Heroica RPG- Quest #91: The Sounds of Music

[Zepher]

"Bolero of Fire, please." Boomingham says, picking up the scroll. "I'll finish my tea and be on my way. As is custom," Boomingham turns to his party, "it was a pleasure to work with all of you."

[Tanma]

IC: De'kra nodded, "Waltz of the Tundra please." He suddenly tightened his eyes, as vapor leaked off of him renewed.

[JimBee]

Hybros accepts a cup of herbal tea along with the reward, savoring the warmth of the steam brushing against his face and the gold in his pockets; a nice contrast to the bleak and snowy outdoors. "I will take the

please."

Dr. Don looks over his shoulder at the doors where Dr. Raph was currently leaning on.

"Oh. Well, you were with that brutish barbarian fellow who threatened Gioconda back at Jolly Roger's Grotto, and you ruined those automatons we built there too. He holds a bit of anger towards the group that went in there as a whole, so don't worry too much. You're reputation for the most part is legendary, Mister Hybros, yes. As for where you are, this is the Tritech Headquarters. We may be honorary members of House Ji Pei, but the palace was built separate to our headquarters incase of... an accident. Lets face it, as safe as we are, the occasional explosion does happen, all in the name of science!"

"Ah yes, I remember that well, eheh... let it be known that I was new to this city then, and did not know of the wonders of the Ji Pei. But I quickly came to realize these things, and sided with the Ji Pei then as I would have now."

It would seem that the quest was complete and that the heroes could return to the Hall, yet Hybros lingered. He looked to Dr. Don and Dr. Raph, indicating that he wished to stay and speak with them privately before returning to Eubric on his own. He said to Boomingham, Ellaria, and De'kra, "I will see the three of you back in the Hall. It has been a... pleasure. Lawrence, we will have to catch up, and with you too, De'kra, it has been far too long. And Ellaria, you will have to tell me sometime about this strange human reproduction cycle, hehehe..." He bows his head so that the brim of his hat shades his eyes.

[Sandy]

"That leaves me with the Serenade of Water. Pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen."

"And Ellaria, you will have to tell me sometime about this strange human reproduction cycle, hehehe..." He bows his head so that the brim of his hat shades his eyes.

Ellaria blushes a little.

"I had hoped you would have forgotten that already, Hybros. But very well, I'll tell you all about it over a cup of mead back at the Saloon. I will need that..."

[Kintobor]

With the musical sheets passed out, Dr. Raph gives out a slight cough.

"Well then, I must say, I'm more than a little giddy to see this thing in action. Dr. Don? Shall we take a listen?"

"I don't see why not! Heroes: we will be the first people to ever hear a recorded voice. I believe this is a cause for a toast."

The heroes toast glasses with the two scientists. Dr. Don sets his drink down and inserts a random roll into the Vibrataphone. Putting the needle at the start of the roll, he turns a crank. A soft whirring noise starts as the needle moves across the roll. Slightly scratchy, but still clear sound emits out of the devices large output, as the party and the scientists listen, for the very first time, to the sounds of recorded music.

The Quest is Successful!

The Party

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader*

Level 30 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Lucky!*

Power: 49 (Level 30 + WP: 14 + Power Bonus: 5)

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 12 (SP: 7 + SP: 5)

Health: 36/53 (Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 28 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3)

Ether: 29/29 (Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 28)

Gold: 171

Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding -5 and Poisoned -10; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Asleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level.), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)

Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice$-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Sabre (WP:8, longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, InflictsAsleep- Effect)

• Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), 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),

• Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst

• Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty (x2), Scroll of Sealing, Bolero Of Fire (Cause Fire damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Minstrel Song)

• Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whisky (Immunity to Fire for one battle OR 20 fire damage to all enemies), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Milk, Mead (2), Nostrum, Ambrosia

• Bedroll

46 Years Old, Human

*Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70)

**Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70)

Hybros

52-year-old male imp Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements*

Level: 29.66

Power Bonus: 1 *

Defense: 0

Health: 24/44 (7+29+5+3*)

Gold: 949

Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 43, gains 1/3 WP every kill made with it, light-, darkness-, fire-, ice-, and wind-elemental; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear), The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grants Intimidation, immune to darkness andcursed, headwear)

Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and bleeding-effects, handwear), Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), 14 Potions, 15 Grand Potions, 19 Health Cores, Tiger Balm, 15 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 7 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, 4 Mythril Shards, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), Dastan Dual Axes (WP: 7, 1/6 chance to seal dragons, axes), Minuet of the Forest ( Causes Wood damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Minstrel Song)

* +1 permanent Max Health from Zoot's Cookie, Quest #7. +2 from Chicken Drumsticks, Quest #50, +1 permanent Power from Growshroom Cap, Quest #72

Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) *Deputy Party Leader*

22 years old female human Druid

Level 26.33 *Immune to Sealing* *Speaks Pirate*

Power: 41 (25+12+3)

Defense: 3

Health: 5/42 (9+25+7+1)

Ether: 17/38 (5+25+5+1+2)

Gold: 193

Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear)

Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:8, wood-elemental crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisons and bleeding, handwear), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Tonics, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 2 Remedies, 2 Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 1 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 1 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Ambrosia Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pan Flute (WP: 7, instrument), Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1 to bows and crossbows. Suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators, and winged warriors), Serenade of Water (Causes Water damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Minstrel Song)

De'kra

12 year old "male" Sorceror "echo" *Slowed!*

Level: 21.6

Power: 29

Health: 30/31

Ether: 16/21

Defense: 4 (protected from enamored effect) (protected from confused effect)

Gold: 281

Equipment: Diamond (Light), Arrow Proof Armour (SP: 1, halves damage received from back row combatants) , Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect), Reflective Gaunlets(SP:3)

Inventory: Chiara(WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Bow (WP:5), Kanohi Mask(Artifact) - Allows spells to have the effects of the weapon they are cast through; suitable to De'kra only; accessory), Ruby Lamp of Summoning (summons a Ruby Jinn for the duration of one battle), Scroll of Sealing(loaned by Arthur), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (9), Grand Potions (3), Remedy (3), Phoenix Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Deadly Venom (2), Noxious Venom (1), Tonic (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Smelling Salts (2), Kapura (WP:10, Fire), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1) Waltz of the Tundra (Causes Ice damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Minstrel Song)

---

The party packs there things and hands there glasses back to the scientist, preparing to head back into the city.

"Ah yes, I remember that well, eheh... let it be known that I was new to this city then, and did not know of the wonders of the Ji Pei. But I quickly came to realize these things, and sided with the Ji Pei then as I would have now."

It would seem that the quest was complete and that the heroes could return to the Hall, yet Hybros lingered. He looked to Dr. Don and Dr. Raph, indicating that he wished to stay and speak with them privately before returning to Eubric on his own. He said to Boomingham, Ellaria, and De'kra, "I will see the three of you back in the Hall. It has been a... pleasure. Lawrence, we will have to catch up, and with you too, De'kra, it has been far too long. And Ellaria, you will have to tell me sometime about this strange human reproduction cycle, hehehe..." He bows his head so that the brim of his hat shades his eyes.

"Well, Hybros, I'm willing to accept your apology. You've done plenty to assist us in the past, and perhaps I myself should leave it behind us. It is sort of wonderful to meet a man so esteemed in our organization."

"If there is something you'd like to speak to us about, please, sit and we can discuss things, Hybros. What would you like to talk about?"

[Zepher]

Boomingham finishes his tea and sets the cup down gingerly. "Hybros, stay safe, and yes, we will talk. So many mercenaries today I hardly got to catch up with the ones that I like. Ellaria, I will see you in the Hall. Maybe your God or my demon," jerks his thumb at Barty, "will see to it that we're on the next quest together as well. Seems to be the way things roll for us."

[Sandy]

"Ellaria, I will see you in the Hall. Maybe your God or my demon," jerks his thumb at Barty, "will see to it that we're on the next quest together as well. Seems to be the way things roll for us."

"If I could only be so lucky, dear Lawrence", Ellaria said with a smile. She then nodded to Hybros and De'kra. "It was an honor to meet you two as well. It is as they say, the best things come in small packages."

Oblivious to the possible offensiveness of her words, the druid waves goodbye to her companions and heads back towards her house in Marlin Street.

[JimBee]

Hybros waves farewell to the rest of the party, and turns to the the Dr. Raph and Dr. Don. "Yes, what is past is past, and if my... reputation is so legendary with the Ji Pei as you said, I would like to ask the Ji Pei for a favor, eheh." Hybros shifted in his seat. "I have sent a letter to Jun Ji Pei, but he has yet to reply. I do hope he is safe. But since we are here now, I would like to discuss my request."

He took a sip of his tea before continuing. "How many people like me have you seen on Olegaia that look like me? Ehem, except for the other little one that was with us here, but I am not sure where De'kra comes from. I can not even remember where I come from. I only have whispers of what where I am from, where the rest of my kind are, and why I am here."

Another sip of tea. "Ehehm, but enough of that. I know where the imps are. Deep underground, driven there a very long time ago. I was sent to the surface to search for a way for them to come back. I know this because... I just know. I have traveled this world for a half of a century, and I believe it is finally time to do what I was meant to. I have seen the Ji Pei's and Tritech's impressive machines. I know even magic is too limited to do what the Ji Pei can do. To find my people."

"I need to know if it can be done. I do not know how, but I need to know if it is possible to search underground, deeper than any dwarf has mined or any gnome has lived. Do you have the machines for this?"

Hybros instinctively touched the hilt of Zoot's Reaper. He wasn't used to this kind of interaction. It made him feel vulnerable.

[Kintobor]

"We have seen Jun as of late, seeing how our work is so time consuming, but last we saw him he was fine. It's his mother who both of us are worried about."

"Yes, rather tragic what happened at the Baker's guild. Anyways, I'm not entirely sure about what you requested, but we will be more than intent to listen to what you have say."

He took a sip of his tea before continuing. "How many people like me have you seen on Olegaia that look like me? Ehem, except for the other little one that was with us here, but I am not sure where De'kra comes from. I can not even remember where I come from. I only have whispers of what where I am from, where the rest of my kind are, and why I am here."

"No, I don't believe either of us have ever seen anything like you before. You are a curious case, Mr. Hybros."

The two scientist continue to sip their cocoa, listening to Hybros.

Another sip of tea. "Ehehm, but enough of that. I know where the imps are. Deep underground, driven there a very long time ago. I was sent to the surface to search for a way for them to come back. I know this because... I just know. I have traveled this world for a half of a century, and I believe it is finally time to do what I was meant to. I have seen the Ji Pei's and Tritech's impressive machines. I know even magic is too limited to do what the Ji Pei can do. To find my people."

"I need to know if it can be done. I do not know how, but I need to know if it is possible to search underground, deeper than any dwarf has mined or any gnome has lived. Do you have the machines for this?"

Hybros instinctively touched the hilt of Zoot's Reaper. He wasn't used to this kind of interaction. It made him feel vulnerable.

The two scientist's scratch chins, trying to get the fullest out of Hybros's dilemma. He could practically see the gears and mechanisms working their way in their heads.

"Well, Mr. Hybros, I have good news, and I have bad news. If I recall correctly, you're looking for a way to help locate your people, and a means to reach them, like a drill? As of this moment, no one has ever attempted to build a drill of that caliber. However, that being said, it is doable. We'd need some way to power the machine, a big enough drill, various secondary functions... yes, I think that would be doable. I think Jun would agree in assisting you, considering your reputation. It will take us a while, and it would be a secondary project, but I'm certain we could get Legonardo to sketch something up and send it to Nicole to work on. It'd be excellent for mining, and other various tasks, such as well drilling, but you can be the first official user of it. She'd be in the city so you could check up on it's status when you feel like. However, it's the ability to find your people, that's what we're going to have trouble with. Do you know the exact location, Hybros?"

The Tritech scientist readjusts his glass, setting his drink down and leaning towards Hybros in the chair, looking curious and reassuring.

Edited February 8, 2014 by Kintobor

[JimBee]

"No, I don't believe either of us have ever seen anything like you before. You are a curious case, Mr. Hybros."

The two scientist continue to sip their cocoa, listening to Hybros.

Hybros shifted uncomfortably, a little apprehensive to the the way the scientists were 'studying' him. He hoped the other imps, if ever found, wouldn't be subject to too much of a close eye.

"Well, Mr. Hybros, I have good news, and I have bad news. If I recall correctly, you're looking for a way to help locate your people, and a means to reach them, like a drill? As of this moment, no one has ever attempted to build a drill of that caliber. However, that being said, it is doable. We'd need some way to power the machine, a big enough drill, various secondary functions... yes, I think that would be doable. I think Jun would agree in assisting you, considering your reputation. It will take us a while, and it would be a secondary project, but I'm certain we could get Legonardo to sketch something up and send it to Nicole to work on. It'd be excellent for mining, and other various tasks, such as well drilling, but you can be the first official user of it. She'd be in the city so you could check up on it's status when you feel like. However, it's the ability to find your people, that's what we're going to have trouble with. Do you know the exact location, Hybros?"

The Tritech scientist readjusts his glass, setting his drink down and leaning towards Hybros in the chair, looking curious and reassuring.

Hybros' eyes widened with hope. Trying to contain his excitement, he exclaimed, "Yes, yes, that would be very good!" He tried to imagine what a 'drill' device was or looked like. "Ehem, to answer you question... well, no, I do not know where to dig. I just know they are somewhere underground. Olegaia is a very big place, I know, but there are many places to dig. Many mines and caverns... I will, erm, need your help with that as well. We will need information on the deepest caves and underground caverns, I think. From the High Kingdoms to Xu, from Etheria to Dastan... whatever it takes. I will not stop searching. And perhaps some way to map the sub-surface... I do not know, but that is why I have asked you for help, eheh..."

[Kintobor]

Hybros' eyes widened with hope. Trying to contain his excitement, he exclaimed, "Yes, yes, that would be very good!" He tried to imagine what a 'drill' device was or looked like. "Ehem, to answer you question... well, no, I do not know where to dig. I just know they are somewhere underground. Olegaia is a very big place, I know, but there are many places to dig. Many mines and caverns... I will, erm, need your help with that as well. We will need information on the deepest caves and underground caverns, I think. From the High Kingdoms to Xu, from Etheria to Dastan... whatever it takes. I will not stop searching. And perhaps some way to map the sub-surface... I do not know, but that is why I have asked you for help, eheh..."

The two scientist's frown, looking disappointed in themselves.

"Hmm. I do not know of the deepest caverns on Olegaia, to be honest. As well, there is no device that I know of that can find specific people or races. I don't even know if that kind of technology is possible. You'll need to figure out the general location of where you believe your people are yourself, Mr. Hybros. However, some way to map the subsurface... it's a curious thought, but that may be doable. Incredibly difficult, but doable."

"Hmm, yes... it's something we'll ponder upon. I'm certain Legonardo would be interested to hear about this idea. On the note of the caves, your hall has a library, does it not? Why not check there? I'm certain you'll find some sort of an answer."

The two men gave Hybros reassuring smiles, trying to make the best of what they could offer.

[JimBee]

"Hm yes, that will do." Hybros tried not to look disappointed, but found himself staring at the ground anyway. "I will return to the Heroica Library, maybe Byblos can tell me where some of the deepest caves in Olegaia are... Then once I find a suitable place, I will send you a letter. I am hoping to speak to Jun Ji Pei as well."

Hybros nodded to the two scientists. "We will be in touch, eheh. And... thank you."

With that, Hybros set down his teacup, tipped his hat, and was on his way back to Heroica Hall.

OOC: A bit anticlimactic for a five-day wait, sorry for the delay Kinto. Thank you again for this opportunity and the quest as well!