Heroica RPG- Quest #96: Tying up Loose Ends

[CMP]

Atramor has arcane strength??

Atramor blinked, and shook his head as the energy washed out of him thanks to Maxis' spell.

"We're gettin' you the hell outta here, what does it look like?"

Edited June 21, 2014 by CallMePie

[Scubacarrot]

If a Regulator's OP-ness is not magic I don't know what is.

"The last thing I remember is approaching the building of an official working with the Wolfgang, along with Roman and Purple. Now you're here, I'm here... Wherever this is, I'm wearing... Not very much, and my colleagues are nowhere to be seen. What happened?"

"It worked then, he's right. We should get out of here. We can go right through the common room. There's someone I need to see there."

[CMP]

"Oh. Well things went to shit. Roman got killed, you got captured, and Purple went into hiding. Evidently they brainwashed you and turned those other girls into copies to throw us off if we ever got here. Far as we knew you've been workin' in this brothel ever since then. The manager probably has some Wolfgang connections. We're back to finish the job, take them out, and open the Vault, but Purple wouldn't let us go ahead 'til we saved you. So here we are."

[Waterbrick Down]

OoC: Metal Ornaments?

"We'd best be goin'. Maxis, if yer magic effected any of our equipment, any idea how long that spell would take to ware off?"

[Zepher]

Boomingham smirks a Purple. "And I'm supposed to be the grumpy old man."

[Sandy]

OoC: Metal Ornaments?

OoC: Exactly what I was going to ask. Had to even go back to check the picture of the room, but couldn't find anything like that...

"Yes, Zoë, it is exactly as my companions explained", Ellaria said, grabbing the infiltrator by the arm. "We must get out of here quickly, I do not like losing my touch on the ethereal flow at all..."

The lack of magic was palpable to the druid. It surprised her, since she had lived with the presence of the ether flow all her life. It felt like one of her senses had suddenly been robbed from her.

[CMP]

OoC: Metal Ornaments?

OoC: Exactly what I was going to ask. Had to even go back to check the picture of the room, but couldn't find anything like that...

I'm assuming he means the one gray square on the wall in the very back corner of the room.

[Pandora]

OoC: FYI, I seem to be missing the loot from the sewer battle.

Nyx stands up, allowing herself to be helped by Boomingham, and after briefly brushing her robes and checking her hair, turns to reply to Purple.

"We were doing just fine, until we met some ridiculously overpowered monkey chefs that we had no hope in Hel of defeating, that's what happened. We went in there because you wanted us to rescue Zoë, which is fine, we rescue people, that's part of what we do, but you wanted it too. The others are still in there and hopefully they are faring better than we did, but we did the best we could, so try to be nice. If you can."

Nyx leans on Boomingham's shoulder as she attempts to extricate a small stone from her shoe, balancing on her other high-heeled foot as she does so. "Blackhood, we went into the kitchen together. Don't hold yourself responsible dear, thoughts like that are never useful. If you start regretting things you'll never have the courage to make decisions, so... no regrets." and with her shoe replaced she pats him kindly on his back.

[Zepher]

"No retreat, onwards and upwards," says Boomingham with a smile. Then he feels the remains of the Mulled Wine kick in, along with his flagging strength. He sits down and leans against the building. "Excuse me a minute. I'm afraid I'm feeling a little queasy." He glances at the door to the building and chews on his lip.

[Pandora]

"Something like that, yes." Nyx smiles kindly, trying not to show too much concern.

"So Purple, what now? I'm guessing we can't go back in again, much as I'd like to, so what do we do instead?"

[Zepher]

"I'd like another crack at them if we've got the time. There's no way they aren't involved in something shady. I say we clean house... but I'm not exactly in the shape to do it."

[Pandora]

Nyx blinks at Boomingham.

"Are you going senile? You're a healer, remember? Patch yourself up man! And you can fix me a little while you're at it, although my barbaric side has mostly sorted me out."

[Zepher]

"I think I'll see-" Boomingham burps- "if Purple thinks it's a good idea to step back inside or not before I try healing myself. I'm pretty damn tired. And these chains aren't helping." Boomingham yanks off the Chains of the Pongcanis War Chief. "Where the Hel did that Nightmaster end up, anyway?" Boomingham says, remembering another person who wants to take care of.

[Pandora]

"...kay. Could you still patch me up though? I don't like not being ready, and you're not doing much else right now. "

[Scubacarrot]

I see I forgot to include them in the picture very well. hm.

"Roman dead... I see. Let me grab some clothes, we should be quick." As she says, she quickly puts on a dress that lays in a bucket, maybe to be washed, maybe belonging to one of the girls.

"Don't worry, the spell should wear off in minutes, but the illusion has been shattered. Let's go."

The heroes (and the three non-heroes) rush downstairs. Ignore Maxis in the picture.

A man with long hair greets Maxis.

"Ah there you are, I was about to go looking for you, sir, you had me worried when you went upstairs with that... Brute and did not come back."

"I'm sure. You talk too much." Maxis pulls out a dagger from his belt, and in one smooth movement, slices the other man's throat!

Shrieks and screams echo through the common room, as the dead man falls to the floor. Maxis turns to the bartender.

"This man has betrayed me, and the city of Strivvi. His sentence is dead. Inform the captains, and have someone take care of the body."

"But... He.. Edward... He was your most trusted advisor! He... He.."

"Enough. I'll have figured out what your role in all this is, so if you want to keep your throat intact, be very, very helpful. Heroes, my apologies you had to see this, I'll explain outside."

The heroes go outside, where they meet up with Nyx and Boomingham. The party is together once again!

Zoë falls in the arms of Purple, clearly having some kind of moment.

"Roman... Didn't make it. They shot both of you, but he died, and they took you... I'm so sorry."

Zoë only nods, and leans against the wall.

"So you did it. Very well. With Zoë back, the location of the Wolfgang base and the Keystone in hand, there is only one more thing we need. Passes to go in and out of the city. Perhaps your new friend can arrange that? And you are going to Macros' party tomorrow, correct? Either of them could provide passes, I would think."

"Yes, both me and my brother can freely give out passes. This is true. I feel like I owe you an explanation. The spell used in the Bathhouse seemed very familiar to me, when it broke and the girls changed back to their original form, it was confirmed for me. This was the work of Edward the Free, Strivvian Wizard and my most trusted advisor, or so he'd liked to think. It was his spell that controlled Zoë, and the others girls there. I assume you have no quarrel with how I handled the situation. Now, onto the favour I wanted in exchange for my help, and possibly the passes. As you apparantly know, my brother hosts a party at his villa tomorrow. He will try to win over Captains to his side. I need you to prevent this from happening. No violence, no threats, no magic, just make sure my brother does not get his paranoid fingers in the captain's minds. I was going to arrange for a cover as a foreign trade negotiation party from the Nord for you, but it seems like you have already got an invitation, so that is unnecessary. If at the end of the day, the now contested captains have not sided with my brother, I will gladly give you all the Passes you might need to exit and enter the city."

"Hmpf. It seems to me you can either take Maxis up on his deal, or you can probably get the passes from Macros. Red, blue, doesn't matter much, the end result is the same."

[Zepher]

Boomingham opens up his mouth to respond to Nyx, but then closes it again as the door flies open. He huffs and puffs on the side of the building as the others tumble out. He shoots Purple a look.

"Told you they'd save her."

He turns to the others.

"We met some unfriendly monkeys. Very unlike our polite friend Mr. Thothwick. I was ill-prepared." Boomingham wipes his brow with his handkerchief. "Sounds like there's quite a ruckus in there. Anyone care to catch me up? And Elpis, a heal for Mlle. Mage and I would be much appreciated. I'm wiped." Boomingham stares at the political leader. "And you're Maxis. I remember you as well. Your brother and I had a nice enough chat yesterday. Tell me why I should side with you. Not why my friends here should, but why I should. All I know about you, form the last few seconds, is that your advisor wasn't a particularly good guy and it took you some time to figure it out. These others may not have a political inkling, but I happen to care just a smidgen."

Edited June 22, 2014 by Zepher

[Scubacarrot]

"You're a Hero of Heroica, why do you care who is the leader of Strivvi? Isn't it your spiel to get the job done with the most loot as quickly as possible? No offense. But very well, I'll tell you this: my brother is one of finest soldiers to ever be born in Strivvi, but ruling, is not the same as fighting a war. My brother's education consists of military training and storytelling by a fire. I am effectively ruling from the Sandstone palace already, the city is still doing well. I am the most qualified. YOU should support me, because I've promised you the passes, and my brother has done no such thing. I also helped you save Zoë. No big deal, and you're welcome."

Edited June 22, 2014 by Scubacarrot

[Zepher]

"You act like you didn't just ask me to do something relating to politics. Maybe it's not my place to meddle in the affairs of Strivvi, but since I've been asked to twice over now, I feel like I should at least meddle the way I deem right." Boomingham coughs into his handkerchief. "Your presentation is lacking in comparison to your brother's, and if you've maintained status quo in this city, I'm having a bit of trouble saying thank you with all the Wolfgang thugs, corrupt guards and imprisoned females, but, hey, you do what you can, I guess." Boomingham tries to stumble to his feet, but falls back down onto his big behind.

Edited June 22, 2014 by Zepher

[Scubacarrot]

"If you ever find a single city without thugs, corrupt lawmen and imprisoned women, let me know... There's the problem. My brother cares more about presentation than content, what will he do if he has the throne? He wants to open the city's gates wide and free, lower the taxes on foreign ships, and allow everyone to be in the city wherever they want. You know Strivvi's reputation. Would you want Slavers and Pirates running through the streets, wreaking havoc, having the villages outside the walls that support us for meat and crops be in ruins? I have no nice presentation for you, but I will try to rule as my father did, justly, and with sense."

[CMP]

"His presentation included killin' the guy responsible for Zoe's imprisonment, Boomin'ham. And I doubt we would have found her at all without his help. For the record Maxis, aye, maybe we're sellswords, but don't think we're called heroes for no reason."

McCafferey fluttered down from the rooftop back onto Atramor's shoulder. The regulator cross his arms.

"I for one would be happy to help ya' out. Your brother's got the soldiers of Strivvi under his control, aye? The one squad of soldiers we've run into - and this was after us killin' a horde of insane, murderous beggars, and clearin' out a warehouse full of Wolfgang scum just nearby, mind ya' - seems to have some sort of agreement with the Wolfgang leaders, where you at least seem to have some grasp of what's going on in your district."

[Scubacarrot]

"I would act surprised... But I'm not. If you see my brother, you should lay this in front of him, and see his reaction."

[Zepher]

Boomingham looks back and forth between the two young men. "Well, your second time around at least gave us something to chew on." Boomingham leverages himself against the wall again, and this time does struggle to his feet. "And you're right in saying I owe you a thank you. I'll lay it in front of him and see what he says, and if it isn't to my liking, I'll be sure to let him know."

[Sandy]

Ellaria is taken a back by the viscount's brusque way of handling things, but at least they had finished one of their tasks now.

"Apparently the Nightmaster has one lackey less, too", she mutters.

She is delighted to see the rest of her companions alive, if not exactly well, outside the building.

"Told you they'd save her."

"Was there ever any doubt we wouldn't?" Ellaria said with a wink as she healed both Boomingham and Nyx. When she was finished, she turned to Maxis.

"We are ever grateful to you, Lord Maxis, and we will see what we can do for you in return at the party. You gave us the benefit of a doubt even though we are practically intruders in your city, so we will do the same to you. Won't we, father dear?" She gave Boomingham a meaningful look.

She then took out her trusty notebook and scribbled new text on it.

TO-DO LIST:

1. Talk to Purple and the other infiltrators. Found Purple, Roman dead, Zoe incapacitated (?) Retrieved Zoe from a bar, Lord Maxis helped. Have to return the favor by convincing captains not to side with his brother Macros.

2. Locate the Strivvian branch of the Wolfgang and take out its leader, calling himself the Nightmaster. There's also a Daymaster, and they are in cahoots with Captain Gwyar of the Strivvian Army.

3. Discover what happened to the missing guards.

4. Find Mortimer and learn the location of the vault that the Keystone opens. Rescued Mortimer, who indeed knows where the vault is. Still unsure whether the vault should be opened in the first place.

5. Take out the treacherous Captain Lorenzo el Diablo and recover the stolen ship, the Armoury, if we can.

[Zepher]

Boomingham returns his handkerchief to his pocket, feeling much better. "You're the one calling the shots, darling dearest, but I hope your father has taught you to only make promises you know for a fact you ought to keep." He smiles. "Good work in there, by the way. I didn't doubt you for a second," he whispers to her. "Should we be off, now?"

[Sandy]

Ellaria looks at Purple. "Is it alright if we return to the safe house now? The party was tomorrow, wasn't it?"