Heroica RPG - Quest #72: A Party

[JimBee]

"So much for that plan..." Hybros fiddled with his clothing impatiently. "Well I suppose we had better keep an eye out. Each of you, pick someone to watch." Standing back and waiting for Guffington to gather the room's attention, Hybros intently watched Watters and his facial expression. Nyx did the same for Lady Marsh.

[Zepher]

"Yes, we must observe. I hear that your Guts wishes to become an alchemist. It may serve him well. When you are conducting an experiment, it is always by moving around variables. Your Guts has moved our variables around quite gallantly. Look here. Avery and the chef are dead. Guts has sent the Marshes out of the room, and Lord Hinckwell has done us the kindness of following them. Everyone has, at some point, glanced over at my locked kitchen. Everyone in the room knows that no poison is coming from the chef by now." Everstien smiles cruelly. "Either something will happen, or it won't, but either way, Guts have limited our suspects significantly."

[JimBee]

Hybros narrowed his eyes slightly, annoyed. He spoke to Everstein without looking at him, and kept his eyes focused on Watters. "Guts is not the only one doing work around here... I have come near death twice from a Selkreeth and a Red Assassin, but I suppose those are not variable enough for you, doctor." Hybros sighed slightly. "We will watch then."

With the Marshes apparently out of the room, along with Henry Hinckwell, Nyx shifts her gaze towards Samuel Shadeaux.

[Brickdoctor]

OoC: Who's left to be watched?

I keep an eye on Lord Chauncey.

[Zepher]

OoC: The picture I took of Chauncey somehow disappeared between the time I took it, and the time I uploaded the pictures... so... that's why there's no picture of him, sorry. No clue intended there.

The heroes all stare at their individual targets...

Docken keeps (one) eye on Lord Chauncey, milling around the table...

Hybros watches as Thomas and Watters discuss quietly the closed kitchen door...

And Nyx watches as Elba and Shawe discuss trade and general distaste for the Bonapartes...

The room seems quiet and serene, and then suddenly - BANG. The table splinters with a terrifying crash and smoke fills the room, obscuring everyone's vision. Docken sees Lord Chauncey get thrown back by the blast, but a familiar incantation starts moments later and the heroes know he is summoning his companions. Guts hears the shriek of a knife in the air, and feels Guffington slump down next to him. A blue hilt sprouts from his chest, and his eyes are sharp for only a second before they glaze over with death.

"Time to go, heroes," says Everstien, and then, in a rush, he and Daneeka and Lady Felix are with the heroes on the stairs leading down to the lab. The heroes have moments to discuss theories before their final jump.

[Scubacarrot]

"Fuck!" Guts bangs his fist loudly against the wall. "I can't sodding believe I did not see where that sodding knife came from, or redirect it. I'm sodding trained for this. I... I... Fuck! Grrr. I apologize." The raider looks at his fist, and notices some blood coming out, nevermind, it would be gone by the time they jumped. He cleared his throat and straightened his coat, and swept a non-existing hair out of his face. "The hilt was blue. Lord and Lady Marsh mentioned Blue Assassins. There are probably more of them. That table was probably boobytrapped, we should get that sorted out."

[Brickdoctor]

As we flee, I grab the knife and pull it out of Guffington's chest and put the knife into one of the pouches on my belt.

[Pandora]

OoC: I have returned, thanks for keeping Nyx alive JimB.

"Goddamnit, again? And explosions? If it's not magic, and it couldn't have been Chauncey because he ended up on his big behind, then it's a bomb. Which makes me think of Shawe and Ladybug, but Shawe was busy talking and so his companion would have seen him throw the bomb if he had. And the Marshes wouldn't have needed to throw a knife, because if they were with Guts then they would have been next to Guffy, so they could have just stabbed him instead. It's that damn Ladybug. And that blue waiter is involved, possibly because he's blue; is that too obvious?"

Nyx gabbles quickly knowing there isn't much time.

"It isn't Elba, it isn't the Marshes, it isn't Avery or the Cook, it isn't Shawe or Chauncey, and it's not Thomas. It shouldn't be U'or, Daneeka or Felix, so that leaves Ladybug and Watters, and a bomb and a knife takes two people, or am I missing someone?"

[Scubacarrot]

Guts sees Docken do his thing, and remarks, calmly again: "Won't matter, it will disappear when we jump." The raider sighs, and hands the second amulet to Felix. "Don't suppose you saw where the blade came from, any other ideas, perhaps?" The raider bites his tongue, then continues his monologue: "Right. Daneeka, I want you to go grab that fake book for Marsh right away. For those of you planning to go that way, there is some kind of useful lamp in Chauncy's room, and an amount of gold in the room belonging to the Marshes, grab it. I don't know what the hell you were doing in the kitchen the whole time, but get it over quicker, we have one shot. By process of elimination, one of the two remaining servers probably threw the knife, which means U'or sucks at hiring personell. The knife stuck in the chest, the servers had the perfect angle. As for who is responsible for hiring them, it's secondary. "

[JimBee]

"Hmm, so Blue Assassins, hm?" Hybros tugged at his kerchief. "I am not sure what that means, but I am sure it can not be good, eheh... Guts, we discovered that the waitress Avery is a Red Assassin. Could the two guilds perhaps have a relationship here? Are we absolutely sure that the Marshes' hands are clean in this? What else did you find out about them?"

He turned to Nyx. "A bomb... you are right. Someone will have to keep a close eye on Madame Ladybug and Watters this time. And what is she doing here?" Hybros tilted his head towards Lady Felix. He avoided her stare, but squinted at Guts.

[Zepher]

Guts checks his pockets for the amulet, but sees it glittering around Lady Felix's neck instead. She smiles sheepishly.

"Just in case," she explains warmly. "And I've been invited along for the ride this time, little Hybros."

"I will accompany whoever heads to the rooms this time. Or I will go on my own. There is something I wish to investigate. Do not be fooled, heroes. No one is cleared until there is no shadow of a doubt." The wereraven looks at Hybros. "You say that Avery is a Red Assassin? Is she a third strike against Guffington? Or something else?"

"You will have to remind me of the book, Guts. I do not have one of your amulets."

The heroes tumble into the study of Daneeka. All but one flower has wilted.

"Lady Felix, you will not be able to physically jump back. There is not enough serum for you. Your amulets should retain any memories you have gained while wearing it, but nothing before then. When did you put it on?"

"I lifted it off our handsome friend as we entered into the Dining Hall. I should be able to figure out what is happening with just those memories. I am allied with the heroes. Trying to save old Gerald," she says to herself, to be certain she will remember.

"This is my advice. Do what you must do. Do no more and no less." The were-raven coughs loudly. "Remember, we are to save Guffington, which means finding the two threats to his life and neutralizing them. We are then to figure out which of his friends betrayed his trust. Use your heads. Pay attention. Isolate the problem and deal with it." Daneeka holds the syringe at the ready. The were-raven coughs violently again and then sneers. "Are you ready for ramifications?"

"You will not be paid if you kill an innocent. Good luck."

...as the eighth bell rings, he flings the doors open ceremoniously.

The heroes see five figures, one of which quickly disappears into the house, leaving the beautifully graveled courtyard behind. The heroes glance around at the remaining four figures.

"...and of course, thank Mercutio the marriage was called off. A mere folly, I assure you!"

"No trouble, Gerald. It will of course be the normal deal, and I'll be staying for the party. A Selkreeth never refuses good drinks."

"Of course, you'll stay, Zora. I'll just make sure that U'Or keeps an eye on you."

"Won't both his eyes be glued to the Ladybug?"

What would the heroes like to do?

Edited August 18, 2013 by Zepher

[JimBee]

Before they jumped, Hybros shared his plan with the six others in the room, still glancing suspiciously at Lady Felix occasionally through the corner of his eye. "I will accompany you to the rooms, Everstein. Docken, I think you are the best equipped to handle Clippard again, so you will be in the kitchen. Lock the door behind you to make sure Avery does not enter, and if she does, ask her to leave. I will deal with her later if necessary." He turned back to Everstein. "The Red Assassin appears to have no interest in killing Guffington; her contracts were for Clippard, Lord Marsh, and Watters. I have a feeling Lady Felix is the employer, so we will have to investigate further this time, eheh... Guts, Lady Felix, perhaps you could spend some time with Madame Ladybug, as well as inspect the table for traps, hehe. Nyx, interrogate the Marshes. Perhaps separately, and... dispose of them if necessary. Watters also might be worth looking into if you have the time."

Hybros took a breath, and prepared for the sickness to follow after the final jump. "Remember," he addressed to the party. "This is our final chance."

[Scubacarrot]

"Not be paid if you kill an innocent. Not your bloody call to make. I want double for whatever trimetravel bullshit we had to go through." Guts mumbled before jumping. When arriving, Guts walked straight through, without saying a word to Guffington, making eye contact with Felix as he walked past, and tilted his head in a way as to say "follow".

[Zepher]

"You'll excuse me, Guffington. Captain Holla and I are friends from a long time ago. I didn't know he was coming, and I'll of course have to catch up," she kisses Guffington lightly on the cheek. "Watch yourself. You have more guests, by the way."

"Ah, hello, Docken, Hybros. And you must be the lovely Nyx! It's a pleasure to meet you, finally. I saw you at the Founder's Day Ball. Quite an evening." Guffington turns to all the others. "How have you been? I'm very happy you were able to make my party. I'm afraid that most of these people don't see many rough and tumble adventurers, should do their blood some good."

Lady Felix and Guts walk down the hall towards the Dining Hall. If they wish to branch off elsewhere, now is their chance.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts heads through to the dining hall, and quickly checks the table for anything off with his Magnifying Glass.

[Brickdoctor]

I slip into the Kitchen.

[Pandora]

Nyx smiles widely at Guffington.

"Sir, it's wonderful to be here. I'll happily liven up your party for you! "

Nyx grins and nods her head respectfully, before striking out for the main party room, this time in search of Watters. "Oh, if anyone has a few spare... drinks, then please feel free to throw them at me!" she calls as she walks, blushing deeply at her abrupt request. Meanwhile, she drinks a Mead, just to get things started.

[Zepher]

The Party

Hybros *Party Leader*

Level 26 1/3 Assassin

*Hastened*

*Immune to

Cursed

,

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

Fragile

,

Weakened

*

*Immune to all elements* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Encouraged*

Power:

32

Power Bonus

: 1

Defense:

0

Health:

80/80

Gold:

728

Equipment:

Sword of Ancestral Hatred

(WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it,

light

- and

darkness

-elemental; longsword)

,

Golden Armor

(user is permanently hastened and cursed,

fire

-,

water

-,

earth

-,

wind

-,

wood

-,

ice

-,

lightning

-,

darkness

-,

light

-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear),

Sticky Gloves

(Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up); handwear),

Eye of the Beholder Amulet

(Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round)

Inventory:

Zoot's Reaper (WP:15,

earth

-elemental; scythe),

Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Eye-poking Sai (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory),

Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable)

, 14 Potions, 14 Grand Potions, 22 Health Cores, 12 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 2 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Lightning Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 14 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 5 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Certificate for a Cloak of a Red Assassin (The next red assassin met is forced to give up his cloak),

Bartholomew Docken

, Dragonslayer

Level 31.75 Warden

*Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits*

*Scary*

*Immune to Defense Reduction,

Confusion

,

Blindness

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

*

Power:

41

Defense:

23

Health:

61/61

Gold:

865

GP:

4

Equipment:

Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10;

Blinded

-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent

Scary

-effect; immune to Defense Reduction,

Confusion

,

Blindness

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear)

Inventory:

Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory)

Nyx

Level 28 Battle Mage *Natural Respite* *Immune to Sealed effects* *Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects* *Encouraged*

Power:

42

Power Bonus

: 1

Defense:

3

Health:

39/39

Ether:

40/40

Gold:

61

Equipment:

Zee Standard (Staff, WP: 14 Ice and Darkness Elemental, Necromancers Raise Enemies with 2 extra levels)

, Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), High Heels (+1 Power), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects)

Inventory:

Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero)

,

Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened), Ruby (Fire), Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water) Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sleep, 2 Meads, 4 Deadly Venoms, 3 Cosmic Essences (Revives a knocked out ally with full health and ether and gives them the blessed-effect), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2 Chaotic Bombs (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bomb '

X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP),

2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Scroll of Weakening, Smelling Salts, Nostrum

Guts Holla

Level 27 Raider

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Fragile

,

Asleep

,

Confused

and

Blinded

**Immune to

Darkness,

Light

,

Water

,

Fire

,

Air

,

Earth

,

Wood

,

Lightning

and

Ice

Elemental Damage*

Power:

57 (37 for ranged attacks)

Power Bonus

: 1

Health:

41/41

Defense:

4

Gold:

47

Equipment:

Lifestealer

(WP: 29,

Ice

,

Darkness

, attacks restore 3 health, dagger, Deadly Poisoned),

Dancing Shoes

(Wearer dances well, in the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice. +Immunity to

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Fragile

and

Blinded

, + Immunity to

Darkness

,

Light

,

Fire

,

Air

,

Earth

,

Wood

,

Lightning

and

Ice

Elemental Damage, footwear),

Crocodile Armour

(+4 Defense +Immunity to

Water

Magic, bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, Intimidation, halberd), Throwing Knife (WP: 9,

Light

, Retrievable),1x Ambrosia, 10x Mead, 10x Smelling Salts, 9x Nostrum, 20x Grand Potion, 4x Health Core, 1x Elixir, 1x Grand Tonic, 12x Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essence, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Deadly Venom, 3x Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 4x Mythril Shard, Metasimian Ale,

Opal

, Grating Stone, Pugilist's Gloves (2+ Power, Immune to Weakened, handwear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet

Everstien nods at Guts as he enters, and then breezes by Nyx and Docken as they walk for the door, clearly intent on finding Hybros to go upstairs with.

"If they touch any of my stuff," Lady Felix grumbles before trailing off. Guts examines the table but finds no bomb installed - clearly this was not a primary plan, and was only set into motion upon Clippard's death the previous jump.

Watters, meanwhile, strolls out of the kitchen just as Docken slips in. The blue waiter begins to make his rounds. How will Nyx approach him?

Docken, meanwhile, is greeted with another massive deja vu.

"...of course, I have heard great things of Yasmar as well, but your name is not unknown in Gull. But your unique services are what I've come to procure. Perhaps you can cook a private dinner for my husband and I some time."

"Anything for the right price," chuckles the old cook. Then he notices Docken and raises an eyebrow. The woman spins around and smiles happily.

"Lost?"

[JimBee]

Hybros bows to Guffington one last time in the courtyard. He meets Everstein's gaze, and follows him upstairs.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts finds Daneeka, and quickly says: "Marsh is after a book you and I can not read, I know you know which one, grab me a less important one he won't be able to read, and bring it to me."

After that, Guts looks for Shawe.

[Brickdoctor]

I use Diplomacy.

"No, not lost; I just have some questions for the chef regarding his work. It's related to my business, so if you wouldn't mind affording us some privacy for a few minutes, milady, miss?"

[Zepher]

Everstien silently follows Hybros up the stairs. They are faced, as ever, with four doors - two on the right, two on the left.

"Cozy. Where to first, Hybros?"

Guts, downstairs, chatters for a while to someone who is not yet in the Dining Hall. Perhaps the time jumps are getting to his brain.

In the kitchen, Docken politely asks the ladies to go.

"Humph. We'll continue this talk later, Clippard."

"Yes, please mi'lady." Avery follows Lady Marsh on her way out. "Your questions?" the chef says snippily.

[Brickdoctor]

I lock the door behind me and swap out my Cobweb Cowl for my Dread Hat.

"Yes, as I said, about your work: I have heard of your skill in your profession, not one of the culinary arts, but of poisons. As for my business, it concerns stopping individuals such as yourself. Clippard the Poisoner, in the name of Heroica, you are under arrest."

I draw back an arrow on my Darksteel Crossbow, firing at Clippard from the Back Row if he does not surrender.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts finds Daneeka and tells him.

[Zepher]

Clippard runs for his mushrooms, but Docken is ready for this move and fires off an arrow before the battle can even begin. It sinks itself into Clippard's shoulder as he tosses out his little allies (51*2-10=92).

Round One Kitchen Finale

>Docken v. Clippard - Critical Hit/Hit (51*2-10=92)

>Docken v. Clippard - Damage/Special Damage (33/2-23=0)

Shrooms v. Docken - ([20*4]/2/2-23=0)

Enemies

"Damn you! Now I'll never be paid."

Clippard the Cook

Level 33 Humanoid *Immune to Blinded, Sleep, Sealed, and Poisons * *Immune to Fire*

Health: 491/675

SP: 10

Special I: Smoke Screen – Badly poisons and blinds all the heroes.

Special II: Noxious Concoction – Badly poisons and weakens all heroes.

Special III: Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire – Deals 50 fire elemental damage to target.

Drops: Chef’s Apron (Bodywear, Immunity to fire and poisons), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Max Health, suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7, deals double damage on ships, club), Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence

NOTE: Specials alternate.

Growshroom

Level 20 Plant

Health: 100/100

Special: Red Spores - The mushrooms unleashes it's spores on the attacker which causes the

weakend

effect for the next three turns or until remedied or the battle ends.

Drops: Growshroom cap.

Tinyshroom

Level 20 Plant

Health: 100/100

Special: Yellow Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which cause the

cursed

effect until remedied or the battle ends.

Drops: Tinyshroom cap.

Oneupshroom

Level 20 Plant

Health: 100/100

Special: Green Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which siphon the life from the attacker and into the mushroom. The damage to the attacker is constant (mushroom level), but the health gained by the mushroom can not exceed it's maximum health.

Drops: Oneupshroom cap.

Doomshroom

Level 20 Plant

Health: 100/100

Special: Black Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which causes the

sealed

effect for the next three rounds or until remedied or the battle ends.

Drops: Doomshroom cap.

The Party

Bartholomew Docken

, Dragonslayer

Level 31.75 Warden

*Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits*

*Scary*

*Immune to Defense Reduction,

Confusion

,

Blindness

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

* *Hastened* *Lucky* *Encouraged*

Power:

41

Defense:

23

Health:

61/61

Gold:

865

GP:

4

Equipment:

Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10;

Blinded

-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent

Scary

-effect; immune to Defense Reduction,

Confusion

,

Blindness

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round)

Inventory:

Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear)

Time: 8:06

Guts, exhibiting little to no detective or roleplaying skill, tries really hard to find a man who is simply not in the room. He stares at a door, he looks under the table, he scrutinizes Lady Felix to make sure that she is not Daneeka in disguise, all the common stuff. No matter how underlined and bolded his request, however, he is unable to find the man he is looking for.

OoC: Yeah, sorry, you don't get to do that. It's a big house. He's NOT in that room. Which, actually, should not even be a little bit of a shock to you, because he has never been in the room in the beginning.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Zepher