Heroica RPG - Quest #77: Your Elves are Better than Ours

[Sandy]

Ellaria felt a bit intimidated at the scope of their task.

"Deciding who to give the control of an entire town over to? I didn't know we in Heroica had that kind of power... But everything is possible when you put your mind into it, isn't that how the saying goes?"

[Wedge09]

"This is a difficult task, indeed." says Alexander meditating on the task given to the group of heroes.

OOC: On the 24th and the 25th I will be out at the Deep Purple's concert, therefore I won't have any internet connection. Nerwen can control my character in this period.

[Brickdoctor]

"I didn't know we in Heroica had that kind of power... But everything is possible when you put your mind into it, isn't that how the saying goes?"

"I am not aware of the limits of Heroica's influence and power. However, I deem this mission critical to our ability to establish good relations with other factions, and as I understand it, R'kilf and Uland in general have no one power or law. The right to determine control of anything depends largely on your economic and military abilities and resources. You are of course hired heroes acting in the name of the Brobric Elves, so even if the long term effects of this quest do not go according to my plan and if the other powers do not agree with your ultimate decision, you have nothing to worry about."

[Zepher]

Boomingham beams at Nerwen. "It's like I told Guts. Change only comes in times of turmoil, and those who make the decisions then are the ones who happen to be there, and have the military force to ensure that their opinions are the popular ones. We won't fail you, my lord. I have personally handled the turning over of small towns such as this before, in the Orcish War. Besides, I'm an excellent judge of character." Boomingham chuckles quietly and bows. "No time like the present. There's only so much we can discuss before we arrive and meet the factions, so I'm prepared to move out whenever everyone else is."

[Sandy]

Ellaria nods.

"Yes, the task seems daunting, but the sooner we depart for R'kilf, the sooner we can start."

[Flipz]

Boomingham beams at Nerwen. "It's like I told Guts. Change only comes in times of turmoil, and those who make the decisions then are the ones who happen to be there, and have the military force to ensure that their opinions are the popular ones. We won't fail you, my lord. I have personally handled the turning over of small towns such as this before, in the Orcish War. Besides, I'm an excellent judge of character." Boomingham chuckles quietly and bows. "No time like the present. There's only so much we can discuss before we arrive and meet the factions, so I'm prepared to move out whenever everyone else is."

"Then we'd best make sure our changes are for the better."

"Unless there is anyplace in this city where we can further prepare ourselves, I think it would be best for us to move on."

"Oh, forgive my rudeness in not asking, Lady Ahvialyn, but what sort of skills do you possess? Are you, perhaps, skilled in stealth?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nodded at Boomingham's words.

It seems further questions can wait until we reach the town.

Ahvialyn. Your armour looks sturdy but it marks you as being under Normorn's command. Do you have other clothes to wear for our entry into town? We would not want to prejudice the townsfolk or garrison against us prematurely.

[Brickdoctor]

"Oh, forgive my rudeness in not asking, Lady Ahvialyn, but what sort of skills do you possess? Are you, perhaps, skilled in stealth?"

"My training is indeed Roguish, and although I have much experience, I have chosen not to pursue any other skills."

Ahvialyn. Your armour looks sturdy but it marks you as being under Normorn's command. Do you have other clothes to wear for our entry into town? We would not want to prejudice the townsfolk or garrison against us prematurely.[/color]

"The elves in R'kilf are Brobric Elves, too. We all wear the same sort of armor."

[Flipz]

"Hmm...a dear friend of mine bought a cloak here in Brobric that allows him to sneak ahead and assess the enemy's capabilities before his party has to attack. Do you own such a cloak? If not, I would be happy to buy one for you, if they are available."

Edited July 22, 2013 by Flipz

[Brickdoctor]

"Hmm...a dear friend of mine bought a cloak here in Brobric that allows him to sneak ahead and assess the enemy's capabilities before his party has to attack. Do you own such a cloak? If not, I would be happy to buy one for you, if they are available."

"Cloaks of the Elven Spy. Very powerful, very rare. Lord Normorn decides who can have them now, and as a matter of fact, I do have one."

[Duvors]

"So all we have to do is see how each group would govern R'klif,what there motives would be,and how good at governing they would be."

"Then we have to chose who will govern and face the wrath of the others."

"Just one thing I want to know."

Throlar points to the blue dots and the plant-filled space in the town.

"What are those?"

Edited July 22, 2013 by Lord Duvors

[Brickdoctor]

"So all we have to do is see how each group would govern R'klif,what there motives would be,and how good at governing they would be."

"Then we have to chose who will govern and face the wrath of the others."

Ahvialyn raises both eyebrows almost imperceptibly, but Lord Normorn is unfazed by the dwarf's understanding of the diplomatic situation.

"Correct, Master Dwarf."

Just one thing I want to know."

Throlar points to the blue dots and the plant-filled space in the town.

"What are those?"

"The blue spots are wells. R'kilf was not a well-planned village. It sits on flat ground on the edge of the plains, not particularly defensible and lacking any other source of fresh water. The plants in the town were once a park, constructed in the area of the village where the wealthier merchants lived."

Another elf approaches from the same direction you came, with footsteps so soft on the lush, elf-cultivated grass that you might not have noticed him if Lord Normorn did not suddenly look at him as he spoke. The other elf, clearly among the lesser ranks, spoke.

"Herunya Normorn, manwanenye rocco an lenda."

"Manë. Heroes, there are fresh horses ready for you. Go with my blessing."

Riding through the night on seemingly tireless elven horses, you arrive outside R'kilf in mid-morning. Ahvialyn commands your horses to stop in the edge of a forest on the left side of road. Creeping through the brush towards the walls, you can see that the map was outdated: what should have been two tall towers forming a gatehouse was instead a seven stud-high windowless remnant of a skinny tower, guarding a single door, flanked by wooden barricades. The village is eerily quiet, save for a merchant plodding towards the gate dragging a wheeled cart behind him.

"The damage doesn't look as bad from out here."

"Figures. Gate closed, nobody in sight, reports of Pog activity in this area recently, have to go through in order to sell produce."

As you watch from the trees, a team of armed Pongcanae vault over the wall and break into a sprint. The merchant drops the handles of the cart, scattering its contents, just before he is swiftly beheaded by one stroke of a Pongcanis blade. Ahvialyn holds out a hand, waving you back and instructing you not to take action.

"You can't help him. Don't give away our presence."

"Grrraooowww gruhhh... Search him."

"..."

*sniff* "Hurry it up. This area reeks of fleshies."

You hear shouting in the distance, and the Pongcanae all look up to the west, into the forest about twenty studs closer to the city from where you're crouching.

"RRRrrruurgh! Let's get out of here."

"Wah shrf shrf shrf rrrooaarrgghh."

Another Pongcanis bearing a staff approaches from your left. A Ruby set in the staff glows, and the raider lights a branch and sets fire to the wagon while his comrades grab what they can and hurry off towards the Eubric Plains with quick loping strides, leaving the merchant's body lying on the burning remnants of the cart.

"The situation in R'kilf isn't looking good."

[Flipz]

Arthur growls. "Pongcanis. Beheading was too good for that bastard Vonnetate." He looks ready to charge after the group, but restrains himself. "We'd be doing an awful lot of people an awful lot of good if we could get rid of that lot. Permanently." It was more than apparent from his tone that his attitude toward the creatures was personal.

"I'm going to dig a grave for that poor fellow they murdered. Those who wish to help, can."

Edited July 22, 2013 by Flipz

[Brickdoctor]

"I'm going to dig a grave for that poor fellow they murdered. Those who wish to help, can."

You go to the side of the road and dig a hole looking somewhat like a grave.

[Flipz]

Arthur buries the poor merchant, setting the head back in its proper place. "May the Dragons set fire to your heart and fly it away," he says, performing the Dastanian rite of death. He looks up to the others. "Shall we risk knocking, or would it be better to make our own path in?"

[Chromeknight]

Let us circle deosil around to the outskirts and make our way in that way.

Throlar was wise in picking out control of the wells as critical to the town, we should see who exerts influence there.

Nerwen began to move silently through the undergrowth clockwise around the town.

Edited July 23, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Brickdoctor]

Arthur buries the poor merchant, setting the head back in its proper place. "May the Dragons set fire to your heart and fly it away," he says, performing the Dastanian rite of death. He looks up to the others. "Shall we risk knocking, or would it be better to make our own path in?"

You run through the smoke and flames, your hands reaching down and grazing the burning wood as you grab the merchant's body. You run back to the grave, setting the body down as you take 15 Fire-elemental Damage and are inflicted with the Burning effect, taking 5 Damage for every action you perform.

However, whatever higher incorporeal powers there may be in this world smile at your effort to give the merchant a proper burial at risk to your own Health, and you find 5 Gold that you had not previously noticed in the hole you had dug.

Meanwhile, you hear the shouts that scared away the Pongcanae getting closer.

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

, a Hero Who is Actually Worth Something

(Flipz)

21 year-old male human Mystic Knight

Level 26.33

*Immune to

Poisoned

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

*Burning*

Power:

38

(Level 26 + WP: 12 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Health:

26/41

(Base HP: 5 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 7 + Permanent bonus: 4)

Ether:

31/31

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 1)

Defense:

10

(SP: 5 + SP: 5)

Gold:

464

(Owed 128 Gold by Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) and 70 Gold by En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

Equipment:

Sir Roderick's Sword (WP: 12; longsword), Arm Shield (SP: 5), Duke's Coat-of-Arms ( SP: 5; Immune to

Poisoned

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

; suitable for Knights, Dragoons, Skirmishers, and Regulators; bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to deal

Electric

-elemental Damage to an opponent who has dealt Damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; accessory), Overkill Gloves (+1 gold for every point of Damage extra when defeating an enemy; handwear)

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; staff), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP: 6; Hollow Blade [Mulled Wine]; dagger), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5;

Light

-elemental; +2 Ether on rolls of 2, 3, 4), Healing Staff (WP: 5; Healing effect), Ammit (WP: 6; +5 Ether for each kill; great sword),

•

Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the

Jinxed

effect on every third round; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Cloak of Deception (Free Hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals

Cursed

-effect

[/size]

; headwear), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50%, suitable for Rogues and Beast Warriors; accessory), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from the wearer; handwear)

•

Opal

,

Amethyst

,

Topaz

,

Diamond

,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

•

Scroll of Recklessness (

Encouraged

and

Fragile

; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Weakening

•

Grand Potions (11), Remedies (9), Elixirs (4), Nostrums (5), Smelling Salts (3), Meads (5), Jinxy Juices (2), Ether Core, Noxious Venom (

Badly Poisoned

and

Confused

; 3 Rounds), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (100 random elemental Damage), Tesla Bomb (20

Lightnng

-elemental Damage), Tonic, Grand Tonics (12), Double Rainbow (

Encouraged

,

Lucky

,

Confused

, and

Poisoned

), Bright Polish, Ambrosia, Exterlate, Phoenix Essences (2), Emergency Essence, Grating Stone, Smoke Bombs (5)

•

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

QM Note:

I love this quest! It's like jumping into the well at Bric'Bay all over again!

[Zepher]

"Well, it looks like we have one group we'll have to forcefully remove," says Boomingham gruffly, glancing down at his sword. "Assuming there will be no objections from the boy. Its a little disconcerting that they came from the inside of the city instead of the outside." Boomingham lounges near the fence, leaning back leisurely. "I suppose we ought to see who is coming this way. We'll have to meet everyone sooner or later anyway."

[Flipz]

"It may not be the most heroic idea, but...I hope the Pongcanae make us use force." Arthur pours a Remedy over himself to put out the flames and follows Nerwen, figuring he'll have time to heal himself later.

Edited July 23, 2013 by Flipz

[Sandy]

Ellaria is flustered by the gravity of the situation they are in.

"But wait! If whoever the Pongcanis are afraid of see us here, they will think that we committed this heinous crime. Let us hide once more until we see who is coming, and then if it's plausible, explain the situation to them so that they won't jump into hasty conclusions. How does that sound, Lady Ca... Uh, Nerwen?"

[Zepher]

"If those beasts know them, then they probably know the beasts. I doubt whoever is coming will mistake the attack as our doing. I wouldn't mind sticking around and talking to these folks if you all want to get into the city. I am a Paladin, after all. I imagine that the Order still retains some respect from most factions."

Edited July 23, 2013 by Zepher

[Chromeknight]

Whilst I understand your caution Ellaria, we have three diplomats in our party. I am sure we can speak calmly with whoever is coming.

[Wedge09]

"I think, this Pongcanis don't stay and live in the city but they made only a raid to rob anything they can before disappearing when someone stronger comes. I think if we will stay here, we will face this force that puts to flight the pongcanis and I think they are one of the strongest faction fihting for R'kilf." says Alexander while preparing his bow for an eventual battle.

[Duvors]

"Well,lets see who these people may be."said Throlar equipping his Jesters Hat.

[Brickdoctor]

Arthur, you quickly drink a Remedy to stop the Burning.

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

, a Hero Who is Actually Worth Something

(Flipz)

21 year-old male human Mystic Knight

Level 26.33

*Immune to

Poisoned

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

*

*Lucky*

*Encouraged*

Power:

38

(Level 26 + WP: 12 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Health:

26/41

(Base HP: 5 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 7 + Permanent bonus: 4)

Ether:

31/31

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 1)

Defense:

10

(SP: 5 + SP: 5)

Gold:

464

(Owed 128 Gold by Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) and 70 Gold by En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

Equipment:

Sir Roderick's Sword (WP: 12; longsword), Arm Shield (SP: 5), Duke's Coat-of-Arms ( SP: 5; Immune to

Poisoned

,

Badly Poisoned

, and

Fragile

; suitable for Knights, Dragoons, Skirmishers, and Regulators; bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to deal

Electric

-elemental Damage to an opponent who has dealt Damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; accessory), Overkill Gloves (+1 gold for every point of Damage extra when defeating an enemy; handwear)

Inventory:

Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; staff), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP: 6; Hollow Blade [Mulled Wine]; dagger), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5;

Light

-elemental; +2 Ether on rolls of 2, 3, 4), Healing Staff (WP: 5; Healing effect), Ammit (WP: 6; +5 Ether for each kill; great sword),

•

Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the

Jinxed

effect on every third round; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Cloak of Deception (Free Hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals

Cursed

-effect; headwear), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50%, suitable for Rogues and Beast Warriors; accessory), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from the wearer; handwear)

•

Opal

,

Amethyst

,

Topaz

,

Diamond

,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

•

Scroll of Recklessness (

Encouraged

and

Fragile

; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Weakening

•

Grand Potions (11), Remedies (8), Elixirs (4), Nostrums (5), Smelling Salts (3), Meads (5), Jinxy Juices (2), Ether Core, Noxious Venom (

Badly Poisoned

and

Confused

; 3 Rounds), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (100 random elemental Damage), Tesla Bomb (20

Lightnng

-elemental Damage), Tonic, Grand Tonics (12), Double Rainbow (

Encouraged

,

Lucky

,

Confused

, and

Poisoned

), Bright Polish, Ambrosia, Exterlate, Phoenix Essences (2), Emergency Essence, Grating Stone, Smoke Bombs (5)

•

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

You decide to stay on the road. Soon enough, a squad of Mopag hoplites comes charging into view, their armor gleaming a brilliant but worn gold, the lead hoplite taking up a defensive position as his commander strides around the tree and wheels to face you.

"Travelers, I am Commander Pinnock; we're tracking a pack of Pongcanae eastward across the plains."

"The tracks lead away from the cart."

"Look, sir! Pongcanae!"

"You two, stay here and find out if the travelers saw anything. You two, come with me."

"Three elves, three humans, and a dwarf, all armed... haha, it's been a long time since I've encountered heroes of Heroica!"