Heroica RPG - Quest #90: A Trip to the Circus

[Vash the Stampede]

"One of you mages can borrow this Scroll if you want."

"Thinking of scrolls one of you mages can borrow this scroll of ice armor I have."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"May it serve you well, " Nagure says as he hands the Elf his Scroll of Weakening.

"Thank you." Purpearl accepts the Scroll of Weakening from Nagure.

"Thinking of scrolls one of you mages can borrow this scroll of ice armor I have."

Purpearl looks at herself and grins, "Thanks for the offer, Dreyrugr, I'm not wearing any armour at this point. Besides, the physical burden of casting it, is too great for me to bear."

Edited December 3, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Waterbrick Down]

Atticus soon returns with a rather put off look on his face.

"Um, so it appears my associate was not able to book you passage on the Magpie. Erm, seems we were a little late in getting here and she was already filled to the brim with heroes. Oh, not to worry though, I think I might have a lead on another option."

The scarecrow leads the party down the dock a ways to a long barge shaped vessel. Flocks upon flocks of sheep are being loaded on board by a variety of werebeasts. A short gnome stands next to the gangplank.

"My, my, my, there sure is a lot of you! This scarecrow here is telling me you folks need a ride to the High Kingdoms."

"Ah, this is Mr. Finn. He's transporting a load of livestock over to the mainland and happens to be one of the only ships left traveling to the far northern regions."

"Yes, yes, yes, indeed! Maiden voyage of the Susanna, just got myself a crew this morning and we're getting ready to cast off. Can't say we really have any room for passengers though."

"Oh, but these folks are from Heroica and I'm sure in addition to the sum of gold we discussed, they could serve some purpose upon your ship."

"Well, well, well, perhaps they may, perhaps they might not. All I know is I can't afford to have any dead weight on my lovely."

A situation requiring tact seems to have presented itself, how shall the heroes reply?

Party

Cinna the Dark (darkdragon) *Party Leader*

Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Stunned, Lightning and Earth*

Power Bonus: 2

Defense: 11

Health: 44/44

Ether: 38/38

Gold: 89

Equipment: Mauryl (WP:19 + Darkness, broomstick), Turtleshell Shield (SP:9), Black Dragon Robe (Max. Health +6; immunity to earth; suitable to mages, rogues and chi monks; bodywear), Anniversary Medal:Y2 (+2 to all stats per year; accessory)

Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:9, heals target; staff), Naginata (WP:10; halberd), Lumber Axe (WP: 8, wood-elemental axe), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics; headwear), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear), Blue Dragon Cape (Immunity to slowed and water; suitable to knights, rangers and dragoons; backwear), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood), Diamond(Light), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sleep,]Scroll of Disenchantment (Removes all positive effects from all opponents at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Sealing, 2 Ether Cores, 6 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, 5 Meads, Smelling Salt, Soma, Tiger Balm (Grants immunity to all effects for one battle), 3 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (100 wind-elemental damage to all enemies), Bedroll, 2 Pumpkin Bombs

Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede)

Level 19.5 Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water, Wind, and Fire*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 12

Health: 38/38

Gold: 152

Equipment: Sharkjaw Scythe (WP:15, WP x2 against Aquatic type enemies, Darkness,Ice), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Dragonbrand Shield (SP: 8, immune to wind and fire, shield), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect)

Inventory: Venom x6, Bedroll, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Mead x2, Net (if used in combat, 1/3 chance to slow enemy, 1/3 chance to be useless, 1/3 chance slow self, lasts 3 rounds, retrievable), Nostrum x2, Throwing Dagger (WP:3), Fauxthril Scythe (WP:5), 4 Bones, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion x2, Phoenix Essence x2, Soma, Mulled Wine, Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack), Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1, backwear, suitable for anyone), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Pseudos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks), Deadly Venom, Scroll of Ice Armour

Nagure (Costy)

Level 21.33 Berserker *Natural Respite* *Trap Evasion* *Immune to Ice,Fire, Earth,Petrified, Fragile, Blinded, Confused and Asleep* *Counterstrike*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 25

Health: 43/43

Gold: 5

GP: 4

Equipment: Xiaolin's Bident (WP:16; instantly kills Aoi; ice- and lightning-elemental spear), Yeti Fur Coat (SP:12, immunity to Ice, Fire, FragileBlinded, Confused and Asleep; suitable for yetis only, bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves; handwear), White Dragon's Greaves (SP:3, avoid traps on the ground, immunity to earth and petrified; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; footwear), Shield (SP:10)

Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 15, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Tiger Slayer (WP:10/20 against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear), Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe),Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x4, Elixir, Phoenix Essences x2, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x5, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe, Lightning Bomb x2, Smelling Salts, Venom, Phoenix Incense x2, Teleportapple

Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob)

Level 3 Mage

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 7/7

Ether: 7/7

Gold: 0

Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3)

Inventory: Bedroll, Potion, Tonic, Party Bomb (x2) (20 damage to all enemies, 1/3 chance to stun every enemy), Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Weakening

Baradok Segul Cannari(Cryos)

Level 4 Barbarian

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 2

Health: 10/10

Gold: 250

Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental) Light Armor (SP:2)

Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy, Phenoix Essence, Blind Fury (Causes enemy to become Blinded and Enraged), Smelling Salts, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Doppel Vial

Matthias (nstickney)

Level 1 Ranger

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 4

Health: 6/6

Gold: 0

Equipment: Tinker's Crossbow (WP: 3), Hunter's Plate (SP: 4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors)

Inventory: Potion x2, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Deadly Venom

Edited December 3, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[Vash the Stampede]

Dreyrugr motions for the other heroes to remain silent as Cinna seemed to be the most diplomatic.

[Waterbrick Down]

A werecrocodile pushes through the crowded heroes and onto the boat, a terrified sheep tucked underneath each arm.

"Watch it, ya land lubbers."

[Darkdragon]

Not letting the werecrocodile fuss her, as she's use to the way "sailors" treat heros, she waits for him to get past the group before addressng the gnome.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Finn. Susanna is a fine ship and we would be honored to be allowed aboard for her maiden voyage. As members of Heroica, we off our services during the voyage to protect your ship, crew, and cargo if anything should come to threaten them." Cinna glances at her team to guage any type of dissent with this course before continuing.

"I can assure you that we won't be dead weight, as a matter of fact we would rather not be any kind of dead." She smiles and winks to the gnome.

[Cryos]

"Watch it, ya land lubbers."

Baradock, riled up at the were-crocodile who just shouldered him, began to turn around to do something--lethal. Seeing as he was already boarded on the ship he released an irritated sigh.

He turned back to the new mini-man captain, a visibly disgruntled look on his face. Baradock spoke up from the rear of the group, not sharing the pleasant tone of Cinna and also ignoring Dreyrugr's caution.

"You should discipline your crew, mini-man."

Edited December 3, 2013 by Cryos

[StickFig]

Maiden voyage of the Susanna, just got myself a crew this morning...

Matthias whispers, loud enough for Cinna and the other heroes to hear, but hopefully not loud enough for the seagoing shepherd gnome to catch.

"I think I'd feel more comfortable if this wasn't a maiden voyage, and if Mr. Finn knew his crew..."

Edited May 13, 2014 by nstickney

[Purpearljellyblob]

The presence of the werecrocodile caught Purpearl's attention and notices other similar werecreatures on the vessel.

"Werecrocodiles, weresharks, werelions, werewolves. Werecreatures or not. Humans, gnomes, elves, yetis, vampires or not. Sheep or not. Alive or not. Mother Nature has allowed these werecreatures the ability to evolve and take form. A mind of their own, the ability of thought and reflection. The big hunt the small, the small hunt the smaller and the smaller hunt the weak. The weak work to become small and the small fight to become big. Such, is the way of nature. My dear, Mr. Finn, we are neither upholders nor enforcers of Mother Nature and we shall not interfere with the affairs of your trade. We are adventurers from Heroica, and we have business to attend across the waters and we seek a passage across only which you could provide. We are honoured to embark on the vessel's maiden voyage and shall part once we reach our destination and your kindness, will always be remembered."

Edited December 4, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Waterbrick Down]

The presence of the werecrocodile caught Purpearl's attention and notices other similar werecreatures on the vessel.

"Werecrocodiles, weresharks, werelions, werewolves. Werecreatures or not. Humans, gnomes, elves, yetis, vampires or not. Sheep or not. Alive or not. Mother Nature has allowed these werecreatures the ability to evolve and take form. A mind of their own, the ability of thought and reflection. The big hunt the small, the small hunt the smaller and the smaller hunt the weak. The weak work to become small and the small fight to become big. Such, is the way of nature. My dear, Mr. Finn, we are neither upholders nor enforcers of Mother Nature and we shall not interfere with the affairs of your trade. We are adventurers from Heroica, and we have business to attend across the waters and we seek a passage across only which you could provide. We are honoured to embark on the vessel's maiden voyage and shall part once we reach our destination and your kindness, will always be remembered."

"Hee, hee, hee, you can't fill a stomach with kindness though. No as I said, I don't have room for folks that are just going to be lounging around. I'm not in the business of running a charity here."

Not letting the werecrocodile fuss her, as she's use to the way "sailors" treat heros, she waits for him to get past the group before addressng the gnome.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Finn. Susanna is a fine ship and we would be honored to be allowed aboard for her maiden voyage. As members of Heroica, we off our services during the voyage to protect your ship, crew, and cargo if anything should come to threaten them." Cinna glances at her team to guage any type of dissent with this course before continuing.

"I can assure you that we won't be dead weight, as a matter of fact we would rather not be any kind of dead." She smiles and winks to the gnome.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, well out on the high seas there's always the chance of runnin' into something nasty. Bisma, he's the werelion over there, assured me his fellows could handle any bit of trouble we might come across, but seein' as how you're needing a ride in that direction anyways, can't see how a little extra steel won't come in handy. Welcome aboard."

The gnome leads the party on board the barge, shooing sheep into the hold as he went. Atticus Scrinshaw stood waving on the dock as the Susanna cast off.

"Eh, good luck heroes. Oh, bid Borris and his troupe hello from me."

Soon the ship was out of port and heading north up the coastline of Uland, a steady breeze at their back

.

"Splendid, splendid, splendid, seems we caught the tide after all. Feel free to set your stuff in the hold as long as you don't have a wool allergy, like poor Grimmau."

The gnome gestured to the werewolf steering the vessel who seemed to have a clothespin fastened on his snout.

"We should be in the high kingdoms in about a week's time or so if the winds are favorable. You'll have to sleep on deck with the crew I'm afraid since we're a little crowded, but the ship is yours to walk about, though I do ask that you knock to enter my cabin."

Edited December 4, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl's eyes widen as the vessel set sail, her first voyage out at sea. She approaches the werelion, who seems to be wandering aimlessly.

"Good day Sir, Purpearl Berthadhiell, Elven Mage."

[Waterbrick Down]

The sheep the werelion had been trying to coral dodges away as the werelion turns distractedly to Purpearl.

"Bisma and I guess it's a good day if you say so, but I'd imagine your type always thinks that. First time at sea I'm guessing?"

[Costy]

Nagure turns to the two more experienced heroes. "So what have you done in Heroica?"

[Vash the Stampede]

Dreyrugr held onto his gloves tighter as the ship set out to sea. He wasn't feeling sick at all which was a nice change but he was still visibly uneasy.

Nagure turns to the two more experienced heroes. "So what have you done in Heroica?"

"Fought some demon under Eubric, dealt with some war problem in Charis, tried to deal with some cloth market problem in Brendeton and tried to solve the murder of a man. Not much came out of that last one, well we 'found' the murderer but it still gives me a funny feeling so I don't really think much came out of that. But we found an underground gnomish city and....somewhat introduced them to our society. You?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

The sheep the werelion had been trying to coral dodges away as the werelion turns distractedly to Purpearl.

"Bisma and I guess it's a good day if you say so, but I'd imagine your type always thinks that. First time at sea I'm guessing?"

"That sheep can't possibly go anywhere far with us being out at sea, unless you are planning to make your night comfortable with sheep skin and roasted lamb for dinner?" Purpearl winks and continues,

"I am surprised you could tell that this is my first time at sea, just from observation. A seasoned seafarer, are you not?"

Purpearl turns and rests her eyes on the horizon. Her wandering hands sifted through fur that doesn't seem to resemble that of a sheep. Purpearl blushes when she realises it's Nagure's fur all along.

"Forgive me, I mistook you for... hope you don't mind. You do look well travelled, however. Have you been to the High Kingdoms before?"

Edited December 4, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Darkdragon]

Cinna wanders around the ship trying to calm the sheep with soft pets and words.

"There there fella, you'll be back on land soon enough."

[Waterbrick Down]

"That sheep can't possibly go anywhere far with us being out at sea, unless you are planning to make your night comfortable with sheep skin and roasted lamb for dinner?" Purpearl winks and continues,

"I am surprised you could tell that this is my first time at sea, just from observation. A seasoned seafarer, are you not?"

The werelion chuckles for an uncomfortably long time at Purpearl's first comment, flexing his claws in and out.

"You're optimism's the give away. The sea is a merciless hunter of those who dare skirt upon her face. She shares no pleasantries no matter what the weather may be doing above her."

The sheep nuzzles Cinna's hands enjoying the attention.

<Baaaa.>

[Cryos]

Baradock began to step to the crocodile man, he had some bones to pick with him--or break. On the way he noticed the Cinna lady whispering something to the sheep out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly forgetting his bone breaking plans for the moment he strides over to Cinna from behind. Being as tall as he is he towered over her shoulder.

"You speak...sheep?" he enquired, his eyes locked on the wooly beast instead of her.

[Darkdragon]

Cinna looks up at Baradock and chuckles lightly.

"No, not really. Animals just need a soft tone and gentle touch to calm down. People are often the same way, but we tend to let our anger overcome better judgement."

She glances at the werecrocodile and then back at Baradok.

"I've been through a lot in my time with Heroica. Endured a lot of pain, caused too much pain, and some things can never be repaired. I've had time to reflect and spoken with some trusted comrades, and have realized that all of our actions must be considered deeply before committing ourselves to them. Even something we think is small can affect our whole world in ways we never intended."

[Cryos]

Baradock sighed, realizing what she meant by saying that.

"I was not going to do anything too lethal." He muttered. He was becoming rather fond of that word since being able to pronounce it.

Baradock shuffled to the same sheep Cinna had been petting and crouched to it's eye level and began stroking it's wool. Not gently however.

"Do not worry, sheep. Sheep are safe with me." His voice was not soothing, and with combination with his accent he came off rather frightening.

Edited December 4, 2013 by Cryos

[Waterbrick Down]

The sheep shuddered uncomfortably under Baradock's petting before lowering it's head and ramming it into the barbarian's skull, Stunning him.

<Buuuuu!>

Baradok Segul Cannari(Cryos) *Stunned*

Level 4 Barbarian

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 2

Health: 10/10

Gold: 250

Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental) Light Armor (SP:2)

Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy, Phenoix Essence, Blind Fury (Causes enemy to become Blinded and Enraged), Smelling Salts, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Doppel Vial

"Hey there, don't go damaging the merchandise."

Edited December 4, 2013 by Waterbrick Down

[Darkdragon]

Cinna looks down at the barbarian, shaking her head sadly.

"He'll learn eventually, I suppose, we all do.", she look back to the sheep. "I can't blame you, really."

Heading back to check on the rest of the team, she glances over at the werecrocodile.

"I think the merchandise is damaging us, but we'll be more careful next time."

[Cryos]

"You little..."

He growled at the sheep through clenched teeth, barely suppressing his rage.

He looked to the sound of the remark, only just being able to distinguish the werecrocodile through his dazed vision. The crocodile!? he thought, opening up the floodgates of blind rage.

Baradock propped himself up on the side of the boat, the palm of his other hand rested at his temple where the sheep had rammed him. When standing he begun shambling towards the crocodile, using his alternate hand as a crutch to keep him from falling.

"I got something else I can damage..." he grumbled, before ultimately collapsing on the floor of the ship with a resounding 'thump'. Stunned.

Edited December 5, 2013 by Cryos

[Purpearljellyblob]

"You're optimism's the give away. The sea is a merciless hunter of those who dare skirt upon her face. She shares no pleasantries no matter what the weather may be doing above her."

Realism suddenly hits Purpearl as Bisma's words echoed through her mind.

"Indeed, especially for those who can't swim."

[Waterbrick Down]

The sharkling piped up from tending his fishing pole.

"Indeed tis grim for those who can not swim."

Edited December 5, 2013 by Waterbrick Down