Heroica RPG - Quest #79: Fading Spark

[Endgame]

Even as ink piurs out of his every wound, the oculoid Chief fidns his last iota of composure.

"Think you're superior, do you? The second I drop you'll simply collapse... and a mind can only break so many times until it shatters.

Furthermore... I refuse to die here. Not here. Not to you. And most of all, not you weak-minded vermin."

Edited August 22, 2013 by Endgame

[Bricksandparts]

"Well then you're logic's broke. You won't even accept your fate honorably, what a shame. Seriously, admit it to yourself. You know as well as we do that you can't win this fight. If you really think you can win then you're in denial or something weird."

[Endgame]

"Please, you cretin, remain the stereotypical stupid barbarian. Logic doesn't suit you. I may be defeated here... But I will make sure you don't deal the killing blow.

Round Nine Of The Taurost Battle!

>Johon VS Oculoid Chief (front): Damage Damage (25x1.5=37-5=32 damage)

>Althior (Light) VS Oculoid Chief (back): Special Damage Hit (12+34=46x2=92-5=87 damage)

...

In his desperate last stand the Chief takes a wild swing at Johon, knocking his mallet out of his hands and his razor sharp tentacle splitting the raider wide open once more. Althior conjures a ball of light in his palm, carefully taking aim at this demonic foe - as the Chief finishes his brutal assault against Johon, Althior unleashes the spell, the light hitting the Chief squarely in the pupil. The Necromancer smirks as his attakc hits dead on, ink blasting out of the battered demon as the light tears through him. The Chief collaspes to the ground, exhausted and defeated.

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

Party Leader, please distribute the loot:

Ectoplasm Raises maximum ether by 2 permanently.

Emergency Essence If an Emergency Essence is in your inventory when you're knocked out, you'll be revived with half-hp. Otherwise, it can be used like a normal Phoenix Essence.

Grating Stone Increases WP of any weapon by 1.

Tasty Fish A tasty fish from one of the Eubric Forest's ponds. Eating it restores 25 HP and 15 Ether.

90 gold

Mead

Ambrosia

The Party:

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

Level 35 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 47 (52 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 (4+2)

Health: 45/45 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+34)

Ether: 30/48 (5+5+34+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

Shade of Erick, Level 30

Shade of Seymour, Level 22

Shade Of Silver, Level 15

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

Level: 25.33

Power: 36 (24+8+4)

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

Shield Power: (5+1)

Ether: ~/0

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

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2755 (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 (12), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic

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 16.5

Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6)

Health: 22/22

Ether: 17/20

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), Grand Potion (2) 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

The party sifts through the loot dropped by their demonic foes, deciding which piece of treasure goes to who. As they sort through their well-earned spoils, the Oculoid Chief stirs silently. Quietly he rises from the ground, the plasmic puddle forming back into the demon's tentacled body. The party turns around to see him withdrawing the barbs from one of his tentacles, using it to pull his comrades out of the knocked out villagers. before long he pulls out all 3 of his subordinates from the villager's shivering bodies. They ascend into the air, keeping their distance from the heroes.

"Idiots. Morons. Fools. Simpletons. Can you three remind me why I enlisted you? Did you forget basic procedure, to vacate a body before it is knocked unconscious? I'd expect this from Red, but not you two, Blue and Green."

"...Hey!"

The chief shoots the Red Oculoid a withering stare, shutting him up instantly.

"My most profund apologies, sir. In my hunger I forgot my discipline..."

"It won't happen again, sir."

The oculoid Chief growls, watching as the heroes draw their weapons to confront the battered demons.

"I reprimand you later. For now, we regroup..."

Althior haphazardly lobs orbs of light at the fleeing Oculoids, but he misses: The four get away, fleeing deeper into the forest. Jack, Jill, and Geoffrey, who had been hanging back during the battle, rush to their possessed neighbors' sides. Even Margaret, her mind enthralled by the Oculoid Chief, seems to awake from her trance, the spark of intelligence returning to her eyes. She seems a bit too weak to get up though, exhausted from being possessed by the Oculoid Chief.

"This... isn't good..."

"They all seem to be horribly sick from being possessed..." Geoffrey mumbles.

Jill places her hand on each of the men's foreheads, speaking gravely.

"I'm no doctor, but they're all running terrible fevers, and Ennoc knows what else these demons did to them. We'll have to take them back to the cabins and ge tthem some help, quick.

As the Jack, Jill, and Geoffrey pick up the villagers and get ready to carry them off, Jill turns her attention to Margaret.

"Margaret... Are you okay?"

The alchemist staggers up, weak and jittery from her possession and brainwashing. She's as pale as a ghost, looking almost as sick as the others, despite not being possessed as long or taking battle damage. it would seem the Chief did more damage to his vessels than the lesser Oculoids. She leans on a tree to get her balance, having some difficulty speaking.

"Y-yeah... Yeah, far from my best, but doin' alright, I guess..." she gorans. She turns her attention to the heroes.

"Heroes. First of all, thank you so much. We'd still be those sickos' puppets if it weren't for you three. So, yeah. Thanks. Second of all... please, heroes, you have to pursue those one-eyed freaks. The bastards couldn't have gotten far, and there is only so many places they could go."

The heroes were going to have to dish out the loot quickly, and see if they could catch the oculoids before they escaped.

[Bricksandparts]

"I have a feeling we are gonna be walking into a trap, but I guess there isn't much choice." Johon says rushing towards the Oculoids and motioning for his companions to follow. "We'll sort out the stuff on the way. There's no time to lose!" Johon says using a nostrum and a smelling salts. "I'm running low on mead, I wanna save it for when we really need it."

Themesong!

[Kintobor]

Loot Distribution

Karie-Ectoplasm

Johon-45 gold, mead, emergency essence, ambrosia

Althior-45 gold, grating stone, tasty fish

OOC: If there is any item you want, let me know and we can work it out, but for know I think this is fair.

Karie sits down in the grass and watches the foursome fly off. She pulls out her grating stone and uses it on Sexy.

"This would have been so much more helpful if I'd applied it later..."

She looks up at Margaret.

"I got something to ask you. When did those... things first come into town? Can you remember?"

[Endgame]

Margaret chuckles weakly.

"Oh, no, that's an easy one. Pretty much at sundown, on the dot, last night. Wonder how long the bastards have been hangin' 'round on this world, though..."

The Party:

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

Level 35 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 47 (52 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 (4+2)

Health: 45/45 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+34)

Ether: 30/48 (5+5+34+4)

Gold: 100

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, Grating Stone x2, Tasty Fish

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Shade of Erick, Level 30

Shade of Seymour, Level 22

Shade Of Silver, Level 15

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

Level: 25.33

Power: 36 (24+8+4)

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

Shield Power: (5+1)

Ether: ~/0

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

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2800 (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 (4), Smelling Salts (12), Nostrum (12), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Emergency Essence, Ambrosia

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 16.5

Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6)

Health: 22/22

Ether: 17/20

Gold: 92

Defence: 2

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 7, 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), Grand Potion (2) Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Ectoplasm

Quest Items: Entry 11, 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 23, 2013 by Endgame

[K-Nut]

I should have two grating stones since I got one in the lottery.

Althior leans against a wall, thinking. He then responds to Margaret. "They've had to have been here a pretty long time. Not many creatures have the potential to do so. And those who do have to take a long time, as long as hundreds of years, to get there,"

[Endgame]

"Ughn... And they don't deserve another day here...

I wish I could help, heroes, but... I'm too weak, as it stands. Drop by my alchemy shack when ya get some time, I'll help you kind folks out however I can, okay?"

A trail of ink is left behind by the Oculoid Chief, the substance pouring out from his body as he was forced to flee. The party had a clear trail... will they follow it?

[Kintobor]

"Margaret, we'll come back and check in on you once this blows over. Until then, find someplace to hid. I'm certain there's more of these things out there."

Karie removes the Catsuit in favour of the Paper Doll.

"Well gents, buff up, then we'll head out."

[Endgame]

The Party:

Althior Emorith (And Finnegan)

Level 35 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 47 (52 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 (4+2)

Health: 45/45 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+34)

Ether: 30/48 (5+5+34+4)

Gold: 100

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, Grating Stone x2, Tasty Fish

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Shade of Erick, Level 30

Shade of Seymour, Level 22

Shade Of Silver, Level 15

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

Level: 25.33

Power: 36 (24+8+4)

Health: 33/40 (24+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (5+1)

Ether: ~/0

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

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2800 (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 (4), Smelling Salts (11), Nostrum (11), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Emergency Essence, Ambrosia

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!*

22 year old Human Rogue Witch, lvl 16.5

Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6)

Health: 22/22

Ether: 17/20

Gold: 92

Defence: 2

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 7, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Paper Doll (Accessory, Protects from the Hexed effect)

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

Quest Items: Entry 11, 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), 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), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear)

Gemstones: Topaz

With the residents of Taurost's blessings, the party readies themselves for oncoming trials, Karie deciding that protection against the Oculoids' mind control was of more use in these woods than the catsuit. The party follows the telltale ink trail on the ground, the oculoid's black blood leading them to the Chief himself. After walking through the second half of the Taurost settlement, thye come across the exit to the small village... as well as a emon all of them had wished they finished off.

"For all of your verminous tendencies, there is always some sort of persistance I find in your wretched little species that I can't help but find remarkable... If not irritating to no end. Come to kill me, I presume?"

Edited August 23, 2013 by Endgame

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: I previously stated I used nostrum and smelling salts.

"What a guess! In 50 years I wouldn't have thought you'd have guessed that. You should've joined the lottery!"

[Endgame]

"Hollow words, considering you never took the time to mend that giant bleeding gash on your torso.

But I lack the time and patience for our usual tirade, heroes. I had to splurge into my supply of souls to heal my wounds, and needless to say I'm none too pleased. You won't be getting another stab at me, heroes... Not yet, anyway. perhaps it is time to show you another trick oculoids have up their sleeves..."

The Oculoid Chief stabs a barbed tentacle into each tree, pulses of black magic flowing through him into the trees. Black veins appear in the tall wooden plants as they seem to wither slightly, corrupted by the Oculoid's essence. As the Chief pulls his tentacles out, grotesque purple tendrils shoot out of the trees, creating a tightly woven lattice that barricade dtheir way. They dripped lethal poison, seeming to slowly creep towards the heroes. The Chief seemed smugly satisifed with his work.

"Ah. Much better. Our clash will have to await, but until then."

The Chief simply drifts through the toxic vines without any pain, almost seeming to enjoy the poisons. The four Oculoids had escaped deeper into the forest, and...

The heroe's passage forward was blocked.

Edited August 23, 2013 by Endgame

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: Natural respite should've regenerated 25 HP

Johon looks to the sides of the trees to see if they can go around.

OoC: I somehow know we aren't going to be able to go around, but I'll give it a try

[Endgame]

The grotesque tendrils seem to stretch from both sides of the tree, slithering and intertwining to what equated to a poisonous wall. Black ink drips from each and every tendril, no doubt a by product of the oculoid's corruption of this flora. interestingly, it also seems to drip something else: a more potent form of Plague Venom, a crippling liquid the Raide rhad encountered in Luosh.

The party can recall two more prominent locations in Taurost: The Alchemist's Hut and the cabins where Silver, Seymour, and Erick were taken for treatment.

Where will the party go?

[Bricksandparts]

Johon carefully tries collecting some of the venom in an empty vial.

[Endgame]

He could harvest some of the vemon, but it'd come at a handicap for the next battle...

Edited August 23, 2013 by Endgame

[K-Nut]

Althior rolls his eyes at Johon's efforts. And without warning shoots an ice spell to freeze the tentacles. "Would you be so kind?" He gestures for Johon to swing at them, assuming they've frozen.

[Endgame]

Althior freezes the tentacles, withering from the cold... Only for a pulse of dark magic to revive them almost instantly, the already dead roots revived and once again coiling to form a barricade. The pary could try to walk through, but it would come at an incredibly severe detriment... One that could almost cripple them entirely and leave them helpless.

Edited August 23, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"Damn those crafty... there's no point in trying to get through this now. We're ill equipped anyways. Besides, I have something I need to do."

Karie fished around until she found the ectoplasm. She knew it was beneficial... but how did she use it? She looked it over, sniffed it, and runs her fingers through it. She finally decides to rub it on her body. She begins to feel light headed, as she feels numbness in the places she rubbed.

"Right, why don't we head back. The Alchemist might have something."

[K-Nut]

Althior sends the shade of silver through the vines to see what happens to him.

"Let's see what happens first,"

[Endgame]

Karie can feel her supply of ethe rgetting larger as she rubs the ectoplasm on her skin. Despite the numbness, she felt stronger. And, surprisingly, her makeup didn't smudge, through phenomenons that can only be described through processes known as witchcraft and some of the more bizarre fields of science.

Althior sends the Shade of Silver through the toxic vines, getting a rather drastic result. Even being what would equat eot Silver's shadow, the demonic vines had great effect on him as well. the second he makes contact he startles back, sinister tendrils of black and purple running through his translucent form. He shudders as he tries to flush them out, gasping for breath and wheezing as the magically enhanced toxins leave him. Sending a corporeal being through it would probably prove even more rancid of an idea.

Is the party now set to heading to the Alchemist's hut?

The Party:

Althior Emorith (And Finnegan)

Level 35 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 47 (52 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 (4+2)

Health: 45/45 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+34)

Ether: 30/48 (5+5+34+4)

Gold: 100

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, Grating Stone x2, Tasty Fish

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Undead Iron Scorpion, Level 28

Shade of Erick, Level 30

Shade of Seymour, Level 22

Shade Of Silver, Level 15 "Gnnnnnggggh..."

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

Level: 25.33

Power: 36 (24+8+4)

Health: 33/40 (24+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (5+1)

Ether: ~/0

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

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2800 (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 (4), Smelling Salts (11), Nostrum (11), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Emergency Essence, Ambrosia

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!*

22 year old Human Rogue Witch, lvl 16.5

Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6)

Health: 22/22

Ether: 19/22

Gold: 92

Defence: 2

Equipment: Sexy (WP: 7, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Paper Doll (Accessory, Protects from the Hexed effect)

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

Quest Items: Entry 11, 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), 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), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear)

Gemstones: Topaz

Edited August 24, 2013 by Endgame

[Endgame]

QM Note: because I doubt anyone would object:

The party, still a bit shaken from seeing the Shade of Silver in such pain, decide they would need to use an alternative method to get through the barrier the Chief had created. A short walk takes them to the Alchemist's shack, where Margaret is there, taking stock. She seems just as pale and shaky as before, sick from her time under the Chief's control but not willing to admit it. She turns around as she hears the hero's footsteps, gripping the counter to keep her balance.

"Oh... Hi there, heroes... Is there anything ya need?"

She sounds exhausted.

Edited August 24, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Karie reaches the counter, leaning on it.

"Hey. Do you have anything that can resist Plague Venom?"

Please say yes, please say yes...

[Endgame]

Margaret bites her lip, taking stock. She looks through each of her vials, taking note of each an devery label.

"...Hmm. Those brainwashing bastards used up some of my materials to make the chlorform they used to knock out jack, Jill, and Geoffrey not to mention my body and mind, but lucky for you I do have a venom repellant. Or, half of one done, anyway. I'm going to need some time to brew up the rest, and it should do the job well enough. Bit of warning though, fellas: It's a repellant, not a remedy. it'll keep the stuff away from ya, but if you ingest a single drop of Plague Venom, well... It won't help ya there. Very few things can."

Margaret turns around to start doing her measurements, lighting a match and holding it under a small bottle of chemicals to get it to bubble. She still seems a bit weak, but she is regaining her composure and pallor.

"Sorry, my brain is still a bit scrambled from whatever that... thing... did it when it was knocking around. Not fun. Any idea why those demons came in the first place?"

She turns from her work for a second, signalling to the other, more domestic looking brews on the other side of the hut.

"Oh, and if you want to buy anything, go ahead. The Plague Venom repellant is on the house for you guys."

Margaret's Alchemy Hut:

Remedy – Removes all negative effects from the target. Costs 20 gold. "I'm sorry these are at a premium, but we have our own sick to care for. Sorry, guys. I may have to down one of these myself..."

Mead - Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle. Costs 15 gold. *2 in stock!* "A classic. I mostly brew thes eup for Erick, guy being from the North and all, but I'm sure he won't mind if you take some."

Smelling Salts - Causes the hastened-effect, allowing the target to act twice in one round for the duration of one battle. Costs 25 gold. *2 in stock!* "One whiff and you'll be running entire marathons!"

Nostrum - Causes the lucky-effect, allowing the target to roll the battle die twice and get the better result of the two for the duration of one battle. Costs 40 gold. *2 in stock!* "Lady Luck's favorite thing to drink after a hard day's work, or so I've heard."

Deadly Venom – Use on a weapon to make it cause the badly poisoned-effect on any enemy it hits for the duration of one battle. A badly poisoned enemy loses 10 health each turn. Costs 40 gold. "Not nearly as potent as the stuff you gotta deal with, but it gets the job done."

"Oh, and if ya need to kill any more time after your shopping spree, try dropping by the Cabins. I'm sure the other folks in Taurost wouldn't mind if you drop by after what you've done for us, plus they probably know the forest deeps pretty well."

Edited August 25, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"We're here to pick up some documents about some ancient artefact. Some archaeologist left them at his place and now it seems those things are after them as well. So, yeah, not the best day ever."

She looks about Margaret's stall.

"I'm a little tight on cash, but I'll pick up a mead for the time being."

92-15=77 Gold