Heroica RPG - Quest #70: The Syndicate

[Kintobor]

"Boomingham, pass me that note you found."

After looking it over the light bulb over Karie's head turns on.

"Do you remember biting your master?"

[Endgame]

One of the dogs seem appalled by the concept.

<Bite the master...?! No, but you're going to be next in line!!>

The other one foams at the mouth over the idea, angered by the party's intrusions.

<ROOOAARRWLLRGH!>

However... fighting the spasms and the twitches, one dog shambles in front of the others, pleading in his eyes. He looks up at the party as if sorrowful, hardly standing up on his shaking legs. He whimpers, and, fighting the drug's hold over him, says:

<Yes.>

What will the party do?

[Kintobor]

Karie shows the note to the rest of the party, highlighting the important part.

IMPORTANT!

If you wish to take some drugs from the safes, sign your names here. Those who are caught pilfering without their name and/or taking more then one dip from the supply in a month will lose their pickpocketing profits... among other things.

-Lupus

-Alfred

-Wolfmire

-Wulfric

-Rose

-Lythor

-Gregor

-Samantha

NOTE: Not for me. Damn mutt bit me, so I'm spiking his food as a bit of punishment. Should teach the stupid dog.

"The black one bit this individual who added the notice on the sheet. The tense used, such as "stupid mutt", and "stupid dog" suggest the owner didn't enjoy the dogs company. My money's on Arrow being the black dog, but I don't want to be the one to remedy him in case I'm wrong."

[Flipz]

"Good work, Karie."

Arthur uncaps a Remedy and pours it into a small wooden bowl before approaching the black dog. "Arrow? Here, boy. This should help you feel better."

[Shoker86]

"Good job Karie, you have eye for theese things"

[Endgame]

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 Years Old, Human, Level 24 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened*

Power: 37 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 17/45 (+2*)

Ether: 22/23

Gold: 113

Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 10, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to Boomingham's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, immunity to sleep and weakened, accessory) ****Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power)

Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Bedroll, 3 Meads, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Marksman's Monocle, Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, 1 Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing, Garnet, Sapphire, Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Admantite Shard, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Pixie Dust

Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 24 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate]

Power: 37 (24 + WP:13)

Health: 34/36 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*)

Ether: 26/34 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1029 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur,)

Equipment: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Overkill Gloves

Inventory:

Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), 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, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), 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: Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves, Sticky Gloves

Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth),

Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, 2x Scroll of Sealing (1x Lent to De'kra), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 2x Scroll of Frailty (1x Lent to Nyx), 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.), Scroll of Weakening,

Consumables: Grand Potion x4, Remedy x8, Elixir x3, Nostrum x 4, Smelling Salts x 5, Mead x 4, Jinxy Juice x2, Ether Core, 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, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb, Grand Tonic, Double Rainbow

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor)

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 11.5

Power: 17 (lvl 11 + WP: 6)

Health: 17/17

Gold: 217

Defence: 0

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear. ), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect)

Inventory: Potion (4), Mead (3), Remedy (2), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1)

Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male human Rogue

Level 10

Power: 19 (9+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 16/16 (7+9)

Gold: 144

Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round)

Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious.

Unknown age male human ranger

Level 10

Power: 16

Health: 13/15

Gold: 98

Equipment: Bow(WP:5), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear)

Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x5, Remedy x3, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion

The black dog slowly creeps towards Arthur, still recognizing Arthur's outfit despite his stupor. He laps up the remedy given to him, emptying the bowl in seconds. A fog seems to lift in his eyes, the shaking stopping as the healing brew enters his system. He walks up to Arthur and licks his face once, curling up next to the Town Watch patrolman. He looks around the dismal alley, seemingly glad all the bodies are gone. He looks into the eyes of each and every party member before turning to Arthur and asking:

<What... what's going on?>

[Flipz]

Arthur strokes the dog soothingly. "You were poisoned in the line of duty. Drugged by a dangerous criminal named the Stealer of Senses. You were lucky...the other Watchmen were killed. I was sent down here with a team of Heroes from Heroica Hall to investigate and take out the Wolfgang armory--and I think we've all just added taking out this Stealer character to our itinerary. What about you, though? Do you feel fit for duty? If not, we could definitely make use of a messenger back to the Barracks."

[Endgame]

Arrow cocks his head.

<Stealer of Senses? Umm... I don't think that was what happened... I wasn't getting along with the wolfgang dogs, so the wolfgang member who was tending to the dogs kicked me. I bit her, and then she grumbled about something when she got my food. It must've been drugged... of course, the other dogs, being the greedy beasts they were, stole some of my food too. Eventually, we all ended up as high as a kite. No Stealer of Senses involved. It was a woman who did it, not even a man...>

Arrow's ears perk up when the Armory is mentioned.

<Armory?>

Edited June 8, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Karie couldn't tell if Arthur was upset or not. Was it worth talking to him? Would he inquire about the Apprentice? Should she just try and avoid him for the remainder of the job?

"Arthur, are you okay?"

Edited June 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Flipz]

"Hmm...interesting. Still, why would the Stealer's minions try to keep us out of here if this is Wolfgang turf? Unless they're working together..."

"Yes, one Watchman who managed to get out alive told us that the Wolfgang have an armory nearby. The Heroes and I are tasked with raiding and destroying it."

[Endgame]

The dog wags his tail, happy to help a fellow officer.

<I've been in the armory once - they have this big steel door thingy, and this weird machine with 9 buttons on it. The wolfgang member pressed the top right, the top left, the middle, then the bottom right button. After that, it opened.

Useful?>

[Flipz]

Karie couldn't tell if Arthur was upset or not. Was it worth talking to him? Would he inquire about the Apprentice? Should she just try and avoid him for the remainder of the job?

"Arthur, are you okay?"

"...marginally. Arnulf explained a few things about the Stealer...and the Watchmen he kidnapped. Apart from that, though..." Arthur shrugged and turned back to Arrow. He didn't know what to make of Karie--she had proven remarkably useful thus far...but if she was leading them into a trap, that's exactly how she'd have to behave. For all he knew, she knew who Arrow was the whole time, and she just made up a chain of logic to hide her tracks, though even he had to admit that was a little silly.

Still, there was only one thing he knew for sure: She hates the Stealer. A lot. Which means if he's working with the Wolfgang, she's either loyal, or a Wolfgang defector. He'd have to wait until he had more information before he could trust her...especially given the resemblance. Violetta...why'd you have to be so charismatic? Why couldn't the Wolfgang be faceless thugs like the other ones in that alley? Why'd you have to make this so difficult?

"Arrow, these other dogs--what were the Wolfgang using them for? Are they a threat to us and/or the city? Or should we just leave them here?"

The dog wags his tail, happy to help a fellow officer.

<I've been in the armory once - they have this big steel door thingy, and this weird machine with 9 buttons on it. The wolfgang member pressed the top right, the top left, the middle, then the bottom right button. After that, it opened.

Useful?>

"Very useful, Arrow. Good boy."

[Shoker86]

"Good job, so it's time to raid the Armory and find out what is happening" Arnulf stepped down lately, trying to observe more. Something is going beetween Arthur and Karie. Tension. "Time to go, we did what we could for those departed guardsmen"

[Endgame]

Arrow seemed to murmur...

<The Wolfgang sometimes takes them out to help convince their targets. Pretty sure the dark brown one might have rabies...

Is there any message you'd like me to carry back, Arthur? I'm not sure whether or not they'll be a ranger back at the HQ, but it can't hurt. I don't feel well enough to go back into the fray yet...>

Despite the drugs being purged, the poor dog still seemed to wobble.

[Kintobor]

"Apart from what?" If you're stressed out I understand, Arthur. I am too, but still, if somethings on your mind it's best to come out with it."

Karie was perhaps being somewhat of a hypocrite, but she at least was taking Romulus's advice to some degree.

[Flipz]

Arrow seemed to murmur...

<The Wolfgang sometimes takes them out to help convince their targets. Pretty sure the dark brown one might have rabies...

Is there any message you'd like me to carry back, Arthur? I'm not sure whether or not they'll be a ranger back at the HQ, but it can't hurt. I don't feel well enough to go back into the fray yet...>

Despite the drugs being purged, the poor dog still seemed to wobble.

"Yes, tell Lieutenant Lilith Etenant that a dangerous criminal called the Stealer of Senses is somehow involved in this affair--a man responsible for the disappearance of four Watchment some time ago. Warn her to be ready. Here, I'll write a note you can take back as well, just in case the Watchmen don't have a Ranger available."

"Apart from what?" If you're stressed out I understand, Arthur. I am too, but still, if somethings on your mind it's best to come out with it."

Karie was perhaps being somewhat of a hypocrite, but she at least was taking Romulus's advice to some degree.

"I have my worries about the future. Only time will tell if they are well-founded." He spoke cryptically, but he had no other choice. Until he knew for sure what was going on, he couldn't take any unnecessary risks; no matter how charismatic the woman was, the fact remained that she was tied up in this business somehow, and he had to learn the truth--and people lied. All too often, as it happened. This is going to get worse before it gets better, isn't it?

"Once Arrow is safely away, we need to take out these mutts. They're being used for criminal ends, and from their attitudes I don't think they can be rehabilitated. Damn Violetta and her animal charms."

Edited June 8, 2013 by Flipz

[Kintobor]

"I have my worries about the future. Only time will tell if they are well-founded."

"I guess the feelings are mutual. We should get going once everyone's ready. We could poison them, or one of us could put them out with a weapon."

Karie downs a mead.

Edited June 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Shoker86]

Arnulf takes the mead

[Endgame]

Arthur writes a note for the dog, the trained hound carefully securing the parchment with his teeth. He speaks through the envelope:

<Ohhffkaayff. I'llf taffke thisff letterf to Liliff asf fquick asf pasiffible."

And with that, with a slight limp, Arrow scampers off.

The party looks down at the two frothing mutts, the drugs practically numbing their minds. It was no telling whether or not they'd even survive the trip they were taking... Arthur takes out his Opal and engulfs the two dogs in a sudden burst of ice, their movements halting instantly. It was a rather peaceful end compared to the one they were experiencing.

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 Years Old, Human, Level 24 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened*

Power: 37 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 17/45 (+2*)

Ether: 22/23

Gold: 113

Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 10, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to Boomingham's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, immunity to sleep and weakened, accessory) ****Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power)

Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Bedroll, 3 Meads, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Marksman's Monocle, Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, 1 Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing, Garnet, Sapphire, Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Admantite Shard, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Pixie Dust

Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 24 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate]

Power: 37 (24 + WP:13)

Health: 34/36 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*)

Ether: 26/34 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1029 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur,)

Equipment: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Overkill Gloves

Inventory:

Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), 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, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), 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: Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves, Sticky Gloves

Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth),

Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, 2x Scroll of Sealing (1x Lent to De'kra), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 2x Scroll of Frailty (1x Lent to Nyx), 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.), Scroll of Weakening,

Consumables: Grand Potion x4, Remedy x8, Elixir x3, Nostrum x 4, Smelling Salts x 5, Mead x 4, Jinxy Juice x2, Ether Core, 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, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb, Grand Tonic, Double Rainbow

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor)

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 11.5 *Encouraged!*

Power: 17 (lvl 11 + WP: 6)

Health: 17/17

Gold: 217

Defence: 0

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear. ), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect)

Inventory: Potion (4), Mead (2), Remedy (2), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1)

Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male human Rogue *Encouraged!*

Level 10

Power: 19 (9+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 16/16 (7+9)

Gold: 144

Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round)

Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 1 Meads, Smelling Salts

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious.

Unknown age male human ranger

Level 10

Power: 16

Health: 13/15

Gold: 98

Equipment: Bow(WP:5), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear)

Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x5, Remedy x3, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion

QM Note: Need 10-15 minutes to prepare the next scene, and I'll move you guys there (since this clearing is now finished.) We may meet The Stealer tonight, folks!

[Endgame]

QM Note: A smidge longer then 15 minutes, but...

With their business done in this corner of the alley, the party retreats back to the junction.. With the drug depot looted and devoid of anything but a few boxes, the party takes the other path. They walk through another set of disgusting alleyways, stepping over trash and mud among other things. The alleys slither left and right like serpents, thankfully devoid of saboteurs. The sun has nearly completed its descent at this point, night minutes away.

They reach the Portcullis described to them by Arrow. If the dog was right, the Armory was not too far now... The party's stomachs twist into a knot as they realize the Armory is the only place he could be. Thankfully, they were almost done spelunking through these passages, the Sceleris Alleys being more disgusting then expected.

A glowing console sits next to the sturdy steel portcullis. It houses 9 buttons, arranged into a 3 by 3 grid:

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

A small display sits above the keypad, asking for 4 letters.

[Kintobor]

"Well, here goes nothing..."

Karie presses three, one, five, and then nine.

OOC: Of course, we can't make button pushing too easy, can we?

Edited June 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

QM Note: Number string, please? I just wanted to complicate your lives a bit more, so I didn't let Arrow give you the numerical code... that, and dogs can't read.

[Flipz]

"All right, everyone, time to ready up..."

Arthur drinks a Mead, Smelling Salts, and Nostrum before inputting the code Arrow had given them: 3, 1, 5, 9.

[Shoker86]

"3 1 5 9, that's what the dog said, top right, top left, middle, bottom right" Arthur was faster "Yep, that's the combinaton, Arthur should i down the smelling salts?"

Edited June 8, 2013 by Shoker86

[Flipz]

"Save it. I doubt this will be our last fight."