Heroica RPG - Quest #86: Gaiden

[Waterbrick Down]

"The bugger should be going under any minute now thanks to Octavyn's knock-out drug."

[Endgame]

QM Note: Augustus immediately woke Doppel up with his attack.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Drat the bugger's up again. Octavyn, I think another one of those syringes are in order."

[Endgame]

QM Note: Everything is fixed: Although Karie bought 3 pumpkin bombs, and threw one, meaning she should have two.

>Skrall downs a Nostrum (back)

>Skrall VS Retribution (back): Critical Hit Critical Hit (12x2=24+33=57x8=456 damage.)

>Augustus VS Doppel Shard B (back): Damage (25/2=13-4=9 damage)

>Karie VS Doppel Shard A (back): Hit (11+20=31/2=16-4=12 damage)

>Baradock VS Doppel Shard B (back): Critical Hit (5x2=10+3=13/2=7x2=14-3=11 damage)

>Octavyn stabs Doppel with another Dozing Syringe (back)

The battle almost seems to stalemate - atleast in this round. Skrall downs a Nostrum and fires a powerful shot. The bow pierces through the blade, the weapon shattering into ink. A Doppel Shard lunges at Augustus while Karie whips another one into submission. Baradock slices up some ooze, Octavyn once again thrusting a dozing syringe through Doppel's chest. The creature becomes dazed and woozy, on the brink of slumber.

"I'm running out of these, Skrall..."

The Battle Rages On!

"Zzzzzz..."

Doppel (Augustus), Level 50 Dark Mechanical *Fragile! 1 rounds remaining* *Reinforced!* *Asleep! 3 rounds remaining*

HP: 1114/1150

SP: 4

Immune to Sealing, Stunning, and Blindness

Specials:

Lash Out: In a sudden fit of rage, Doppel stabs all heroes with Retribution, causing all of them to take damage equal to their level.

Mark Of The Favored: Doppel, in Skrall's form, chooses one hero in particular to focus in on. That hero takes 30 damage, and for three rounds, even when not in Skrall's form, Doppel defies row when attacking that hero. (Used only while mimicking Skrall.)

Mass Illusion: Doppel, imitating Karie, casts a spell over the party. All heroes have a 1/3 chance of becoming Hexed. (Used only when Mimicking Karie.)

Battle Frenzy: Doppel, masquerading as Baradock, hits all heroes. All heroes automatically have their health halved. (Can only be used when mimicking Baradock.)

Mug: Doppel, while impersonating as Octavyn, rushes at the hero who rolled Special Damage. That hero takes 45 damage and has their postive effects stolen. (Postive effects last for one round.) (can only be used when imitating Octavyn.)

Phalanx: Doppel, mimicking Augustus, goes into a defensive position. All enemies receive half damage for the next 2 rounds. (Can only be used when mimicking Augustus.)

Specials decided by die roll, choosing between any available specials.

Passive Specials (Mimic-specific):

Hunter's Way: Doppel retreats to the back row, and becomes a ranged fighter. (Used only when mimicking Skrall.)

Bewitching Personality: "Karie" has a 50/50 chance of either Hexing or Enamoring one random hero at the end of every round, which is deicded by die roll. The chosen effect is then placed on a randomly decided hero. (Used only when mimicking Karie.)

Barbaric Rage: On rolls of Damage, Doppel deals damage to all heroes, as well as defying SP and Row. (Used only when mimicking Baradock.)

I Hope You Choke!: Every round, Doppel throws down a Red Phosphorous Grenade. (Used only when mimicking Octavyn.)

Defensive Stance: Doppel Reinforces all enemies, including himself. (Used only when mimicking Augustus.)

Passive Specials:

Parts Of A Whole: Every successful hit on Doppel causes him to spawn two Doppel shards.

Mimicry: The last person to land a successful hit on Doppel will be the person he chooses to imitate at the end of that round. Doppel's level is the imitated hero's level x2.

Drops:

Ectoplasm, Jinxy Juice, Smelling Salts

The Party:

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 33 *Favors Ancient and Human enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains 3x experience* *Encouraged!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!*

Power Bonus: +2 WP

Defense: 8

Health: 38/47

Gold: 107

Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12/24 vs. Beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from fights, accessory)

Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP, light, lightning, water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Wooden Shield (SP:5), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), 9x Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4x Bone, 6x Venoms, 2x Deadly Venoms, Potion, 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, 6 Phoenix Incenses, Smelling Salts, 5x Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 1 Deluxe Skeleton, Remedy x2, Jinxy Juice, Blind Fury

Karie Alderflask

Level 20 Witch

Power: 30

Defense: 2

Health: 26/34

Ether: 22/26

Gold: 82

Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. 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), Paper Doll

Inventory: Mead (1),Nostrum (1), Remedies (4), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Grand Tonic (4), Potion (1), Military Grade Darkness Bomb (1), Pumpkin Bomb (1) (causes stunned, poisoned, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used.), Tonic, Scroll of Sleep, Grand Tonic, Love Potion x2

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

Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Scroll of Frailty (Costs 1 ether, causes fragile effect to target for three rounds), Scroll of Blindness (cost 1 ether, target is blinded for three rounds) Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamouredeffect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Rusty Dagger (WP:2 - Deals the Badly Poisoned Effect, Breaks After 3 Uses)

Gemstones: (None at this time)

(Cryos) *Encouraged!*

?? year old Male Human Barbarian

Level 3

Power: 8

Health: 7/10

Gold: 70

Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental)

Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Deadly Venom, Light Armor, Blind Fury

"This is it!"

Octavyn Scelin, Level 30.66 Rogue

HP: 29/39

SP: 5

Power Bonus: 4

Gold: 105

Equipment: Octavyn's Corseque (WP: 13), Syndicate Cape (SP: 4, Backwear), Sticky Gloves (Handwear), Golden Headwear (+4 power, immunity to Fragile and Blindness)

Inventory: Nostrum, Neutralizer, Ambrosia, Grand Potion, Red Phosphorous Grenade x3, Dozing Syringes x2

"To think something like this was the source..."

Augustus, Level 25 Skirmisher

HP: 24/42

SP: 4

Equipment: Augustus's Corseque (WP: 13, Polearm), Steel Gauntlets (SP: 4, Handwear)

Inventory: Remedy, Potion

Edited November 28, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

OOC: First post says I came into the quest with two. My marketplace post says I bought two. Unless you want me to have an extra one and decimate the boss.

"We need someone to take down the Shard. Skrall, we need Doppel mimicking someone besides Augustus, or else we'll be sitting here forever! We should save those syringes for when we need them, since as it stands, we can't really attack Doppel and deal significant damage."

[Endgame]

QM Note: You've forced my hand.

"Why do you even bother? I was made to slaughter humans... There is no chance of victory.

[Cryos]

A gash that Doppel inflicted along Baradock's arm began to widen from exerting himself attacking the shard. Clenching his teeth he grasped the gaping cut with his spare hand, wishing he had equipped his light armor to protect from such blows.

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Ahem.

...arrow...

"I'm working on it." Skrall wiped the rain from his face trying to identify the creature's weakness. "Octavyn, Augusts, focus only on keepin' that shard busy. Karie, mind patchin' folks up? Baradock, can ya start healin' folks with potions, I'll pay ya back for 'em later." Skrall dug through his bag and removed the Jinxy Juice throwing it at Doppel before drawing back another arrow and loosing it at Doppel from the back row.

Battle Order:

Skrall

Karie

Octavyn

Augustus

Baradock

[Endgame]

QM Note: Am I missing something here? You never switched to your composite bow, correct?

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: I've been using the composite bow ever since we encountered Doppel.

Skrall gazed at the being. It's reality shattered, it's discernment scrambled, it's sanity scattered to the wind. Skrall mused on the tortured creature's question, silently knocking an arrow to his bow. "How can any of us know?" he mused to himself, his face a mixture of pity and contemplation as he smoothly drew and then released the arrow.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[Cryos]

Baradock made a sound between a grunt and a groan before vaulting behind a crate, using his feet to back himself into the cover. He fumbled in his pouch trying his best to ignore the gaping wound along his arm.

Until his hands came upon a potion. Using the potion on Augustus from the back row.

OoC: Does row affect potions?

Edited November 28, 2013 by Cryos

[Endgame]

OoC: I've been using the composite bow ever since we encountered Doppel.

QM Note: Allow me to use my QM reality warping powers, in that case... and give you a x8 multiplier.

Retribution is destroyed, so re-plan accordingly.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Endgame

[Endgame]

QM Note: Due to Augustus being a Skirmisher, Baradock was encouraged during his last hit, thus meaning Shard B is down. Only a Sleeping Doppel remains.

[Kintobor]

OoC: Does row affect potions?

OOC: Nope. Just use it on who you want to.

"Skrall, we've got to attack Doppel, now. I could go last, I got a boat load of remedies, so if someone does get hexed, I can reverse the effects. As well, I got immunities to hexing, so don't mind me."

Karie attacks Doppel from the back row.

[Cryos]

(Rewind)

Baradock crudely wraps a strip of cloth on his wound not doing much but stalling the bleeding, before submerging from behind his crate. Quick stepping to the Doppel,

Baradock attacks Doppel from the back row.

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall watches Baradock quickly finish off the shard and both he and Karie charge Doppel, "We'd best take this thing down fast then."

Battle Order:

Skrall

Octavyn

Agustus

Baradock

Karie

[Endgame]

QM Note: Special thanks to Flipz for running this round while I was being slammed with both Hanukkah and Thanksgiving!

Guest QM Note: Kintobor, I've rearranged Karie's inventory somewhat to make it less...well, insane. Everything should still be there, but if you could double-check I'd appreciate it.

Also...goddammit, Skrall.

>Skrall uses Jinxy Juice on Doppel (Back)

>Skrall VS Doppel (Back): Marking the Favored Marking the Favored Hit Aim (14*3=42+33=75*16=1200 damage; Favor Dark or Mechanical?)

>Octavyn

>Augustus

>Baradock

>Karie

Baradock, weaponless and woozy, runs over to grapple with Octavyn once more. He grabs the gold-clad amin by the shoulders, his hands gradually forming into sharp spires - aiming to slit the admin's throat. Skrall douses the monstrosity in Jinxy Juice, and aims true. His arrow sails through the storm's ferocious winds, plunging into Doppel's head. Dark ink spews out of the wound like a geyser, Doppel stumbling back, howling in agony.

"That's the scream I heard...!"

Augustus's realization seemingly jolts Doppel back into the reality of the battle. Pouring ink from every wound, his entire body trembling, he once again charges Octavyn. However, he can see it from a mile away this time. Octavyn scrapes his corseque across the cobblestone ground as he sprints towards the inky abomination, generating sparks... As they make contact, he swings up in a vertical slash, his corseque cleaving through Doppel's entire body and showering the beast in sparks.

Doppel collapses to the ground, oozing black blood - defeated.

"It's done. Thanks for the save, Skrall."

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.)

Jinxy Juice

Smelling Salts

Retribution: WP: 10, Longsword. The blade wielded by Doppel, reassembled from his remains. The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on to the targeted enemy on successful hits.

The Party:

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 33.75 *Favors Ancient and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains 3x experience* *Encouraged!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!*

Power Bonus: +2 WP

Defense: 8

Health: 38/47

Gold: 107

Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12/24 vs. Beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from fights, accessory)

Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP, light, lightning, water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Wooden Shield (SP:5), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), 9x Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4x Bone, 6x Venoms, 2x Deadly Venoms, Potion, 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, 6 Phoenix Incenses, Smelling Salts, 5x Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 1 Deluxe Skeleton, Remedy x2, Jinxy Juice, Blind Fury

Karie Alderflask

Level 20.33 Witch *Immune to Hexed!*

Power: 30

Defense: 2

Health: 26/34

Ether: 22/26

Gold: 82

Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.), 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), Paper Doll (immunity to Hexed; accessory)

Inventory:

Tools/Scrolls: Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness,

Consumables/Bombs: Mead (1),Nostrum (1), Remedies (4), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Grand Tonic (4), Potion (1), Military Grade Darkness Bomb (1), Pumpkin Bomb (1) (causes stunned, poisoned, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used.), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Love Potion x2

Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured, Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf), Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Rusty Dagger (WP:2 - Deals the Badly Poisoned Effect, Breaks After 3 Uses)

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

Gemstones: (None at this time)

(Cryos) *Encouraged!*

?? year old Male Human Barbarian

Level 4

Power: 8

Health: 7/10

Gold: 70

Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental)

Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Deadly Venom, Light Armor, Blind Fury

"Huzzah!"

Octavyn Scelin, Level 31 Rogue

HP: 29/39

SP: 5

Power Bonus: 4

Gold: 105[

Equipment: Octavyn's Corseque (WP: 13), Syndicate Cape (SP: 4, Backwear), Sticky Gloves (Handwear), Golden Headwear (+4 power, immunity to Fragile and Blindness)

Inventory: Nostrum, Neutralizer, Ambrosia, Grand Potion, Red Phosphorous Grenade x3, Dozing Syringes x2

"Is that it, then?"

Augustus, Level 25.33 Skirmisher

HP: 24/42

SP: 4

Equipment: Augustus's Corseque (WP: 13, Polearm), Steel Gauntlets (SP: 4, Handwear)

Inventory: Remedy, Potion

As the party sifts through the loot, Octavyn and Augustus converse with eachother.

"So, points for style back there, brother?"

"Not really, no."

Augustus seems to have something he wants to get off his mind.

"Look. I expected to come down here, seeing you and your hired hands bumbling around, struggling to accomplish anything - Just like I envisioned the rest of the Syndicate. I wanted to see you have difficulty... All so I would have the excuse to pull my daughter out of the Syndicate. Out of your mentorship. I wanted some justification in my mind, before you went through.

But..."

"Heh. But?"

"Instead, I came down here, seeing you pursuing that... thing."

Augustus looks disgustedly at Doppel's writhing body, before continuing.

"And you beat it off. That horrific thing, and you and your friends just decimated it. You didn't even need my help; I was unnecasary in that fight.

And... To be honest, I doubt a group of Wolfgang thugs could've ever handled that thing. It would simply cast them aside."

Octavyn's grin grows even bigger.

"Go on, continue."

There is a flash of brotherly annoyance on Augustu's brow before he continues.

"The Syndicate seems to do good, and seems to be good at what it does. Heroica too. Perhaps we disagree on some things - In fact, it is a certainty that we do - but without your intervention, that Doppel would've gone on a killing spree. Who knows how many people it'd off before someone could stop it."

Augustus pauses a bit.

"So... Good job."

Octavyn pats his brother on the shoulder.

"Sooooooo. Grogmas is coming up. Dinner at your place this year."

"Don't push it, little brother."

Meanwhile, Doppel stirs.

"It's... It's kind of sad... Right now... In what might be my final moments... I have... Clarity.

when I peered into the minds of my captors, i saw so many things... I saw ehre they planned to bring me when I was "complete". A towering citadel, dwarfing the horizon, cloaked in darkness... I saw their master, a terrible being... A being who has caused countless deaths, so many wars, so much bloddhshed... A being who wants nothing more than complete destruction of humankind, with power and potential to back up his schemes. I saw more humans being captured, altered, in other labs... The Devil Program, they call it. So I'm a Devil. And there are more Devils out there, more Doppels, more humans being tortured... Dozens, hundreds... Too many.

Maybe... Maybe this isn't real. Maybe this is all an illusion. Maybe, when I lose consciousness, I'll wake up back in that horrible place, bound by chains to a lab table. But... But maybe this is the end. And if it is? Thank you. Thank you for stopping me when I couldn't stop... myself."

Doppel looks up at the rain.

"The rain. It's... It's so warm and soothing, isn't it? Wash away the anger... Wash away the sorrow... Wash away the hate... Wash away the stains of time.

Wash away it all away... All of it."

And sure enough, his life fading and his consciousness fleeting, the downpour begins to sweep the Devil away. He seemed to be almost fille dwith bliss as the droplets of water bombarded him. Streams of black ink begin to seperate from him, flowing into the ocean below... Dissolving into nothingness. The rain carries away his entire body, washing away all of the horrible black plasm, leaving nothing but a pile of bones.

In his final moments, Doppel had finally found peace... Peace that had eluded him ever since he was sent to that hellish place right blow the heroes' feet.

Octavyn stands solemnly. His cape billowing in the wind, he slips his mask back over his head.

"Well... Thus ends this mission. I'm not sure what we've gotten ourselves tangled into, but this is the end of this chapter.

Distribute the spoils, and we can head back to base... I have your reward waiting there."

Edited November 28, 2013 by Endgame

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall hefted the weapon, "Seein' as how neither the barbarian nor myself can actually wield this thing, Karie, ya want to hold on to this?" Skrall tossed the smelling salts and scooped the ectoplasm in a small vial before handing them over to Baradock, "Ya can probably fetch a pretty penny for this goo if ya can find a mage willin' to buy it." The ogre placed the bottle of Jinxy Juice in his satchel, before walking over to Octavyn and Augustus. "I hate to bring an end to this happy reunion, but it is still rainin' and I ain't one for catchin' a cold. Whatever that thing was referrin' to, I'm not one fer dwellin' on it at this present time. Octavyn lead the way. Augustus, stop in at Heroica and ask fer me if ya should ever need anythin' or want someone to share a pint with, I know raisin' youngin's on yer own ain't ever an easy task and sometimes ya just need a night out."

[Kintobor]

OOC: The only thing missing is Grumpy's Staff, which I need to rename. Thanks Flipz!

Karie watched as the mass of the man washed into the ocean, leaving nothing but his bones behind. She crossed her arms, looking at the bones.

"There's more of them out there. More of those... things... And here I hoped to be rid of those... things."

A tinge of fear ran down her back. She had something new to fear now. She turns to Skrall, looking over the weapon used by Doppel.

"Retribution isn't a very original name."

She looks the macabre weapon over, pondering over it's use, it's black metal sharp to a point.

"I think Doppleganger will suffice. Thank you."

She straps the weapon on her belt, adding more to her bizarre collection of weapons. She then looks up at the towering ogre.

"Skrall... I'm not saying what you did was wrong, but why did you shoot at Doppel back in that hellhole? I think I know the answer, but... I'm not entirely sure if I do."

"I'm ready to head in if you guys are. My uniform's almost soaked through."

Hershey emerges from the crates, her fur drenched, and looking pitiful.

"Mreoow- eoow. <K-k-karie... I want to be cuddled. Now>"

Karie cringes, seeing how hypocritical her comment was seeing Hershey, who would fit in with a shipwrecked crew. She picks up her trusted feline companion up and begins to cradle her.

"Augustus, take care, alright. I'm in the same boat as Skrall. I wouldn't say you weren't helpful. You stopped Doppel from getting farther into the city. If it weren't for you, we'd probably be going through the city looking for him."

She looked his weapon over. Perhaps the story behind it would reveal itself one day, but for now, she was at least content knowing that the two brothers were on mutual ground.

[Cryos]

Baradock hung back. A pensive expression on his face. He had just destroyed a great threat but yet he felt so empty.

He let his club fall to his side. Looking up to the rain, letting the drops run down his face.

'The rain. It's... It's so warm and soothing, isn't it?'

Baradock quickly sifted through his pouch, grasping the vial filled with that which had created the Doppel.

But, for some reason he paused. As if something had compelled him otherwise. Slower, he pins back the flap closing the bag.

He warily looked around him before jogging back with the majority of the party. Pocketing the smelling salts and ectoplasm.

[Waterbrick Down]

As Skrall followed Octavyn he answered Karie, "How do ya know what's around ya is real? Ya feel it, ya see it, ya hear it, right?" Skrall mopped the rain off his face, it was harrowed and disturbed. "What if yer senses are lyin' to ya? What if yer not right in yer head and yer just followin' yer own little dellusions cooked up by yer addled mind? We all base our existence upon the one simple assumption that what we experience establishes our reality. Our senses dictate what is truth and what ain't. But ya see how easily our senses can be disturbed, how easily our reality can be brought crashing down once that one assumption is dashed to pieces? There wasn't any chance of us provin' to that sorry creature we were real any more than you or I can prove our own existence. Don't know about ya, but that's a little unsettlin' and somethin' I'd rather not think a whole lot about at this very minute. Suffice it to say, there wasn't gonna be anythin' we could do fer him and thus it was better to put a merciful end to his sufferin' than to let him keep goin' on in his deranged state and doin' who knows what harm to everyone around him."

[Endgame]

The Party:

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 33.75 *Favors Ancient and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains 3x experience*

Power Bonus: +2 WP

Defense: 8

Health: 38/47

Gold: 107

Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12/24 vs. Beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from fights, accessory)

Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP, light, lightning, water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Wooden Shield (SP:5), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), 9x Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4x Bone, 6x Venoms, 2x Deadly Venoms, Potion, 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, 6 Phoenix Incenses, Smelling Salts, 5x Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 1 Deluxe Skeleton, Remedy x2, Jinxy Juice, Blind Fury

Karie Alderflask

Level 20.33 Witch *Immune to Hexed!*

Power: 30

Defense: 2

Health: 26/34

Ether: 22/26

Gold: 82

Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.), 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), Paper Doll (immunity to Hexed; accessory)

Inventory:

Tools/Scrolls: Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness,

Consumables/Bombs: Mead (1),Nostrum (1), Remedies (4), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Grand Tonic (4), Potion (1), Military Grade Darkness Bomb (1), Pumpkin Bomb (1) (causes stunned, poisoned, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used.), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Love Potion x2

Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured, Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf), Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Rusty Dagger (WP:2 - Deals the Badly Poisoned Effect, Breaks After 3 Uses), Doppleganger (Retribution: The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on to the targeted enemy on successful hits.)

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

Gemstones: (None at this time)

(Cryos)

?? year old Male Human Barbarian

Level 4

Power: 8

Health: 10/10

Gold: 70

Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental)

Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Deadly Venom, Light Armor, Blind Fury

"Noted. I'll be sure to take you folks up on that offer... One day or another, I suppose. Today was the last day off I have from work for the year, though, so it'll have to be after Grogmas.:

Octavyn gives a long whistle.

"Well, brother, I'll be seeing you around."

"Same to you, Octavyn. Try not to unleash any more Devils, alright?"

"I'll try not to, Augustus!

Now, heroes... Onwards!"

With a triumphant raise of his corseque, Octavyn leads the way back to the Syndicate's headquarters. The rain calms down, the droplets getting less and less frequent - until stopping altogether. The clouds clear, and a full moon shines through...

After a mere 10 minutes of walking - without being disturbed by luminescent vermin, addled junkies, or horrifying abominations - they reach the fountain at which the whole quest started.

"Give me five minutes or so, I'll be retrieving your pay."

Octavyn slots his corseque's hilt into a very specific slot in the fountain's interior. With a twsit, a trapdoor slides open, revealing the base's entrance. With a leap similar to the one the admin used to go down the cliffside, he descends down into the trapdoor, entering the base.

Meanwhile, the party spots a familiar face.

A man in purple carrying a bouquet walks down the street, a white-masked girl taking a similar route, she notices the heroes first, turning around to greet them.

"Hey! Heroes! You're back!

Mr. Masson Cour Boss Sir... They're back from their assignment!"

Masson turns around and notices the heroes, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He and Olivia backtrack to converse with them.

"Olivia, no need to be so formal. We're off hours, after all.

Ah, hello, gentlemen."

Masson's gaze shifts towards Karie.

"And lady, of course. Glad to see you're all safe... Octavyn didn't put you too badly in trouble, I take it?"

This must've been the same purple man they saw clocking in to work during the quest's beginning. Only difference this time, he was unmasked. He looks sheepishly down at the bouquet in his hands, quite nearly on the verge of blushing for a split second.

"So, um... Would you like these now or later, ma cherie?"

Edited November 29, 2013 by Endgame

[Waterbrick Down]

"Nothin' too worryin', though next time he best check the weather report before he chooses his missions. If ya've got folks walkin' the streets like Octavyn, keep an eye on the hovels. A group of crazies broke out with a nasty supply of weaponry, probably not the best situation to have again 'round those parts."

[Kintobor]

"It may not sit well with me, but... you seem to know what you were doing back there. Perhaps it was foolish to think after what those demons did to him, he could've been saved.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is... I don't think I have the guts to kill someone out of mercy. I don't think I'd have the ability to do that Skrall. End someone's life in order to end their suffering. And I don't know if I respect you for that, or loathe you.

I just wanted an answer. At least your open with your decision, I can respect that. Thank you."

Karie sifts about the streets as the storm dissipates. She huddles with the rest of the group as the cold winter air begins to settle on her uniform, Hershey purring in her arms

Returning to the base, Karie emits a small, but discernible smirk seeing Olivia and Masson topside.

"Hey! Heroes! You're back!

Mr. Masson Cour Boss Sir... They're back from their assignment!"

He looks sheepishly down at the bouquet in his hands, quite nearly on the verge of blushing for a split second.

"So, um... Would you like these now or later, ma cherie?"

"Told you it was nothing important."

Liar.

Karie looks the kid over. She still had trouble remembering her own youth. Few moments popped into her head, but little of it seemed vivid or clear. She was curious who she took after more. She turns her attention to Masson, his face as red as the roses he carried.

"Masson, it really doesn't matter to me. I'll be getting them one way or another, but if you want to, I'll take them now, just to avoid you the embarrassment."

She hugged him as she took the roses.

[Waterbrick Down]

"It ain't an easy decision and not one I took lightly. Just because somethin' needs to be done, don't always mean yer goin' to sleep well thinkin' about it either though." Skrall watched as Karie moved over to Masson, he raised an eyebrow as he made the connection. "Doin' a little double duty yerself it would seem," the ogre mentioned quietly to himself.