Heroica RPG - Quest #70: The Syndicate

[Flipz]

"We told you. We're here to take this Wolfgang warehouse out of commission. Seeing as we have already determined the fates of the missing Watchmen--beyond the four whose lives you ruined, as if you cared--that is the remainder of our mission in its entirety. Unless you'd like us to make arresting you our mission. Which I would be very happy to arrange, after all, we have more than enough to take you into custody. In fact, the only reason it hasn't happened yet is that I'm expecting a trap or a backstabbing of some sort, and I'd prefer not to wander blindly into it. Now, we told you why we're here--you can return the favor now. Unless you're feeling vulnerable about your activities, in which case I'll happily crush this entire place into powder with us in it to prevent your mad schemes."

[Endgame]

The party can hear something resembling a chuckle from The Stealer.

"I do believe I said no more questions, but I suppose I could entertain a few. I think your sorcerer will be quite vexed to learn that he actually has nothing to convict me on... unless defeating criminals is an act worthy of getting one behind bars.

I have lived in Eubric for most of my life, heroes. The bustling streets, flooded with people... people of every ethnicity and race mingling in one place. Some had it better then others, but overall, many would say this hive of activity would be lively. I disagree. There is no life in this corrupt city. There are people going about their business, yes, wandering these Ennoc forsaken streets, but there is no life. Only noise. Unending, unrelenting noise. There is no place in this city where one can live without being effected by the quarrels of the houses, the bickering of the wolfgang and the town watch. All would eventually get tangled into one web of deceit or another. I lost my entire family to the noise... my parents got tangled into the Wolfgang's web, and my aunt and uncle followed suit. Even my cousin, better known as The Apprentice, went mad because of all of the noise. For somet ime, it consumed me too. I worked under my parents in the Wolfgang... my kill count was in the double digits before I was even seven.

After those I loved were eventually crushed under the noise of this city, I realized something. I realized that happiness lives in a quiet world. That one truly prospers living a simple life, free from all of the corruption and greed Olegaia. Free from the noise, so to speak. It is all I ever wanted... but I'm too far beyond that point now. The simple life is too far out of my grasp, I fear - though that doesn't mean I cannot give it to someone else."

The Stealer gets on one knee, looking at the scattered wolfgang before them.

"Some might say I have something of a vendetta against the Wolfgang. Perhaps I do. But the majority of the Wolfgang is not to blame... their ideals are twisted by someone higher up on the chain of command, abused by the higher ups."

The Stealer removes the Harvester from his cape, gently placing it on the foreheads of the knocked out goons. Beads of light shimmer up the blades, seemingly harvesting one of their senses - common sense.

"Of course, I cannot complete my endeavor alone. A quiet world is something that could only be achieved with unity. Thus, seeing the Wolfgang, most of its chain of command a tangled mess of ideas and fear, I decided to step in. I am building something, Arthur. Call is a mafia, a mob, an army, whatever you shall choose. You may paint me as a criminal. But know this. I am fighting simply so others can live more peaceful lives then I. I am taking these Wolfgang, and I am taking them away from the corruption. It doesn't matter if they agree with my ideals or not in the end, it seems... I suspect many Wolfgang don't subscribe to their leader's ideas. The defining difference between the Wolfgang and the organization I'm building is simple. The Wolfgang is constructed on fear and disorder. I will build a group where people are treated with respect. Referred to be their first names, and not their ranks. Fed well, trained, advised, helped. I am building the Syndicate, heroes. And we will achieve a quiet world."

[Shoker86]

He knows about pain that's sure. But silence, is it the solution? No. Is drinking at the hall? Hell no, but it helps. Mission is the only thing to keep people alive, people like me , like Boomingham, like Steeler. He has mission, a goal, so have I. Our goals conflicts, so there is no peacfull solution, just the old way.

"We have our mission, so do you. We'll try to stop you. You will fight. One will fail, one will not. Lord Boomingham I'm waiting at your command."

Then he turned to Karie

"Are you with me in this? Arthur?"

Edited June 9, 2013 by Shoker86

[Kintobor]

"By creating a hive mind? I do hope you realize what you're doing? No crime. No Hate. No stigma. No war. No sorrow. No happiness. No joy. No love. You are stripping people of what makes them who they are. Emotion. Remove that from them and who are they? Empty shells. I should know. I've been on the receiving end of that blade. If I die here today, I'd rest knowing that I'd never be under the influence of the Harvester and your twisted ideas!"

Karie had made her way to the front of the heroes, her fists shaking from fear and adrenaline. She felt like she could move a mountain.

"I can't let you do this."

Edited June 9, 2013 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

"Besides the last 3 points you listed, that world sounds quite nice - but not the one I'll be creating. I never mentioned any sort of collective consciousness, nor silence. Just quiet. Just a quiet world where a man or woman could get a job, get married, have kids, without living in constant fear of the world around them. Without spending every free moment fretting about future trials, terrified of the corruption and deception among them.

I have more finesse with this blade then my cousin, Karie. Far more. These peoples' personalities, memories, emotions will all remain intact. I am essentially just switching their employers. And I'm not using The Harvester to attain my vision, for the most part. I am simply siphoning off of the biggest source of "noise" in Eubric, to start. And when The Syndicate has gotten large enough, then we can truly begin to change Eubric."

Edited June 9, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"Have you ever been under the influence of your weapon? Do you know the misery I feel not knowing what the hell I did under it's influence!? There was no me when I was struck with it! Only what your deranged cousin wanted! A play thing! I can't believe you when you say you're creating the world a better place, not when you're going about it like this! If you want to have a quiet world, all the best to you. Expect it to be one hell of a noise before it happens though. Especially from me."

Karie surprised herself by what she was saying. She wasn't usually this outspoken. However, if there was a time to be loud, it would be now.

[Endgame]

The Stealer heaves a curt sigh, keeping his composure.

"Yes, Karie, I'm well aware of what he did to you, and I'm also unfortunately well aware what he would have done to you if you had lost that battle. And I feel legitimately bad over what transpired in the Locunon. But your enemy isn't the Harvester - it is The Apprentice. He only wanted to hurt people, Karie. I have no desire to hurt anyone that I don't need to."

[Shoker86]

Good job Karie, it is time to face the fears. Arnulf thought, standing in silence. It was her moment, he didn't want to interupt her. If things get soucy I'll intervene

[Kintobor]

"... Wait, what?"

Karie was shocked over what he had said. He was legitimately sorry over what transpired that fateful night. The Stealer wasn't evil. He was misguided.

"Sir, I have my doubts about you, but we share a common trait. I do not want any bloodshed tonight as much as you do, but my conscious cannot let you leave with those men and the Harvester. Your intentions may be in the right place, but I cannot let you leave."

Karie looked down.

"However, I accept your apology."

[Flipz]

"You know, for someone fighting the Wolfgang you sure know how to spit out their propaganda. 'Fighting so others can live safer, more peaceful lives.' 'A group where people are treated with respect.' Trying to 'change Eubric'. 'A quiet world where people can live without fear.' You want a world without noise? Simple: it's a world without people. You may not be taking their lives, but you are taking their freedom. Death, fear, chaos. They can't be eradicated. They shouldn't be--because facing such things, and making the choice of how to deal with them, is part of the essential core of what it is to be a sentient being. You are taking that which makes people who they are, without which they are merely flesh golems dancing on the strings of a delusional puppeteer. Everyone has the right to walk their own path in the Gray, for good or for evil. Even when they make the wrong choice, it's their choice to make. I can't rightfully interfere until they themselves harm or otherwise divert another from their path--which you've proudly done, a dozen times over, from what I've heard. You say I have no grounds to arrest you? Wrong. For starters, there's the assault of four Town Watchmen, as well as--if I'm understanding properly--the attempted rape of Miss Alderflask. And even if you claim you weren't involved, you are at the least an accessory to the crime thanks to your creation of that weapon--and you've just admitted revolutionary intent with your little speech. Sir, you are under arrest for these crimes, I don't expect you to come quietly but considering your demeanor I'll give you the opportunity anyway."

"... Wait, what?"

Karie was shocked over what he had said. He was legitimately sorry over what transpired that fateful night. The Stealer wasn't evil. He was misguided.

"Sir, I have my doubts about you, but we share a common trait. I do not want any bloodshed tonight as much as you do, but my conscious cannot let you leave with those men and the Harvester. Your intentions may be in the right place, but I cannot let you leave."

Karie looked down.

"However, I accept your apology."

Arthur's attention never wavered, never left the Stealer for a moment. "Like I told you in that alley, Kayla, the cause is just, but the methods aren't. Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, is still the wrong thing. Eubric does need change, but not the sort he or you or I can offer it. Lord Boomingham here put it best: 'You sit here and expect to see the world improve tomorrow. You won't. When our actions have their rewards, we will be dead and buried, and perhaps the same will be true of our children. But we are still worth our actions. That's all we're worth, and all we should be worth.' Change for good is invisible. Only change for evil has immediate results. And in the end, that's all you are, Stealer: only a Master of evil, Darth."

Edited June 9, 2013 by Flipz

[Kintobor]

Arthur's attention never wavered, never left the Stealer for a moment. "Like I told you in that alley, Kayla, the cause is just, but the methods aren't. Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, is still the wrong thing. Eubric does need change, but not the sort he or you or I can offer it. Lord Boomingham here put it best: 'You sit here and expect to see the world improve tomorrow. You won't. When our actions have their rewards, we will be dead and buried, and perhaps the same will be true of our children. But we are still worth our actions. That's all we're worth, and all we should be worth.' Change for good is invisible. Only change for evil has immediate results. And in the end, that's all you are, Stealer: only a Master of evil, Darth."

"Who the hell is Kayla? Wait, what the hell are you blathering about Arthur, I don't understand!?"

Karie was getting confused. Here mind was spinning in circles and she didn't know what Arthur was trying to get across. What was going on?

Edited June 9, 2013 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

"First of all, I would appreciate it if you had your facts correct. I never attempted rape in any way. Secondly, planning a revolution is a bit hard when you have no true government - half of Eubric would be jailed by now. Third, you heroes literally smelt the powers of elements into life-draining elements as you please... The Harvester is hardly a misdemeanor.

Finally, however, you still do not understand. It is not about taking choice away. It is about providing it. How many poor people do you think wish could escape from the danger of Eubric, Arthur? How many would love to leave the city's perils behind and live simply? I wish to provide to those what i never had. An actual childhood. Safety in your own home. Being able to walk the streets of your neighborhood without the fear of being stabbed in the back. Those who wish to live quietly can. That is all I am trying to achieve here."

[Shoker86]

"There is no Tomorrow, there is no tomorrow. There is no tomorrow. This ends now." Arnulf heard enough

OOC: Apollo Creed mode

[Emjajoas]

"And how do you propose to bring about safety?" Em asked, genuinely curious. He still feared the Stealer, but he understood him on a basic level. He was beginning to feel for the man, appreciate what he stood for-- Though he didn't quite agree with it. Crime was necessary. Crime kept things clean.

Edited June 9, 2013 by emjajoas

[Flipz]

"First of all, I would appreciate it if you had your facts correct. I never attempted rape in any way. Secondly, planning a revolution is a bit hard when you have no true government - half of Eubric would be jailed by now. Third, you heroes literally smelt the powers of elements into life-draining elements as you please... The Harvester is hardly a misdemeanor.

Finally, however, you still do not understand. It is not about taking choice away. It is about providing it. How many poor people do you think wish could escape from the danger of Eubric, Arthur? How many would love to leave the city's perils behind and live simply? I wish to provide to those what i never had. An actual childhood. Safety in your own home. Being able to walk the streets of your neighborhood without the fear of being stabbed in the back. Those who wish to live quietly can. That is all I am trying to achieve here."

"I'll answer your first an third objections before I get to the second and fourth. Firstly--you may not have personally tried to rape Miss Alderflask, but your cousin tried, though, and you yourself admitted you had full knowledge of this...but you did nothing to prevent it--that makes you an accessory. Second, our weapons of death are wielded in defense of the city and of others, and only our most depraved members use their powers to deliberately twist the minds of others, to steal aspects of their very souls like your Harvester does--and make no mistake, free will IS an aspect of the soul. And that brings me to my third and final point--yes, Heroica is not perfect. Neither are the Houses, nor the Watch. But overthrow can only lead to disorder and the destruction of that which is good in Eubric. If your goal truly is peace and safety, then stop now--you will never achieve it this way. Rebellion leads only to blood. True bravery is facing the corruption within the organization, within ones' self, and to oppose it with all your might on its own playing field. To overthrow all that has already been achieved, to reverse centuries of slow, agonizing progress is madness. I won't stand for it. And I won't stand for anyone destroying what my predecessors worked so hard to build, either."

[Zepher]

He hisses to Barty, "Keep him talking, the more charges we can get him on, the more resources the Watch will allocate to his capture if by some misfortune we fail to finish the job. Tell the others."

"I do not take orders from you, Arthur," the angel mutters back.

"Too much talking, for my taste, Stealer. The simple fact of the matter is that you're taking away people's choice. It's the same thing I said to Bluehood. Without the struggle, no one will know what to do with the power. They haven't earned it. You need to nurture people, not feed them. You rob people of their choice, of their being. Wiping someone and making them a blank slate every time they make choices you personally disagree with isn't giving them a choice, its making them start over if they disagree with you. I came here to destroy this Armory, and that's what I'll do. If you stop me, I'll fight you. If you don't, then you'll have a head start."

[Endgame]

"I do not take orders from you, Arthur," the angel mutters back.

"Too much talking, for my taste, Stealer. The simple fact of the matter is that you're taking away people's choice. It's the same thing I said to Bluehood. Without the struggle, no one will know what to do with the power. They haven't earned it. You need to nurture people, not feed them. You rob people of their choice, of their being. Wiping someone and making them a blank slate every time they make choices you personally disagree with isn't giving them a choice, its making them start over if they disagree with you. I came here to destroy this Armory, and that's what I'll do. If you stop me, I'll fight you. If you don't, then you'll have a head start."

"I would say the poor has gone through enough struggles to gain security in their homes, but I digress. I have a schedule to adhere to, heroes - and altough I would enjoy sitting down over a glass of wine and sicuss philosophy, I simply lack the time. You've made it very clear and this point you intened to obstruct me by any means neccasary... You fight for your ideals, heroes, and I fight for mine. It is simple. Perhaps the victor in the coming game of cat and mouse will decide whose philosophy shall win... All that remains undetermined is who will be the hunter, and who will be the prey. I don't think your mission is over yet, heroes, despite you reaching the Armory - far from over. Do try to get as many Town Watch resources as possible, Arthur. Keep things interesting in the future."

The Stealer of Senses removes a Smelling Salts from his bag, placing it under the nose of each and every Wolfgang -- now Syndicate -- member. He grabs their hand and helps them up to their feet, dusting them off and patting them on the back. He hands each member a mask as he reinvigorates them, each of them donning it. As they place the masks on their heads, The Stealer removes two bombs from the Armory, mixing and shaking them rapidly. He speaks to the woman he was negotiating with before, her loyalties now with him.

"Samantha, are you in a position to fight? Or would you prefer retreat?"

"Plenty capable, sir."

"Good. Lead your troops well, okay?"

"Heh. Don't have to tell me twice."

"Excellent. Wolfmire, Gregor, Alfred, Lythor?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Only attack those who wish to fight. If somebody steps out, let them step out without consequence.

Best of luck to you all."

"Thank you, sir."

"Got it, boss."

"You can trust me, sir."

"This is gonna be good!"

The Stealer nods at his troops and throws his concontion, blowing another hole into the Armory. He casually strolls out, saying this as he exits:

"Heroes, I bid you adieu."

Now only the Syndciate members and the heroes remained.

"This should be good, heroes!"

PREPARE FOR BATTLE!

"Let's begin!"

Syndicate Elite Samantha, Level 40 Humanoid

HP: 540/540

SP: 2

Immune to Weakened, Frailty, Blindness, and Sealing!

Specials:

Double Slash: Hits the hero who rolled Special Damage for 25 damage (disregarding SP) this round, and hits him for another 25 damage (disregarding SP) at the end of the next.

Bloodshed: Samantha slashes in a wide arc, all heroes having a 1/2 chance to Bleed.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Cut and Bleed: Rolls of damage make the hero Gush Blood (1 damage the first round, 2 damage the next, etc.)

Drops:

50 gold

"Heh heh..."

Syndicate Peon (Blade), Level 21 Humanoid

HP: 250/250

SP: 1

Immune to Frailty and Blindness!

Specials:

Defensive Stance: Goes into a defensive stance, Counterstriking next round.

Lethal Wound: The Peon shoves his blade into the hero who rolled Special Damage's chest, Dooming them.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specils:

Lust: This Peon seeks his master's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him.

Drops:

10 gold

"First fight as a Syndicate member, huh..."

Syndicate Peon (Bow), Level 18 Humanoid

HP: 275/275

SP: 2

Immune to Blindness and Sealing!

Specials:

Triple Shot: Hits the hero who rolled special damage, as well as the hero above and below him in the battle order, for 12 damage each.

Predator and Prey: Marks the hero who rolled special damage, dealing 10 damage to them at the end of every round.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Lust: This Peon seeks his master's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him.

Back-Row Fighter: This Peon fights from the back row, taking half damage from all non-ranged attacks. Does full damage to heroes in the back row.

Drops:

10 gold

"Stand down."

Syndicate Peon (Bomb), Level 21 Humanoid

HP: 200/200

SP: 5

Immune to Frailty and Sealing!

Specials:

Cryo Blast: Throws a ice bomb at the party, exploding upon impact. All heroes have a 1/3 chance of becoming Fragile for 3 rounds from the firigid blast.

Pyro Blast: Throws a fire bomb at the party. All heroes take damage equal to their level from the seering blast.

Specials alternate.

Passive Specials:

Lust: This Peon seeks his master's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him.

Drops:

10 gold

"Boss man says you gotta go, heroes."

Syndicate Peon (Club), Level 22 Humanoid

HP: 280/280

Immune to Weakening, Blindness, and Sealing!

Specials:

Brutal Bludgeon: Deals 22 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage, disregarding SP. All other Syndicate members boost this attack's power by 3.

Concussion: Smashes his club into the skull of the hero who rolled Special Damage, making them Fragile and Confused for 3 rounds.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Lust: This Peon seeks his master's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him.

Drops:

10 gold

Weapons Rack, Level 0 Mechanical

HP: 160/160

SP: 3

Immune to Frailty, Blindness, and Sealing!

Specials:

Raid: All of the Syndictae goons switch their weapon for a better model, boosting their level by 1 permanently.

Passive Specials:

Pilfer: Special Damage is triggered on free hits.

Drops:

Grating Stone

Shield Rack, Level 0 Mechanical

HP: 100/100

SP: 10

Immune to Frailty, Blindness, and Sealing!

Specials:

Gear Up: All of the Syndicate goons get another piece of armor, permanently boosting their SP by 1.

Passive Specials:

Pilfer: Special Damage is triggered on free hits.

Drops:

Shiny Polish

Potion Rack, Level 0 Mechanical

HP: 300/300

Immune to Blindness and Sealing!

Specials:

Rations: All Syndicate Goons chug a Grand Potion, resotring 25 HP to themselves.

Pilfer: Special Damage is triggered on free hits.

Drops:

Pheonix Essence

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

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

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, 2 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] *Encouraged!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

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 3, Smelling Salts x 4, Mead x 3, 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

Edited June 9, 2013 by Endgame

[Shoker86]

"Any plans how to deal with theese goons" Arnulf waits for an input, before deciding whom to attack. "Racks should be dealt with fast, I have smelling salts, if necesary"

[Zepher]

OoC: Crap, did I really forget to heal myself after last battle? Idiot. I should be encouraged though.

"We need to take those racks out before anything else. Arthur, blind Samantha and the chap with the club if you can, and fire on the shield rack. Arnulf, you're to take out the weapons rack. Em, if you could join in that assault, that'd be for the best. Karie, you say you got hooked on this pixie dust stuff? Let's see what it does."

Boomingham steps into the back row, snorts the pixie dust, and heals himself.

Battle Order

Boomingham

Boomingham

Arthur

Arthur

Arthur

Arthur

Em

Arnulf

Karie

OoC: Could be KO'd this round. Arthur, if you'd prefer to use a grand potion on me, or a potion, or something to that nature, then you'll be moved in front of me for the first move in the battle order. If not, I don't mind risking it.

[Shoker86]

Arnulf attacks weapon rack from front row "Al right boss"

[Flipz]

OOC: Should put Karie higher in the order, since she has a chance to dodge Free Hits. I can take one of those Free Hits, but not more, FYI, they hurt BAD. I can't heal you if I don't put Samantha out on the first try, I'm the only one who can handle Bow at all. Also, Samantha is immune to Blind. Actually...if you put yourself at the top, and then my first turn second, I can safely heal you, since you'll be absorbing Samantha's attack and I can focus on Sleep-ing Bow. I'll wait for your reply before I revise my actions, though.

"Boomingham, we're going to get slaughtered if we start taking Free Hits. We definitely need to target the Weapons and Shield racks to prevent the enemies from getting to them to boost their own strength, but we can't spare more than one person apiece, likely Em on weapons and me on shields--leave Blade and Bomb untargeted, they're the weakest enemies. Make sure you heal from the Back Row, and that goes for everyone."

Arthur's actions:

Sleep on Samantha (BR)

IF successful, Grand Potion on Boomingham (BR), otherwise Sleep on Samantha (BR)

IF Samantha Asleep, Sleep on Bow (BR), otherwise Sleep on Samantha (BR)

Lightning vs. Shield Rack (BR)

[Kintobor]

"Arthur you just referred to me as Kayla, why? What are you talking about?"

Was he trying to avoid her? Why did he call her Kayla?

Edited June 9, 2013 by Kintobor

[Flipz]

"What are you talking about, Karie? You aren't Kayla, you--" Arthur turns to argue with Karie and catches another glimpse of her lithe attack in the Cat Suit. The wheels begin turning in his head. "--look...just...like...her..." Arthur turns from the battle, his mind racing. "Her last words...'Karie'...of course...no, no...it's impossible..." Arthur looks back to the female Rogue. And yet...is it?

Edited June 9, 2013 by Flipz

[Kintobor]

Karie's eyes widened. Arthur was beginning to freak her out. Kayla, who the hell was Kayla, and what happened to her? Why was she related to all this?

"Last words?" Arthur, what the hell are you blathering about? You're going about in circles! What are talking about? I look just like who?"

[Flipz]

Arthur turns an appraising eye onto Karie. "How are you connected to the Wolfgang, Alderflask? What do you know? It...it can't be a coincidence...but the alternative...there's no way. You can't not know...not something that important. Not with your choices, in life, in fashion...so what's your game? Why are you really here, Karie? You've said the right things, done the right things...you can't be unaware. You're messing with me. Why? What does driving me mad gain you, or the Wolfgang? I'm one man, the loss of my sanity does nothing for anyone's cause. So why are you playing mind games with me, instead of just telling the truth?"