Heroica RPG - Quest #81: Home Sweet Home

[joeshmoe554]

It seemed that Johon had not heard Jeaux enter the room. "No need to shout. Have you found anything in the desk?" Jeaux took a closer look at the blue container, hoping to ascertain what may lie inside.

[Endgame]

Round Fourteen of the Riot Battle!

>Sarge VS Jetorix (back): Hit (17+18=35x4=140/2=70-5=65 damage)

>Sarge VS Jetorix (back): Critical Hit (17x2=34+18=52x4=208/2=104-5=99 damage)

With two consecutive slashes, Sarge kncokcs Jetorix down to his knees. The battle was won, the heroes heaving a much deserved sigh as they look around at the carnage before them. The three of them had succesfully disbanded Jetorix's small riot crew... And they got plenty of spoils to go around. As Em surveys the scene, looking down at the wounds criss crossing his body, he enters moment of contemplation... He looks at the mighty Jetroix and his concubine, realizing he had just defeated them. This battle was taxing, but it made him feel ready to tackle an Advanced Class.

The Battle Is Victorious! All heroes gan their respective amounts of EXP.

Party Leader, please divide the loot.

QM Note: Pictures coming shortly - my Imgur account is acting wonky.

-120 gold

-Jinxy Juice

-Frost Helemt: SP: 3, headwear. Grants immunity to Ice-elemental attacks.

-Military Grade Fire Bomb: Does 10 Fire-elemental damage to all enemies when thrown.

-Grating Stone

-Lover's Locket: Accesroy, protects against Enamoring.

-Love Potion: An odd brew. Can be used on an enemy to make them enamored with that hero for 3 rounds.

-Blind Fury: A vitriolic brew. Can be used on an enemy to make them Enraged and Blind for 3 rounds.

-Grand Tonic

Riot Party:

Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary)

54 years old male human witch

Level 18.5 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded* *Hastened!*

Power: 37 (18+17+2)

Health: 27/38 (7+17+8+3+3)

Ether: 10/19 (18+1)

Gold: 277 (70 owed to Brickington)

Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light and Darkness-elemental, Hollow (empty) daggers), Witch's talisman (All attacks Cause the badly poisoned effect), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear)

Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Phoenix Essence, Potion x4, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x5, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Counterstrike gloves

Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old,

Level 20 Druid *Lucky!*

Power: 30

Health: 34/34

Ether: 22/23

Gold: 299

Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:13), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory)

Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 7 Mead, 9 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 3 Deadly Venoms, 1 Super Deadly Venom, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Grand Tonic, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Ruby, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified), Mage's muffler (protects from sealing)

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious.

Unknown age male human ranger

Level 15

Power: 24

SP: 4

Health: 22/22 (6+14+2)

Gold: 30

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +2, SP +2, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year), Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect)

Inventory:

Consumables: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone x2, Nostrum x2, Potion x3, Remedy x4, Venom, Grand Potion, Mead, Ambrosia, Crystal Sovereign

Weapons: Quality Cutlass (WP:6, Dagger), Bow(WP:5)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe,

Equipment:White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear), Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by (Asleep), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies)

Siri stirs. Something falls out of her personage: a bottle of blue perfume, the scent of jasmine oozing out. The smell seemingly awaking her, she staggers up and glares at the heroes with contempt.

"Nnnnnrggh... I can't stand you vile things, truly. If my master had allowed me to dip into one ounce of my actual power, instead of forcing me to use this pitiful vessel..."

A faint blue shimmer can be seen around Siri's eyes... What was going on here?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jeaux grabs the odd bottle, and examines it, its contents swirling in a mesmerizing pattern.

Blue Blast Jelly: What in the world is this...?

Jeaux, having exchausted the contents of the devestated 3D, treks back down the stairs. he ascends back up a pile of ashy rubble, joining Johon in his investigation of 3B and 3C.

Johon checks the drawers, finding various schematics of the of the apartment building they were in: as well as designs for two others. Interestingly, the Blue Apartment Complex they were in had one interesting feature: A crawlspace availible to all Proggs who resided in the building, accesible by the roof.

He reads the paper on the desks.

The head of construction has padlocked his personal supply of on-site liquor after one of the workers here deicded to take from it without asking. idiot. Now none of use get a drink while we're lugigng around boulders here.

One of my more insufferable coworkers that is currently abstaining saw the boss keying in the combinations... And refuses to tell us what they are. Hmph. We've pressed him on the subject, but all we get is vague little hints. One combination is an emotion - the other is a royal figurehead. And finally, the numerical one is something to do with those Heroica folks.

What do thos even mean?

[The_Customizer]

Erdathcath lifts up a shout of victory, standing to her feet, she notices Siri has awakened due to some odd blue perfume. Before Siri can do anything, she reaches down and picks up the bottle, examining it, then closing the lid. She turns to Siri and demands "Who exactly are you? What is this perfume? And answer me swiftly or I shall shoot you between the eyes."

[Pyrovisionary]

Sarge uses a potion, then Picks up the grating stone, military grade bomb and 40 gold, uses the grating stone on the demonic scissors, and says "Pick up what loot ya like men. Man and Erdy. I think we got a badass daedra over here."

Edited December 8, 2013 by Pyrovisionary

[Bricksandparts]

one of them having 5 digits, one 6 digits, and one 4 digits - and only numbers.

"Huh." Johon says, utterly confused. "If we come up with them, we will come back here and get them opened."

[Emjajoas]

"I could use the Frost Helm; aside from that, there is nothing I require save a share of the gold."

Em crouches next to Siri, an arrow in his hand but his bow strung across his back. He says nothing, waiting for her to answer Erdy's questions.

OOC: Will be without internet connection overnight; use me as you see fit.

Edited December 8, 2013 by emjajoas

[joeshmoe554]

OOC: Given the phrasing, does 5 digits mean 5 alphanumeric characters?

"We could, though the contents do belong to the proggs who work here and it is likely they already have access. Unless you believe it would help our investigation, I see little reason to open the containers. Did you find anything in or near the desk?"

[Endgame]

Erdathcath lifts up a shout of victory, standing to her feet, she notices Siri has awakened due to some odd blue perfume. Before Siri can do anything, she reaches down and picks up the bottle, examining it, then closing the lid. She turns to Siri and demands "Who exactly are you? What is this perfume? And answer me swiftly or I shall shoot you between the eyes."

Siri draws herself up to full height, the venomous glow in her eyes now clearly visible.

"Perfume? Why, just simple jasmine, hun. Seemed pretty good at enthralling your comrades to say the last - didn't even use a drop of magic for that little stunt!

Oh, go ahead, try me. Why would I answer to you?"

I think we got a badass daedra over here."

"Not quite, I fear. As much as I hate the insufferable bastard, Jetorix was right - you are a relic. A waste."

"I could use the Frost Helm; aside from that, there is nothing I require save a share of the gold."

Em crouches next to Siri, an arrow in his hand but his bow strung across his back. He says nothing, waiting for her to answer Erdy's questions.

With surprising force, Siri forces Em back, her glowing blue eyes flaring up.

"And to think I said you were the cleanest swine in this disgusting pigsty."

Using a similar strength she heaves up Jetorix, slapping the warrior. His robes slip off as Siri lifts him to his feet, revealing the gnarled plates of armor he was wearing... They seemed to dig into his body, glowing a similar malignant blue.

Siri slaps him awake, the soldier coming to his senses.

"Jetorix, you... IMBECILE! You, in your confusion were the one to knock me out, not these insidious pests!"

Even in his stupor, Jetorix maintains his arrogance and demanding nature.

"You... You worthless broad! How dare you speak to me like that, you useless harlo-"

Siri, having enough, makes eye contact with Jetorix. The bewitching glow seems to have a profound effect on Jetorix... He collapses like a puppet with its strings cut, his shoulders slumping, his arms, legs, and neck falling limp.

"Ugh, finally I could just get him to shut up."

-------------------------------------------------------

QM Note: 5 and 6 digit combinations uses the letters A through Z only - the four digit lock uses the numbers 1-9 only.

Where will the party go next?

[Emjajoas]

"Aww, lover's quarrel?" Em asks, venom tinging his voice.

[Pyrovisionary]

"Phfft. Yer may be right but I still fecked yer up, not bad fer a relic. So what are yer?" Sarge picks up the lovers locket too.

"Aww, lover's quarrel?" Em asks, venom tinging his voice.

"Ha!"

Sarge spits out a bit of blood onto the floor after the party's latest escapade. Siri's words had scarred him. She's right, I am getting to old for this stuff. Soon be over though. Sarge glimpses at his bandaged hand hand, knowing that it was grey as stone under the bandages. I am a relic, a waste. I've got a year. Two at best. Dead meat is what I is. A thought enter his head.

"Err. Miss Erdathcath. You're one of them druids right? Healing is like your thing."

"Yes, that is one of my main traits at which I actually succeed, why do you ask?"

"Err well. To put it bluntly. I need help. A while ago I got a disease. The grey plague. and yer the best healer I know so... Could yer try and heal me?"

"The gray plague? If that is what I think it is, I don't believe there is a cure for it, I can try my best to help you, but it may not work too well." Erdathcath casts a variety of healing spells, and yet nothing seems to change.

Sarge feels an aura pass through him, he feels better, and as he pulls off the bandages revealing his arm, for all the world to see... As a grey limb... Slightly shiny. As if made of marble or granite. Sarge sighs in disappointment. "Shite."

Sarge pours a potion onto his arm to ease the pain, then wraps it again in yellowing bandages.

I'm gonna have to find a cure Meself. Maybe the guild'll help me. They owe me a favour... Two actually...

Edited December 8, 2013 by Pyrovisionary

[The_Customizer]

Erdathcath picks up 60 gold, the Love potion, Jinxy juice, Blind Fury, and Grand tonic. "Em, you want the rest of the gold?" Turning back to Siri, she asks "Are you ok hun? You seem a bit different now. Would you like to just go home? I think we could arrange for that."

[joeshmoe554]

Hearing of the crawlspace, Jeaux decided to head to the roof and take a closer look at where it may lead.

[Emjajoas]

"I can't say no to gold," Em replies. "Thank you."

[Bricksandparts]

"Makes sense. If we find it is necessary to open, we can figure it out later." Johon replies, "And about that blue stuff; I've seen it before. I believe last I saw it was used by Punii, one of the rebels against the Progg conquest. It was what was probably used for these explosions." Johon says, following Jeaux up the roof.

[Endgame]

"Aww, lover's quarrel?" Em asks, venom tinging his voice.

"Ah, think you are clever, do you? Unfortunately, I have no time to waste with the likes of you. Congratulations, by the way, you three - I've always tried to convince my master that all the subtlety wasn't worth it. Now that you fools have disrupted this mob here, I will have permission to bring a force far more potent here. You struggled with a handful of humans? let us see how you contend with over a hundred demons."

Siri throws her head back and lets out an ecstatic cackle, as if overjoyed from what she was planning to do.,

Au revoir, heroes! Don't worry too much - we'll be back oh so very soon. And we'll off that runt Aquos Jr, as well as burning this colony to the ground. See you soon, huns?"

And with a snap of her fingers, Siri vanishes - along with Jetorix. She had never demonstrated such ethereal might before... The party can feel an awful sensation churning in their stomachs, as if an impending doom was soon coming. Would they return to the stronghold and report to Solon now?'

---------------------------------------------------------------

The heroes ascend up another flight of stiars, coming across the roof of the expansive building.

An unbolted hatch sits atop it, leading to the crawlspace, presumably.

What would the party like to do.

[Bricksandparts]

Johon looks around the roof of the large building, on the ceiling, and for anything that looked useful.

[The_Customizer]

"Perhaps, it would have been best to shoot her when we had the chance. Let's quickly return to Solon and let him know what happened." Erdathcath prepares herself to move on.

[Emjajoas]

"For some reason, I doubt shooting her would've made a difference," Em mutters, ready to move on.

[Pyrovisionary]

"We've got to get ter Aquos Jr quickly!"

[Endgame]

Riot Party:

Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary)

54 years old male human witch

Level 18.5 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded* *Hastened!*

Power: 37 (18+17+2)

Health: 37/38 (7+17+8+3+3)

Ether: 10/19 (18+1)

Gold: 317 (70 owed to Brickington)

Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:18, dual strike, Light and Darkness-elemental, Hollow (empty) daggers), Witch's talisman (All attacks Cause the badly poisoned effect), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear)

Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Phoenix Essence, Potion x4, Grand Potion x3, Remedy x5, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Counterstrike gloves, Military Grade fire bomb

Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old,

Level 20 Druid *Lucky!*

Power: 30

Health: 34/34

Ether: 22/23

Gold: 359

Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:13), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory)

Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 7 Mead, 9 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 3 Deadly Venoms, 1 Super Deadly Venom, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Grand Tonic, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Ruby, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified), Mage's muffler (protects from sealing), Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic, Love Potion, Blind Fury

Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious.

Unknown age male human ranger

Level 15

Power: 24

SP: 4

Health: 22/22 (6+14+2)

Gold: 70

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +2, SP +2, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year), Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect)

Inventory:

Consumables: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone x2, Nostrum x2, Potion x3, Remedy x4, Venom, Grand Potion, Mead, Ambrosia, Crystal Sovereign

Weapons: Quality Cutlass (WP:6, Dagger), Bow(WP:5)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe,

Equipment:White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear), Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by (Asleep), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Frost Helmet (SP: 3, ice immune)

Siri's words still lingering in their mind, the party practically makes a mad dash from the colony. From their several trips through the establishment, they now know the corridors well, navigating the winding corridors without a guide. Before long, they once again stand before the immense Stronghold, ready to report in to Solon.

The Phalanx guards, stalwart as ever, stand guard.

"Solon is in the Stronghold archives... Back in one piece, I see."

"Well, if you are back, that means you at least drove those bastards off for now... Archive is the third door on the left."

The party rushes in, earning quite a few bewildered glances from patrons inside the giant political building. They practically slam the door open of the archives, and sure enough, Solon stands right in there, looking deep in thought... It seemed like he hadn't even registered the heroes' presence. he looks at an alter wistfully.

"To think... The one parchment to start it all."

What will the party do?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Besides the black rocks piercing the roof, nothing else was on the ceiling and the hatch. Expecting the best and preparing for the worst, they throw the hatch open and climb into the crawlspace...

In the back, they find a small, writhing yellow creature. Why did it look so familiar?

[Bricksandparts]

"Punii!" Johon shouts, noticing his old friend. "What are you doing here?"

[Emjajoas]

Em remains silent, waiting for the members of the party to speak.

[joeshmoe554]

Jeaux could see the yellow progg apparently hiding in the corner. The rat Jeaux had talked to earlier said that a yellow progg had been hired to handle the explosive work and had caused the severe damage visible around them. Jeaux reached for his hand cannon, readying himself for a potential altercation when he heard Johon call out to the progg. It seemed Johon had a positive relationship with this creature? If this was the villain they had sought, then there was a distinct possibility Johon may betray Jeaux and side with his acquaintance. Jeaux held his hand at the ready, choosing to observe the interaction between Johon and this "Punii" before acting.

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: Going to wait for Punii's reaction first. (If that is who it is)

[The_Customizer]

Erdathcath slowly reaches out and taps Solon on the shoulder, "Sir, we have removed the mob for the time being. What do you request of us now? And if I may be so bold to ask, what exactly is that parchment?"