4=160 dmg)=118 health; Eric: 21+21+21+21+21=105 gold)

Eric vs. Parakeet - Special Damage/Extra Critical Hit (Parakeet: 118 health-(78x4=312 dmg)=0 health)

Guts vs. Meathook - Special Damage/Shield (Ravage - All remaining enemies: 118 health-(54x4=216 dmg)=0 health; Guts: 21+21+21+21=84 gold)

Guts vs. Greybeard - Shield/Steal

Nerwen (Mourning Star) vs. Guybrush - Shield

The encouraged Eric and Guts swiftly cut down the elderly pirates, making some gold in the process as well. After they were done, there was nothing much of the old men left to interrogate...

THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS!

Guts and Eric get a third of a level, while Nerwen earns a half. The enemies drop 150 gold.

Party:

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

44 year old male human Raider

Level 23 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Blinded

,

Darkness

and

Ice

*

Power:

54

(23+28+3)

, 35 for ranged attacks

(23+9+3)

Health:

36/36

(7+22+7)

Gold:

166

Equipment:

Lifestealer (WP: 28,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice; immunity to

asleep

-,

confused

- and

blinded

-effects and to

darkness

and

ice

-elements; footwear), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power; immunity to

weakened

-effect; handwear), Spiked Collar (+1 Power; accessory)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, intimidation; halberd), Fafnir (WP:14; greatsword), Throwing Knife (WP:9, light-elemental; retrievable), Throwing Axe (WP:5; retrievable), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow; dagger), 10 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 10 Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essence, 9 Mead, 9 Smelling Salts, 9 Nostrum, Metasimian Ale, 5 Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venom, 2 Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shard

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord Raider

Level 21 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*

Immune to Fragile

*

*Evasion*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

40

(21+19)

Defense:

5

Health:

39/39

(8+20+7+4)

Gold:

139

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP:19;

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter with strength equal to their level after getting hit by a Free Hit; handwear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immunity to fragile; bodywear)

Inventory:

Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; dual strike, Lightning-elemental; axe), Sticky Gloves (+50% gold from stealing), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, inflicts cursed; retrievable); 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8; retrievable), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 12 Grand Potions, Venom, 10 Meads, 9 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb,

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

***Party Leader***

262 year old female Elven Shaman

Level 17 1/2

*Immune to Sealed*

Power:

26

(17+9)

Defense:

3

Health:

34/34

(9+16+6+3)

Ether:

26/27

(5+16+1+3)

Gold:

31

Equipment:

Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), Robe of the Archmage(SP:3, Max.Ether+5, immunity to sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (+3 Max Health; backwear)

Inventory:

Magical Staff (WP:14,

water

-elemental, staff), Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory),

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Ruby

, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs , Bone, Shovel, Bedroll

Party Leader, divide the spoils:

150 gold

[Scubacarrot]

Guts wiped his blade off on one of the pirates' rags, after striking four of them down in a single blow. "Nord, you got some explaining to do."

[Chromeknight]

The fire from the drink evaporated, but Nerwen's hands still ached to hit something. Between them, the raiders and their dark imbued weapons had made short work of the old soaks. They were not going to be answering any questions anymore. Eric had not even spared the brightly plumed parrot that one of them had carried.

She gathered up their coinpurses and quickly divided the haul into three.

Here is fifty gold each, boys.

Since this was a dead end, let us go down to the harbour and see if we can catch up with those 'gators. I have a feelng there is more to their story than simple generosity by Reno.

Each party member receives 50 gold loot.

Edited February 28, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Khorne]

Godricsleif hummed as it absorbed the blood of the old men. Eric's eyes were burning with passion. He chuckled at the grizzly scene and let his tongue circle his lips, licking up the few drop of blood that had splattered on his face.

Guts wiped his blade off on one of the pirates' rags, after striking four of them down in a single blow. "Nord, you got some explaining to do."

Eric shook his head, "I don't have to explain anything. The pirate's dead. I can't help it if these demented meatbags use his name to intimidate strangers. It's a free city, after all."

The fire from the drink evaporated, but Nerwen's hands still ached to hit something. Between them, the raiders and their dark imbued weapons had made short work of the old soaks. They were not going to be answering any questions anymore. Eric had not even spared the brightly plumed parrot that one of them had carried.

She gathered up their coinpurses and quickly divided the haul into three.

Here is fifty gold each, boys.

Since this was a dead end, let us go down to the harbour and see if we can catch up with those 'gators. I have a feelng there is more to their story than simple generosity by Reno.

Each party member receives 50 gold loot.

Satisfied, the Nordic Raider pocketed the gold. "Indeed, let's go see those crocodiles. We'll make them talk."

[Scubacarrot]

Guts spit on the ground, then said: "You're a bad liar, Nord. I will be reporting this to our employer."

[Khorne]

Guts spit on the ground, then said: "You're a bad liar, Nord. I will be reporting this to our employer."

"Reporting this to our employer" the Nord repeated Guts in a mock-tone as he rolled his eyes. "What are you, a five-year old that goes tell his mommy when he sees something he doesn't like? Seriously, get over it. The pirate's dead"

Eric then started to walk on, trying to catch a sight of the Weregators, but then turned around again. "Also, try to keep the spitting to a minimum, please. The dripping saliva makes you look like an idiot, mr. Tough Guy."

[Scubacarrot]

"I am many things, but not a traitor. Are you?" Guts sheathed his blade, watching the Nord walk off. He was pondering the trouble it would give if he took out one of throwing knives and buried it in the barbarian's skull. It would probably save them all a lot of trouble down the line. He said to Nerwen: "Those Weregators are long gone, if you don't know their ship's name, there's little chance we'll see them again. We should return to the Fort. Nemo Bonaparte will have no choice but to listen to us now."

[Sandy]

QM Note: The quest will continue tomorrow when I finally have a chance to take photos again.

[Chromeknight]

"Those Weregators are long gone, if you don't know their ship's name, there's little chance we'll see them again. We should return to the Fort. Nemo Bonaparte will have no choice but to listen to us now."

Are there so many ships full of weregators in port at the moment that even the simplest deck hand could not point out which one we need?

And what will we say to Nemo? "We went to a bar, they grumble against you there and then we killed some old sailors. Violently. Then we gave up searching."?

And what is it you think Eric is lying about?

[Scubacarrot]

"There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of ships, if we miraculously end up searching at the right side, perhaps we'll find them, otherwise, not likely. The pirates said they served Reno, and that Reno was Jolly Roger, remember. They attacked us after we mentioned Reno. That Reno had set up a safety precaution is worrisome to begin with, but those men had no reason to lie, they outnumbered us 5 to 3, they thought we weren't getting out of this. If we go back to the bar, I bet we'll find that those geezers had enough gold without ever doing anything, they weren't after us for our valuables, and again, they'd have no reason to lie like that, and no reason mentioning Reno would trigger them. The Nord said he killed Jolly Roger. This turns out to be true... That means he didn't kill the real Jolly Roger, or not one at all. I am quite convinced of this, Nerwen."

Edited February 28, 2013 by Scubacarrot

[Chromeknight]

"There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of ships, if we miraculously end up searching at the right side, perhaps we'll find them, otherwise, not likely. The pirates said they served Reno, and that Reno was Jolly Roger, remember. They attacked us after we mentioned Reno. That Reno had set up a safety precaution is worrisome to begin with, but those men had no reason to lie, they outnumbered us 5 to 3, they thought we weren't getting out of this. If we go back to the bar, I bet we'll find that those geezers had enough gold without ever doing anything, they weren't after us for our valuables, and again, they'd have no reason to lie like that, and no reason mentioning Reno would trigger them. The Nord said he killed Jolly Roger. This turns out to be true... That means he didn't kill the real Jolly Roger, or not one at all. I am quite convinced of this, Nerwen."

We called them pirates, but who is to say truly that they had taken ships at sea? The mer-squid-thing in the bar said Reno talked about a secret past as a pirate, but again, how much of that might be drunken boasting? The sailors certainly worked for Reno in the past, and yes he is covering his trail but that does not prove anything, and certainly does not amount to iron clad evidence Eric must be lying.

And if he is, so what? If Reno was or is Jolly Roger, that gives us more leads to follow, not less. Eric would not be the first hero to lie about the success of his quest, I am sure you heard about the debacle that was the pursuit of that Wolfgang thief.

By all means, hit Eric if you need to and you think you can best him. Or refuse to trust his word, or whatever. As for the quest, if you have a reasonable suggestion about what we should do make it, with justification. But do not merely mope about complaining that people are not trusting you or that the quest is hopeless.

[Scubacarrot]

"You misunderstand, I have every intention of bringing this to a good end, but I don't think we are finding a lost brother, we are hunting a dangerous criminal. We don't have iron clad evidence, but the words of men with no reason to lie. I will follow your judgement Nerwen, and as I said, my suggestion is to head to the Fort, if Reno has left Eubric, we'd need to follow. And if there's anywhere we might find the location of the Weregator's ship, it's there, the Bonaparte probably have records. I have heard those rumours same as you, but that he's not the only one doesn't make it right... You're in charge, Nerwen."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen smiled at the troubled raider.

Even dangerous criminals have families that care for them. Our job is merely to find him, not to judge if he ought be found.

Nerwen exhaled slowly

There is much the houses do that is concerned only with their own power. Clearly Reno has chosen to step outside his family's strictures. If the weregators are helping Reno, no doubt he has ways to shield them from his family's attention. I think it unlikely that the information we need will be found at the fort.

But I am certain that you will have your chance to speak to Reno before this quest is done. I will make it so.

[Scubacarrot]

"I hope you are right, back to the bar, then."

[Sandy]

EDIT: Nevermind, it seems your plans have changed.

The party returns to the Merry Mermaid. The squidman and the fishman are still sitting in their table, as is the young sailor, holding his head and staring at a cup of strong coffee. Cuttler the bartender scowls at the heroes, but Mariel gives them a beaming smile. She has apparently abandoned her eyepatch.

Party:

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

44 year old male human Raider

Level 23 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Blinded

,

Darkness

and

Ice

*

Power:

54

(23+28+3)

, 35 for ranged attacks

(23+9+3)

Health:

36/36

(7+22+7)

Gold:

216

Equipment:

Lifestealer (WP: 28,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice; immunity to

asleep

-,

confused

- and

blinded

-effects and to

darkness

and

ice

-elements; footwear), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power; immunity to

weakened

-effect; handwear), Spiked Collar (+1 Power; accessory)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, intimidation; halberd), Fafnir (WP:14; greatsword), Throwing Knife (WP:9, light-elemental; retrievable), Throwing Axe (WP:5; retrievable), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow; dagger), 10 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 10 Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essence, 9 Mead, 9 Smelling Salts, 9 Nostrum, Metasimian Ale, 5 Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venom, 2 Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shard

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord Raider

Level 21 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*

Immune to Fragile

*

*Evasion*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

40

(21+19)

Defense:

5

Health:

39/39

(8+20+7+4)

Gold:

189

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP:19;

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter with strength equal to their level after getting hit by a Free Hit; handwear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immunity to fragile; bodywear)

Inventory:

Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; dual strike, Lightning-elemental; axe), Sticky Gloves (+50% gold from stealing), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, inflicts cursed; retrievable); 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8; retrievable), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 12 Grand Potions, Venom, 10 Meads, 9 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb,

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

***Party Leader***

262 year old female Elven Shaman

Level 17 1/2

*Immune to Sealed*

Power:

26

(17+9)

Defense:

3

Health:

34/34

(9+16+6+3)

Ether:

26/27

(5+16+1+3)

Gold:

81

Equipment:

Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), Robe of the Archmage(SP:3, Max.Ether+5, immunity to sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (+3 Max Health; backwear)

Inventory:

Magical Staff (WP:14,

water

-elemental, staff), Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory),

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Ruby

, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs , Bone, Shovel, Bedroll

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen speaks to the mer-squid-thing

The weregator's ship. What is it called?

If they do not have an answer, she asks Cuttler, Mariel and hangover-boy in turn, until she gets one.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts quickly drinks a Nostrum, a Smelling Salts and a Mead.

[Sandy]

The weregator's ship. What is it called?

"*gurgle* *splut* The weregators, huh? They arrived on one of them Chiman ships, a type of a junk. What was it called again...? *slurp*"

"El Alligaléon, cap'n."

"Ah, now I remember! The ship is El Alligaléon! It is painted dirty green and has all sort of barbaric ornaments, it should not be that hard to find."

Party:

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

44 year old male human Raider

Level 23 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Blinded

,

Darkness

and

Ice

*

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

Power:

54

(23+28+3)

, 35 for ranged attacks

(23+9+3)

Health:

36/36

(7+22+7)

Gold:

216

Equipment:

Lifestealer (WP: 28,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice; immunity to

asleep

-,

confused

- and

blinded

-effects and to

darkness

and

ice

-elements; footwear), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power; immunity to

weakened

-effect; handwear), Spiked Collar (+1 Power; accessory)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, intimidation; halberd), Fafnir (WP:14; greatsword), Throwing Knife (WP:9, light-elemental; retrievable), Throwing Axe (WP:5; retrievable), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow; dagger), 10 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 10 Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essence, 8 Mead, 8 Smelling Salts, 8 Nostrum, Metasimian Ale, 5 Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venom, 2 Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shard

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord Raider

Level 21 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*

Immune to Fragile

*

*Evasion*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

40

(21+19)

Defense:

5

Health:

39/39

(8+20+7+4)

Gold:

189

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP:19;

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter with strength equal to their level after getting hit by a Free Hit; handwear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immunity to fragile; bodywear)

Inventory:

Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; dual strike, Lightning-elemental; axe), Sticky Gloves (+50% gold from stealing), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, inflicts cursed; retrievable); 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8; retrievable), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 12 Grand Potions, Venom, 10 Meads, 9 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb,

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

***Party Leader***

262 year old female Elven Shaman

Level 17 1/2

*Immune to Sealed*

Power:

26

(17+9)

Defense:

3

Health:

34/34

(9+16+6+3)

Ether:

26/27

(5+16+1+3)

Gold:

81

Equipment:

Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), Robe of the Archmage(SP:3, Max.Ether+5, immunity to sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (+3 Max Health; backwear)

Inventory:

Magical Staff (WP:14,

water

-elemental, staff), Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory),

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Ruby

, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs , Bone, Shovel, Bedroll

[Scubacarrot]

"Much appreciated. Let's go."