Heroica RPG - Quest #79: Fading Spark

[K-Nut]

He whispers back to Johon. "Who said anything about killing? I'm good at threats,"

[Bricksandparts]

"You know these guys aren't gonna stop. Even with full ability to leave, they'll stay to the death. We have to find a way to get those demons out of them."

[K-Nut]

"Our job is to stop them. Even if there is collateral damage..."

[Kintobor]

"Well, that was sudden."

Karie draws Sexy as she readies herself.

"Will you two stop it! There never was an alchemist or a nord in this village, was there? Only four demons disguising themselves. Clever, very clever. Tell me, how do you pull it off? Is it spontaneous? Can you do disguise yourselves as anyone? Perhaps myself?"

Despite loathing these freaks, Karie couldn't help but be somewhat fascinated by them.

Edited August 18, 2013 by Kintobor

[Bricksandparts]

"Civilian deaths is unacceptable, especially like this. We will find a way to stop this. Distract them long enough that we can figure something out." Johon says rushing towards the inevitable battle.

"These are the villagers who were here before, and I believe they haven't changed into them, they ARE them."

[Endgame]

The alchemist's eyes flash a ghostly purple, and the Oculoid meets the gaze of each and every hero. He appeared to be sifting through their minds like the Yellow Oculoid before him. His probe seemed to reach far deeper into their minds, the heroes feeling sick and exhausted just from meeting the demon's gaze. This demon was a frightful one, not to mention formidable.

"The Raider is quite right, shockingly enough. We're simply using these sad humans like the tools they are. Now, could you bring yourself to hurt innocents, even possessed ones?

Is that an invitation, Witch? Did you decide losing control really does it for you? Either way, we can only morph into what we kill and devour the soul of... Other than that, possession is our weapon of choice. I must say, I am severely lacking in female human souls... The things that you fools do is disgusting, but I cannot deny the many utilities of having one."

The Oculoid Chief chuckles, a sinister laugh.

[Bricksandparts]

"Enough of this!" Johon shouts grabbing Erick's axe and kicking him in his gut. "This is probably a bluff, I think these innocents can still be saved."

[Kintobor]

Karie decided not to respond immediately, too shook up to say anything. She nervously downs a nostrum.

"I'm ready you two. Johon, hold it together. We need to worry about ourselves first, then we can worry about the state of these four. If worse comes to worse... I'm sorry Johon. These things need to be dealt with before anyone else suffers. Buff up now on a Nostrum, Mead, and Smelling Salt, Johon, so we don't need to worry about it during the fight."

She avoided eye contact with the alchemist ringleader.

[Bricksandparts]

Johon uses a nostrum, smelling salt, and mead as he thins about what could possibly be used to get rid of the oculoids. Light... Wasn't that what demons were weak to? "Althior, try getting rid of those oculoids with your diamond, hopefully we can still save these people!"

[K-Nut]

"Simple light tricks won't do anything." He points his staff. "When two objects collide, there is always collateral damage. We can't save everyone,"

[Endgame]

"Hm hm hm... If you're just so concerned with saving the lives of these pawns, then lets make things a little bit more interesting, shall we? I don't need to pilot some sorry shell to beat you three."

The black aura surrounding Margaret resonates and seems to bubble, gradually sihfting away from the possessed alchemist. Before long four inky tentacles shoot out of her back, finding leverage on the ground and pulling itself out of the alchemist. Margaret nearly collapses, completely unaware of what was going on. The Oculoid that was controlling her seemed larger then the rest, apparently the leader of the paclk: the Oculoid Chief. Although the Yellow Oculoid seemed a bit feeble, this demon seemed anything but, well built and plenty able of dealing some pain. It crackles with dark magic, its tentacles sprouting bristling, lethal barbs and razor. This demon was built to kill. Its eye glows a vicious pink, ready for battle.

Margaret stirs.

"Uggghnn... What's...?!"

"Hush, my puppet."

With a single stare the Oculoid gains some control over her mind, forcing her to her knees. Her eyes beg for help before the Chief snuffs that out as well, the alchemist kneeling rigid and empty. She'd be fine... but only if they managed to defeat the Chief.

"The girl's life is in your hands. One misstep and her soul is mine."

It was time to see just how good of a fighter an Oculoid was hand-to-hand.

Prepare For Battle!

"This will be easy."

Oculoid Chief, Level ??? Demon

HP: 750/750

SP: 5

Immune to Hexed and Decay!

Specials:

Dark Choke: Grabs the hero in a choke hold and throttles them, suffocating them with dark magic. The hero takes damage equal to their level and has their Max HP drop by 5.

Mind Warp: With a haunting stare, the Chief Oculoid takes control of 1 random party member. That party member has their current HP cut in half and is Hexed for 3 rounds.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Mind Reader: The Oculoid's level is equal to the assaulting hero's level times 1.5, rounded down.

Dark Harvest: If not targetted by a hero every round, The Oculoid Chief kills Margaret and devours her soul, raising his level multiplier to times 2 instead of 1.5.

Drops:

Ectoplasm, Emergency Essence

"We'll end this quickly."

Possessed Erick, Level 30 Dark Humanoid

HP: 300/300

SP: 2

Specials:

Chopping Block: Erick deals 16 damage to all heroes, disregarding SP.

Blade Breaker: Erick damages the hero's weapon with his axe, cutting its WP in half for the rest of the battle.

Specials alternate.

Drops:

Mead, Ambrosia

"Hopefully this rickety old body will hold up."

Possessed Fisherman Silver, Level 15 Humanoid

HP: 225/225

SP: 4

Specials:

Hook, Line, and Sinker: Being a fisherman, Silver casts his line at the hero who rolled Special Damage, Binding and Weakening them for 3 rounds.

Passive Specials:

Ranged Fighter: Silver defies row.

Drops:

Tasty Fish, 30 gold

"Heh heh heh..."

Possessed Fisherman Seymour, Level 22 Humanoid

HP: 225

SP: 4

Specials:

Cast Off: Using his fishing pole, Seymour steals the weapon with the weakest WP in the hero who rolled Special Damage's inventory. The WP is added to Seymour's level for the rest of the battle, and the weapon is put into his inventory. If the hero only has one weapon, nothing happens.

Drops:

60 gold, Grating Stone

The Party:

Althior Emorith (And Finnegan)

Level 34 1/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 46 (51 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 (4+2)

Health: 25/44 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+33)

Ether: 41/47 (5+5+33+4)

Gold: 55

Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:12, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear)

Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8, Wand), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion x4, Grand Tonic, Ether Core x3, Bedroll, Remedy x8, Mead, Smelling Salts, Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Bone x3, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Incense x2, Dragon Scales x2, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Deadly Poison

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!*

Level: 25

Power: 36 (24+8+4)

Health: 13/40 (24+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (5+1)

Ether: ~/0

Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* ), *Natural Respite*

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2703 (1726(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M)

Equipment:

Weapon - Sword of Decay (WP:8) - (once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages, Knights and Barbarians.)

Shield - None

Artefact 1 (L1-9) - Heavy Armour - SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights

Artefact 2 (L10-19) - Bravado Boots - 1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle

Artefact 3 (L20-29) - Sticky Gloves - Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors.[

Artefact 4 (L30-39) -

Artefact 5 (L40-49) -

Artefact 6 (L50+) -

Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. Dog Statuette - (suitable for anyone, SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.), Hide of The Bleeding - restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone, Scarlet Hood - +4 to power, immunity to stunned

Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages),Gladius (WP: 15, Darkness elemental, 1/3 chance of Fragile on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP: 8, usable by Knights, Barbarians, and Harlots. Has a 1/2 chance to seal the enemy) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1)

Consumables: Potion (2), Venom (2), Mead (3), Smelling Salts (12), Nostrum (13), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Remedy

Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1)

Quest items: Blue Rose

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!*

22 year old Human Rogue Witch, lvl 16

Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6)

Health: 22/22

Ether: 18/20

Gold: 92

Defence: 2

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), 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)

Inventory: Grand Tonic (2), Mead (1), Remedy (1), Venom (7), Nostrum (1), Mulled Wine (1), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1), Phoenix Essence (1), Grand Potion (3) Telescope (1), Bedroll (1)

Quest Items: Entry 11, Grating Stone, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp)

Aretefacts/Weapons:Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Paper Doll (Accessory, Protects from the Hexed effect), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches)

Gemstones: Topaz

Edited August 18, 2013 by Endgame

[K-Nut]

"My scorpions have Seymour and Silver. Karie, you go after the Oculoid since you have the least experience (lowest level)." Althior eats a dragon scale as Undead Iron Scorpion A take Seymour and Undead Scorpion B takes Silver.

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: We would get our max HP back after the battle right?

Chief - Stalker's Mallet - FR

Silver - Stalker's mallet - FR

"You're going down..."

[Endgame]

QM Note: Correct, as would stolen weapons.

"Try me, raider. Your natrual response seems to be anger. Let us see just how furious you'll get when I break you and your comrades, shall we?"

[Bricksandparts]

"

"

[Kintobor]

Battle Order

Althoir

Karie

Johon

Johon

Undead Scorpion

Undead Scorpion

"Very well, Althoir, I had the same idea in mind. It just seems you blurted it out first."

She didn't want to attack the giant tentacle thing knowing what he was capable of. She silently hoped that some go was looking upon her and was potentially aiding her in some divine way.

Karie attacks the Hentai Monster Oculoid Chief from the back row.

[Endgame]

Round One Of The Taurost Battle!

>Althior downs a Dragon Scale (back)

>Karie VS Oculoid Chief (back): Special Damage Special Damage (Mind Warp: Karie is Hexed for 3 rounds, HP halved.) I megabluck you not, and this time the odds were staggering it wouldn't happen! (Special Mirror: Halves her own health again)

>Johon VS Oculoid Chief (front): Hit Critical Hit (8x3=24+25=49x2=98-5=93 damage, No Sealing)

>Johon VS Possessed Fisherman Silver (front): Special Damage Steal (15 gold earned)

>Undead Iron Scorpion A VS Possessed Fisherman Silver: 28x2=56-4=52 damage

>Undead Iron Scorpion B VS Possessed Fisherman Seymour: 28x2=56-4=52 damage

>Possessed Erick VS Althior (back): 30/2=15-6=9 damage

The battle begins. Althior crushes a Dragon Scale in his palm, ingesting the resulting powder. He feels the strength of the dragons course through him, giving him their luck and blessings. Karie decides to tangle with the Oculoid Chief, with the most horrible result possible. In her rush Karie made the fatal mistake of allowing the demon to make eye contact. For only a moment their eyes lock, and that is all the time the Chief needed. With a demented chuckle he forces Karie to go rigid, placing her into the same trance as Margaret. The Chief points at the heroes, addressing his second thrall:

"They are the enemy. Kill them as your last act."

The witch unsheathes her rapier, ready to comply - even hexing herself deeper and harming herself with her new witch abilties.

Johon gets good hit on the Chief, hoping that a hard smack to the head with a mallet would break his control over the two; but it didn't work, unfortunately. The two scorpions stab the fisherman, Erick getting a chance to attack Althior. He dodges for minor damage, the axe only grazing his shoulder and his blessings reparing some of the damage.

"I was expecting a bit more challenge, for someone who was so afraid of losing control. Then again, i've come not to expect much of your kind..."

Oculoid Chief, Level ??? Demon

HP: 657/750

SP: 5

Immune to Hexed and Decay!

Specials:

Dark Choke: Grabs the hero in a choke hold and throttles them, suffocating them with dark magic. The hero takes damage equal to their level and has their Max HP drop by 5.

Mind Warp: With a haunting stare, the Chief Oculoid takes control of 1 random party member. That party member has their current HP cut in half and is Hexed for 3 rounds.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Mind Reader: The Oculoid's level is equal to the assaulting hero's level times 1.5, rounded down.

Dark Harvest: If not targetted by a hero every round, The Oculoid Chief kills Margaret and devours her soul, raising his level multiplier to times 2 instead of 1.5.

Drops:

Ectoplasm, Emergency Essence

"Does that make up for Ciretako, boss? That hit I just pulled off?"

Possessed Erick, Level 30 Dark Humanoid

HP: 300/300

SP: 2

Specials:

Chopping Block: Erick deals 16 damage to all heroes, disregarding SP.

Blade Breaker: Erick damages the hero's weapon with his axe, cutting its WP in half for the rest of the battle.

Specials alternate.

Drops:

Mead, Ambrosia

"Wait a sec..."

Possessed Fisherman Silver, Level 15 Humanoid

HP: 173/225

SP: 4

Specials:

Hook, Line, and Sinker: Being a fisherman, Silver casts his line at the hero who rolled Special Damage, Binding and Weakening them for 3 rounds.

Passive Specials:

Ranged Fighter: Silver defies row.

Drops:

Tasty Fish, 30 gold

"...Aren't those Scorpions the remains of Yellow...?"

Possessed Fisherman Seymour, Level 22 Humanoid

HP: 173/225

SP: 4

Specials:

Cast Off: Using his fishing pole, Seymour steals the weapon with the weakest WP in the hero who rolled Special Damage's inventory. The WP is added to Seymour's level for the rest of the battle, and the weapon is put into his inventory. If the hero only has one weapon, nothing happens.

Drops:

60 gold, Grating Stone

The Party:

Althior Emorith (And Finnegan) *Lucky!* *Blessed!*

Level 34 1/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 46 (51 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 (4+2)

Health: 19/44 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+33)

Ether: 39/47 (5+5+33+4)

Gold: 55

Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:12, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear)

Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8, Wand), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion x4, Grand Tonic, Ether Core x3, Bedroll, Remedy x8, Mead, Smelling Salts, Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Bone x3, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Incense x2, Dragon Scales, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Deadly Poison

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!*

Level: 25

Power: 36 (24+8+4)

Health: 13/40 (24+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (5+1)

Ether: ~/0

Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* ), *Natural Respite*

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2718 (1726(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M)

Equipment:

Weapon - Sword of Decay (WP:8) - (once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages, Knights and Barbarians.)

Shield - None

Artefact 1 (L1-9) - Heavy Armour - SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights

Artefact 2 (L10-19) - Bravado Boots - 1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle

Artefact 3 (L20-29) - Sticky Gloves - Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors.[

Artefact 4 (L30-39) -

Artefact 5 (L40-49) -

Artefact 6 (L50+) -

Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. Dog Statuette - (suitable for anyone, SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.), Hide of The Bleeding - restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone, Scarlet Hood - +4 to power, immunity to stunned

Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages),Gladius (WP: 15, Darkness elemental, 1/3 chance of Fragile on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP: 8, usable by Knights, Barbarians, and Harlots. Has a 1/2 chance to seal the enemy) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1)

Consumables: Potion (2), Venom (2), Mead (3), Smelling Salts (12), Nostrum (13), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Remedy

Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1)

Quest items: Blue Rose

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hexed! 3 rounds remaining*

22 year old Human Rogue Witch, lvl 16

Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6)

Health: 6/22

Ether: 18/20

Gold: 92

Defence: 2

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), 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)

Inventory: Grand Tonic (2), Mead (1), Remedy (1), Venom (7), Nostrum (1), Mulled Wine (1), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1), Phoenix Essence (1), Grand Potion (3) Telescope (1), Bedroll (1)

Quest Items: Entry 11, Grating Stone, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp)

Aretefacts/Weapons:Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Paper Doll (Accessory, Protects from the Hexed effect), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches)

Gemstones: Topaz

Edited August 19, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

OOC: GAH! WTF!!! And he's immune to hexing, gah! Still, Special Mirror comes into play, his health should be halved.

Karie feels her control of herself fade away as she begins to black out. She wanted to curse and swear and say something, anything, but doesn't get a word out before silence. Cold, lonely silence. She was here again. She was a thrall again.

"Yes, master..."

"Lab rat".

A soft spot light hits center stage, barely illuminating the dark, yet familiar space.

"Welcome back, Karie, long time, no see."

Edited August 19, 2013 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

QM Note: Aw, crap. Since you're hexed, you'd actually mirror it to one of your own heroes... or, yourself, as I just rolled. What. (It says hexes and halves the health of a random hero... I rolled you again, so your health is going to be halved again.)

This is not the eventuality I had planned, I assure you!

[K-Nut]

"Son of a-" Althior falls back from Erick's hit. He wipes a little blood from his mouth and smiles, throwing a ball of light into Eric's face from the back row as his scorpions repeat.

[Endgame]

"Hah! I'll split you in two, Necromancer!"

Erick spits before continuing.

"When it comes to souls, this squad's policy is "Killers Keepers"... I haven't had an undead's souls in ages. Such a bitter delicacy... Gluttonous, but absolutely divine."

The possessed nord was practically drooling at the thought of a good meal. This Oculoid was quite the glutton...

[K-Nut]

"You know what they say about guys with big axes..."

"That they're afraid of them? Big axes are kinda threatening,"

"No Finnegan. That's not what they say..." He rolls his eyes

[Endgame]

"I'm perfectly fine putting an innocent in harms way if it means I get a good meal. Happy to, really."

[K-Nut]

"Oh, and if you think Undead is good, you obviously haven't tried Teuthisal. A friend of mine, Arthur. tried it once. I hear it was actually pretty good! Though somewhat cannibalistic if you think about it..."

"I have a feeling we're (and by we're I mean you're) getting a wee bit sidetracked here, sir."

"Sorry, I do that a lot,"

[Kintobor]

Battle Order

Johon- Remedy on Karie

Karie- Heal Althior with Grand Potion

Althior- Light Elemental on Erick BR

Johon- Chief BR

Scorpion-Silver

Scorpion-Seymour