Heroica RPG - Quest #70: The Syndicate

[Endgame]

The Syndicate Elite groans.

"Look, are you going to fight, or must I put down "glared at eachother until they dropped dead" in my report?"

[Kintobor]

Karie was taken back. There was an intense look on Arthur, but why?

"Wolfgang? I know little to nothing! These five here are my first real encounter with them! Everything else I've heard from the hall! I was here to take out a Wolfgang Armory, but it appears I'm now here for more than just that with the Stealer here! I honestly don't know what you're rambling about, Arthur! If I was messing with you, I'd be using my sexuality to do so. You're over thinking this, and I don't know what the hell you're talking about! Out with it Arthur, who do you think I am? Why do you think I'm here?"

Karie turned to the Syndicate Elite, glaring her down.

"Shut your trap! No one asked for your input! I do believe Father Stealer said to not engage if some where not intending to fight, at least not now!"

Edited June 9, 2013 by Kintobor

[Emjajoas]

"We don't have time for this!" Em snaps, firing an arrow at the Weapons Rack from the back row. "Figure it out when our enemies are biting dust!"

[Flipz]

OOC:

.

Karie was taken back. There was an intense look on Arthur, but why?

"Wolfgang? I know little to nothing! These five here are my first real encounter with them! Everything else I've heard from the hall! I was here to take out a Wolfgang Armory, but it appears I'm now here for more than just that with the Stealer here! I honestly don't know what you're rambling about, Arthur! If I was messing with you, I'd be using my sexuality to do so. You're over thinking this, and I don't know what the hell you're talking about! Out with it Arthur, who do you think I am? Why do you think I'm here?"

Karie turned to the Syndicate Elite, glaring her down.

"Shut your trap! No one asked you!"

"Talking as if you haven't been using your sexuality already...yeah, right."

"If you're not connected to the Wolfgang, then answer me this: why was the last word of a Wolfgang general--the general whose suit you now wear, the general you look exactly like--your name? Tell the TRUTH!"

Edited June 9, 2013 by Flipz

[Shoker86]

It seems the the mind games are still playing. What's going on right now. Kayla, yes you called her Kayla. Damn it Arthur why you have to play mind games during the battles. Karie is hiding something also. Violetta, Kayla, Karie, what's the connection. Think later Arnulf. Fight now.

"Stop it you two. You can resolve your issues after the battle"

[Endgame]

"Shut your trap! No one asked for your input! I do believe Father Stealer said to not engage if some where not intending to fight, at least not now!"

"...Noted, I suppose. Though your issues with The Stealer seem a bit odd in the first place... Id love to end this peacefully, heores, but as long as you pull the blade on us, we'll have no choice to retaliate."

The Stealer was right about something: their personalities, memories, intellignce... all remained intact. The only thing that was different about this Samantha was who she worked for.

[Shoker86]

"...Noted, I suppose. Though your issues with The Stealer seem a bit odd in the first place... Id love to end this peacefully, heores, but as long as you pull the blade on us, we'll have no choice to retaliate."

The Stealer was right about something: their personalities, memories, intellignce... all remained intact. The only thing that was different about this Samantha was who she worked for.

"There is no retreat, no surrender. I'm afraid"

Edited June 9, 2013 by Shoker86

[Kintobor]

"If you're not connected to the Wolfgang, then answer me this: why was the last word of a Wolfgang general--the general whose suit you now wear, the general you look exactly like--your name? Tell the TRUTH!"

"I am Arthur! I know nothing about what you're talking about, why she'd say my name, or who this Kayla is! I know--"

She stops mid sentence. A flash of memory strikes her like a lightning bolt. It's a single sentence, a single sentence emerging out of some reclusive spot of her brain, but it brings back memories she didn't even know existed.

---

"Mom and dad loved you, and I always will too, Karie."

---

"I remember... I remember everything."

She looked at the catsuit she was wearing. The cat suit she wore. Karie couldn't find the words, but something came out.

She glares at Arthur.

"You killed her... You killed my sister..."

[Shoker86]

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat, Violetta the Cat Burglar, your sister. No way" Arnulf suddenly realised consequences of the previous night "Karie, are you sure?"

[Kintobor]

Karie responded without looking at Arnulf. Her gaze was dead center on Arthur.

"Arnulf, stay out of this, thus doesn't involve you!"

Karie was looking for answers, and she'd get them one way or another.

"I don't know how, or why, but I remember what happened. I was taken in by the man who claimed to be my father, and took me from my sister. I was born in this city, a city which neglected me and my sister! Let me ask you Arthur, how did she die? Did you roast her to a crisp? Or perhaps you froze her into an icicle and shattered her like a mirror!"

Karie does something she would have never of done before. She took her domino mask off and rubs the white make up off her face. Tears begin to form in her face. She was in as much shock as everyone else was.

"Did she look like this Arthur?"

[Flipz]

Arthur's face goes as white as Karie's had once been...and then sets. "Yes. She chose the path of darkness. I offered her my hand, a way out...and she refused. I gave her a shot at redemption, at forgiveness...the very shot I had been given. Knowing full well I would lose everything I had if she accepted--knowing I would be labeled a weakling and unfit for service and shoved to the back of the roster for all eternity...I knew that, and I still gave that chance to her, and she refused. By the time she lay there, helpless and unable to deny her need of my aid, it was too late: Patricia was there, and she..." A tear ran down the corner of Arthur's eye. "I couldn't save them. I can't save them all. And that's my greatest fear. That one day, at the end of time, at the end of all things, I'll be alone. Because I couldn't save them. Because I can't heal the wounds of Eubric. Because I'm the Hero Eubric deserves, not the one it needs...a Doctor."

Edited June 10, 2013 by Flipz

[Kintobor]

The tears began to roll down Karie's eyes. She didn't know what to say.

"Patricia... killed her in cold blood?"

She simply stood there not knowing what to say. The people who were supposed to protect this city, the woman who ran the Town Watch killed her sister in cold blood. Cowardice. She clenched her fists, still upset by the news Arthur had given her.

"Arthur, if what you say is true, then you have nothing to fear from me, but know this. From this day forward, I do not associate myself with the scum that is the Town Watch."

Karie drew Sexy and surveys her enemies.

"Arnulf or Em, switch to the Armor Rack. I've got potions.

Karie attacks the Potions rack from the front row.

[Flipz]

"Karie, wait--we have to target the Wolfg...hold on..."

"...Noted, I suppose. Though your issues with The Stealer seem a bit odd in the first place... Id love to end this peacefully, heores, but as long as you pull the blade on us, we'll have no choice to retaliate."

The Stealer was right about something: their personalities, memories, intellignce... all remained intact. The only thing that was different about this Samantha was who she worked for.

"So--you won't attack us until we attack you? So if we wanted, we could loot and destroy this warehouse and its supplies without having to fight you to keep you off our backs? Why would you offer something like that? That's not like the personality of Wolfgang thugs at all..."

Edited June 10, 2013 by Flipz

[Zepher]

"Shut it. Both of you. Now." Boomingham roars. "I'll speak to both of you after this. For now, I give you two choices. You either shut your mouth and kill the enemy, or you leave this room immediately. Or option three, I kill you for endangering the Ranger and Arnulf."

Battle Order

Boomingham

Arthur

Karie

Em

Arnulf

Arthur

[Emjajoas]

Em switches targets, firing instead at the armour rack.

[Flipz]

"Em, I've got the armor rack, I'll take it out in one hit. Take Bomb or Club instead."

[Flipz]

Arthur's actions:

Sleep on Bow (BR)

IF Bow Asleep AND Boomingham fails to heal himself, Grand Potion on Boomingham (BR), otherwise if Bow Asleep, Lightning (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Shield rack (BR), otherwise Sleep on Bow (BR)

IF Bow Asleep, Blindness on Bomb (BR), otherwise Sleep on Bow (BR)

Lightning (Unlucky Horseshow) vs. Shield Rack (BR) OR if it's dead, Physical Attack (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Samantha (BR)

If Em switches his target, Arthur uses above actions and casts his spell through the Unlucky Horseshoe, otherwise he switches to the following actions:

Sleep on Bow (BR)

IF Bow Asleep AND Boomingham fails to heal himself, Grand Potion on Boomingham (BR), otherwise if Bow Asleep, Darkness (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Blade (BR), otherwise Sleep on Bow (BR)

IF Bow Asleep, Blindness on Bomb (BR), otherwise Sleep on Bow (BR)

Physical attack (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Samantha (BR)

OOC: Ah, dammit, I took too long strategizing, and forgot the posts wouldn't merge. Sorry about that...

Edited June 10, 2013 by Flipz

[Shoker86]

OOC: I probably won't be here for hours. So feel free to change Arnulf actions acording to changes in battleplan

[Endgame]

Hearing the conversation, even the Syndicate goons seem hush... they avert their eyes from the party more and more with every outburst.

"So--you won't attack us until we attack you? So if we wanted, we could loot and destroy this warehouse and its supplies without having to fight you to keep you off our backs? Why would you offer something like that? That's not like the personality of Wolfgang thugs at all..."

Samantha gives a light chuckle.

"You're not allowed to go that far. Your options were walk out or fight - and you seem pretty eager to fight.

Why would we offer something like that? Well, to start, we're under orders. Secondly, I can't vouch for every thug in the Wolfgang's ranks, but not all of them are eager to throw down. And, third and finally - "

You can detect a grin underneath her blue mask.

"- We aren't Wolfgang anymore."

Round One of the Armory Showdown!

>Boomingham snorts Pixie Dust (back)

>Boomingham heals himself (back): Heal Greater Heal (10x2=20+24=44 HP healed)

>Arthur casts Sleep on Syndicate Peon (Bow) (back): Success!

>Arthur VS Shield Rack (lightning) (back): Damage Hit (13+24=37x4=148-10=138 damage, 138-100 = 38 gold Overkilll)

>Karie VS Potion Rack (front): Shield: Mug (6x3=18+11=29x2=58 damage, 58 gold earned)

>Em VS Syndicate Peon (Club) (back): Miss

>Arnulf VS Weapons Rack (front): Shield: Mug (8x3=24+10=34x2=68-3=65 damage, 65 gold earned)

>Arthur casts Blindness on Syndicate Peon (Bomb) (back): Success!

>Arthur VS Samantha (back): Special Damage Special Damage (Double Slash: 25/2=13 damage)

Free Hits:

>Syndicate Peon (Blade) VS Boomingham (back): 21/2=11 damage, 24x2=48-1=47 Counterstrike damage

The battle in the armory begins. Boomingham snorts Pixie Dust, his entire body bolstering has he inhales the durg... but in the pit of his stomach he can feel a tendril of sickness slithering through his body. He heals himself, closing the wounds from the previous battle. Arthur puts a Peon to sleep and, channeling electricity through his lucky horseshoe, fries the shield rack. The various pieaces of armor and protection topple to the floor ina burst of electiricity. Karie shoves her dagger into the potion rack, tears still fresh on her face from the revealations about her sister. She pulls out one of the rack's drawers and pulls out a handful of gold from it. Em attacks the club-weilding Syndicate Peon, but he swats the arrow out of the air. Arnulf gets a respectable hit in on the Weapons Rack, pilfering some gold in the process. Arthur makes the bomber go blind, then turns his attention to Samantha. he prepares to lob his horsehsoe at her, but the Syndicate Elite quickly closes the gap. She slashes once, a piercing blow that sends Arthur reeling - and it looks like she would get another shot in.

The Blade Peon rushes in and thurts his sword at Boomingham's shoulder, Boomingham quickly hitting him back.

Karie's breakdown still fresh in their minds, the party remembers something The Stealer had said to them:

"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."

...Was he right...?

The battle rages on!

"Nice try, Sorceror!"

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

"Nrgh. Paladin has an arm on him."

Syndicate Peon (Blade), Level 21 Humanoid

HP: 203/250

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 Specials:

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

Drops:

10 gold

"ZZZZZZzzzzzz."

Syndicate Peon (Bow), Level 18 Humanoid *Asleep! 3 rounds remaining*

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

"What the-? I can't see...!"

Syndicate Peon (Bomb), Level 21 Humanoid *Blind! 3 rounds remaining*

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

"...And that is the peaceful option out the window!"

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: 95/160

SP: 3

Immune to Frailty, Blindness, and Sealing!

Specials:

Raid: All of the Syndicate 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

Potion Rack, Level 0 Mechanical

HP: 242/300

Immune to Blindness and Sealing!

Specials:

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

Pilfer: Special Damage is triggered on free hits.

Drops:

Phoenix Essence

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

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

Power: 37 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 34/45 (+2*)

Ether: 21/23

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: 21/36 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*)

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

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1067 (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: 275

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: 209

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

[Flipz]

"I have the Weapons Rack, if someone can heal me that would be great."

Arthur's Actions:

Sleep on Samantha

Lightning (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Weapons Rack

IF Samantha Asleep, Sleep vs. Club, otherwise Frailty vs. Potion Rack

IF not healed, take Grand Potion, otherwise Lightning (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Potion Rack

[Kintobor]

Karie, hearing Arthur's request heals him from the back row. She says nothing to Arthur. At this point in time there's nothing to talk about. He tried to help Kayla, yet she refused. This "Patricia" though: she would get what was coming to her.

[Shoker86]

Arnulf wanted to usehis healing potionon Arthur, but Karie was faster "Seems like Karie was faster, I'll attack potion rack from front row"

OOC: Karie seems to be faster on healing,and if there are changes in plans and I'm offline change it acording to plan.

Edited June 10, 2013 by Shoker86

[Flipz]

"Thanks, Karie. Well, Em should take Club, so that leaves you on Blade, Arnulf. Lord Boomingham, if you could make a conditional action to only attack Samantha if she's not already Asleep, that would be fantastic."

Edited June 10, 2013 by Flipz

[Shoker86]

"All right Athur I'll attack blade from back row"

[Emjajoas]

Em draws back another arrow and fires at Club again from the back row.

OOC: Going to be away for a few days after tonight, my internet access will be limited-- if I have any at all. Feel free to use my character however you wish.