Heroica RPG - Quest #70: The Syndicate

[Endgame]

Round Five of the Armory Showdown!

>Boomingham heals self (back): No heal Heal (13+24=37 HP healed)

>Boomingham VS Samantha (front): Damage Meditate Meditate Critical Hit (10x2=20+24=44x4=176-2=174 damage)

>Arthur casts Frailty on Syndicate Peon (club) (back): Success!

>Arthur (Darkness) VS Syndicate Peon (Blade) (back): Special Damage Special Damage Hit Critical Hit (13x2=26+24=50x4=200-1=199 damage, 199-16=183 gold)

>Arthur (Unlucky Horseshoe) VS Syndicate Peon (Bow) (back): Damage Shield: Magnetic Mojo (61 gold earned, all enemies stunned)

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

>Em VS Syndicate Peon (Bomb) (back): Damage (Blind, Unstunned)

>Karie VS Syndicate Peon (Bomb) (back): Hit (6+11=17x2=34/2=17 damage)

>Arnulf drinks Remedy (back)

Boomingham mends his wounds, only to once again pounce on Samantha. The Elite parries with one of her swords, her blade clashing with the Scupperer and sending Boomingham a step back. Boomingham blocks her second slash with his shield, lunging in for the kill. Before she can regain her balance Boomingham plunges Scupperer into her heart, the air leaving her lungs in a rasp. She collapses onto her knees, and whispers something before she succumbs to the fatal wound:

"Would... would this happen... in a quiet world...?"

She closes her eyes and collapses to the floor, dead.

The party continues to mow down the Peons, killing the Blade Peon in a burst of darkness. 3 enemies remain, and they are all significantly weakened. This battle was just about over.

"Samantha...!"

The battle rages on!

"...!"

Syndicate Peon (Bow), Level 18 Humanoid *Fragile! 2 rounds remaining* *Stunned!* *Weakened! 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

"Oh no..."

Syndicate Peon (Bomb), Level 21 Humanoid *Blind! 2 rounds remaining*

HP: 162/200

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

"W-we won't go d-down that e-easy!"

Syndicate Peon (Club), Level 22 Humanoid *Fragile! 3 rounds remaining* *Stunned!*

HP: 257/280

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

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: 45/45 (+2*)

Ether: 18/23

Gold: 123

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

Ether: 25/34 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1445 (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 x2, 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: 11/17

Gold: 304

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 (3), 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: 14/16 (7+9)

Gold: 275

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, 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: 10/15

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've got Bow and Club, if Arnulf could go before me and target Club, that'd be great. Everyone else should pile on Bomb, or Club if you get done with Bomb too quickly."

Arthur's actions:

Darkness through Unlucky Horseshoe VS Bow (back)

Darkness through Unlucky Horseshoe VS Club (back)

[Kintobor]

Karie attacks Bomb peon from the front row.

"Keep at it, boys!"

Edited June 12, 2013 by Kintobor

[Shoker86]

"No problem" Arnulf attacks club from back row

[Zepher]

"You always have the option of fleeing. If you leave no, I won't stop you," Boomingham says to the remaining three, looking particularly at the frightened man bearing the club. He then swings his blade at the man with the bombs twice from the front.

Battle Order

Boomingham

Boomingham

Arthur

Arthur

Karie

Arnulf

Em

[Endgame]

Round Six of the Armory Showdown!

>Boomingham VS Syndicate Peon (Bomb) (front): Meditate Critical Hit (10x2=20+24=44x4=176-5=171 damage)

>Boomingham VS Syndicate Peon (Club) (front): Special Damage Shield: Guardian Angel

>Arthur VS Syndicate Peon (Bow) (back): Damage Critical Hit (13x2=26+24=50x8=400-2=398 damage, 398-275 = 123 gold)

>Arthur VS Syndicate Peon (Club) (back): Hit Hit (13+24=37x8=296 damage, 296-257 = 39 gold)

...

Boomingham smacks down the Bomber with a slash of Scupperer, the man thrown to the floor with a thud. Barty comes to help the party tie up any loose ends, ready to defend the party if needed. Arthur dispatches the last two Syndicate Peons with a blitzkireg of darkness. The magic fizzles out, the purple sparks of ether dissipating in the breeze. The battle had torn the armory to pieces, nearly in a state of disrepair. With all of the Syndicate members dispatched, the battle was won!

The Party is Victorious! All heroes gain their respective amounts of EXP.

Party Leader, please distribute the loot:

100 gold

Phoenix Essence

Grating Stone

Bright Polish

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 Years Old, Human, Level 24 1/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened*

Power: 37 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 44/45 (+2*)

Ether: 18/23

Gold: 123

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 1/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate]

Power: 37 (24 + WP:13)

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

Ether: 253/34 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1617 (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 x2, 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 12

Power: 18 (lvl 12 + WP: 6)

Health: 12/18

Gold: 304

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 (3), 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

Level 10.5

Power: 19 (9+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 14/16 (7+9)

Gold: 275

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, 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 10.5

Power: 16

Health: 10/15

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

As the party doles out the loot, a panting figure shambles up to his feet, wheezing all the while. He re-steadies himself, gulping at all of the eys fixated on him - the Syndicate Bomber. He looks at the corpses one by one, reaching down to pick up some bombs.

"Welll... well fought. The Syndicate won't be stopped so easily, though... pretty soon you'll be the prey, heroes. Pretty soon. Til' we meet again!"

With that, the bomber lights what seems to be half a dozen bombs. The party has no chance to react, ducking for cover under the tables while he runs through the armory, dropping bombs in anything remotely fragile. He plugs his ears as the fuses hiss, escaping through the same hole in the wall The Stealer did. Just as the party thinks its safe to come out the bombs detonate one by one, shards of glass, pieces of metal and splinters of wood scattering from every direction. A cloud of dust settle over the armory from the collective blast, the heroes coughing until it dissipitated.

From The Stealer's massacre of the Wolfgang, to their ensuing brawl and explosions, the armory was quite nearly wrekced. All that remained was a green steel chest and a pile of weapons, shook loose by the explosions...

The party would have to wrap up business in the armory and then return to Patricia.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Karie vault behind a set of crates as the bombs went off. It seemed only a while ago since her and Nessa had jumped of Fleur's ship and almost turned into play toys for some sort of sea creature. She covered her ears and crouched. Let's hope Kayla left some of the nine lives this catsuit should have for a rainy day!

The minute after the last bomb went off, Karie stood up as the dust settled. Her hair caked in dust a few scratches on her as well. She coughed up some dust and then looked about her, trying to find the rest of the party.

"Guys, guys! Is anyone hurt! Hello?"

She eyed the green chest lying in the rubble, almost attracted to it, everything on her mind being pushed back at the sight of it.

"Well well, what have we here."

Karie maneuvers through the rubble and inspects the chest to see if it's locked or if there is any inscriptions, carvings, or names. She doesn't open it.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Kintobor

[Shoker86]

"Damn , this place is a mess, I'll check up the weapons" Bomb attacks, that guy's insane. And this thing beetween Karie and Arthur.

[Endgame]

Karie goes over to the green chest and wipes a layer off dust off of it.

There is both a note and an inscription on the chest. The note reads:

Anyone here ever study poetry? We stole this chest from the Guild of Invision... but we can't figure out how to open it! There isn't even a physical lock. We've tried everything - this bastard of a box seems to not want to reveal whatever loot it has inside.

The inscription on the chest reads:

Two friends say same word

But only one's luck turns dreadful.

Or, you can drink this.

The party almost scratches their head, the chest appearing as baffling as the note implied.

Arnulf goes over to the pile of weapons, thrown to the floor after the bomber's explosion spree. Most appear weak and useless...

Dagger x5: A basic dagger hastily carved from wood. WP: 2.

But one weapon shook loose from its stand seems to be valuable.

Aqua Bow: A well-crafted bow with a Aquamarine imbued into it. WP: 7, Water elemental.

Party leader, who will receive these items?

Edited June 12, 2013 by Endgame

[Shoker86]

"Karie, what did you find, another riddle?" Arnulf came closer to the chest.

OOC: Why do i have a feeling theese daggers are here for Proggs Endgame They are pretty useless as you said

Edited June 12, 2013 by Shoker86

[Flipz]

"Well-fought, all." He hands 22 Gold to Em and 20 Gold each to Arnulf and Boomingham. He walks over to Karie, handing her 45 Gold.

"Karie...I don't know if this is the right time, but you deserve to know who the real villain is in your sister's death. And it's not Patricia--as cruel as it was, it's her job to kill criminals, and...well...at least it was a quick death. Hate her if you will, but even if you do, there's someone you should hate more: Ulric. Karie, the man...seduced your sister. With power, yes, and...this is so awkward to say, but...literally, as well. He convinced her of a false cause, one that Kayla herself admitted would have no place for her in the end even if it weren't a gigantic lie. Ulric has allied himself with the worst kind of scum, and is twisting the hearts and minds of good people in bad situations--people like your sister--just so he can gain power. Karie, this is important--Ulric must be stopped. If it weren't for him, your sister would have been a simple thief. She would have been beneath Particia's notice, and who knows, maybe she would have become part of Heroica. But Ulric made her famous...made her a threat to Patricia and the Watch. He is the one who got her marked for death, for his own selfish ends. He's doing this to who knows how many people--and it can't go on. I can't...watch him destroy more people's lives. Someone's got to stop him--and Heroica is the only one who can do it. We have to stay strong, united, together. If we lose our Unity, Heroica will fall. And Ulric will win. We can't let that happen."

OOC: Endgame, you forgot Boomers' 10 Gold again. Also, Zepher, I'd appreciate the grating stone or the bright polish--no gold for me, thanks.

Arthur kneels down and looks at the inscription on the chest. He chuckles sadly as a memory strikes. "Ah, Vaygas. I miss you. I miss those days. I miss all of us." He turns and speaks clearly into the spot where the lock should be. "Jinx."

[Endgame]

QM Note: Fixed.

The chest seems to creak at the mere mention of the word, but does not open: Being a Guild of Invision chest of sorts, it may require some sort of chemical...

Edited June 12, 2013 by Endgame

[Shoker86]

"I don't know much of theese Guild folk Arthur, I've heard they are some sort of alchemist. I guess I have to spend more time in Library then in the hall" Arnulf said "Do they have some favorite ingridient, or element, potion or something?"

[Flipz]

"There better be more of this inside there..." Arthur splashes a tiny drop of Jinxy Juice to see if the chest seems to respond, and if it does, he slowly pours the bottle onto it.

[Endgame]

Arthur pours his jinxy Juice on to the ornate green chest. The liquid seems to become sentient, slithering to the front of the chest and boring a hole in it where the keyhole should be. It drips inside, the top gradually lifting to reveal...

Mead

Smelling Salts

Nostrum

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 Years Old, Human, Level 24 1/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened*

Power: 37 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 44/45 (+2*)

Ether: 18/23

Gold: 143

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 1/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate]

Power: 37 (24 + WP:13)

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

Ether: 253/34 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1510 (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 x2, Nostrum x 3, Smelling Salts x 4, Mead x 3, Jinxy Juice, 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 12

Power: 18 (lvl 12 + WP: 6)

Health: 12/18

Gold: 349

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 (3), 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

Level 10.5

Power: 19 (9+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 14/16 (7+9)

Gold: 295

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, 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 10.5

Power: 16

Health: 10/15

Gold: 110

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 13, 2013 by Endgame

[Shoker86]

Arnulf accepted 20 gold from Arthur "Thanks Arthur, but now what?Armory is dealt with, but Stealer and Syndycate remains. We have to deal with them as soon as possible. I fear he would gather more followers. Now with Wolfgang thing going on, we have a lot of work"

[Flipz]

"Ugh. Waste of a Jinxy Juice."

"We should probably gather reinforcements from the Barracks and head after the Stealer--unless Lord Boomingham thinks we can take him alone."

[Kintobor]

Karie clenched the chests lid, looking into the green chest.

"Arthur. At this point in time, my mind is set in stone. Patricia mercilessly stabbed my sister. Do you have family Arthur? What if that was one of your family members there? What if Patricia jabbed your relative with no hesitance, no remorse? Leave me be. The battle was hard enough without trying to cope with the fact that the past nineteen years of my life have been a lie. As for her being a simple thief..."

Karie looks up at Arthur.

"Neither you or me know that for certain."

She wondered what she looked like before she died. She wondered if she really did bed this Ulric guy. Where's Cliff when you need him?

"I'm... going to change."

Karie finds a place away from the party and removes the Catsuit in favor of the Leather Armor.

[Zepher]

Boomingham looks at the loot before him without saying a word. He personally pockets the grating stone and 25 gold, and gives 50 gold to Arnulf and Karie a piece. He then tosses the bow and the smelling salts to Em. The mead he stares at for a short while before passing it to Arnulf, and the smelling salts and nostrum are passed to Karie. Finally, Arthur gets the bright polish.

"I'm taking the essence. If we don't need it, it may go to one of you when all this is over."

Boomingham - 25 gold, Grating Stone, Essence

Karie - 25 gold, Smelling Salts, Nostrum

Arthur - Bright Polish (it's very rare and the only way to buff armor, so it's all you get, but if you think its unfair we'll balance it out next battle )

Em - Bow

Arnulf - 50 Gold, Mead

Boomingham wipes his brow with his kerchief. He turns to Arnulf and Em. "Thank you for your concentration during battle." He then turns to Arthur and Karie. He unsheaths both his swords and tosses them on the floor with a clatter. Barty zips far away. Boomingham unbuckles his heavy armor and tosses it on the floor as well. It lands with a thud. "You two. I am undefended, and I will not retaliate. If you wish to kill me, Arnulf, and Em, please do it now." He waits a few seconds. "If you do not wish to kill us, then you must cooperate. Disobeying a commander's orders is deadly - not only for you, but for the others he leads. In the Orcish wars, I had a Colonel who thought we could flank an Orcish party. I wanted to drive through, divide them, but he thought it was too dangerous, and in the night took some of my boys and tried to sneak around. We did not hear from them again, but we did win the battle the next day, and discovered a pile of bones near one of the bonfires. I am in charge of this mission. If you disobey me, you risk my life, and the lives of the others I lead. So, if you wish to kill me, now is the time."

[Flipz]

OOC: credit into next battle is fine.

Karie clenched the chests lid, looking into the green chest.

"Arthur. At this point in time, my mind is set in stone. Patricia mercilessly stabbed my sister. Do you have family Arthur? What if that was one of your family members there? What if Patricia jabbed your relative with no hesitance, no remorse? Leave me be. The battle was hard enough without trying to cope with the fact that the past nineteen years of my life have been a lie. As for her being a simple thief..."

Karie looks up at Arthur.

"Neither you or me know that for certain."

She wondered what she looked like before she died. She wondered if she really did bed this Ulric guy. Where's Cliff when you need him?

"I'm... going to change."

Karie finds a place away from the party and removes the Catsuit in favor of the Leather Armor.

Arthur thinks back to his own past. Yes, I've stood in your shoes, Karie. Worse, even. The woman I loved killed the man who had been a second father to me after the loss of my own--and then she betrayed me, got me convicted of his murder. I forgave her...in time. In loneliness. Until she betrayed me again. That was who he was, though--he gave people second chances. How could he not, given how many he himself had been given?

Boomingham wipes his brow with his kerchief. He turns to Arnulf and Em. "Thank you for your concentration during battle." He then turns to Arthur and Karie. He unsheaths both his swords and tosses them on the floor with a clatter. Barty zips far away. Boomingham unbuckles his heavy armor and tosses it on the floor as well. It lands with a thud. "You two. I am undefended, and I will not retaliate. If you wish to kill me, Arnulf, and Em, please do it now." He waits a few seconds. "If you do not wish to kill us, then you must cooperate. Disobeying a commander's orders is deadly - not only for you, but for the others he leads. In the Orcish wars, I had a Colonel who thought we could flank an Orcish party. I wanted to drive through, divide them, but he thought it was too dangerous, and in the night took some of my boys and tried to sneak around. We did not hear from them again, but we did win the battle the next day, and discovered a pile of bones near one of the bonfires. I am in charge of this mission. If you disobey me, you risk my life, and the lives of the others I lead. So, if you wish to kill me, now is the time."

"There are certain moments in time that cannot be avoided, cannot be altered, no matter what mortals may do. These 'fixed points' are unchangeable, and all events before and after them are anchored around them, as they hold reality itself together. That moment...that was one of those points. I can feel it. Karie was destined to learn of her sister's fate right then, right there, and I was the one destined to shatter the peace. I walk a set path: I don't know where it goes, but no matter where I turn, what choices I make it's the same road, the only one I've ever known. Lately it seems to be a road of sacrifice: a sacrifice of honor, a sacrifice of freedom, a sacrifice of the friendships I could have made with two people with whom I could have accomplished great things. But I am not a free man. I am bound by the choices I've made, and I can't but continue to try to do good in spite of them. In pursuit of duty and truth I find myself dashed to pieces against it like waves upon a rocky shore." Arthur removes his own weapons and equipment--as numerous as they were--and puts them all down. "So now I leave you, Karie, and the others with a choice. End me here--end my penance and my suffering, end all of it--and carry on, or continue to have me, and know that, despite all my efforts, my very presence can lead to ill. I don't choose to seek turmoil--it simply finds me. But no matter what, I always put my mission above myself."

[Zepher]

Boomingham rolls his eyes. "All moments are anchored in time. People do what they do. If you're asking to be killed, you are not putting your mission before yourself. You are not a victim. You are the master of your own fate. Either accept the responsibility, or leave. If your presence leads to danger, then you are doing something wrong. No one is going to kill you. You either stay with us, follow my express orders, and don't interrogate my allies during battle, or you're dismissed from the party. It's your choice. I don't want a speech, boy. I want a yes sir, or no sir."

[Flipz]

"It's not about anything I AM doing wrong. It's what I DID wrong, in the past, that brings peril to my presence. Some realms of magick are not meant to be delved into; doing so has consequences. Permanent ones."

"But you want a yes or no. Very well. Yes I can follow your express orders in battle. And yes, at the moment, there are no longer any members of this party that I must interrogate, none that present a potential threat to the city. But no I cannot promise not to pursue the truth when I must. It would be like asking you not to defend the innocent or not to heal the wounded. I will be strong for my city, I will be smart for my city, I will protect my city, I will nurture my city, I will live for my city, I will die for my city. That is the oath I took as a Watchman. Part of being smart for and protecting my city is pursuing the truth, especially the truth of a potential threat, and that's an oath I take very seriously--above all else, in fact."

[Zepher]

"Then go be a member of the watch full time, right now you're a member of Heroica and I'm your commanding officer." Boomigham takes back up his armor and heals everyone in the party. Barty lugs both of his swords back to him. "Let's go report and see if there's anything else to do. No one is able to track down the Stealer, are they?"

Edited June 13, 2013 by Zepher

[Endgame]

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 Years Old, Human, Level 24 1/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened*

Power: 37 (+4**)

Defense: 12

Health: 44/45 (+2*)

Ether: 15/23

Gold: 168

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, Phoenix Essence, Grating Stone

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

Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 24 1/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate]

Power: 37 (24 + WP:13)

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

Ether: 253/34 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5)

Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi)

Gold: 1510 (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 x2, Nostrum x 3, Smelling Salts x 4, Mead x 3, Jinxy Juice, 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, Bright Polish

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor)

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 12

Power: 18 (lvl 12 + WP: 6)

Health: 18/18

Gold: 384

Defence: 1

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect), Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1)

Inventory: Potion (3), 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), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear), Smelling Salts, Nostrum

Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86)

30 yrs old male human Rogue

Level 10.5

Power: 19 (9+9+1)

Defense: 3

Health: 16/16 (7+9)

Gold: 345

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, 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 10.5

Power: 16

Health: 15/15

Gold: 110

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), 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, Bow(WP:5)

Boomingham distributes the loot, and, with Barty's help, closes the wounds of the party. New equipment in hand, they took one last look around the dilipidated Armory before stepping out into the chilly night air. Their job was complete, but they knew The Stealer couldn't and wouldn't be allowed to run amuck... And even their their objective was achieved, the party could tell this mission was far from over. Hearts and minds heavy, the party trudges out the filthy Sceleris Alleys and back into the streets of Eubric, illuminated by torches lining the roads. They set course for the Town Watch HQ, hoping Lilith got Arthur's note.

It was time to hunt down The Stealer.

TWO QUESTS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

The party reaches the Town Watch HQ quickly, the party almost jogging the last stretch. They find Arrow sleeping outside, bowl of dog food and water at his side. Apparently it was his choice to sleep underneath the stars. Em ruffles his fur and whispers quietly to him, the dog seemingly yawning as he gets up. His tail wags as he recognizes the band of heroes, though.

"Arf arf!"

<I delivered the note - Lilith is waiting for you in her office.>

Em transalates for the rest of the party and thanks the dog, a town watchman unlcoking the door for them. They walk through a short set of hallways, karie on edge just being inside this place. They reach Lilith's office, and step inside.

She keeps the same calm demanor, but she held the crumpled up note in one hand. She speaks curtly and without fear, but they can see a certain grimness in her eyes...

"Someone. Anyone. Full report. Now."

[Kintobor]

"Best you tell her, Private."

Karie whispered into Arthur's ear. Her whole demeanour was different. She didn't seem as large or lively as she typically was. This wasn't the first time she'd broke character.