Heroica RPG - Quest #86: Gaiden

[Cryos]

How long would this clown look us over!? Baradock was starting to get impatient...

He egged on a plastic smile to reassure him that we were not of the unordinary.

'Well...slightly unordinary' he thought, looking at the ogre.

[Endgame]

"Well... Meet Masson Cour, head of The Syndicate, My sole superior, Paragon, and one of the two people I've ever seen that can pull off purple."

Octavyn stifles a chuckle, apparently an in-joke between the two.

"If you say so, Octavyn.

But... why Heroica for this, Octavyn? They're dependable people, that's for sure, but you could've pretty much requested any Syndicate member for back-up, myself included."

Octavyn remains silent for a moment, before speaking.

"Family matter, that's all. Should be able to sort out the report by daybreak - easy, clean job. I've told you what my brother is like, and I don't think he'd like an entire squadron knocking at his door - especially the leader, of all people."

Masson seems to understand - what had Octavyn told him that he hadn't yet told the heroes?

"...Oh. I understand, octavyn. Do what you will."

Masson turns to the heroes.

"Octavyn may be a little bit odd -"

Octavyn laughs, his carefree and joking attitude coming back to him.

"Little bit odd? Pfft, no need to understate it, old friend!"

"...But he is a very capable person nonetheless. He's my second-in-command for a very good reason.

Now, and you three are...? Pleasure to meet all of you."

Masson turns to Karie, and she can almost make out a smile behind the thick purple hood.

"Pretty sure I've met one of you before."

Edited November 3, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"I'm starting to think the barbarian's a mute."

Karie giggled from the back. She looked over Masson,blushing slightly.

She felt no need to introduce herself again.

[Endgame]

"I would concur!"

"It's not necessarily a bad thing. People who lose one of their abilities are usually better in others - I'd imagine Baradock is very perceptive."

Masson shrugs.

"Still waters run deep. That's how I got through academy in record time."

"Ah, by being completely antisocial?"

Masson shifts uneasily.

"I was going to say "silent", but... I'm getting better, at least."

"Small steps, friend! Small steps."

Edited November 3, 2013 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

"So, what brings you out this way, Masson? Shopping? Scouting? Assignment? Simply out for a stroll?"

She didn't need to question what title or name to call him by. So long as it wasn't Stealer.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

Masson shrugs and continues to smile.

"Karie... I work here, remember? We moved out a lot of equipment, but the Syndicate still uses the remodeled warehouse as their base. We had to get rid of a lot of things though, now that the Town Watch gives us assignments from time to time.

I was unaware that Octavyn contracted you, ma cherie. In fact, I didn't know about any of this in general until i strolled up just a few minutes ago, though I know exactly which case Octavyn was referring to... It was the only one that contains Octavyn's brother, Augustus, after all.

Speaking of which, Octavyn..."

"Yes, Mr. Captain Boss Sir?"

"Are you sure having Karie around your brother is a good idea while she is in her Syndicate garbs? I don't want anyone hurting her..."

"Nah, I'll keep him from blowing up in our faces. We'll be alright - I doubt Augsuts would do anything worse then slam the door in our faces. Sure, its rude as can be, but nothing harmful."

"Hmm. Fair enough."

[Cryos]

Baradock eyed Karie, finally putting two and two together.

They were all a group? He kind of felt in the dark, and I bet the ogre did as well.

He may have to sleep with two eyes open...

Especially since Octavyn was obviously keeping secrets.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Cryos

[Kintobor]

Karie noticed Baradock was eyeing her suspiciously. Once again, an unnerving feeling tingled down her spine.

"Can you, um... stop staring at me? You're making me uncomfortable."

Karie began to wonder what was going on between the two brothers.

"Octavyn, why are you and your brother hostile between one another? If I'm going to be a walking target I want to know ahead of time."

She sounded less like she was agitated, and more like she was concerned.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Kintobor

[Cryos]

OoC: Can Baradock get some late shopping in? Since it IS a market. :s

Rather annoyed Baradock sucked on his teeth audibly, and flicked his eyes back to Octavyn.

The witch asked what he had been thinking the entire time, and he was waiting for an answer.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Cryos

[Endgame]

Octavyn sighs and looks away for a minute, before managing to condense the series of events into something easily digestable.

"Okay. So, here's the condensed version; I'll skip the melodrama.

So, almost a year ago. Went to a bar after closing up my own back at one of Eubric's inns. Got drunk - Real drunk. Picked a fight with a table or 7 or 8, being the intoxicated bastard I was. I don't remember what for, or why. All I remember is quite a few perfectly sober men take off their jackets, reveal the Wolfgang insignia underneath, and proceed to beat the daylights out of me. Long story short, they doused me in... something... flammable, and left a lit fire bomb with my body in whatever alley they clobbered me in for good measure. The explosion woke me up and I managed to douse myself with some gutter water, but I fell unconscious again. Mar. Purple here -"

Octavn jerks a thumb towards Masson.

"Otherwise known as The Stealer of Senses at the time, found me in the alley knocked out and practically well done. Slings me over his shoulder, brings me back to HQ, patches me up. I join his cause. Now, here is where the friction between me and Augustus began: His house is just barely outside the hovel, the poor guy having to work two jobs to stay out of that place. Only because of some Wolfgang help have he and his daughter managed to eek their way through life without having to live into the Hovels. I went to his house one night to explain to him what happened to his little brother; We used to see each other almost daily, and he hadn't seen me for almost a week at that point. Thus, here was the divide: The Wolfgang helped him live a better life, the Wolfgang left me barbequed in some alley, near death. Our first argument was not pretty, to say the very least.

A few months later of no contact, I go to his house to celebrate the Holidays - right after doing something for Masson. I hastily threw off my uniform, switched into some nicer clothes, and stuffed my hood in my pocket. As fate would have it, it falls out during Dinner. It lead to him discovering what The Syndicate was - someone who opposed the Wolfgang. Both of us were fairly intoxicated at that point. A small fight broke out, weapons were involved. We managed to put down the Corseques before we injured each other. He threw me out of his house and left me with some words I won't repeat, just out of tastefulness.

Our relationship has collapsed everyday since. Long story short: He isn't a Syndicate fan. That's why I don't want Masson around him..."

Octavyn doesn't know what else to do but shrug and shake his head. The clash of that series of events and Octavyn's carefree, joking demeanor were stunning. How could a man that went through that be happy all the time?

The witch asked what he had been thinking the entire time, and he was waiting for an answer.

The shopkeepers inform baradock that it'll still be about another hour until they open the shop - too late for their assignment.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Endgame

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall eyed Masson up and down, he seemed to hold a high position in this Syndicate. The ogre nodded toward the Paragon in response to his question, "Skrall."

The ogre turned his attention to Octavyn, "That's the issue with folks today, they use organization labels to define an entire person's character. Well, if yer brother ain't a fan of the Syndicate, I can't see him being a fan of 3 other strangers armed to the teeth enterin' his home."

[Kintobor]

"Damn. Jeez, Octavyn..."

Karie really couldn't think of words to describe how she felt. Octavyn was a rather laid back guy. To see him like this was sort of disheartening.

"Well, good to know that you're brother's a Wolfgang supporter, at least..."

Karie looks cautiously around. Perhaps having her hood off was a bad idea, with a capital B.

[Endgame]

Skrall eyed Masson up and down, he seemed to hold a high position in this Syndicate. The ogre nodded toward the Paragon in response to his question, "Skrall."

The hunter and the Paragon shakes hands, Masson somehow avoiding having his hand crushed. by the gesture.

"You seem like a capable person, Skrall. I appreciate you helping out the organization... Although I only learned of your aid about 10 minutes prior."

"Augustus is just as capable in a battle as I am, he has no problem with people being armed to the teeth. Trust me, he'll be fine with you folks. It's us Syndicate members I',m worried about...

So, shall we head out?"

Edited November 3, 2013 by Endgame

[Cryos]

Baradock nodded in confirmation.

He was itching to be on their way.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Let's be off." As they walked Skrall inquired of Octavyn, "So if you an' yer brother ain't on the best of terms how did ya find out about him bein' a key witness?"

[Endgame]

"Let's be off." As they walked Skrall inquired of Octavyn, "So if you an' yer brother ain't on the best of terms how did ya find out about him bein' a key witness?"

"Our organization, The Syndicate, is a subsidiary of the Town Watch It's a rocky relationship at best; They basically hand us assignments they don't feel like doing and tell us to get them done. When we clear out our cache, though, we can go back to what the Syndicate was up to before it get absorbed.

As you can probably guess, the Town Watch made the report, found out Augustus was a witness, and sent us to us. As much as he hates my guts, I'm probably the only one who can get an answer from the guy. I may be in the Syndicate, but I'm still his sibling. I'm pretty certain he'd just slam the door if any other member came knocking."

[Kintobor]

"Sure, if the rest of the party is ready, I am as well."

Karie checks herself over to ensure she knows where everything is. She then looks about to ensure her Syndicate mask was somewhere it couldn't be seen. Her uniform differed enough she could use the old tactic of lying and saying she purchased it off the group. Life liked to prove her wrong though, so she anticipated the worst. She stuck around as the party left just to say one last thing to Masson.

"Don't... don't worry too much, alright. I'll be fine."

She blew Masson a kiss and caught up with the party.

[Endgame]

Masson places a warm hand on Karie's shoulder.

"He's Octavyn's brother. He can't all that bad.

But whatever's howling, be sure to come back in one piece, alright, ma cherie? I'm looking forward to seeing the Dream Oath with you, Karie."

Octavyn gives a mock salute.

"Worry not, boss. I'm going with this lot - what could possibly go wrong?"

"Famous last words, Octavyn."

"Heh heh... I'm well aware, friend."

"Well... I have some clerical work to do, unfortunately. Bloody paperwork... I'll see you folks later, I suppose."

With that, the group of five go their seperate ways, Octavyn and the heroes beginning their walk to Augustus's house. It is only a few short minutes before they reach the Luminous Passage.

The place was serene, not to mention beatiful. A thick canopy of leaves blocks out the sun's rays, amking it seem like the passage was suspended in a never-ending night. A pleasant breeze rustles the trees, allowing small shafts of sunlight to poke through. Luminous Passage was aptly named - everything from the flora to the fauna were glowing, shining in all of the colors of the rainbow. Wads of multi-colored berries hang overhead, a glowing spider working on its transparent web.

However, from deeper within the passage, the party can hear a faint hissing and growling... It was hardly audible, the source far away. They were perfectly fine here, but...

"Does... Anyone else hear that?"

It seems something had this pasage's wildlife a bit agitated...

The Party:

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 31.5 *Favors Ancient and Rock enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains 3x experience*

Power Bonus: +2 WP

Defense: 8

Health: 45/45

Gold: 38

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, 2 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

Karie Alderflask

Level 19 Witch

Power: 30

Defense: 2

Health: 33/33

Ether: 25/25

Gold: 22

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)

Inventory: Mead (1),Nostrum (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Grand Tonic (4), Potion (1), Military Grade Light Bomb (1), Military Grade Darkness Bomb (1), Pumpkin Bomb (2) (causes stunned, poisoned, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used.)

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), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing), Rusty Dagger (WP:2 - Deals the Badly Poisoned Effect, Breaks After 3 Uses)

Gemstones: (None at this time)

(Cryos)

?? year old Male Human Barbarian

Level 1

Power: 4

Health: 8/8

Gold: 5

Equipment: Starter Halberd WP:3

Inventory: Bottle of Mead, Potion x2

"Onwards!"

Octavyn Scelin, Level 30 Rogue

HP: 39/39

SP: 5

Power Bonus: 4

Gold: 50

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 x3

What will the heroes do?

Edited November 4, 2013 by Endgame

[Waterbrick Down]

"Hold up folks." Skrall raised a hand and listened to see if the noise was drawing any closer.

[Kintobor]

"Yeah... I sorta can."

Karie looks over to notice a spindly green spider. It seemed... familiar. She had sort of forgot how peaceful this place was until...

Lab rat.

Hershey wanders over to the spider's web and looks him over, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"Mreoow! <Oi! Spider! What's going on?>"

OOC: Hershey isn't looking for info, since technically that'd be cheating. Even if she did get some info, she couldn't share it with the party. Just looking to chat with him/her.

[Endgame]

The sounds do not appear to be moving any closer - the origin was stationary, by the looks of it.

Hershey goes over to the glowing spider, careful not to get stuck in any loose threads of its web. At the sound of its voice the spider jumps from its web to address Hershey, hanging from a thread at the feline's eye level.

"Hello, Mrs. Cat! How are you?"

The glowing spider looks down the passage, concerned.

"I think some of the animals here are fighting over something. Food has been tight in the passage, lately..."

Edited November 4, 2013 by Endgame

[Waterbrick Down]

After identifying the stationary origin of the noise, Skrall motioned for the group to move forward quietly.

[Kintobor]

Karie picks Hershey up and follows Skrall.

"Mreoow! <Hey now! I was talking to him!>"

Edited November 4, 2013 by Kintobor

[Cryos]

Baradock takes up the rear of the group, halberd in hand.

[Endgame]

Weapons at the ready, the party forges down the Luminous Passage, glowing berries overhead lighting up the way forward... the noise becomes louder and louder, until...

A horde of glowing animals form a tight cirlce around a dead owl, the corpse losing its glow after death. They animals chitter and growl, as if debating on who gets the largest portion of the animal. Some of the rats were even frothing at the mouth at the sight of the meal... Spiders loom from stirngs overhead, a steely black instead of a glowing complexion. There was a frog as well, glowing a vibrant red.

It doesn't seem like the animals had noticed the party yet.

"What order of action are we taking, fellows?" Octavyn whispers.