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

[Vash the Stampede]

Because this got lost somewhere.

Before rolling up to the gate Dreyrugr gives one mead to each of the other party members.

Dreyrugr now gives each of the other party members one mead.

Dreyrugr turns back to Grishnod.

"You guarantee Valentino's release after the bridge is done and that's all well and good, you can sort out your own politics and we'll be on our merry way but what evidence can you produce that you'll actually keep to your word?"

Edited March 24, 2014 by Vash the Stampede

[Waterbrick Down]

Purpearl turns to the Heroes, "Goodbye, have a safe trip." As the more familiar faces begin to leave, Purpearl feels more intimidated. She musters up some courage inside her and faces Bastala, and speaks, "I know the Matriarch of Clan Irlaz is wise and all knowing. You might run things differently from your father, but I am certain all that's happening around us is under your control. We all know the reason why the High Kingdoms attacked. What a great strategy to wait for things to go sour between the Clans and the High Kingdoms, and Bastala, the leader of Clan Irlaz rises above the occasion by releasing King Valentino to stop this bloodshed and bring peace once again to this land. Not only will you gain approval of your father as a competent leader, you will also be known throughout this land as the Matriarch of Peace. You are certainly a great strategist. I am full of admiration."

"My father's approval means nothing, nor does the admiration of my people when the Kingdoms razes Baltarok to the ground."

Grishnod pauses while the news of the attack on Imaestym is shared.

"Enough of this foolishness child, I have returned and with that your brief stint of power, however successful in your own eyes, is at a close. You know nothing of leading a clan, your choice of courtiers is evidence of that enough, not to mention the riot. I can't even begin to imagine what other dreadful policies you have enacted in my absence. It's a wonder this city is even still standing."

"The clan saw fit to elect me in your place and whom I chose to surround myself with is my business. The riot itself was a sham and put to a stop easily enough. In your absence this city has thrived, we can no longer continue with all the backwards policies, of your wizened fore-fathers and their petty rivalries and wars. Magic, innovation, culture, that is what will help bring Vim-Lhzar out of the dark ages. As I said you are free to stay as are these heroes that accompany you, but my decision is final and I believe you would find the city elders back me up on this issue as well."

"Pargijakun zangruiuk! You ungrateful daughter of an..."

"Enough, I shall have no more of this foul speech in my court. I warn you father, should you attempt to defy me you will spend the remainder of your time here in chains as well. As for you heroes, my decision is final. Valentino shall live out his days here, we have seen to it that he is adequately cared for, but your requests fall on deaf ears."

Grishnod turns away for a brief moment, the heroes observe his nostrils flared and his face contorted with rage. A wave of solidarity sweeps over the orc's face however before he turns back to his daughter.

"As an equal claimant to the throne, I invoke the Trial of the Three Circles."

A hush falls over the surrounding orcs in the room.

"I stand witness to the challenge. Who do you elect as your attachés?"

"These loyal heroes who have accompanied me of course."

With that Grishnod turns to the party, his eyes piercing.

"You wish to have Valentino restored to you? Then assist me in claiming back what rightfully belongs to me. Stand with me as my attachés and when I am restored as clan leader, my first act shall be to see Valentino released to you. What say you?"

Edited March 24, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl accepts the mead from Dreyrugr. "Thank you."

"You wish to have Valentino restored to you? Then assist me in claiming back what rightfully belongs to me. Stand with me as my attachés and when I am restored as clan leader, my first act shall be to see Valentino released to you. What say you?"

"As a former leader and father of Bastala, you have every right to claim back what is rightfully yours, including the right to leadership. Bastala, the current leader of Clan Irlaz, also has the every right to defend her leadership. But we came here for Valentino, and I will be on the side that offers up Valentino in exchange for our services." Purpearl moves behind Grishnod, "I suppose as guests to your country, I cannot simply hasten myself in this situation. I do not know the ins and outs of this clan, and how this Trial of the Three Circles work. No offence to you and your daughter, but Bastala doesn't seem to look like one of your kind except for her pale green face. I know it's cold around here, doesn't make sense to don a hood and skirt and wearing next to nothing in the middle. As if she's hiding something. If you don't mind, tell us a bit more about your family, partner(s) and offsprings. Also, it would be best if you reveal Bastala's darkest secrets and wrongdoings. We need every bit of information you can provide for this to work in your favour."

Edited March 26, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Waterbrick Down]

"As a former leader and father of Bastala, you have every right to claim back what is rightfully yours, including the right to leadership. Bastala, the current leader of Clan Irlaz, also has the every right to defend her leadership. But we came here for Valentino, and I will be on the side that offers up Valentino in exchange for our services." Purpearl moves behind Grishnod, "I suppose as guests to your country, I cannot simply hasten myself in this situation. I do not know the ins and outs of this clan, and how this Trial of the Three Circles work. No offence to you and your daughter, but Bastala doesn't seem to look like one of your kind except for her pale green face. I know it's cold around here, doesn't make sense to don a hood and skirt and wearing next to nothing in the middle. As if she's hiding something. If you don't mind, tell us a bit more about your family, partner(s) and offsprings. Also, it would be best if you reveal Bastala's darkest secrets and wrongdoings. We need every bit of information you can provide for this to work in your favour."

"The Trial of the Three Circles is a standing tradition by which those who may rightfully lay claim to the clan leadership may challenge the current establishment, but may only do so when first faced with the new leader. Which is why I have need of your help, were I to leave the presence of my daughter in order to gather support, I would concede my challenge and forfeit any rights I had. The trials themselves are three events that display the courage, wisdom, and strength of a leader. They are perilous and many a challenger and his supporters have lost their lives in the undertaking."

Grishnod sighed at Purpearl's questions regarding Bastala.

"My daughter has always been interested in the things that have always been contrary to our way of life. Her mother... her mother was an elf, hence why Bastala has a keener interest in all things magical in nature. As far as dark secrets or wrong doings, aside from the disrespect in failing to yield the headship of the clan over to her once believed dead father, there is no legal fault that could be found in her. Honestly though, leading a clan does not leave much time for fathering or getting to know one's child..."

Edited March 25, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[Vash the Stampede]

"So what do the Attaché's do exactly? Take part with you in the trials, help you from the sidelines? Chances are I'll help you anyway for Valentino."

"My daughter has always been interested in the things that have always been contrary to our way of life. Her mother... her mother was an elf, hence why Bastala has a keener interest in all things magical in nature. As far as dark secrets or wrong doings, aside from the disrespect in failing to yield the headship of the clan over to her once believed dead father, there is no legal fault that could be found in her. Honestly though, leading a clan does not leave much time for fathering or getting to know one's child..."

"Assuming you win you should probably change that before she would attempt to back stab you. Or you should at least get to the point where she respects your authority."

[Waterbrick Down]

"So what do the Attaché's do exactly? Take part with you in the trials, help you from the sidelines? Chances are I'll help you anyway for Valentino."

"Assuming you win you should probably change that before she would attempt to back stab you. Or you should at least get to the point where she respects your authority."

"You'll accompany me and assist me with each of the trials. Some will require your steel, others your minds. Concerning the trials themselves, the requirements for issuing the challenge are very stringent and given the circumstance, Bastala would be unable to attempt any sort of coup. Now, what about the rest of you?"

Edited March 26, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[Darkdragon]

"Well, I think we are tasked with getting that King back even though it's not what was originally told to us, so I see no choice but to help you. What kind of guarantee can you give us for his safe return upon completion?"

[Waterbrick Down]

"My word of course and given this time it is towards an agreement that I actually have a say in..."

[Cryos]

Now, what about the rest of you?"

The barbarian seems torn in what to do, finally speaking up. "Fine."

Just this once.

[Vash the Stampede]

Tree on our powerline so someone else can take control of Dreyrugr as I'm not sure when it will be fixed.

[Waterbrick Down]

QM Note: Sorry folks, you'll get an update tomorrow.

[StickFig]

OoC: Sorry, unforeseen loss of internet since my last post.

Matthias is glad to hear Baradock agree to the proposed course of action - and he's glad to hear that there is still a way to complete their secondary? tertiary? mission of retrieving Valentino. "I'm with Cinna and Baradock. Let's do it."

Edited May 13, 2014 by nstickney

[Waterbrick Down]

"Let the Trials begin then."

The heroes watch as three large iron rings are lowered from the ceiling, each large enough to encircle the entire party, orcish sayings engraved on the insides and out of each ring.

"Wisdom, is the mark of a true leader. Through it he determines the course of the nation and leads it to prosperity and victory. Wisdom is found in the council of many, but in such council foes will always seek to disrupt and undermine. Four scouts have returned from our borders, which of them are to be trusted and which seek to deceive us?"

"I have urgent news from the North, the ice drakes have emerged early from their winter hibernation and are ravaging the country side we require troops immediately. I am Ugroot and I speak the truth, I grew up with Vinnier and know that not a deceitful thought dwells within his heart. Take care when dealing with Golbag, he is a worthless pile of maggots."

"Grishnod, it is I Golbag. I do not know why Ugroot bears such a grudge against me, but I suspect it is because of the seedy Vinnier and the nasty rumors he spreads. I bring word from the South where a famine twice has bad as has ever beset this land now ravishes the country side. The people there will perish without assistance and supplies. Nevron can confirm my loyalty, as he saved my life many a time and is an honest soul.

"The East is in trouble my lord. Aside from the fires burning in Imaestym, cultists have turned to kidnapping traders along the roads causing panic and insecurities among all in the region. I Vinnier, barely escaped from the madmen in order to tell you. As I'm sure Ugroot, told you, we both grew up together and we have never strayed from the paths of loyalty and honesty to our great clan. I see that Nevron is also present, I've no idea how he gained rank in our army, seeing as how he was so much of a back stabber in basic training."

"Quickly my liege, men are needed in the West. I, Nevron, was watching the western sea when a cloud of demons and other such ilk was washed ashore from Spesiala more than likely the result of some crazy experiment from the arch mages of that land. My life is for my clan and I have dedicated it to see it prosper as has my honest brother in arms Ugroot. Do not mind Vinnier, he is just jealous of my good fortune throughout my military service, indeed I often found him spreading bribes and other such trickery in basic training."

After giving their reports, the scouts were issued outside and Grishnod and the heroes stood alone in the iron circlets. Bastala watched from atop her throne, sipping at her wine goblet.

"Well heroes, clan leading ain't all it's talked up to be. Back when I was in charge, we had to deal with twice this number of problems. Now if we could only figure out which ones are speaking the truth so we could utilize our resources effectively."

Edited March 28, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[StickFig]

Vinnier

Vinnier

Vinnear

Vinnear

OoC: Just to be certain because I'm a newbie, Vinnier and Vinnear are the same?

Matthias looks from messenger to messenger, bewilderment large on his small face. "Both Vinnear and Nevron have spoken well of Ugroot. Ugroot spoke well of Vinnear from the beginning. Might Ugroot and Vinnear be two who are speaking truth?" The gnome looks to Cinna for wisdom.

Edited May 13, 2014 by nstickney

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Just to be certain because I'm a newbie, Vinnier and Vinnear are the same?

QM Note: That's what happens when your QM tries to type something up at 2am. Fixed, thanks.

[Waterbrick Down]

"Do recall my liege, that the ones who are honest are completely so, while those who deceive may speak with half-truths."

[Purpearljellyblob]

Seeing the scouts leave, Purpearl tries to remember everything that had been said and turns towards her party and Grishnod, "Just putting this out there, for everyone's consideration. Not foolproof but that should kick things off."

Edited March 29, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Waterbrick Down]

"Well, sounds like the Elf's the only one with a reasonable head on her shoulders. What, the rest of you gone mute?"

Grishnod turns to the witness.

"Ugroot and Vinnier are to be trusted, see to it that the other two are drawn and quartered."

"Aye my liege and yes, it has been confirmed that Ugroot and Vinnier were both trustworthy. As for the others..."

"Courage, is the mark of a true leader. Through it he leads by example, making plain to the people that though the path may be filled with danger, the bravery of the heart shall surely see victory. Courage is oft confused with stupidity, but stupidity is that which leads only to meaningless death. Below us dwells the spawning pits of the Myconids, a dangerous but necessary evil for the prosperity of this city. Quell them and remind them whom their true masters are."

The floor beneath the heroes gives way to a slight incline and the party and Grishnod slide down the slope to the caverns beneath the palace. The air is pungent and damp. Rising before them, hulking mushrooms shamble toward them in a menacing manner.

"Well heroes, I hope your swords are sharper than your words of wisdom."

PREPARE FOR BATTLE!

The Enemy:

Myconid Hulk

Level 80 Plant/Humanoid

Health:

200/200

Special:

Shroom Smash - Target takes 20 Damage ignoring SP and Row and all of target's items are unequipped including weapons

Passive Special

: Death's Spore - When killed, target has a 50/50 chance of being Doomed

Drops:

Doomshroom Cap

Myconid Rot Mystic A

Level 40

Health:

100/100

Special:

Poison Shroom - Poison Shroom - Target is minimized for the next round

Passive Special:

Death's Spore - When killed, target has a 50/50 chance of being Doomed

Drops:

Tinyshroom Cap

Myconid Rot Mystic B

Level 40

Health:

100/100

Special:

Poison Shroom - Poison Shroom - Target is minimized for the next round

Passive Special:

Death's Spore - When killed, target has a 50/50 chance of being Doomed

Drops:

Tinyshroom Cap

Myconid Guard A

Level 12 Plant/Humanoid

Health:

20/20

Special:

Super Shroom - Adds the target's level to Myconid Guard for the next round

Passive Special I:

Reckless - Attacks Ignore SP and Row against targets of a higher level

Passive Special II:

Death's Spore - When killed, target has a 50/50 chance of being Doomed

Drops:

Growshroom Cap

Myconid Guard B

Level 12 Plant/Humanoid

Health:

20/20

Special:

Super Shroom - Adds the target's level to Myconid Guard for the next round

Passive Special I:

Reckless - Attacks Ignore SP and Row against targets of a higher level

Passive Special II:

Death's Spore - When killed, target has a 50/50 chance of being Doomed

Drops:

Growshroom Cap

Spore Cluster

*Immune to Effects*

Level 0 Plant

Health:

7/7

Special:

Pandemonium Puff - All heroes in the same row of the target are either Slowed, Confused, Asleep, Blinded, Sealed, or Poisoned for 10 for 3 rounds. (Die roll dependent)

Passive Special I:

Pandemonium Puff is activated on rolls of Damage, Special Damage, and Free Hits

Passive Special II:

Comforting Aromatherapy - Negative Effects only last 1 turn against all enemies and AoE only effect targets equal to or greater of target.

Passive Special III:

It Keeps Coming - The Spore Cluster must be destroyed

3

times to be killed.

Drops:

4x Level Up Mushroom

The Party:

Cinna the Dark

(darkdragon)

Level 27 Mystic Knight

*Immune to Stunned,

Lightning

and

Earth

*

Power Bonus:

2

Defense:

13

Health:

46/46

Ether:

12/40

Gold:

125

Equipment:

Mauryl (WP: 19 + Darkness, broomstick), Turtleshell Shield (SP:14), 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), Blue Dragon Cape (Immunity to slowed and water; suitable to knights, rangers and dragoons; backwear), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood), Diamond(Light), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Disenchantment (Removes all positive effects from all opponents at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Sealing, Ether Core, 6 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, Elixir, 6 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 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, Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether),

Ambrosia, Bone

Dreyrugr

(Vash the Stampede) *Takes suggestion from Cinna, until Vash's internet is restored*

Level 21.33 Black Knight

*Immune to

Stunned

,

Water

,

Wind

, and

Fire

*

Power Bonus:

0

Defense

: 13

Health:

40/40

Gold:

215

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), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1, backwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Venom x3, Bedroll, Remedy, 6x Smelling Salts, Mead x3, 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), 5 Bones, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence x2, Soma, Mulled Wine, Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack), Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), 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, Neutralizer, Mead, The Steel Stone (WP: 12, Earth Elemental, Greatsword)

Purpearl Berthadhiell

(Purpearljellyblob)

Level 6 Mage

Power Bonus:

1

Health:

11/11

Defense:

0

Ether:

4/10

Gold:

53

Equipment:

Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear)

Inventory:

Bedroll, Party Bomb (x2) (20 damage to all enemies, 1/3 chance to stun every enemy), Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Weakening, Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), 2x Tasty Pretzels, Grand Tonic, 2x Mead, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, 2x Grand Potions, Bone, Thorny Rose (WP: 17, wood-elemental, deals the poisoned by 3 effect, mace)

Matthias

(nstickney)

Level 4 Ranger

Power Bonus:

0

Defense:

4

Health:

9/9

Gold:

53

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:

Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Grimmau's Clothespin (Prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle, headware), 2x Mead, Smelling Salts x2, Grand Potion, Grating Stone, Remedy

Baradok Segul Cannari

(Cryos)

Level 6 Barbarian

Power Bonus:

0

Defense:

2

Health:

12/12

Gold:

303

Equipment:

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

Inventory:

2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Doppel Vial, 2x Pumpkin Bombs, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), 2x Mead, Grand Potion

Grishnod *

Takes suggestions from Purpearl

*

Level 20 Raider

Power Bonus:

0

Defense:

8

Health:

34/34

Gold:

0

Equipment:

Iron Sword (WP: 15), Ceremonial Cloak (SP: 8, backwear)

Inventory

:

Party Leader, please give a battle order. Everyone, please state which action you are performing and from which row as well as the actions of your respective NPC's.

Edited March 30, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[StickFig]

Matthias, slightly miffed that Purpearl got all the credit for calling Ugroot and Vinnear the truth-tellers, forgets the slight as enemies appear. He points his crossbow at Spore Cluster from the back row and pulls the trigger.

[Vash the Stampede]

Well my electricity is back so hello.

"Well, sounds like the Elf's the only one with a reasonable head on her shoulders. What, the rest of you gone mute?"

"There isn't a need to add to the conversation if all has already been said." Dreyrugr turns to the mushroom like beings.

I'm assuming the Rot Mystics are humanoid/plants as well.

Dreyrugr attacks the Myconid Hulk from the front row. Dreyrugr will attack from the back row if this action is thought to be too risky.

I've got a 2 in 6 chance of killing the hulk and only a 1 in 6 chance of being killed. Let me know if you guys don't think it is worth the risk.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Matthias, slightly miffed that Purpearl got all the credit for calling Ugroot and Vinnear the truth-tellers, forgets the slight as enemies appear. He points his crossbow at Spore Cluster from the back row and pulls the trigger.

Purpearl taps lightly on Matthias' shoulder and whispers into his ear so that no one else can hear, "Just ignore Grishnod, we know you got it right as well."

"Matthias, I suggest you take on Spore Cluster up close (front row) since most of us will most likely pick our targets from the back row. I think we should try to avoid Spore Cluster's Pandemonium Puff as much as possible. The bigger mushrooms can doom us if we're not careful and I think we're also tight on remedies."

"Grishnod, please take Myconid Rot Mystic A with your Iron Sword from the back row."

Purpearl pulls out Crimson Arcanon and casts a Fire spell at Myconid Guard A from the back row.

[Purpearljellyblob]

I've got a 2 in 6 chance of killing the hulk and only a 1 in 6 chance of being killed. Let me know if you guys don't think it is worth the risk.

I am thinking back row. Taking 80 dmg at the front is just too risky.

[StickFig]

Matthias listens to Purpearl and then steps forward to attack from the front row. He puts a hand on Dreyrugr's side - as high as he can reach. He's visibly afraid of losing another member of the party. "Step back, you're too close!"

Edited May 13, 2014 by nstickney

[Vash the Stampede]

He puts a hand on Dreyrugr's side - as high as he can reach.

"Oi." Dreyrugr is surprised at the hand and falls backward to the back row still attacking the hulk.

[Cryos]

In a second, Baradock's weapon is leveled at the enemy. Taking more of a caution, considering the last engagements. Grimacing at the dank underground.

Striking Myconid Guard B from the back row.