Heroica RPG - Quest #69: The Hook on the Other Hand

[Dannylonglegs]

"Aye. Cheap place and few rats, hah. Best employer? Most of my business is protectin' trade caravans bound for other cities overland or seas. As for the best, any one that can serve a decent drink on the road."

Sylph leaned back, looking around, subtly checking to see what the others were doing. Most of them were in conversation at this point. Good. If only someone would talk to the bartender now... And where was that hooded woman?...

"So, 'notice anything strange going on in this inn? I just got in, but I heard some strange whispers when I was checking out my room... Whispers about... Blue Assassins in this inn... That red-garbed babe and someone else were talking about it. Pretty wierd. 'You hear anything about that, or see anything?"

Soryx appraises Erik with beady yellow eyes.

"Perhaps you could. If you could help me gain entrance to his room, it would move things along and lower the risk of collateral damage significantly. I can show you to the door and its lock whenever you are prepared, but I must warn you we are sure to have a fight on our hands if we enter. Perhaps you have companions to assist us," Soryx suggested, casting an eye towards Dreyugr and Sylph, obviously suspicious of their true occupations.

OoC: This seems promising...

Edited May 26, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Palathadric]

After that, he ambled quickly but casually upstairs to Pretzel, and told him the same thing.

"Excellent, Erik! While I doubt the necromancer could be the assassin, ridding the world of those who bring up demons is never a bad thing. Funny. I found that man rather suspicious when I first looked at him, but perhaps it's just his helmet that would drive people away from. I trundle down the steps and glance around the room. Everyone is in conversation. I look towards the barkeep and grimace.

Talking with demons. I'd rather die! But, I suppose, it has to be done.

I walk up to the barkeep.

"Got a drink for a weary old man. Perhaps something to raise the spirit."

[Dannylonglegs]

If we fight the Necromancer, he's bound to be Dark or summon Demons/undeads, so, to that effect, I think that we should pass a few weapons around before then. Dreyrugr should get Erik's unused Lightning Sword (as much as it pains me to see my Crow-Claw dagger unused. ) and Nessa should get my Merry Bow (Again with the pain.) and Dreyrugr's Pseudos Hood. The rest of us can Damage Undeads, Darks and Demons, with Pretzel being the best at it. Make sure someone tells me that we're fighting a Necromancer IC so that I can relay this info... Unless someone wants to take over the strategy angle, in which case they could suggest it IC.

Edited May 26, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[CMP]

"The world truly is in a sad state of affairs. Selkreeth, do you mind pointing him out for me? What was the nature of the fight?"

Boris tilted his head towards the orange woman chatting with Nessa.

"Couldn't say, sir, but when the dust cleared the dreadlocked fellow was through the wall and out the building. Quillius only just started repairing the hole."

"May I ask you what kind of business you are attending here?"

"Getting a job on behalf of rest of my-" She paused. "Why so interested, khrnmalv?"

Sylph leaned back, looking around, subtly checking to see what the others were doing. Most of them were in conversation at this point. Good. If only someone would talk to the bartender now... And where was that hooded woman?...

"So, 'notice anything strange going on in this inn? I just got in, but I heard some strange whispers when I was checking out my room... Whispers about... Blue Assassins in this inn... That red-garbed babe and someone else were talking about it. Pretty wierd. 'You hear anything about that, or see anything?"

"Not much strange, the snake guy over there's been hanging' around quite a lot and hasn't drunk a thing, always on edge like he'll be attacked. I ain't heard nothing about any Blue Assassins, but ye'd best keep yer nose clean of anyone who deals with them."

"Excellent, Erik! While I doubt the necromancer could be the assassin, ridding the world of those who bring up demons is never a bad thing. Funny. I found that man rather suspicious when I first looked at him, but perhaps it's just his helmet that would drive people away from. I trundle down the steps and glance around the room. Everyone is in conversation. I look towards the barkeep and grimace.

Talking with demons. I'd rather die! But, I suppose, it has to be done.

I walk up to the barkeep.

"Got a drink for a weary old man. Perhaps something to raise the spirit."

The hairy fellow looked up.

"What kinda drinksir?"

The Inn of the Winking Gargoyle

Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 43 gold.

Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 23 gold.

Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 48 gold.

Rum - The favorite drink of any common pirate, giving it to them makes them your friend. Does not work on pirate leaders, though. Costs 7 gold.

[Dannylonglegs]

"Not much strange, the snake guy over there's been hanging' around quite a lot and hasn't drunk a thing, always on edge like he'll be attacked. I ain't heard nothing about any Blue Assassins, but ye'd best keep yer nose clean of anyone who deals with them."

"You mean the red skull headed guy? Yeah, I don't like the looks of 'im either. What about the orange... lady? is she a lodger?" Sylph asked, then lowered his voice so that the Bard couldn't hear "...and is that bard a regular? I'm no fan of bag-pipes." Sylph chuckled.

OoC: Double Negative. So he has heard something about Blue Assassins...

Edited May 26, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[herrJJ]

"Oh, I am just interested in the things around me looking for some new deals. You know life for a travelling sales-woman is hard. And the name is Nessa. By the way what is your name?"

OOC: "We don't need no education" *sing*

Edited May 26, 2013 by herrJJ

[CMP]

"You mean the red skull headed guy? Yeah, I don't like the looks of 'im either. What about the orange... lady? is she a lodger?" Sylph asked, then lowered his voice so that the Bard couldn't hear "...and is that bard a regular? I'm no fan of bag-pipes." Sylph chuckled.

OoC: Double Negative. So he has heard something about Blue Assassins...

Maybe that's just how clean he wants to keep his nose.

Natnail threw a venomous glare at the orange woman.

"No, she don't live here. Started coming around a week or two ago and hasn't stopped since. Bard's been here for a while, and I can't agree more, awful racket that bastard makes."

"Oh, I am just interested in the things around me looking for some new deals. You know life for a travelling sales-woman is hard. And the name is Nessa. By the way what is your name?"

OOC: "We don't need no education" *sing*

Hah.

"Zasies. I'm just here to pick up work."

[Dannylonglegs]

Maybe that's just how clean he wants to keep his nose.

Natnail threw a venomous glare at the orange woman.

"No, she don't live here. Started coming around a week or two ago and hasn't stopped since. Bard's been here for a while, and I can't agree more, awful racket that bastard makes."

"Looks like you got a beef with her." Noted Sylph in response to his glare. "What'd she do? Why's she hang around?"

Edited May 26, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Myrddyn]

Erik walks over to Sylph, waits until the dreadlocked man has spoken, and lowers his voice. "Don't s'pose you'd like to fight a Necromancer?"

[CMP]

"Looks like you got a beef with her." Noted Sylph in response to his glare. "What'd she do? Why's she hang around?"

"Why don't you go ask her yerself?" snapped the sellsword, taking a swig from his drink and turning his glare onto Sylph.

[Dannylonglegs]

"Why don't you go ask her yerself?" snapped the sellsword, taking a swig from his drink and turning his glare onto Sylph.

"Woah pal, I ain't looking for no trouble!" Stated Sylph backing up, hands up non-threateningly. "I'll be off then, I've got some business to attend. Nice talking with you." He backed up into Erik. Erik whispered in his ear.

Erik walks over to Sylph, waits until the dreadlocked man has spoken, and lowers his voice. "Don't s'pose you'd like to fight a Necromancer?"

Sylph turned his back from Natnail and walked with Erik to the foot of the stairs.

"What'd you say? A Necromancer?" Queried Sylph. "Hmmm." He surveyed the roof, checking to see how well equipped the party was. "No.. that won't do.. Hmm. That looks like it might work..." He mumbled to himself. "Ok, when we get a chance, we're going to have to switch some equipment. Necromancers are often embued with darkness, and tend to summon undeads and the like. In order to make sure we can hit them both, You're going to have to lend your lightning sword to Dreyrugr, and I'm going to have to lend my Merry Bow to Nessa. She'll in turn need to borrow the Pseudos Hood that Dreyrugr is carrying. The Monk and I can heal undead, and you've got an elemental weapon, so after that, we should be fine." Stated Sylph. Sylph then waited for the other conversations to conclude...

Edited May 26, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[herrJJ]

"Just to pick up work..." Nessa repeated. "You won't going to tell me about it? I know I am very curious but perhaps I might help you. Deal?"

[Palathadric]

As the barkeep, pulls out his drinks, I say,

"Hey, how much are the rooms around here? It seems like a relatively affordable place should I need to stop by again one of these days? Are all of these folks around staying or are they just using your bar? Some of them seem a bit undesirable to acquaint one's self with, if you understand my meaning."

I turn away and pretend to be looking at the others at bar, but I can't keep myself from casting a dirty look the werewolf's way. Hopefully, he won't notice.

[CMP]

"Just to pick up work..." Nessa repeated. "You won't going to tell me about it? I know I am very curious but perhaps I might help you. Deal?"

"I'm to pick up shipping contracts, khrnmalv. Unless you need something shipped, you can not help."

As the barkeep, pulls out his drinks, I say,

"Hey, how much are the rooms around here? It seems like a relatively affordable place should I need to stop by again one of these days? Are all of these folks around staying or are they just using your bar? Some of them seem a bit undesirable to acquaint one's self with, if you understand my meaning."

I turn away and pretend to be looking at the others at bar, but I can't keep myself from casting a dirty look the werewolf's way. Hopefully, he won't notice.

"Fifty coins a night."

[herrJJ]

"Well perhaps I need something to be shipped to Eubric. Would that be a problem?"

[Vash the Stampede]

Boris tilted his head towards the orange woman chatting with Nessa.

"Couldn't say, sir, but when the dust cleared the dreadlocked fellow was through the wall and out the building. Quillius only just started repairing the hole."

Dreyrugr whistled. "I'll remember to stay on her good side. Hmmmm. Bar fights, different species, powerful tenants. It's not much but I might be able to make a story with this. Thank you good sir." Dreyrugr gives the bard another coin.

"I see you carry weapons. Don't suppose you'd like a bit of exercise?"

"Exercise? I probably should, there aren't many times one has to opportunity to keep their fighting skills sharp and you never know when that next bandit attack will come. It was mostly business but it was nice talking with you bard." Dreyrugr walks with Erik out of earshot.

Before casually walking with Dreyrugr out of earshot of any nearby non-heroes to quickly relay Soryx' message, as well as asking him to forward it to Sylph and Nessa if he got the chance.

"Necromancer? Demon Hunter? Probably explains the welcoming I got. Hmmmmm, unlikely as it seems do you think that the Demon Hunter would allow us a brief use of the necromancers services. It really would be useful for us if dead men DID tell tales."

Dreyrugr leaves Erik and goes to see Nessa still talking with the orange creature. Dreyrugr walks past and whispers "Necromancer, uptairs" before he continues to the stairs and travels up to the next floor to wait.

[CMP]

"Well perhaps I need something to be shipped to Eubric. Would that be a problem?"

"What's the cargo?"

[herrJJ]

"I thought the cargo is nothing the Transporter has to know about... Well, it is finest cloth, very rare. The last of it - for a long time." Dreyrugr came to Nessa and told her about an upcoming confrontation. "Just think about it. I have to attend a business meeting with Rorik, a merchant. My assistant here told me, he is ready. After that I will return to you. We could exchange some more details for the delivery then. Until later." Nessa left Zasies puzzled, with more questions unanswered than being answered. Perhaps she would be more talkative the next time.

Nessa grouped up with the rest of the heroes upstairs. "So what do we have? Necromancer, oh gees. My weapon might not be the best for this kind of action."

[Vash the Stampede]

Nessa grouped up with the rest of the heroes upstairs. "So what do we have? Necromancer, oh gees. My weapon might not be the best for this kind of action."

"Neither is mine so we'll have to mix and match. Here you can borrow my hood. I'd figured it would come in handy again."

[CMP]

The party assembled at the foot of the stairs, followed by the strange demon hunter.

"Excellent. You can trade your equipment once we reach the room...we may be waiting for some time anyway before engaging the target."

Soryx Dourskull joins the party.

Party

Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, (Played by Palathdaric)

463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin *Party Leader*

Level: 16

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 12

Health: 36/36

Ether: 25/25

Gold: 250

Equipment: Cross of Light (WP:10; Light; Staff), Fashionable Shield (SP:7), Ethereal Cloak (Backwear; SP:2; Max Ether +4), Tricorn (Headwear; SP:3)

Inventory: Heavy Flail (WP: 5; deals "Fragile" effect; Mace), Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness, Fire, Wind; Broomstick), Steak (WP:1, instantly kills vampires on successful hits, suitable for all), Potion (2), Grand Potion (4), Tonic, Grand Tonic (2), Ether Core (2), Remedy (2), Soma, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Venom (2), Deadly Venom (5), Paralyzing Venom (2), Smoke Bomb (5), Holy Bomb, Commerz Cannonball, Scroll of Sealing, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), Bone (3), Tasty Pretzel (Consumable) - 1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption., , Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle)

Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn)

19 years old male human barbarian. *Inspired* *Sealed, 4 rounds* *Immune to Fragile*

Level: 12.5

Power Bonus: 7 under a negative effect

Defense: 4

Health: 19/19

Gold: 6

Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, Earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.)

Inventory: Voltedge (WP: 13, Lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Spear (WP: 9, spear), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual-strike, axe), 2 Death Progg claws, 4 Bones, Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Mead, Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear)

Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede)

1000 year old Male Vampire Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water and Fire*

Level: 16

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 9

Health: 36/36

Gold: 5

Equipment: Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack, Darkness), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Impervious Shield (SP: 5) (Grants immunity to Fire)

Inventory: Venom x4, Bedroll, Remedy, Smelling Salts x3, Mead x2, Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), Net (if used in combat, 1/3 chance to slow enemy, 1/3 chance to be useless, 1/3 chance slow self, lasts 3 rounds, retrievable),Nostrum x2, Throwing Dagger (WP:3) Fauxthril Scythe (WP:5), Bone, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Soma, Mulled Wine

Nessa Anárion

59 years old female elven Ranger

Level: 13

Power Bonus: 1 WP, + 3 to Werewolf, +4 to Aquatic Vermin

Defense: 2

Health: 19/19

Gold: 9

Equipment: Darkness Silver Crossbow with Raven-Slayer Bolts and Newty Mag (WP: 8, darkness elemental _{(WP: +3 vs. werefolk (removable)) (WP: +4 vs. Aquatic vermin (removable) (usable by ex-Amphibians only)}), Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1), Ranger's Cowl (SP: 2, usable by Rangers only (Headwear))

Inventory: Bedroll, Magic Compass, Venom (3), Nostrum (2), Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, 8 Potions, Psuedos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks)

Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs)

unknown age, unknown race Druid *Immune to Sealed*

Level: 22.66

Power Bonus: 1 WP

Defense: 3

Health: 38/38

Ether: 30/30

Gold: 77

Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 10, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear; SP: 3; Max Ether +5, immune to "Sealed")

Inventory: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Ice Armour, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, 4 Tonics, 1 Venom, 1 Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 1 Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Floral Bomb, 6 Bones, Trial Brew x3, Helmet (Max. health +1), Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Emerald, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding,Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Journal of The Wound, Suffering's Journal

Soryx Dourskull (NPC, controlled by Myrddyn)

42 years old male wereviper Hunter *Immune to Darkness and Hexed* *Favors Demons*

Level: 15

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 6

Health: 30/30

Gold: 107

Equipment: Vanquisher (WP: 10, light, ice, and lightning elemental, greatsword), Darksteel Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, max health +3, immune to darkness, bodywear), Talisman of Enlightment (Suitable for anyone, immune to hexed, accessory)

The heroes, led by their new companion, head upstairs. Soryx pauses outside one of the doors in the hall. There's a grinning skull hanging from the doorknob, covering up whatever lock there might be.

"Here we are," he mutters softly. "Any moment now..."

The skull suddenly clicks its hinged jaw, and begins to speak in a comedic, disturbingly bright voice, as if practiced.

“Welcome back Master! You’re home early

Forgive my excitement, I missed you sorely.

Just like you asked, I have riddles made up

You know, to ensure it’s really you, not some nut.”

“’Elements mean everything, especially to a mage

Armed with the rights ones, your opponents will rage.

None are like others, each has its strength and its flaws

Which four combined have, of the latter, none at all?”

[Vash the Stampede]

"Here we are," he mutters softly. "Any moment now..."

"I'm going to assume you've been here a while therefore we can guess as many times as we like. And what exactly does it mean by 'of the latter'."

Edit: Because I've figured out what it meant.

"I'd say ice, wood, earth and lightning."

Edited May 27, 2013 by Vash the Stampede

[Myrddyn]

Erik lends Voltedge to Dreyrugr.

"It won't be light and/or darkness, I suspect. Only seven to chose from, really."

[Vash the Stampede]

Erik lends Voltedge to Dreyrugr.

"It won't be light and/or darkness, I suspect. Only seven to chose from, really."

"Thank you. Very nice sword. A bit heavier than I'm used to." Dreyrugr accepts the sword and equips it. "I've already submitted my answer to the riddle. Now just to wait and see if the door will respond."

Dreyrugr then looks inside his bag. The only things that look potentially useful were the venoms he had. These venoms are weak. Although it's better than nothing. Might make the enemy flinch a little. Dreyrugr envenoms voltedge.

[herrJJ]

"Thank you, Dreyrugr. I will unequip my quiver and equip the Pseusos hood."

[Dannylonglegs]

Sylph followed the party up. "Nessa, here, take my Merry Bow." Stated Sylph, handing her the bow. "Darkness isn't particularly useful against Demons."