Heroica RPG - Quest#88: Fathers and Sons

[Flare]

"How do the orcs fit in to this? Have yiu had any diplomatic relations with any of their leaders?" Benji asks in a critical tone to no one in particular.

[UsernameMDM]

Can you post updated stats from the last battle?

As they travel, Hoke looks around at the party to make an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. It seemed to be a group with good talent and valuable skills. He was pleased to have each of them along.

"Does anyone of you care to borrow any of my unused weapons or artefacts? I rather they be in useful hands than sitting useless in my pack."

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni rode happily, horses were friendly beasts. "So, if I have this right, we are here to be nice and bolshy so you can get this bridge built, feather your cap as it were? While we slay monsters and take new skills to progress your way is to look ever more important? I can see why you want some hired muscle. As for paladins, I suppose this guy would have a two headed cow if he heard of Sir Cronk!"

[UsernameMDM]

"As for paladins, I suppose this guy would have a two headed cow if he heard of Sir Cronk!"

"Indeed he would!"

[Chromeknight]

Sir Ablesword, Perhaps you might lend Miss Islanti your Medal of Glory? She is the least experienced of our party and did not benefit greatly from the fight with the Vikings. You do not seem to be using it.

She turned to Gocklo

Is there somewhere we might restock out supplies?

[UsernameMDM]

Sir Ablesword, Perhaps you might lend Miss Islanti your Medal of Glory? She is the least experienced of our party and did not benefit greatly from the fight with the Vikings. You do not seem to be using it.

"Agreed"

Hoke offers the Medal of Glory to Jess.

"Hope it works well for you."

Edited December 19, 2013 by UsernameMDM

[Sisco]

Jess hesitated, then took the Medal of Glory

"Thanks, Hoke. Don't forget to remind me to give it back to you after the quest, I can be quite the forgetful elf at times."

[UsernameMDM]

Jess hesitated, then took the Medal of Glory

"Thanks, Hoke. Don't forget to remind me to give it back to you after the quest, I can be quite the forgetful elf at times."

"I went through too much to forget about that little trinket. Hopefully it will work it's magic on you and help you perfect your craft."

She turned to Gocklo

Is there somewhere we might restock out supplies?

"Yes, what provisions and supplies are you providing, or we encounter a marketplace on the way to the bridge?"

[Chromeknight]

Do not forget, Jess, once you have fought another battle you will be able to equip a third artifact.

Smiling at the hunched witch hunter,

Did you earn yourself some gold fighting those Vikings?

[Zepher]

Party

Hoke Ablesword The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) *Party Leader*

Level 29.33 Mystic Knight *Immune to Darkness, Fragile, Weakened, Sealed, and Confused*

Power Bonus: 8

Defense: 25

Health: 48/48

Ether: 23/29

Gold: 328

Equipment: Flagpole (WP:4, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 20, immune to darkness), Samurai Helmet (WP: 4, immune to sealed and confused, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile)

Inventory: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding effect; spear), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Counterstrike Gloves, Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), 2x Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, 4x Potions, 4x Grand Potions, Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essences, Phoenix Incense, 2x Mead, 4x Ether Core, Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), Grating Stone, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Water Bomb, Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 3x Venom, 3x Deadly Venom, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Kraken Fang (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Level Up Mushroom, Pumpkin Bomb, Mulled Wine

Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer

Level 35 Beastwarrior *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects*

Power: 51 (35+16)

Defense: 9 (3+6)

Health: 35/61 (6+34+15+6)

Gold: 313 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral)

Equipment: Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:16; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects), Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors)

Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; earth-, wood-, water-, lightning-, light-elemental), Kusarigama (WP:10, whip), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (artefact, accessory), Health Core (8), Grand Potion (14), Potion (3), Remedy (5), Phoenix Essence (5), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (6), Mulled Wine (4), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel

Tesni Hightribe, Level 32 3/4 Beserker *Restoration* *Immune to Afraid*

Power: 59

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 14

Health: 51/51

Gold: 1476

Equipment: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)),Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:11, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear), Barbarian's Boots (Changes “Natural Respite” job trait into “Restoration”, restoring full health after every battle; suitable for barbarians, chi monks and beast warriors).

Inventory: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Qilin Blade (WP:15, damages undead, ignores row and SP; longsword), Cysgodion (WP:14, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Cryfder (WP:6),Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Elixir, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 3 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bright Polish, Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Mod Rod (WP:10, causes the afraid-effect; lightning-elemental staff suitable for staff members only). Mulled Wine, Potion

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

Level 23.66 Shaman *Immune to Sealed* *Restoration*

Power bonus: 0

Defense: 3 (3(Robe of the Archmage)

Health: 39/39 (Base Cleric 9 +Level bonus 22 +Shaman Bonus 9)

Ether: 29/34 (Base Cleric 5 +Level bonus 22 +Shaman Bonus 1 +5(Robe of the Archmage))

Gold: 295

Equipment: Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-, Darkness-elemental; staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to Sealed; bodywear), Barbarian’s Boots (Restoration; footwear)

Inventory: Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is Slowed and Immune to Hastened; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe)

• White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; Immune to Water; accessory)

• Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald

• Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion

• Grand Tonics (3), Potions (3), Elixirs (3), Remedies (5), Potion, Phoenix Essences (2), Phoenix Incense, Tiger Balm, Neutralizers (2), Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom, Fire Bombs (2), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bombs (2), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Bright Polish, Double Rainbow, Dragon Scales (2), Mead (2), Mulled Wine (2)

• Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass

Jess Islanti (Sisco)

Level 19.5 Assassin *Immune to Weakened Effect*

Power: 37 (+4) (19+14+2+2)

Health: 1/31 (+1) (7+18+5+1)

Gold: 491

Equipment: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect)

Inventory: Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), Diamond of Thoric, 2 Venoms, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Remedy, 4 Grand Potions, Dragonfire Stew (Gives the consumer the encouraged and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Mulled Wine, Potion

Gocklo *Immune to Hexed* *Cannot Mimic Blessed*

Male kobold Mime

Level 52.2

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 53/53

Ether: 53/53

Equipment: Witchbane (WP: 20, deals badly poisoned, dagger), Loincloth (Immune to Hexed)

Inventory: Ruby, Deci (Throwing Knife, WP: 14), Nona (Throwing Knife, WP: 14), Morta (Throwing Knife, WP: 14)

Hoke addresses General Hamilton and some nearby soldiers.

"Have y'all had any troubles around the bridge lately? Orcs, nords or any other sort of brigands?"

"Both. The Orcs have been raiding the bridge on their side since it began, but I'll be honest and say that I don't know one clan from another as far as the Orcs go. I just fight the Orcs that attack us, and don't fight any of the others."

"The Nords haven't actually attacked the bridge, but they lurk around. Truth be told I like them less than the Orcs. I'm willing to move forward with relations if the Orcs are - it's been enough generations since the war as far I'm concerned - but the Nords seem to be itching for a fight now."

"How do the orcs fit in to this? Have yiu had any diplomatic relations with any of their leaders?" Benji asks in a critical tone to no one in particular.

"The Orc political system is a little dicey. I have tried to meet with their leaders numerous times, but getting things done is very difficult. Like I said, I believe in my heart that the people of this land want to move forward, collectively, but there are a few loud individuals who are very good at stopping the process. From what I've gathered, most of the clans are in favor of the bridge."

"Yeah, no shit they are. They're just waiting to charge over it and tryn' take our land again."

"Don't say that, Agnuy. We don't know that."

"'Cept last time they did it."

"Enough. Keep your tongue in check. That's an order." Hamilton turns to Heweyrt. "My apologies, Ambassador."

"Not a problem." Heweyrt grins at the heroes. "Funnily enough, the Orcs who are opposed to the bridge are scared of a similar thing. They think we're going to stream over and try to slaughter them. Neither side has got any proof of animosity from each other, and yet they make it up!"

Tesni rode happily, horses were friendly beasts. "So, if I have this right, we are here to be nice and bolshy so you can get this bridge built, feather your cap as it were? While we slay monsters and take new skills to progress your way is to look ever more important? I can see why you want some hired muscle. As for paladins, I suppose this guy would have a two headed cow if he heard of Sir Cronk!"

"The Paladins are an old and backwards order. And it's not so much a feather in my cap so much as seeing the bridge built. I work very much like Heroica, as I explained, accept that I find my own projects instead of waiting for them to come to me, and I offer the service of my brain, not my brawn. King Valentino conceptualized the bridge, I joined the project much more recently, facilitating funds and relations."

Is there somewhere we might restock out supplies?

"Absolutely. We're on our way to Carn right now. It's a big enough city that there's a market. I'll direct you there once you've met with David and the others."

Did you earn yourself some gold fighting those Vikings?

"Hehe, I found a coin or two in their pockets that you heroes missed, but I tossed them overboard along with the bodies. I'm not interested in gold. Too boring. So boring. Doesn't make life any more fun."

[UsernameMDM]

"Are the orcs attacking the bridge to halt the construction or simply to raid for supplies? Perhaps it's a group of young orc warriors who are over eager to prove their prowess in battle. Wouldn't it be prudent to contact the various orc tribes to ascertain which or who is behind the attacks rather than lump them all together?"

[Zepher]

"It's not as easy as simply contacting the leaders. There are four clans, many of which don't get along with each other, though they are not openly hostile. They rarely agree on things, and often meeting with humans is considered to be a sign of weakness. Within each of those four clans there are numerous leaders and advisors - it is rarely one Orc in charge. The clans will not meet with each other, and often will not meet one on one with us either."

"We have found that the best strategy thus far, as Hamilton said earlier, is fending off attacks that come our way, and not retaliating. It is the only way that we know we are punishing solely the Orcs responsible for the attack. This has angered some of the higher up Generals and I know that Prince Speros finds it particularly repulsive, but so far I have gotten everyone to agree to that strategy.

Edited December 19, 2013 by Zepher

[UsernameMDM]

"On that it is a good strategy to have. From our short journey over the seas to get here, some fear was expressed by a orc shipmate who said the orcs believe the bridge is a sign of their future enslavement. Are their fears well grounded?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen grinned a wide grin.

Ah. You are precious.

I agree gold itself is fairly dull. But you saw what it does to men's minds. Saw what it did to Guts and Sir Ablesword. That my small friend is power. And power is never boring.

[UsernameMDM]

Jess has Hoke's Medal of Glory.

Hoke's ears perked up when he heard Lady Nerwen say his name.

"It was a matter of principle Lady Nerwen, not a matter of finances," Hoke said with a small smile on his face.

[Chromeknight]

Indeed Sir Ablesword. And I do share some of your ideas. But my point remains. The lust for treasure so e have is a lever to push them in certain directions.

[Zepher]

OoC: Not a very chatty group we've got here.

"Oh, I think you and I are going to be great friends, lady! Hehe!!"

The heroes continue their trek towards the city, and eventually, after a few flurries of snow, they walk through a small pass and come up against a huge wooden wall.

A few soldiers mill around, some in Red Lizard armor, but a few in bulkier stuff. Most of those wearing heavier armor have a dog near them. The man on the horse glances over at the heroes.

"Welcome back, Heweyrt," he says in a gravelly voice. "Are these the heroes?"

"They are indeed, your highness!"

"I am King Speros of the Four Boulder Kingdom," the man says. "Welcome to the north. It is a harsh land. Especially in the winter. Are you prepared?"

[UsernameMDM]

Indeed Sir Ablesword. And I do share some of your ideas. But my point remains. The lust for treasure so e have is a lever to push them in certain directions.

"Yes, Lady Nerwen. Yes, it is."

OoC: Not a very chatty group we've got here.

89 took it out of me!

"I am King Speros of the Four Boulder Kingdom," the man says. "Welcome to the north. It is a harsh land. Especially in the winter. Are you prepared?"

"Greetings your highness. I do believe my companions and I have come prepared, but ran into a situation on the way. We would like to have a chance to restock some supplies if that is possible."

Edited December 20, 2013 by UsernameMDM

[Peppermint_M]

"Mountains and snow where my playground, I cut my teeth in this kind of place." Tesni chuckled. "I will be glad for some good natural wilderness."

[Chromeknight]

Plus summer holidays, daughters's birthday, Christmas prep and pregnant wife!

Nerwen bows low.

Stars shine on our meeting your Majesty. I have journeyed along these shores before, though it was a long time ago.

I know the land can be bleak and it's men hard. But also that, just as the land has surprising beauty, it's people are loyal friends. We would be loyal friends to you if you would have us so.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Chromeknight

[Chromeknight]

The distinctive pop of a new z-mail message echoed across the party.

Nerwen read the note.

Now we have even more reason to go shopping.

[Flare]

Sorry for the absence. Although honestly I still have nothing to say

"Hello there." Benji says gruffly, trying to look tough.

[Zepher]

"Greetings your highness. I do believe my companions and I have come prepared, but ran into a situation on the way. We would like to have a chance to restock some supplies if that is possible."

"I told you I'd take you shopping after you met with everyone," chuckles Heweyrt. "His highness has more to do than accompany you shopping."

"Mountains and snow where my playground, I cut my teeth in this kind of place." Tesni chuckled. "I will be glad for some good natural wilderness."

"You're a daughter of the north? Good, perhaps you will be able to bring peace between the Nords and the people of this city. I'm sure Heweyrt has explained that I was forced to bring the Fire Nords along with me when I came to oversee the Bridge. I don't like it, but since Prince David took over..." there is a silence. "He is young for rule, and distracted by things of another world. Damn that Warrior Priest and his Ennoc. A prince should be leading the people, not cowering in a temple all day and all night. My own son is across the river, defending the bridge from that side. That's a true leader."

"Be careful what you say about our Prince," Hamilton warns, and Agnuy the archer places his hand on his crossbow. King Speros gives them a baleful look.

"I've spoken nothing but the truth."

"We are going to meet the young Prince now. Perhaps you'll accompany us?"

"To the temple, at least."

Nerwen bows low.

Stars shine on our meeting your Majesty. I have journeyed along these shores before, though it was a long time ago.

I know the land can be bleak and it's men hard. But also that, just as the land has surprising beauty, it's people are loyal friends. We would be loyal friends to you if you would have us so.

"I don't mince words, m'lady. I hope to find you to be loyal friends. But some people come North with the expectations that they can be friends with everyone. Survival is difficult here, and sometimes saving one friend means failing another." The King nods to Benji.

The doors to the city swing open and Heweyrt leads his horse through them. King Speros and Hamilton continue alongside the heroes. The city is cold and the houses are squat, but people hustle and bustle back and forth.

"I assume the Prince is in the temple now?"

"As always."

Heweyrt leads the way.

[Flare]

Benji follows quietly.

OoC: Benji no longer has the whip. Instead he has in his inventory: Pugilist’s Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect.)

Edited December 22, 2013 by Flare

[Peppermint_M]

"North like your majesty, not quite nordic, but I have found being able to wrestle a bear and my armoury gains some respect from them."