Heroica RPG - Quest#100: To The Tower of Babel

[Khorne]

The Viking gloated. At least someone had a measure of intelligence and was on the same page. With a deep bellowing voice, Eric introduced himself to Sarge in a sing-song accent typical of those hailing from the North: "My name is Eric, farfar."

Eric's cold blue eyes briefly crossed with Sarge's as he stated his name, little lights of mischief burning fiercely in them. The Nord firmly held his arms crossed over his chest. He saw no need in shaking the man's hand or whatnot. No formalities, he just gave his name and a slight nod, accompanied with a typical childish grin that equalled his eyes in terms of mischief. The Nord didn't bother asking the old-timer's name, he'd get to know him sooner or later.

Calmly, he spoke again: "Farfar is right. Give the order already, Necromancer. Let us take the magic skipp and head for Dim Haven."

[Duvors]

"S'long as we hide the shortround over here. But he's a midget, shouldn't be too hard."

"Midget! Why you racist bastard I'll..."

Throlar's face had seemingly become that of a Njagan Oni, mouth wide, face red, mustache flaring, he was obviously trying to hold himself in check.

Suddenly he seemed to calm down, his face returning to it's original form, and said;

"You know what? Forget it. I'm not even going to bother."

"There are three ports there," Eric began, putting up three fingers as if speaking to a child, "filled with smugglers and others who know how to handle a ship. There's bound to be a way out there.", he ended. He kept his perpetual grin and despite growing irritated with the situation, an air of coldness and aloofness still surrounded him.

"From Dim Haven, we trek to Vega. It's the biggest city in the Darklands, so perhaps it is useful to visit it before going to the Tower? In case we need more supplies. Anyway, a city like Vega will surely have some information of use to us about the Darklands and the Tower."

"I understand all that, Garhaouwgh, but I also understand that there are ships where they rob you blind while you sleep and then dump you over the side with a brick tied around your neck, and that is the kind that we're most likely to find there, if we don't find one that is actually owned by the Wolfgang, and if that happens then we are as good as dead, and I believe that I already stated my objections to Vega, in fact I won't go there unless the vote of the whole company is against me, but if we do go there then the only information we'll get are rumors that are only two percent true. But what I really object to is your attempt to find an excuse to go there and get drunk on cheep liquor."

Throlar was obviously in a bad mood.

[Jebediahs]

"Byblos, might you have any items to aid in our journey? Perhaps a special spellbook for charming undead or an evoking tome for summoning more than one minion at a time so that I may be better able to compete with the abilities of a necromancer?"

[Duvors]

"Byblos, might you have any items to aid in our journey? Perhaps a special spellbook for charming undead or an evoking tome for summoning more than one minion at a time so that I may be better able to compete with the abilities of a necromancer?"

"No, I really don't think he does, but talking of books reminds me..."

Throlar pulls a small book from his pocket.

"I borrowed this from here while you where away, I apologize for keeping it for so long."

He put the book down on top of the librarians desk.

[Sandy]

"Byblos, might you have any items to aid in our journey? Perhaps a special spellbook for charming undead or an evoking tome for summoning more than one minion at a time so that I may be better able to compete with the abilities of a necromancer?"

At first he librarian stiffens and gives a hostile glare at En, but then he brushes it off with a laughter.

"Haha, nothing but dusty old tomes here. They might entertain you on the long nights at sea, nothing more."

[Pyrovisionary]

Sarge lets the"Farfar" pass, matching the mischievous grin Eric seemed to be similar to him in a way. And with a party like this with all the arguing he needed all the friends he could get.

"I understand all that, Garhaouwgh, but I also understand that there are ships where they rob you blind while you sleep and then dump you over the side with a brick tied around your neck, and that is the kind that we're most likely to find there, if we don't find one that is actually owned by the Wolfgang, and if that happens then we are as good as dead, and I believe that I already stated my objections to Vega, in fact I won't go there unless the vote of the whole company is against me, but if we do go there then the only information we'll get are rumors that are only two percent true. But what I really object to is your attempt to find an excuse to go there and get drunk on cheep liquor."

Throlar was obviously in a bad mood.

"Mate, if you aint goin to Vega yer gettin left behind. I'm going even if you pansies aint. Besides, we could find some Wolfgang, I aint killed a werewolf yet." Sarge grins menacingly "And when I say find us a ship. I mean steal one and kill any bugger on it. Not host a bleedin dinner for the workin classes. Like the lad said. Dim-haven, Vegas, Tower. Vega. Bit more'a Vega. Eubric."

[Dragonfire]

"I think Dim Haven is our best bet, would prefer to take the Bonaparte ship since we're guaranteed a return journey. As Eric says, we'll easily be able to pass as common mercenaries- that's really what we are anyway."

[Duvors]

"And when I say find us a ship. I mean steal one and kill any bugger on it."

"Try anything like that and you're dead. I can snap your neck with my bare hands if I want to."

[Pyrovisionary]

"Try anything like that and you're dead. I can snap your neck with my bare hands if I want to."

"I'd like to see you reach that high."

[K-Nut]

"Farfar is right. Give the order already, Necromancer. Let us take the magic skipp and head for Dim Haven."

"I concur. Let us take the Flouncy Phoenix to Dim haven."

"Try anything like that and you're dead. I can snap your neck with my bare hands if I want to."

"Empty threats are going to get us nowhere, Dwarf. We're all on the same side here. So perhaps you should start acting like it."

"I'd like to see you reach that high."

"Aaaand you." Althior turns. "You're not experienced and you're not in charge so please stop being a complete jackass. I'm not going to have anyone jeopardize this mission with their loudmouthed insults, and I doubt even you can take out an entire ship of smugglers when I leave you behind," He rolled his eyes, knowing this was to be a long journey being stuck with these imbeciles on his team. Even Finnegan made those two look like geniuses.

[Duvors]

"I'd like to see you reach that high."

"Well, I could start by grabbing you by the collar and pulling you down here, then I could grab you by the chin with my free hand, release my hold with my other hand, use it to grab the back of your fat head, and give it a quick half turn to the right," he shrugged "simple really."

"I concur. Let us take the Flouncy Phoenix to Dim haven."

"Empty threats are going to get us nowhere, Dwarf. We're all on the same side here. So perhaps you should start acting like it."

"Aaaand you." Althior turns. "You're not experienced and you're not in charge so please stop being a complete jackass. I'm not going to have anyone jeopardize this mission with their loudmouthed insults, and I doubt even you can take out an entire ship of smugglers when I leave you behind," He rolled his eyes, knowing this was to be a long journey being stuck with these imbeciles on his team. Even Finnegan made those two look like geniuses.

"Very well, I will obey, but not without question."

[K-Nut]

"Very well, I will obey, but not without question."

"As long as you shut up about it, we should be good," Finnegan ruffles Throlar's hair as if he were a small child as he floats past. "Now, shall we?"

[Duvors]

"As long as you shut up about it, we should be good," Finnegan ruffles Throlar's hair as if he were a small child as he floats past. "Now, shall we?"

Throlar sticks his tongue out at Finnegan's retreating back. Edited May 19, 2014 by Lord Duvors

[Pyrovisionary]

"So it is agreed We set out on the Flouncing Phoenix to Dim Haven"

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche sighed at the bickering between the soldier and the dwarf. He walked up to Nur. "Hello. I don't believe we've met before."

"And I'm not too keen on visiting anywhere except the Tower and maybe Vega. I don't feel like meeting any more undead or worse yet, mutants on our travels."

[Jebediahs]

Avalanche sighed at the bickering between the soldier and the dwarf. He walked up to Nur. "Hello. I don't believe we've met before."

"And I'm not too keen on visiting anywhere except the Tower and maybe Vega. I don't feel like meeting any more undead or worse yet, mutants on our travels."

"Greetings. I am En Sabah Nur. I wouldn't mind visiting all the locations this dark place has to offer, once our objectives have been completed of course. How have you been fairing in Eubric with the weather? It's a much warmer climate than you're used to, no?"

[Sandy]

The Falconer shrugs her shoulders and winces a little as the heroes pass her offer to use her private vessel.

"Very well. I shall make the arrangements with Captain Squidraken. Seek out The Flouncy Phoenix at the Harbor District tomorrow morning. Before that, I suggest you get a good night's sleep. There's a long and grueling journey ahead of you."

"Yes, the best of luck on your mission on my behalf as well. Please take this with you." Byblos rolls the map of Babeleth close and hands it to Althior.

With that, the heroes go their separate ways to catch some sleep. In the morning they meet again in front of the extravangant magic ship named The Flouncy Phoenix. Captain Squidraken and his first mate Jaws are already waiting for them at the pier.

"So, *gurgle* I've got another batch of heroes to haul over the seas. *splud* *spit* It's been almost three years since the last time, if my *slurp* memory serves me right. I trust you are ready to depart to Babeleth right away? *spuddle* *gurgle*"

"Cap'n, I checked the ship fer stowaways and founds none."

"Good work, Jaws! *spit* *slurps* Don't want another Ziegfried rugrat sneaking aboard, *gurgle* there was enough trouble the last time it happened. *splud* So, what is our destination, *spit* gentlemen?"

[K-Nut]

Althior stumbles back, attempting to avoid getting soaked by the squid. However, he finds himself wiping saliva from his face before he speaks, "Ah, Master Squidraken. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. How are things at Ziegfried manor? I haven't spoken to the family in a while. It's been almost a year, I believe. Our destination, you ask? Dim Haven in Babeleth. I'm sure you know your way, but I do have a map just in case." Althior had heard the tales of the last time Heroica had boarded this ship. It was indeed the same witch they were attempting to stop that had taken the child away. The Ziegfrieds had a history, and a rather horrible one at that, but nothing to deserve that type of tragedy. He straightens up, quickly, and turns towards the ship. "Let's get a move on, then. I don't wish to keep you from your other duties, sir."

[Pyrovisionary]

Sarge gets onto the ship, trying to avoid the radius of the captain's slobber.

Ooc: My computer is having problems with its fan so I am getting it repaired and won't be able to post on it until Friday. I'll post whenever I can.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Pyrovisionary

[Khorne]

After spending the night in the Merry Mermaid, Eric joined the rest of the party at the dock. In silence he boarded the ship. The sly grin that marked his face turned into a faint smile at the thought of being out at sea again shortly. To top it off, the party had even agreed not go on a Bonaparte vessel. Feeling quite happy, Eric was curious and eager to find out what else this quest might bring his way. He felt as if surely the gods' favor was his again.

[Sandy]

"Ah, Master Squidraken. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. How are things at Ziegfried manor? I haven't spoken to the family in a while. It's been almost a year, I believe. Our destination, you ask? Dim Haven in Babeleth. I'm sure you know your way, but I do have a map just in case."

"Dim Haven, eh? *gurgle* The smugglers will be flabbergasted to see a fancy ship like The Phoenix on their doorstep. *spit* *spuddle* Very well, I will take you there in a couple of days. *gulp* We won't be sticking around, though, so you will need to find your own way back home. *slurp* Hop on aboard! *splud*"

The heroes are astonished that any ship could cover such a long sea voyage in only a few days, but then again, The Falconer said this was a magic ship. It became evident as Captain Squidraken began fiddling with a crystal dome at the front deck.

"The cap'n could sail this ship by himself, but he lykes to keep me fer company. And cook him meals. And scrub the deck. At least he lets me call meself the ship's first mate."

The Flouncy Phoenix soon speeds out of the harbour, leaving Eubric behind and sailing towards the rising sun.

~* ~* ~* ~*~

But as soon as the ship has vanished from sight, three figures appear on the pier.

"The Heroicans are heading to the Dim Haven. You and the Fearsome Four will be waiting for them there. They must not find out my secrets, I am not ready for that yet. You have served me well throughout the ages, my pretty bird, I expect that you will not disappoint me this time either."

"Neeever, myyy Mistreeess. Buuut if weee cannot kiiill theeem, hooow caaan weee stooop theeem?"

"Divide and conquer, my bird. Ulric told me several of those so-called heroes have already done services for the Wolfgang in the past. It should not take much to persuade them. Take the boy with you, for extra insurance. I am growing fatigued with him always skulking behind me."

"..."

"Whaaat iiif heee triiies tooo escaaape, Mistreeess?"

The woman turns to look at the bearded man.

"Bluto, you will behave on this trip, or you will never see the light of day again. I will always find you, you know that from the countless times you've already tried to flee."

"..."

"But most of all, have fun in Babeleth! It is absolutely dreadful this time of the year, hehehe."

[Duvors]

Throlar was annoyed, this ship was much to garish, how the hell are me supposed to get there without attracting too much attention? Though maybe the ship's character might provide a cover story... he'd have to think about that. That was what he told himself as he made his way to the bow, in the meantime he could enjoy the clean sea air, the swash of the waves, the feel of the rolling deck under his feet, her movement as she rode over the waves, up and down, up and down, up... and down, up... and... down.

Dammit he was going to be seasick again.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Lord Duvors

[K-Nut]

Althior stood at the front of the ship, the smell of the sea filling his nostrils. He had grown used to the smell in his years abroad, and yet still he grew no more fond of it. He hadn't left the island since his voyage from Mermont three years prior, and he had not missed it. Of all the places he'd been, Babeleth had not been a part of his history. That was not necessarily a bad thing, but he was never found to be needed there. He leaned against the railing, moved his hands across the railing back and forth, and stared straight down at the water. He still did not recognize the man who stared back at him. He probably never would.

[Jebediahs]

Nur hears a crashing sound. No, is it a clashing or breaking sound? Must be the waves against the boat. Just to be sure, I'd better ask. He peeks over the Captain's shoulder. "What's crackin' Squidraken? Last time I was on a boat, I heard thunder then it sank."

[Sandy]

"What's crackin' Squidraken? Last time I was on a boat, I heard thunder then it sank."

Captain Squidraken laughs, spit blasting from the tentacles.

"Bwahahaha! *spit* *slurp* *gulp* Did you not hear when I told you this is a magic ship? Lightning won't strike us, *splad* sea monsters will avoid us, all in all, nothing can stop us. *spuddle*"

"He forgot ta mention that there ain't a pirate in these seas that would pass the opportunity to steal this ship." Jaws mutters.