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

[Brickdoctor]

"That, or the elves threw one heck of a party last night. Although I didn't take elves to be this messy", Ellaria whispers back. She doesn't dare to raise her voice, but looks around to see if there is someone present, perhaps hidden by a toppled table or something.

You check under all the tables, behind all the pillars, and in all the shadows, but you can see no one.

[Sandy]

You check under all the tables, behind all the pillars, and in all the shadows, but you can see no one.

Ellaria shrugs, as there really doesn't seem to be anyone around.

"I guess we have to return later. I do wonder where the elves could have gone... Maybe we should check some other place, then. The Keep, perhaps?"

[Flipz]

"That, or the elves threw one heck of a party last night. Although I didn't take elves to be this messy", Ellaria whispers back. She doesn't dare to raise her voice, but looks around to see if there is someone present, perhaps hidden by a toppled table or something.

Arthur absently begins humming a tune as he searches. "Last Friday night..."

Ellaria shrugs, as there really doesn't seem to be anyone around.

"I guess we have to return later. I do wonder where the elves could have gone... Maybe we should check some other place, then. The Keep, perhaps?"

"Sounds reasonable to me. Let's go." As before, Arthur is careful to seem unassociated with Ellaria and Avialyn.

Edited August 6, 2013 by Flipz

[Brickdoctor]

Baelanith - Poisoned (1 Damage)

Lord Lawrence Boomingham - Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold)

Baelanith collapses as the Poison continues to take over his body.

"You...are...victorious.

"Ainonya, avatyara rohtanya..."

You all gain XP, and Throlar levels up. The enemies drop one Elven Sword.

The Party:

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

262 year-old female elven Shaman

Level 20.67

*Restoration*

*Immune to

Sealed

* *Immune to

Water

* *Party Leader*

Power:

35

(Level 20 + WP: 15 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Defense:

3

(SP: 3)

Health:

40/40

(Base HP: 9 + Level bonus: 19 + Class bonus: 9 + Artifact bonus: 3)

Ether:

30/30

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 19 + Class bonus: 1 + Artifact bonus: 5)

Gold:

106

Equipment:

Magical Staff (WP: 15;

Water

-,

Darkness

-elemental; staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to

Sealed

; bodywear), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear), Barbarian’s Boots (Restoration; footwear)

Inventory:

Mourning Star (WP: 10;

Fire

-elemental; inflicts

Fragile

-effect; mace), Spider Leg (WP: 8; doubled vs. Flying enemies; spear), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer),

•

Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; Immune to

Water

; accessory), Lens of Speed Reading (Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; suitable for scroll users; accessory)

•

Diamond

•

Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (SP: -5; 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the

Badly Poisoned

-effect; costs 5 Ether), Scroll of Luck (

Lucky

; costs 10 Ether)

•

Grand Tonics (3), Tonic, Potions (2), Elixirs (3), Remedies (3), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom, Fire Bombs (2), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bombs (2), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Bright Polish, Raw Meat (Max HP +5), Double Rainbow, Dragon Scales (2)

•

Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass,

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 year-old male human Paladin

Level 26.67

*Counterstriking*

*Immune to

Fragile

,

Sleep

,

Weakened

, and

Blindness

*

*Encouraged*

Power:

42

(Level 26 + WP: 11 +

Power Bonus:

5)

Defense:

12

(SP: 7 + SP: 5)

Health:

49/49

(Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3)

Ether:

25/25

(Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 25)

Gold:

13

(Owes 128 Gold to Arthur Justus Regulus VII [Flipz], 1 Gold to Bartholomew Docken [brickdoctor], and 75 Gold to Sorrow [Endgame])

Equipment:

Scupperer (WP: 11;

Darkness

-,

Fire

-elemental; inflicts

Bleeding

and

Badly Poisoned

; great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves, Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to

Fragile

), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to

Sleep

,

Weakened

, and

Blindness

; accessory), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)*

Inventory:

Frozen Saber (WP: 9;

Light

-,

Ice

-elemental; inflicts

Stunned

; great sword),

•

Marksman's Monocle (Misses are rerolled), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear),

•

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

•

Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing,

•

Meads (5), Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (

Encouraged

, Immune to

Ice

), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (

Lucky

,

Blessed

), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Tonic, Milk,

•

Bedroll

Throlar Wineghilm (Lord Duvors)

134 year-old male dwarven Knight

Level 2

Power:

5

(Level 2 + WP: 3 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Health:

11

(Base HP: 10 + Level Bonus: 1)

Defense:

2

(SP: 2)

Gold:

7

Equipment:

Mace and Chain (WP: 3), Round Shield (SP: 2), Jester's Hat (Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy; headwear)

Inventory:

Potion

•

Bedroll

Party Leader, divide the loot:

Elven Sword

(WP: 5; longsword) -

This elvish metal sword was standard-issue for the armies of Lord Keveak.

[Brickdoctor]

Leaving the meeting hall, Ellaria, Arthur, Ahvialyn, you approach the keep.

The edifice is of the same R'kilf style of large, precisely fitted dark tan blocks. The merchants and founders of R'kilf may have been fools, but when they wanted to build something, they apparently knew what they were doing. The large double doors are of thick wood, protected by arrow loops above and with torches off to the sides, burning even in the light of the midday sun as much as a warning as a practical source of light. Various barrels and some crates have been tossed to the side, discarded by elves too suspicious to even walk further than ten studs from their fortress to throw things away.

[Zepher]

"Can you wield a sword, little fellow?" Boomingham asks the dwarf. He then looks over at Alexander and give him a nod. "I suppose we will be seeing you sooner or later, Lady Nerwen. I'll leave the elf and dwarf's fates in your hands." Boomingham steps outside the tavern and glances over a few doors. "What do you say, Hunter? Shall we see who's in the Inn?"

[Chromeknight]

Perhaps if we plan to meet back here this eve.

Fare well.

Picking up the slender elven blade Nerwen faces the short knight.

This is yours, but I fear what might happen to you if you are seen carrying such. I will lend you this Morningstar and keep the blade as a spare weapon in case my staff is ineffective.

It is a good idea to keep two weapons, especially if they are elementaly endowed. It means you will always have a weapon which damages the enemy.

Nerwen takes the elven sword for safekeeping and lends Throlar Mourning Star

[Wedge09]

"Well, yes, I think is a good idea to make a stop at the Inn, maybe we found some of the locals and maybe we know something about this group of resistance." says the elven archer "Good luck and see you soon, Lady Nerwen." says Alexander smiling, then he left the Tavern heading to the R'kilf Inn.

Edited August 7, 2013 by Wedge09

[Chromeknight]

40hrs since someone's last post? After chivvying the QM?

Nerwen glares at Ambassador Tholar.

Getting no response she leaves to find the Mopag camp, barely caring if the dwarf follows or not.

[Brickdoctor]

Taking the lead, Boomingham, you walk with Alexander to the R'kilf Inn, and enter the rather well-kept building.

The Party at the Inn:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

46 year-old male human Paladin

Level 26.67

*Counterstriking*

*Immune to

Fragile

,

Sleep

,

Weakened

, and

Blindness

*

*Encouraged*

Power:

42

(Level 26 + WP: 11 +

Power Bonus:

5)

Defense:

12

(SP: 7 + SP: 5)

Health:

49/49

(Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 25 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3)

Ether:

25/25

(Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 25)

Gold:

13

(Owes 128 Gold to Arthur Justus Regulus VII [Flipz], 1 Gold to Bartholomew Docken [brickdoctor], and 75 Gold to Sorrow [Endgame])

Equipment:

Scupperer (WP: 11;

Darkness

-,

Fire

-elemental; inflicts

Bleeding

and

Badly Poisoned

; great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves, Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to

Fragile

), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to

Sleep

,

Weakened

, and

Blindness

; accessory), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)*

Inventory:

Frozen Saber (WP: 9;

Light

-,

Ice

-elemental; inflicts

Stunned

; great sword),

•

Marksman's Monocle (Misses are rerolled), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear),

•

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

•

Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing,

•

Meads (5), Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (

Encouraged

, Immune to

Ice

), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (

Lucky

,

Blessed

), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Tonic, Milk,

•

Bedroll

Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09)

99 year-old male elven Hunter

Level 15

Power:

22

(Level 15 + WP: 7 +

Power Bonus:

0)

Defense:

5

(SP: 2 + SP: 3)

Health:

28/28

(Base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 14 + Class bonus: 6 + Artifact bonus: 2)

Gold:

90

Equipment:

Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 7;

Darkness

-elemental; Hollow Blade [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis Armor (Max HP +2; SP: 2; bodywear), Tricorne (SP: 3; headwear)

Inventory:

Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 5), Giant Club (WP: 8),

•

Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing)(2), Sterile Gloves (Immune to

Poisoned

and

Badly Poisoned

; handwear),

•

Grand Potion, Potions (2), Venoms (4), Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Bones (4), Meads (3), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril),

•

Bedroll, Shovel

Large wooden arches are built flat up against the wall, supporting more arches that then arc over your heads to support the ceiling. Wooden planks beneath your feet extend across the floor around the room, giving way to steps down to a tiled area in the center. At the far end is placed a desk and a table, part of which has been flipped up to allow the innkeeper to walk through a gap between the two pieces of furniture. A bookshelf is set off to the side, presumably holding records of the guests, and a few other individuals are in the foyer with you. It is a perfect image of a wealthy, peaceful R'kilf...save for a loaded crossbow lain against the shelves.

"Good afternoon, sirs, welcome to the R'kilf Inn. How can I help you?"

[Sandy]

Ellaria looks at her companions.

"Do you both have the same feeling that someone is watching us from those arrow-holes?"

Ellaria cups her hands in front of her mouth and calls out: "Hey ho, anyone inside?! We are emissaries from Eubric Freeport! We would like a word with the holder of this keep, if you please!"

While she waits for an answer, Ellaria eyes over the crates and barrels to see if they contain something. If nobody answers her call, Ellaria tries knocking at the door.

[Brickdoctor]

Ellaria looks at her companions.

"Do you both have the same feeling that someone is watching us from those arrow-holes?"

Ellaria cups her hands in front of her mouth and calls out: "Hey ho, anyone inside?! We are emissaries from Eubric Freeport! We would like a word with the holder of this keep, if you please!"

While she waits for an answer, Ellaria eyes over the crates and barrels to see if they contain something. If nobody answers her call, Ellaria tries knocking at the door.

You could've sworn that you saw a momentary glint of metal and heard a faint, low creak of rope and wood from the arrow loops, but there is no response.

Looking through the crates and barrels, you see that they contain the remains of fruits in the crates and wine in the barrels, including:

Healthy Apple

-

Permanently raises Max Health by 1.

[Duvors]

Throlar follows Nerwin to the Mopag camp.

"Thank you for the Morning Star, I will keep it well, and use it often."

(OCC:Sorry for not responding yesterday, I was distracted.)

[Sandy]

"Eery..." Ellaria mutters.

Ellaria eats the apple while she knocks on the door, and if there is no answer, she tries to open it.

[Flipz]

"Lady Avialyn, how many of your people remember me specifically from Bric'bay? Bringing me along may have been a terrible mistake...maybe that's why they're all in hiding."

Arthur uses his telescope to try and see through the arrow loops.

[Brickdoctor]

QM Note:

Chromeknight, Lord Duvors, I apologize, but unfortunately my internet situation is such that I never have computer internet access after having had camera access until Saturday morning. I can move you along without pictures if you prefer, but as this is in some ways an investigative quest, I don't know if you want to do that or not. Up to you.

Ellaria Arbour (Sandy)

22 year-old female human Druid

Level 22.33

*Invisible*

*Immune to

Sealed

*

*Lucky*

Power:

35

(Level 22 + WP: 10 +

Power Bonus:

3)

Defense:

3

(SP: 3)

Health:

38/38

(Base HP: 9 + Level bonus: 21 + Class bonus: 7 + Permanent Bonus: 1)

Ether:

34/34

(Base Ether: 5 + Level bonus: 21 + Class bonus: 1 + Artifact bonus: 5 + Permanent bonus: 2)

[/font]

Gold:

25

Equipment:

Ignis Fatuus (WP: 10;

Fire-

,

Lighting

-elemental; staff), Black Bandana (Power +3; pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to

Sealed

; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Wearer is invisible for the first 3 Rounds of battle so they do not take Free Hits; backwear)

Inventory:

Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts

Jinxed

; throwing weapon), Sylvania's Crossbow (WP: 7;

Wood

-elemental; crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP: 1;

Fire

-,

Wind

-,

Water

-,

Earth

-elemental; staff),

•

Tricorne (SP: 3; headwear), Sterile Gloves (Immune to

Poisoned

and

Badly Poisoned

; handwear),

•

Scroll of Inspiration (

Inspired

; costs 10 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing,

•

Potion, Grand Potions (2), Health Cores (4), Tonic, Grand Tonics (6), Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essences (2), Mead, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bombs (2), Flash Bomb, Fire Bombs (3), Ice Bomb, Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Holy Bombs (2), Bones(2)

•

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass

"Eery..." Ellaria mutters.

Ellaria eats the apple while she knocks on the door, and if there is no answer, she tries to open it.

There is no response, and the doors won't budge.

"Lady Avialyn, how many of your people remember me specifically from Bric'bay? Bringing me along may have been a terrible mistake...maybe that's why they're all in hiding."

Arthur uses his telescope to try and see through the arrow loops.

"Lord Normorn and I know of you because we had spies there. But as far as I know, none of Lord Keveak's warriors who saw you there survived."

You catch a glimpse of something metal, but you can see nothing more.

[Flipz]

"Question, Lady Arbour: what exactly are we going to say to the Elves even if we manage to gain an audience with them? From what my new friend back at the bar told me, I could easily lambast them for their failure to properly lead the city as a way to inspire them to do better...but that sort of thing won't help us get inside, and I should probably try to demonstrate my expertise first so that my words will be truly credible." A stray thought, unusually reminiscent of older days, floats through his consciousness, but Arthur ruthlessly clamps down on it. No. I would definitely not be the right choice...would I? "And meanwhile, all the philosophy in the world won't close that gap in the city walls. Indeed, nothing we accomplish here will do any lasting good if we do not establish some means to keep the city safe..."

Arthur looks around. "Why do I get the feeling I'm missing something incredibly obvious?" he asks the world at large. "We should make a list of the city's troubles so we know we won't miss anything. Speak up if there's anything to add--I wasn't with the rest of you in the bar, so I didn't hear anything that was said." Arthur produces some parchment and pens, and pulls over a crate on which to write as he sits down beneath the tree.

The Problems of R'kliff:

*Pongcanis raids

*City defenses are shot

*The Pogs apparently have a hidden way inside the city.

*No one faction is in charge.

Arthur pulls out a small journal, not paying attention to which one it was, and begins to pen down his own impressions. Feel free to let your characters read over Arthur's shoulder.

Observations:

This city is in an awful state--the Pogs are raiding the town, murdering and pillaging at will, and no one can stop them. Saunterton said they likely have a contact inside the city--we need to figure that out, and put a stop to it.

Oh, geez--the dwarf started a barfight, of all things. Thank heavens I've kept myself distanced from the Heroes--I don't know if anyone in town would trust me if I'd gotten roped into the fight.

Note to self: ask the Heroes what they each learned in the bar. We're going to need all the info we can get if we're to accomplish anything of note.

There are too many blank spaces in our knowledge of the situation--we don't know what anyone wants, and until we know that, we can't figure out who the city should go to. Something weird is afoot here--I can feel it--but we just don't have enough information. Hell, I don't even know where to go next. This whole thing is so confusing...

People:

I like Sergeant Saunterton. He shares my name. Seemed pretty reasonable to me--good point of contact for the Mopags. We'll likely have his support if we have to ask the Mopags for help.

Commander Pinnock seems stern and strict, but otherwise fully devoted to his Duty. An admirable trait...or is it? Do I really see myself being like him, advancing through the ranks of the Watch over the years until Duty is all I know? ...I should keep an eye on him, see what his life is like.

A-Turburtus--a mercenary who hires himself out to passing merchants seeking protection. Quiet, but keen. He says the Elves think they control the town, even though they don't, and that they rely too much on their supposed infallibility. From what I know of this lot, that's fairly accurate. Definitely want to chat with him sometime when the Dwarf is not tearing someone to shreds in the same room.

Factions:

The Mopags seem to be the most militarily-minded folks we've met so far. They hate the Pogs, at least. Could be good muscle to defend the town, if they're willing to work with or for one of the other factions.

The Pogs care only about rampaging and killing--they don't want to rule R'kliff, they want to rob it of everything of value and then raze it to the ground. This is one faction we'll need to eliminate if the city is to have any hope of survival--and I have to admit, getting vengeance for Triad will be well worth it.

The mercenary in the bar said that the Mopags are indifferent to what's going on in the city. That indicates to me that as soon as the Pogs are dealt with, they'll happily go home. We may need to look at other options for a defensive force...

Keveak's elves are all holed up in their keep. We won't get much out of them unless we can convince them we're here to help them--and I'm not certain whether or not we are.

[Zepher]

Boomingham glances over at the green-skin and his upper lip curls. He approaches the inn-keeper.

"Yes, actually. Do you have two rooms available for the evening? My companions and I have travelled a long way, and need somewhere to spend the night." Boomingham glances over to the man in blue armor. "A knight of Pataqun, I take it?"

[Brickdoctor]

Boomingham glances over at the green-skin and his upper lip curls. He approaches the inn-keeper.

"Yes, actually. Do you have two rooms available for the evening? My companions and I have travelled a long way, and need somewhere to spend the night."

"Certainly. We offer one-bed rooms for 10 Gold per night and we have two-bed rooms for 15 Gold per night; each bed being suitable for up to two individuals. All our rooms allow heroes to rest and regain Health without fear of being attacked during the night."

Boomingham glances over to the man in blue armor. "A knight of Pataqun, I take it?"

"Why yes. Sir Kadarphazân, at your service."

[Zepher]

"Good to know," says Boomingham, looking into his satchel. "I may return to you later. I'm assuming you aren't exactly bustling with business." He gives a faint smile and bows respectfully before turning to face his new knightly friend. "Hello, sir. I met your bearded compatriot Bur'dagger over just one building. Seemed like a decent enough chap to share a drink with." Boomingham shrugs. "He was a bit closed-lipped, though. He said you had a captain about, but didn't mention anyone by name. Is it possible that you'll direct me in the right direction? I'm hoping he has a good head on his shoulders, as all of his knights seem to, and I need someone who can inform me about the town from an outside prospective."

[Brickdoctor]

"Ah, that would be me. I am leading this team of knights in escort service to Lord Bârbêthân."

The knight nods towards the blue-robed nobleman.

"Good day."

[Wedge09]

"Good day."

"Hello, man. Are you a merchants from outside?" asks smiling Alexader

[Chromeknight]

Despite it having been a clear day and now past noon, a fog seems to hang across the Mopag camp, veiling things in a mist that cut vision. Nerwen wondered if it was a spell to protect the camp from Pongcanae or something more mundane. Speaking to the dwarf trailing her she said.

I wonder if you would be better at leading the discussion. They may not be on good terms with the elves here and might assume I am like them.

Nerwen stood to the side, her hand out, making room for Ambassador Wineglihm to pass by.

Let's play without pix. I'm keen to keep moving.

Edited August 8, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Sandy]

"Question, Lady Arbour: what exactly are we going to say to the Elves even if we manage to gain an audience with them?"

Ellaria shakes her head. She suddenly feels very insecure of herself.

"I don't really know - we can't even find them in the first place! I thought we could maybe persuade them to work for the good of this city with Alvialyn's aid, but now I'm just stumped. But Mr. Regulus, your notes are very insightful. Maybe you should tell us where to go next? I will follow you wherever, and I think Alvialyn will, too."

[Flipz]

"All right, then, let's try the Marketplace. The merchants might have a better perspective as to what's good for the town--they're the ones we need to convince to stay if R'kliff is to prosper, after all."