Heroica RPG- Quest #94: Go Now, In Peace

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche looks skeptically at the skeletons, "Why, may I ask, are we engaging in friendly conversation with the undead? When it's the undead we're here to stop?" He glares warily at the skeletons and then says to himself, "And why are they drinking wine? They must be very stupid- they're skeletons."

[Kintobor]

"I believe we've been over this, Avalanche. The cemetery's haunted, and has been since the day it was established four hundred years ago, back when this city was nothing but a small fishing village. However, as you can see, these three have some semblance of intelligence."

"You're telling me, yeti, we're the first undead you've ever met? Certainly you've quested with a few? If not, consider us honoured!"

"But not that honoured, if you think skeletons drinking wine's foolish."

He opens up a bottle of Akrone red and puts it to his mouth, taking a brief drink.

"Pour some for me, will ya Thomas? I'm dry."

"Not everyone buried here winds up coming out of their grave. It's strange the reasons for how and why, but the undead here are rather content with just strolling the grounds after dark and chatting with other undead here. It's the undead with no humanity left in them you need to watch out for, who run on animalistic instincts or are simply under someone's thrall, they're the ones you'll be dealing with, and the one's you need to look out for. None of the undead native to this cemetery are of that ilk, so don't worry about these three, Avalanche. At least, until this paladin issue..."

Edited February 6, 2014 by Kintobor

[Khorne]

"Lousy cemetery if you ask me." Eric shrugged. "I don't really have any further questions to ask these guys. We'll get to know more of this situation if we head to the crypt."

[Dragonfire]

"Oh, I assumed all undead...So we can trust these three then?" Avalanche then hears the skeleton talking to him. Clearly uncomfortable around the skeletons, he shrugs, "Nope, never met an undead before- unless you count Sorrow, and he doesn't really look like an undead with that cloak and hood. So you can- uh- consider yourself honoured, I guess."

"Just standing waiting for those zombie paladins to jump out at us is getting on my nerves. I agree with Eric, let's head to the crypt. Or do we need to meet that zombie woman first?"

[Kintobor]

"Oh, I assumed all undead...So we can trust these three then?" Avalanche then hears the skeleton talking to him. Clearly uncomfortable around the skeletons, he shrugs, "Nope, never met an undead before- unless you count Sorrow, and he doesn't really look like an undead with that cloak and hood. So you can- uh- consider yourself honoured, I guess."

"Just standing waiting for those zombie paladins to jump out at us is getting on my nerves. I agree with Eric, let's head to the crypt. Or do we need to meet that zombie woman first?"

"Hmph, well you know what they say when you assume, yeti?"

"It make's an asss at out you and me."

"I think he knows, Thomas."

McCreary interrupts the two.

"We'll most likely meet her at the tomb's entrance. It's just a few minutes away from here, so if you're all ready to leave, we can keep moving. Throlar, Althior?"

Edited February 6, 2014 by Kintobor

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche looks awkwardly at the skeletons, unsure of whether they were making a joke or a jibe at him. He nods to McCreary, "I'm ready."

[K-Nut]

"Let's go," Althior said, stoically. Without hesitation, he continued to follow the party.

[Duvors]

"Let's get moving."

[Kintobor]

"Very well then gentlemen, let's be on our way. The tomb's not to far from here."

"Just beyond that set of-"

"I know where I'm going Scary, thank you."

Scary scoffs and crosses his arms. McCreary shakes his head and begins heading towards the direction of the tomb, the party in tow. The skeletal trio can still be heard jabbering away in the background.

"Gah, I thought they'd never leave. They weren't like that last group. Rather rude."

"Did you guys hear about the new device the Ji Pei are coming out with? It can reproduce and emit sound!"

"Bah! Nothing as interesting as Captain Patricia getting those heroes back to finish that job in Strivvi..."

The party and McCreary continue their trek through the cemetery. Silence deafens the area as the only sound the party hears is their own boots crunching in the snow, the occasional crow's call breaking the otherwise eerie atmosphere. The party gets their first glimpse of the tomb, it's entrance similar to a mausoleum, it's bricks old and deteriorating.

Suddenly, a loud CLANG!!! erupts through the cemetery, followed by another! CLANG!!!

"What the hell is that noise? Come on. Knowing my occupations it's one of two things. The undead, or kids."

The party follows behind McCreary, who's surprisingly agile despite his weight and age, finally coming to the source of the noise.

A woman dressed all in white continually smacks on what appears to be the entrance to the tomb's innards with a old, splintered shovel. Her hair is a dull brown, and her dress is tattered in multiple places. What's most peculiar is her skin: grey and rotting. The smell wasn't all that pleasant either. As they approach the old edifice, they get a chilling feeling as if they're being watched...

"Open, you... y-you stupid door!"

She smashes the shovel against the stone door again. CLANG!!!

"Violet! Will you please stop smashing that shovel against the door! Please!"

Violet turns around suddenly, backing away from the door. A look of surprise and worry spreads across her face as she sees the Heroica members behind him.

"Oh, Father McCreary! What's going on? Who are the men with you?"

"Violet, there's no need to worry. These men I've hired are from Heroica. They're here to help us with our undead paladin issue. I just want to know what in the name of the gods you're doing smashing a shovel against the entrance to this tomb!?"

"Well, you see, these thugs came at me a few nights ago and stole my heart."

McCreary double takes as the words hit his ears. He looks at the party with concern.

"This is getting suspicious. Since I'm the only one who can open the tomb, why don't you four talk to Violet and see what you can get out of her. If memory serves me right, this tomb's door is rather confusing to get opened..."

McCreary walks away from the group, still scratching his beard as he inspects the inscription on the tomb's door. Violet's attention turns to the party, her speech a bit stunted, but clear.

"Do you gentlemen... mind helping me get my heart back?"

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche, trying to hide his urge to draw Trollsbane and strike at the blasphemous creature standing before him, asks rather shakily, "Why do you think your heart is in there? And who were these thugs you speak of?"

[Khorne]

"Your heart?" Eric was confused by the words of Violet, though he did his best not to let the others notice. "Why does an undead need a heart?" he scoffed. "Whatever magic that's keeping you alive kind of takes away the purpose of having a heart, doesn't it?"

[Kintobor]

Avalanche, trying to hide his urge to draw Trollsbane and strike at the blasphemous creature standing before him, asks rather shakily, "Why do you think your heart is in there? And who were these thugs you speak of?"

"My heart? The thugs ran off after one of them pinned me to the ground and the other carved my heart out."

She removes a strap from her dress to show a large hole carved into the left side of her torso. There was clearly a cavity where an organ went, most likely her heart, but as she said, it was no longer there.

"I saw them last in this area, so I figured they needed to be hiding somewhere. I thought the most likely place was... the paladin tomb."

"Your heart?" Eric was confused by the words of Violet, though he did his best not to let the others notice. "Why does an undead need a heart?" he scoffed. "Whatever magic that's keeping you alive kind of takes away the purpose of having a heart, doesn't it?"

"I may be undead but that doesn't mean I don't have emotions. There's this guy I really like, named Aldus. Me and him are engaged, and it feels wrong that I marry him without a heart to love him with. That's why I need my heart back."

Despite her undead state, her cheeks turn rosy. Her voice goes singsongy and she looks off into the distance, as if she's day dreaming. She snaps out of it, looking about her, somewhat confused.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot was I was saying. It was about my heart though, right? Well, if you guys could help me, I don't mind giving you a hand with your undead paladin problem, so long as you help me look for my heart. I mean, I got this shovel and all, and I've been watching Jensen do his thing for awhile, and I think I know what I'm doing!"

She gives the party an eager smile, showing off her set of rotting, brown teeth. Will the party accept her offer?

McCreary pipes up from the steps leading up to the crypts door, still hard at work.

"If you lot could elect a party leader at this time, it would be most appreciated. I think I've almost got this stupid door. Which rune was it again?"

[Khorne]

Arrogant and stubborn as the Nord was, Eric wanted to refuse the undead's offer at first. After all, he was certain he needed only his trusty blade Godricsleif to get the job done. But doubt overcame him and weakened his resolve regarding the matter. What if this was a test by the gods? What if they had chosen to give Eric a new chance, just like he had given himself a new chance to prove his worth? After all, Death and Undeath were the dominions of the Ice Mother, the godess Helvetia. Perhaps she spoke to Eric under the guise of this creature and helping Violet would be furthering the goals of Helvetia, thus increasing Eric's standing with the godess once more and so good fortune would return to his life.

He grinned and pondered the thought. He stood silent for a while before he replied. "Aye. I have no problem with you fighting alongside us. Just don't steal too much of my kills". As he spoke the last words, he pointed his thumb at his chest for emphasis. Eric was somewhat doubtful of his choice and a display of arrogance served to ease the minds of his companions. They should not see the inner turmoil that stirred the Nord's soul.

Hearing the priest speak, Eric then turned to McReary. As a boy, Eric learned the runic script and believed he'd do a better job at opening the door than the father. Stepping closer towards the crypt, he said: "Do you want me to open the door?

[Dragonfire]

"Violet- were the thugs human or undead? If the latter, were they paladins?"

Avalanche then says aside to Eric in a low voice so the zombie couldn't hear him, "Well, if it comes to a vote, I don't want some rotting piece of flesh who should be dead tagging along. We're dealing with mailicious zombies here; who's to say she won't turn against us and fight with her undead kin? I vote against her accompanying us."

Raising his voice again, Avalanche replies to McCreary, "I nominate Eric as the party leader. He's experienced in fighting the undead, while not being able to rise them like certain other party members...." He looks uneasily in Althior's direction.

By the way, Avalanche is being difficult because he loathes undead and anything connected to them, for reasons currently unknown (related to his past). He signed up for this quest to get 'revenge' on all undead, not knowing that there would be 'friendly' undead or that a Necromancer would be accompanying the party. So he's not just being obnoxious.

Edited February 7, 2014 by Dragonfire

[Duvors]

"I don't think Eric ought to be Party leader, I'm not going to nominate a leader I know I'm going to disobey."

"And I ​don't think Violet ought to come with us, I'm not going to let a lady to imperil herself for something that is absolutely useless to her or anyone else, a heart's purpose is to pump blood, not to generate love, that like every other feeling comes from the mind. And," he said looking at Violet, "you would have lost your heart to rot and decay anyway."

Edited May 13, 2014 by Lord Duvors

[K-Nut]

"She could be useful, knowing this place better than any of us. I say we take her." He turns to Avalanche, "I have link with the undead, making me useful on this quest. If you don't like the undead or are afraid of them, you're not of any use here," He turns back to the party. "I'd say Eric or I should be Party Leader. We have much experience with the undead and know how to take them out. And if you're really that naive to think that I'm too corrupt for this task, just remember how corrupt we all are."

I'm going on a trip and I'll be gone until Sunday. So if we come across anything that needs my input, let Khorne take control of Althior until I get back.

[Duvors]

"I have link with the undead, making me useful on this quest. If you don't like the undead or are afraid of them, you're not of any use here," He turns back to the party. "I'd say Eric or I should be Party Leader. We have much experience with the undead and know how to take them out. And if you're really that naive to think that I'm too corrupt for this task, just remember how corrupt we all are."

Throlar looks at Althor.

"I believe you already know how I feel about you, but you may have changed after our encounter, so I'm willing to agree to you leading us."

He then looked at Violet.

"I apologize for my comments a moment ago, I'm just not myself right now."

[Kintobor]

QM Note: As it stands, the vote's two for Eric, one for Althior. Khorne and K-Nut, if you want to be party leader, that means Violet joins the party since we have a tie between the four of you in terms of whether or not she joins. If we make Althior party leader, Khorne will be temporary party leader until K-Nut returns. Just a heads up.

[Dragonfire]

He turns to Avalanche, "I have link with the undead, making me useful on this quest. If you don't like the undead or are afraid of them, you're not of any use here,"

"I hate the undead, and that's exactly why I joined, to send them back to where they belong- oblivion. I'm not afraid of them at all. I'm fine with you being Party Leader, but I'm just worried that you might refuse to strike down a fellow necromancer, if that is what we are facing. Aside from that, I think I was rather too hasty in accusing you, so I retract my vote for Eric. I don't mind who gets to be Party Leader."

[Kintobor]

QM Note: So it's now one for Eric, one for Althior, and two for the QM decides. Khorne is the last person who needs to vote.

[Khorne]

"I don't think Eric ought to be Party leader, I'm not going to nominate a leader I know I'm join to disobey."

The Nord cast an vicious glare in Throlar's direction. "Then perhaps I should be party leader, just to teach you some humility and loyalty towards your superior."

"I hate the undead, and that's exactly why I joined, to send them back to where they belong- oblivion. I'm not afraid of them at all. I'm fine with you being Party Leader, but I'm just worried that you might refuse to strike down a fellow necromancer, if that is what we are facing. Aside from that, I think I was rather too hasty in accusing you, so I retract my vote for Eric. I don't mind who gets to be Party Leader."

He then turned to the yeti and eyed him suspiciously. Not a moment ago, the creature had pledged his allegiance to Eric and now he already retracted his vote. Eric wasn't sure what to make of the yeti's decision, but wouldn't let it get to him. He remained frigid and reluctantly gave in. "Fine. If that's the choice of the warparty, then the mage is elected as leader." His icy eyes then went from the yeti to the dwarf once more as he sneered. "Still, the dead one comes with us, though. The party leader has spoken on that matter."

So I'm party leader now until K-Nut is back?

[Kintobor]

QM Note: Yes, you'll also be determining his actions until Sunday. Nothing to severe. You'll be getting an update shortly.

[Kintobor]

QM Note: Did I say shortly? I meant a few hours.

With the issue of party leader resolved, Althior is elected party leader, and Violet is officially welcomed into the group, despite some groans from a few members.

"Thank you! Honestly... I'm actually kind of excited about all this. I won't let you guys down!

Violet has joined the party!

Violet

Level 15 Gravedigger *Immune to Sudden Death*

HP: 25/25

SP: 2

Equipment: Wooden Shovel (WP: 4, damages undead), Torn White Dress (SP: 2, bodywear, suitable for engaged undead females), Rotting Flesh (provides immunity from sudden death)

As the party resolves the issue, they turn around to see McCreary begin to push the door in. It seemed they're mission was about to begin. McCreary turns to the party.

"I've got to make that door easier to open. Now then gentlemen, your task is simple, go into the various parts of the tomb and toss holy wat-"

"Guh!!"

The lurching humanoid grabs McCreary from behind and drags him into the tomb! The pastor viciously grapples with rotting corpse of a paladin, yelling and shouting, as more undead flood out of the tomb and towards the party!

"Get your bloody hands off me you- GAAAH!!!"

The pastor quickly vanishes from sight from inside the tomb as armoured undead swarm the party, lazily brandishing their weapons!

"Father McCreary!!!"

Zombie Paladin Axeman A

Level -- Undead

HP: 115/115

SP: 2

Special: Sweeping Swing- The Paladin Axeman sweeps his axe infront of him, hitting the hero, as well as the one above and below him in the battle order, dealing damage equal to their level.

Passive Special: Degrees of Taint- The Paladin Axeman's level is equal to the attacking hero.

Drops: Remedy

Zombie Paladin Skirmisher A

Level -- Undead

Health: 125/125

SP: 2

Special: Improved Grapple- The Paladin Skirmisher grapples the hero, removing them from combat and dealing damage equal to their level for every round removed from combat. Successfully damaging the Paladin Skirmisher removes it from the hero. The hero joins combat immediately afterward.

Passive Special: Degrees of Taint- The Paladin Skirmisher's level is equal to the attacking hero.

Drops: Tonic

Zombie Paladin Spearman A

Level 18 Undead

Health: 120/120

SP: 2

Special: Skewer- The Paladin Spearman skewers the hero dealing 18 damage, as well damaging a random hero in the opposing row for 18 damage as well. If all party members are in one row, it only effects the targeted hero.

Passive Special: Degrees of Taint- The Paladin Spearman's level is equal to the attacking hero.

Drops: Potion

"..."

Zombie Paladin Swordsman A

Level 15 Undead

HP: 115/115

SP: 3

Special: Rusty Swing- The Paladin Swordsman strikes the hero with it's rusty sword, causing the hero to take damage equal to it's level, and causing the fragile and weakened effect.

Drops: 10 gold

"..."

Zombie Paladin Swordsman B

Level 15 Undead

HP: 115/115

SP: 3

Special: Rusty Swing- The Paladin Swordsman strikes the hero with it's rusty sword, causing the hero to take damage equal to it's level, and causing the fragile and weakened effect.

Drops: 10 gold

"..."

Zombie Paladin Knight A *Immune to Sudden Death and Poison*

Level 30 Undead

HP: 350/350

SP: 2

Special 1: Infectious Bite- The Paladin Knight bites into the hero, making them poisoned -1 and bleeding.

Special 2: Disarm- The Paladin Knight disarms the hero by forcibly attempting to rip their arm off. The hero is bleeding, and loses all positive effects.

*Specials Alternate

Drops: Grand Tonic

"..."

Zombie Paladin Commander A *Immune to Sudden Death, Seal and Poison*

Level 35 Undead

HP: 380/380

SP: 4

Special 1: Mob Mentality- The Paladin Commander commands his troops into a better position, reinforcing all allies.

Special 2: Vicious Bite- The Paladin Commander bites into the enemy, causing 35 damage. The hero loses all positive effects.

*Specials Alternate

Drops: Neutralizer, Hint Coin

ONSLAUGHT!!! (Property of Endgame, loving stolen by Kinto. xoxo)

-There will always be a minimum of seven enemies on the field.

-When an enemy is defeated, a new enemy joins combat. The enemy is decided by die roll.

Roll of:

1. Zombie Paladin Axeman

2. Zombie Paladin Spearman

3. Zombie Paladin Skirmisher

4. Zombie Paladin Swordsman

5. Zombie Paladin Knight

6. Zombie Paladin Commander

-There is a total of 20 enemies. Once all twenty are defeated, the battle is won.

-If the party defeats an enemy once the 20th has been summoned, no new enemies join combat.

0/20 Defeated!

The Party

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 22 1/3 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile* *Evasion* *Counterstrike*

Power: 44 (22+22)

Defense: 5

Health: 40/40 (8+21+7+4)

Gold: 39

Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; Ice-, Lightning-, Darkness-elemental), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect)

Inventory: Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Twin Axe: Attacks two enemies in one turn); Crocodile Belt (Max. health +2, immunity to water; accessory); 2x Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8 + Cursed throwing dagger); 6x Silverfish Wings (WP:8 throwing dagger); Fire bomb; Lightning bomb; Venom; Grand Potion (12x); Remedy (2x); Mead (8x); Smelling Salts (7x); Nostrum (5x); Mulled Wine (3x); Garnet; Scroll of Sleep

Throlar Wineghilim

134 year old male Dwarven Knight.

Level: 9

Power: 14

Health: 18/18

Gold: 407

Equipped: Elven Sword (WP 5, longsword), Poncanis Shield (SP 5).

Inventory: Remedy, Mace and Chain (Mace, WP 3), Mopagsaber (WP 12, ice elemental, longsword), Bedroll, Round Shield (SP 2), Smoke Bomb, Mulled Wine, Phoenix Essence

Avalanche, the Super Sleuth (Dragonfire)

29 years old male yeti Barbarian *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile* *Counterstriking*

Level 12

Power: 18 (12+6)

Health: 20/20 (12+7+1*)

SP: 5

Gold: 100

Equipment: Trollsbane (club, WP:7, earth-elemental), Heavy Armour (immune to fragile, SP:5), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to the damage taken)

Inventory: 6x Potion, Grand Potion, Mead, Remedy, 2x Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Smoke Bomb, 5x Venom, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Pumpkin Bomb (causes the stunned-, blinded-, poisoned by 1-, asleep-, sealed- and confused- effects to all opponents), Lightning Bomb, Dirt Bomb, 3x Holy Bombs, 8x Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with less than half of the wearer's level are scared and won't directly attack the wearer, bodywear)

(*One Chicken Drumstick eaten)

Althior Emorith (And Finnegan)

Level 36 2/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 48 (53 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Defense: 6 4+2

Health: 46/46 5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+32

Ether: 51/51 5+5+32+4+Ectoplasm (2)

Gold: 300

Equipment:

Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:12, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear)

Inventory:

Consumables: Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion, Grand Tonic x2, Ether Core x2, Remedy x9, Mead, Smelling Salts, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Incense x2, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Tasty Fish (Restores 25 HP and 15 Ether), Emergency Essence, Grating Stone x2, Deadly Poison

Weapons: Dragoro (WP:8, Wand), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits.)

Tools: Bedroll, Bone x3

Artifacts: The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches),

Gemstones: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood)

Violet

Level 15 Gravedigger *Immune to Sudden Death*

HP: 25/25

SP: 2

Equipment: Wooden Shovel (WP: 4 damages undead), Torn White Dress (SP: 2, bodywear, suitable for engaged undead females), Rotting Flesh (provides immunity from sudden death)

Party Leader, please determine Battle Order, everyone, choose a target!

QM Note: I hope this isn't too challenging. Endgame, if I botched this, please PM me.

Edited February 9, 2014 by Kintobor

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche swings Trollsbane at Zombie Paladin Axeman A from the front row.

OOC: We'll be taking two free hits this round. Eric and Althior should probably take them, having the highest HP.

Can undead be harmed by normal weapons or not?

[Khorne]

Eric dug his feet in the snow, steadied his stance and braced himself for the coming onslaught. Preparing to face an overwhelming amount of foes, he smiled and took a Mead, Smelling Salts and Nostrum. In one quick motion he then took one of his Diseased Silver Fish Wings and threw it at Zombie Paladin Commander A from the front row.

Althior attacks Zombie Paladin Spearman A from the back row with a light spell.

Violet attacks Zombie Paladin Skirmisher A from the front row with her Wooden Shovel.

Battle order

Eric

Eric

Avalanche

Althior

Violet

Throlar

OOC: We'll be taking two free hits this round. Eric and Althior should probably take them, having the highest HP.

Can undead be harmed by normal weapons or not?

Undead can't be harmed by normal weapons, but Trollsbane also deals elemental damage, so you're fine.Throlar, however, will have to equip his Mopagsaber.