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

[Pyrovisionary]

"Wishy washy lass? You forget who's faster here and who killed 6 of them bloody golems. Me. You need us on your side, cos we're better fighters than any of your wolfgang feckwits. So stop being such a whiny lil gal and maybe you could persuade us through actual ideaology not hollow threats and indoctrinated logic."

Dejectedly, Sarge goes to follow Eric downstairs. Grumbling under his breath. As soon as he was payed, he'd be angry.

[K-Nut]

Althior passes the Agni and Gaia Bombs to Sarge "Very well then," He states coldly, "But we still can't be blowing this place without Nur's supply. Nevertheless, go ahead and plant these in the right places." He looks to Walbartan. "You can let the girl go now, Wally. I won't try anything, but the keeper here has put a lot of work into this place. Let's at least show her enough respect to be here with her when it's blown to hell," He supports himself on his staff as he lowers himself, sitting by the wall. He looks up to the Pongcanis, tossing his staff away and placing the Metal Claw back in his pocket. "You say you're kind? Then show a little common decency. Wouldn't you want some if your life's work were about to be blown to hell? If it makes you feel better then you can hold the knife to my throat. Though you should know death threats don't really scare me any more."

He stares up towards the statue and the orb. He takes in a deep breath, exhaustively. He then states only two words. "Any regrets?" This work was getting more draining every time. It was a miracle he hadn't been banned from the hall, though this little bump may change that...

[Sandy]

When Sarge and Eric had moved out of the room, Walbartan put away her knife and pushed Periwinkle after them.

"I'm truly sorry, just go. I will stay here with Althior."

"Hmpf, I knew you didn't have it in you to kill me" Periwinkle muttered as she dashed after her lover.

"That is true", Walbartan said to Althior when they were alone with the Keeper's statue. "She was only a meat shield to prevent you from killing me. What now?"

He stares up towards the statue and the orb. He takes in a deep breath, exhaustively. He then states only two words. "Any regrets?" This work was getting more draining every time. It was a miracle he hadn't been banned from the hall, though this little bump may change that...

"No regrets. That belongs to another story. I did what I had to. I was the only one left. The last of the Keepers. This tower fell on it's own impossibility. Too much power. Too much ambition. Too many secrets. The Tower's reputation alone managed to protect it all these years. Decades of solitude. It was only a matter of time before someone clever and determined enough came. I am glad you came."

Downstairs, the dwarves had finished scouting the floors.

"What TOOK ye so long UP thar?"

"Mr. Thornback found two pillars from the bottom floor that seem to keep the tower in balance. If we blow them up, it should make the whole building collapse. About 500 points of damage should be enough to burst each pillar... We could plant more bombs on this floor just to be safe. What do you say, shall we get onto it?"

"The SOONER ye gemme up from here the BETTER. I swear these SKULLS are staring straight into me SOUL!"

What would the party do?

Party inside the Tower (the undead golems are waiting outside):

Althior Emorith

(K-Nut) *Party Leader*

32 years old male human Necromancer

Level 42 1/5

*Gain Triple Experience*

*Absorbs

Earth

* *Immune to Petrified* *Unarmed Attacks Absorb Health*

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

*Blessed*

Power:

58

(42+16)

Defense:

7

(2+5)

Health:

53/53

(5+41+5+1)

Ether:

0/

57

0

(5+41+5+4+2)

Gold:

40

Equipment:

Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear),

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), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear)

Spell Items:

Diamond

(Light)

, Topaz

(Lightning)

, Amethyst

(Darkness)

x2, Ruby

(Fire)

, Sapphire

(Wind)

, Garnet

(Earth)

, Opal

(Ice)

, Aquamarine

(Water)

, Emerald

(Wood)

Consumables:

4 Potions, 8 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Nostrum, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

Tools & Treasure:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, 2 Bones

Eric

(Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 25 Raider

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion*

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

Power:

42

(25+15+2)

Defense:

5

Health:

43/43

(8+24+7+4)

Gold:

206

Equipment:

Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; longsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect)

Inventory:

Godricsleif (WP: 22;

Ice

-,

Lightning

-,

Darkness

-elemental; longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Small Spiked Club (WP:5,

earth

-elemental club), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Crocodile Belt (Max. health +2, immunity to

water

; accessory), Garnet (

Earth

), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 6 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

Sgt. Jon McEncy

(Pyrovisionary)

54 year old male human Black Knight

Level 23

*Gain Triple Experience*

*Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *

Poisonous

Defense*

*Permanently Hastened*

*Encouraged*

Power:

48

(23+21+2+2)

Defense:

14

(10+4)

Health:

47/47

(7+22+9+3+3+3)

Gold:

149

Equipment:

Demonic Scissors (WP:21, dual strike,

Light

and

Darkness

elemental, Hollow [Potion], dagger), Serpenthead Shield (SP:10, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent

Hastened

effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory)

Inventory:

Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Spark Hammer (WP:8,

lightning

-elemental hammer), Wooden Spear (WP:4,

wood

-elemental spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), 2 Garnets (

Earth

), 3 Potions, Health Core, 4 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 4x Agni Bomb, 4x Gaia Bomb, Demeter Bomb (Causes 100 wood-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, 2 Bones, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

Walbartan

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

45 years old female pongcanis Druid

Level 44

Power:

51

(44+7)

Defense:

3

Health:

61/61

(9+42+7+2)

Ether:

0/

50

0

(5+43+1+1)

Gold:

104

Equipment:

Oaken Mace (WP:7,

wood

-elemental mace), Crinkah Tribal Armor (SP:3, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +1; suitable to pongcanae only; bodywear)

Inventory:

Herbal Infusion (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects)

Hodurr Thornback

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

167 years old male dwarven Berserker

Level 40 2/5

*Natural Respite*

*Thorny Defense*

Power:

50

(40+10)

Defense:

4

Health:

57/57

(8+39+10)

Gold:

14

Equipment:

Amethyst Axe (WP:10,

darkness

-elemental axe), Thorny Leather Armor (SP:4; causes damage equal to the armor's SP to all that attack the user physically; suitable to barbarians and beast warriors; bodywear)

Inventory:

Smelling Salts, Soma

Periwinkle

(NPC, controlled by Khorne)

19 years old female human Harlot

Level 30 3/4

*Money Maker*

*Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed*

Power:

37

(30+7)

Health:

51/51

(7+29+15)

Gold:

43

Equipment:

Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear)

Inventory:

Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm

Dain Almight

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

72 years old male dwarven Alchemist

Level 2

*Instant Items* *Immune to elements*

Power:

15

(2+13)

Health:

11/11

Gold:

100

Equipment:

Oculoid Claw (WP:13, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits; club), Safety Goggles (Grant immunity to all elements; suitable for Dain only; accessory)

Inventory:

Bombastic Mace (WP:5, can be used to launch bombs at enemies, adding the WP to the bomb's power; mace), Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fuse & Detonator (quest item)

[K-Nut]

"That is true", Walbartan said to Althior when they were alone with the Keeper's statue. "She was only a meat shield to prevent you from killing me. What now?"

"Nur won't be back for a little while, I'm guessing. Might as well relax a bit," Althior stared blankly at the opposite wall, thinking to himself. "I wouldn't have killed you. Not without the connection of the ether flow at least. I like to think that's not who I am anymore." He chuckles a bit, half heartedly "but obviously not. Now that I'm bringing this place down."

A few moments of silence pass before Althior let's out another sheepish laugh. "The girl wasn't really your best leverage, by the way. I'm guessing Eric would be the only one who cared if you offed her,"

"No regrets. That belongs to another story. I did what I had to. I was the only one left. The last of the Keepers. This tower fell on it's own impossibility. Too much power. Too much ambition. Too many secrets. The Tower's reputation alone managed to protect it all these years. Decades of solitude. It was only a matter of time before someone clever and determined enough came. I am glad you came."

"There were other keepers then? I'm sure that would've made this task much more manageable." He slowly shifted his gaze up to where the statues eyes would be, "How long have you been trapped in that statue, Mnemosyne? Surely others had been to the tower in recent years, yet no word of your current state ever revealed itself to our ears,"

[Pyrovisionary]

Sarge turns to Dain, asking a question: "Wouldn't be able to cook me up a sleep bomb would you mate? Sorry to put you on the spot but I am not feeling to well so I'd like to perhaps use it as pain relief later you know. But I need one now. Make that two actually. "

Edited September 22, 2014 by Pyrovisionary

[Sandy]

A few moments of silence pass before Althior let's out another sheepish laugh. "The girl wasn't really your best leverage, by the way. I'm guessing Eric would be the only one who cared if you offed her,"

"Like I said, she was my insurance. I knew I could trust Eric - his motivations are clear. He is drawn only by blood, booze, money and pussy. Had you or Sarge wanted to take me down, you would have had to go through the harlot, and Eric would not have accepted that. I might be a weakling by Eric's standards, but I am certainly not dumb. I am glad we reached an armistice, though."

"There were other keepers then? I'm sure that would've made this task much more manageable." He slowly shifted his gaze up to where the statues eyes would be, "How long have you been trapped in that statue, Mnemosyne? Surely others had been to the tower in recent years, yet no word of your current state ever revealed itself to our ears,"

"A long, long line. A long, long time.We Keepers looked over Babel for over two thousand years, up until the war between the sorcerers. Decades have passed since. Few have dared to visit the Tower during the decades it has been devoid of life. Countess Lyudmila of Fellcrest has come here, mostly for old times' sakes. The undead revel on the past. The witches of Ozmath shun this place because of the anti-magic field. Aside from a selected few. Descendants of the sorcerers that escaped here with their life still remember what power the Tower used to hold. Fading memories. They keep the knowledge to themselves in fear that the power would return. Magic is banned here for a reason. Very few have a reason to come here anymore. No reason."

"Don't be getting any ideas now, Althior", Walbartan grunted.

Sarge turns to Dain, asking a question: "Wouldn't be able to cook me up a sleep bomb would you mate? Sorry to put you on the spot but I am not feeling to well so I'd like to perhaps use it as pain relief later you know. But I need one now. Make that two actually. "

The alchemist sighed deeply.

"Like I already told you in my workshop, I cannot create bombs without my equipment and workdesk - which I left to Port Taboo. You should have asked me then. Now, can we please begin planting those bombs?"

The sun continued to climb up the sky while the party prepared to bring down the Tower. It was the afternoon when two figures entered the inner yard.

"It feels strange to return here. I dedicated my whole existence to this Tower for decades. Now it means nothing to me. The life of a golem is a peculiar one, Nur."

On their way back from the Mud Pit, Alfred had explained how he could aid Nur in battle by temporarily shielding him from damage. He would have to retreat to recover from the wounds eventually, though.

Alfred (Nur can call his golem minion once per battle to protect him from all damage and effects for the remainder of the round.)

Party outside the Tower:

En Sabah Nur

(Jebediahs)

31 year old male human Evoker

Level 31.25

*Immune to

Darkness

*

*Converts Ether to Health*

*Reflects Ether-Based Attacks*

Power:

49

(31+18)

(67 against Humanoids

(31+36)

)

Defense:

1

Health:

48/48

(5+30+3+5+5)

Ether:

8/42

(5+30+1+2+4)

Gold:

75

Equipment:

Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, staff), Traveler's Cloak (SP:1, backwear), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted,

Darkness

Immunity, suitable to classes with ether, bodywear), Sedge Hat (+4 Max. Ether, headwear), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them, accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), En & Sabah & Nur (WP:5, Shurikens 3/3), Poisonous Rod (WP:5, causes poisoned by 5-effect; staff), Wooden Shield (SP:5, immunity to

wood

)

Artefacts:

Cobra Nemes (Absorbs poison, recovering health instead of taking damage from poisoning, suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks and necromancers, headwear), Fire Amulet (Makes physical attacks do double damage to all enemies that are weak to fire, accessory), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects, suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators, bodywear), Little Jane's Muff (Protects from sealed-effect, accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles, accessory), Lock & Chain (prevents items in the inventory from getting stolen; accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4, bodywear)

Spell Items:

Garnet (

Earth

), Aquamarine (

Water

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Ruby (

Fire

), Scroll of Confusion

Consumables:

6 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3 Ether Cores, Milk (restores 15 health and 15 ether upon consumption), 5 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2 Meads, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Dirt Bomb, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Trail of Dust Bombs (Causes 5 earth-elemental damage to all opponents and allows the party to flee the battle when used.), Flood Bomb (Causes 20 water-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Alfred (Nur can call his golem minion once per battle to protect him from all damage and effects for the remainder of the round.)

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Summons:

B.A.S.H. (Aquamarine), Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby)

Decamon Deck:

Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Demon Ray (Aquatic 3), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5), Vampire Bat (Flying 3), Specter (Icy 2), White Widow (Icy 3), Golden Scorpion (Luminous 2), Gold Golem (Luminous 6), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Tangleweed (Plant 3), Scarab (Rock 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2), Stone Golem (Rock 8)

[Pyrovisionary]

Sarge hands Hodurr his collection of bombs, totalling 950 damage (I think) "Nur mate, we need yer last supply of small bombs, place em down there would you?"

Edited September 23, 2014 by Pyrovisionary

[Jebediahs]

"It feels strange to return here. I dedicated my whole existence to this Tower for decades. Now it means nothing to me. The life of a golem is a peculiar one, Nur."

"Uh huh...And what of them? Did any of those stone workers now animated by dark magic mean anything to you?"

"Nur mate, we need yer last supply of small bombs, place em down there would you?"

OoC: Dang, can he get inside first?

Nur and Alfred enter the Tower expertly navigating the building's insides as if they somehow knew right where to go to rejoin the Party who apparently explain the situation. "Well alright then...this man look familiar to you? Seneschal, Alf Seneschal. He's here to help."

En Sabah Nur hands a Flood Bomb (20), three Fire Bombs (15), two Lightning Bombs(10), two Ice Bombs (10), two Floral Bombs (10), one Dirt Bomb (5) and two Trail of Dust Bombs (10) down to Hodurr for a total of 80 damage. "Dain and Eric can contribute the rest." Nur takes a moment to fully observe his surroundings as he waits for K-Nut to control the NPCs to place bombs.

[Sandy]

"Uh huh...And what of them? Did any of those stone workers now animated by dark magic mean anything to you?"

Alfred shook his head.

"They were nameless labor, created without hearts. They did as they were told, and when they broke, I sent them to the geomancer for repairs. They did not even have the wit to defend the Tower or themselves unless I told them to. I wonder if I am the last golem with a heart in the world..."

[Pyrovisionary]

"Let's go Kaboom comrades!" A look of childish, manical glee comes over Sarge's face. He walks up the staircase to Althior and Walburtan. "Get your arses down here now or your gettin blown up. C'mon"

[K-Nut]

"Like I said, she was my insurance. I knew I could trust Eric - his motivations are clear. He is drawn only by blood, booze, money and pussy. Had you or Sarge wanted to take me down, you would have had to go through the harlot, and Eric would not have accepted that. I might be a weakling by Eric's standards, but I am certainly not dumb. I am glad we reached an armistice, though."

"Don't sound foolish. The nord is predictable, but it does not mean he is trustworthy. He is drawn by power, and Ambergaze's past would have given him much power over you and Ulric."

"Let's go Kaboom comrades!" A look of childish, manical glee comes over Sarge's face. He walks up the staircase to Althior and Walburtan. "Get your arses down here now or your gettin blown up. C'mon"

Althior hears Sarge's call with a bit of dread. He glances once more to the statue as he stands up. "I am truly sorry, Mnemosyne. For everything that has happened here today and to you. Perhaps now you shall be able to be at peace," He begins to make his way down the stairs before getting in one last glance at the statue and the orb. He quickly turns his head back and makes his way to the entrance of the tower.

"Alright then. Let's do this. Put two Agni bombs against each pillar and do the same with the Gaia ones. Put the Demeter Bomb against one, and then place Nur's bombs, Sarge's Military one, and Dain's Fire Bomb against the other. Then we blow it." He looks to Dain, "Be my guest, Master Dwarf."

Pillar One

2x Gaia (200)

2x Agni (200)

Demeter (100)

Pillar 2

2x Gaia (200)

2x Agni (200)

Flood Bomb (20)

4x Fire Bomb (20)

2x Lightning Bomb (10)

2x Ice Bomb (10)

2x Floral Bomb (10)

Dirt Bomb (5)

2x Trail of Dust Bomb (10)

Military Grade Fire Bomb (15)

[Jebediahs]

"I wonder if I am the last golem with a heart in the world..."

"Well if that is the case, let us dress you with more stylish attire!" En Sabah Nur removes the Robe of the Elven Necromancer and returns it to Althior. "I know...he stole your clothes but this is much better." Nur dressed Alfred in his black bandana headscarf, and shoulder guards & cape combo reminiscent of the mage's original look.

[Khorne]

"I'm actually right here...", the Nord muttered incomprehensibly as the others were talking about him.

"Like I said, she was my insurance. I knew I could trust Eric - his motivations are clear. He is drawn only by blood, booze, money and pussy. Had you or Sarge wanted to take me down, you would have had to go through the harlot, and Eric would not have accepted that. I might be a weakling by Eric's standards, but I am certainly not dumb. I am glad we reached an armistice, though."

Eric simply grunted at the statement. Peri might mean something to the Nord, but she definitely did not mean the world to him and if she would obstruct his path, he'd be sure to take her out.

"Don't sound foolish. The nord is predictable, but it does not mean he is trustworthy. He is drawn by power, and Ambergaze's past would have given him much power over you and Ulric."

"A noble title in the Olegard's trading hub seems quite powerful to me. I care little for magic and such trinkets."

[Sandy]

"I'm actually right here...", the Nord muttered incomprehensibly as the others were talking about him.

QM Note: You said Eric was ready to move out of the room, so he did. See the pictures for reference. Walbartan wouldn't have said what she did if Eric was still present, anyway.

"Don't sound foolish. The nord is predictable, but it does not mean he is trustworthy. He is drawn by power, and Ambergaze's past would have given him much power over you and Ulric."

"It would have only antagonized him with Ulric, I'm afraid. The Wolfheaded Messiah does not welcome challengers."

"I am truly sorry, Mnemosyne. For everything that has happened here today and to you. Perhaps now you shall be able to be at peace,"

"It is as it is. Aye, perchance I will find peace. Is there such a thing? But be aware that Ambergaze's secrets will not be buried with Babel.The truth is out there. She has lived long enough to leave a lasting mark on this world. And the boy knows more than she thinks he knows. Protect the boy."

Althior glanced quickly at Walbartan, but the pongcanis looked unphased. It seemed the statue had only spoken in his mind for once. With the Keeper's words ringing in his head, Althior left the room with Walbartan on his heels.

"Well if that is the case, let us dress you with more stylish attire!" En Sabah Nur removes the Robe of the Elven Necromancer and returns it to Althior. "I know...he stole your clothes but this is much better."

Alfred obediently changed the robe to the clothing Nur offered.

"I look like... you."

"Alright then. Let's do this. Put two Agni bombs against each pillar and do the same with the Gaia ones. Put the Demeter Bomb against one, and then place Nur's bombs, Sarge's Military one, and Dain's Fire Bomb against the other. Then we blow it." He looks to Dain, "Be my guest, Master Dwarf."

Dain instructed Hodurr how to tie the bombs onto the pillars with the fuse, and then the alchemist took the fuse out of the door to attach it to the detonator that was placed outside the circular wall.

"I need a breath of fresh air", said the distraught Walbartan, following the alchemist out.

"Alright, ev'rything should be SET now. Gimme a HELPIN' hand so I can finally get UP, will ye?"

"If it was up to me, you'd stay down there to rot with your furry friend", Periwinkle murmured, still pissed off about how she had been treated by Walbartan.

The heroes looked at each other. What would they do?

Party inside the Tower (the undead golems are waiting outside):

Althior Emorith

(K-Nut) *Party Leader*

32 years old male human Necromancer

Level 42 1/5

*Gain Triple Experience*

*Absorbs

Earth

* *Immune to Petrified* *Unarmed Attacks Absorb Health*

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

*Lucky*

*Blessed*

Power:

58

(42+16)

Defense:

7

(2+5)

Health:

53/53

(5+41+5+1)

Ether:

0/

57

0

(5+41+5+4+2)

Gold:

40

Equipment:

Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear),

Artifacts:

Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4, bodywear), 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), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear)

Spell Items:

Diamond

(Light)

, Topaz

(Lightning)

, Amethyst

(Darkness)

x2, Ruby

(Fire)

, Sapphire

(Wind)

, Garnet

(Earth)

, Opal

(Ice)

, Aquamarine

(Water)

, Emerald

(Wood)

Consumables:

4 Potions, 8 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Nostrum, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

Tools & Treasure:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, 2 Bones

En Sabah Nur

(Jebediahs)

31 year old male human Evoker

Level 31.25

*Immune to

Darkness

*

*Converts Ether to Health*

*Reflects Ether-Based Attacks*

Power:

49

(31+18)

(67 against Humanoids

(31+36)

)

Defense:

1

Health:

48/48

(5+30+3+5+5)

Ether:

0/

42

0

(5+30+1+2+4)

Gold:

75

Equipment:

Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, staff), Traveler's Cloak (SP:1, backwear), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted,

Darkness

Immunity, suitable to classes with ether, bodywear), Sedge Hat (+4 Max. Ether, headwear), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them, accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons:

Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), En & Sabah & Nur (WP:5, Shurikens 3/3), Poisonous Rod (WP:5, causes poisoned by 5-effect; staff), Wooden Shield (SP:5, immunity to

wood

)

Artefacts:

Cobra Nemes (Absorbs poison, recovering health instead of taking damage from poisoning, suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks and necromancers, headwear), Fire Amulet (Makes physical attacks do double damage to all enemies that are weak to fire, accessory), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects, suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators, bodywear), Little Jane's Muff (Protects from sealed-effect, accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles, accessory), Lock & Chain (prevents items in the inventory from getting stolen; accessory)

Spell Items:

Garnet (

Earth

), Aquamarine (

Water

), Topaz (

Lightning

), Ruby (

Fire

), Scroll of Confusion

Consumables:

6 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3 Ether Cores, Milk (restores 15 health and 15 ether upon consumption), 5 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2 Meads, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Alfred (Nur can call his golem minion once per battle to protect him from all damage and effects for the remainder of the round.)

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Summons:

B.A.S.H. (Aquamarine), Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby)

Decamon Deck:

Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Demon Ray (Aquatic 3), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5), Vampire Bat (Flying 3), Specter (Icy 2), White Widow (Icy 3), Golden Scorpion (Luminous 2), Gold Golem (Luminous 6), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Tangleweed (Plant 3), Scarab (Rock 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2), Stone Golem (Rock 8)

Eric

(Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 25 Raider

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion*

*Encouraged*

*Hastened*

Power:

42

(25+15+2)

Defense:

5

Health:

43/43

(8+24+7+4)

Gold:

206

Equipment:

Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; longsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect)

Inventory:

Godricsleif (WP: 22;

Ice

-,

Lightning

-,

Darkness

-elemental; longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Small Spiked Club (WP:5,

earth

-elemental club), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Crocodile Belt (Max. health +2, immunity to

water

; accessory), Garnet (

Earth

), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 6 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

Sgt. Jon McEncy

(Pyrovisionary)

54 year old male human Black Knight

Level 23

*Gain Triple Experience*

*Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *

Poisonous

Defense*

*Permanently Hastened*

*Encouraged*

Power:

48

(23+21+2+2)

Defense:

14

(10+4)

Health:

47/47

(7+22+9+3+3+3)

Gold:

149

Equipment:

Demonic Scissors (WP:21, dual strike,

Light

and

Darkness

elemental, Hollow [Potion], dagger), Serpenthead Shield (SP:10, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent

Hastened

effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory)

Inventory:

Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Spark Hammer (WP:8,

lightning

-elemental hammer), Wooden Spear (WP:4,

wood

-elemental spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), 2 Garnets (

Earth

), 3 Potions, Health Core, 4 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Smoke Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, 2 Bones, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

Hodurr Thornback

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

167 years old male dwarven Berserker

Level 40 2/5

*Natural Respite*

*Thorny Defense*

Power:

50

(40+10)

Defense:

4

Health:

57/57

(8+39+10)

Gold:

14

Equipment:

Amethyst Axe (WP:10,

darkness

-elemental axe), Thorny Leather Armor (SP:4; causes damage equal to the armor's SP to all that attack the user physically; suitable to barbarians and beast warriors; bodywear)

Inventory:

Smelling Salts, Soma

Periwinkle

(NPC, controlled by Khorne)

19 years old female human Harlot

Level 30 3/4

*Money Maker*

*Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed*

Power:

37

(30+7)

Health:

51/51

(7+29+15)

Gold:

43

Equipment:

Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear)

Inventory:

Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm

Party outside the Tower:

Walbartan

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

45 years old female pongcanis Druid

Level 44

Power:

51

(44+7)

Defense:

3

Health:

61/61

(9+42+7+2)

Ether:

0/50

(5+43+1+1)

Gold:

104

Equipment:

Oaken Mace (WP:7,

wood

-elemental mace), Crinkah Tribal Armor (SP:3, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +1; suitable to pongcanae only; bodywear)

Inventory:

Herbal Infusion (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects)

Dain Almight

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

72 years old male dwarven Alchemist

Level 2

*Instant Items* *Immune to elements*

Power:

15

(2+13)

Health:

11/11

Gold:

100

Equipment:

Oculoid Claw (WP:13, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits; club), Safety Goggles (Grant immunity to all elements; suitable for Dain only; accessory)

Inventory:

Bombastic Mace (WP:5, can be used to launch bombs at enemies, adding the WP to the bomb's power; mace), Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

[Jebediahs]

Alfred obediently changed the robe to the clothing Nur offered.

"I look like... you."

"Ah excellent, thank youthank you. Now that's a proper looking body double..." En Sabah Nur grinned.

"Alright, ev'rything should be SET now. Gimme a HELPIN' hand so I can finally get UP, will ye?"

"Sure thing, friend." From where he was currently standing, Nur kneeled before he got on his stomach then looked over the lip of the whole in the direction directly under where he was laying. "Hey, where are yo-Oh my. The rats are awfully big down there."

[K-Nut]

Althior hears the voice in his head and looks to Walbartan. He smirked, then continued his way to the door. So she could communicate one on one, yet she didn't feel like actually telling him about Baba. What a way to go out. He returned to his cold, hardened expression as to not arouse suspicion.

"Ah excellent, thank youthank you. Now that's a proper looking body double..." En Sabah Nur grinned.

"What. The. Hell." Althior blankly stared at the golem. And he was the crazy one. "Just pull him out and let's get out of here," He continued to make his way out of the tower.

Quick question. It doesn't look like these effects are going to be put to use in this quest. Do they carry over to my next quest? Or do they just go away?

[Pyrovisionary]

Sarge goes to the door of the tower, waiting for an indicator that they were leaving. "Where's we gonna get a ship from?"

[K-Nut]

Sarge goes to the door of the tower, waiting for an indicator that they were leaving. "Where's we gonna get a ship from?"

"I'm guessing our Wolfgang friends can helps us out. They had to get here somehow. If not, we are owed a favor by the gentleman in Dim Haven,"

[Sandy]

Quick question. It doesn't look like these effects are going to be put to use in this quest. Do they carry over to my next quest? Or do they just go away?

QM Note: Effects do not carry over to other quests, sorry. There would be one optional battle left, in case you make a specific choice, but we'll see about that a little later. I have to go to work now, but prepare for a blast when I get back.

[Jebediahs]

"Alf, hold on to me cape, please sir." Nur reaches to pull Hodurr out.

[Khorne]

QM Note: You said Eric was ready to move out of the room, so he did. See the pictures for reference. Walbartan wouldn't have said what she did if Eric was still present, anyway.

Ah, whoops! I thought everybody left the room together, following Eric. No problem then .

Eric looked disdainful at the trapped Dwarf and rolled his eyes. He would've left the noisy, no-good Dwarf down there, but in this small game of politics that was going on at the moment, Eric simply couldn't do as he wished. He'd have to bide his time. Perhaps get in a better standing with the Wolf-Headed Messiah and then persuade him of the weakness of these particular members of the Fearsome Four, or whatever the Hel their name was. Then he could take care of them both, Hodurr and that foolish and meak Walbartan. Eric grinned.

"Let's put to the torch to this place. Show us your magic, Dain"

[Sandy]

After pulling Hodurr out of the cellar, the party left the Tower of Babel. They followed the fuse wires out of the gate on the wall, where Dain and Walbartan were already waiting. The fuse ended at a contraption the alchemist had referred to as the detonator that allowed him to make the bombs explode from a safe distance.

"I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined I would one day be responsible for demolishing one of the greatest landmarks in whole Olegaia. Well, at least I will be known for something. No chance for regrets, because here we go!"

The boom was earshattering. Fire and smoke rose from the bottom of the tower as it began to crumble down with increasing speed. The magenta lights flickered in the upper windows until they were covered in the cloud of smoke. It was an awe-inspiring vision.

Then it was over. The Tower of Babel was no more, its secrets erased for eternity.

The party stood silently on the Blood Brick Road, gazing at the smoke rising from the other side of the wall, until they heard footsteps approaching.

"Theee deeed iiis dooone. Miiistress wiiill beee pleeeased." Mr. Gaunt grinned widely. Bluto Ziegfried stood behind him, looking pale and ashamed.

"No doubt about that..." muttered Walbartan, bitterly.

"Ev'rything went SMOOTH as ale down me THROAT. Ye can thank ME fer a BIG part in that!" Hodurr boasted.

"Psst!" Dain leaned towards Periwinkle and whispered. "Who are these people?"

"They're from the Foxband. That creepy one is Mister Grunt, and that bearded man is actually a little boy on stilts wearing a fake beard. Or that's the impression I got, at least. They serve the witch Barbapapa, the one who wanted the Tower destroyed. She also apparently eats people, although that part was a bit hazy to me too."

"Uh, alright... Got it." Dain thought it best not to ask anything more.

"Weee wiiill depaaart baaack tooo Eeeubric nooow throoough a maaagic pooortal. Yooou aaare freee tooo cooome wiiith uuus, uuunleeess yooou haaave unfiiinished buuusineeesses heeere iiin Baaabeleeeth."

Would the party leave Babeleth with the Wolfgang members instantly, or find their own way back to Eubric?

[K-Nut]

Althior stared to the tower as it fell. It was truly a sight to behold. A disgusting site that is. He then turned and walked up to the approaching Wolfgang members slowly. He passed Finnegan as he walked by, and for the first time in a while, the Aura spoke with a look of disdain. "Why?" Althior did not dignify this with a response as he continued his way to the front of the group. He glanced to the boy. His torment would be up soon, hopefully. He then shifted his eyes to Mr Gaunt.

"There is nothing left in this god-forsaken land to care about. Let's go now,"

[Pyrovisionary]

He needed a ship to Slamanda, but he could surely get that from eubric, one of the biggest ports in Oegia? He lso need to take Dain to the guild.

"Eubric it is scarcrow man."

[Jebediahs]

Nur coughs briefly into a closed fist. "Yes, well...might we be receiving our payment now? I too met a lady in Vega and 1000 gold would really help to show 'er a good time." His statement was true it'd be nice to find Cinnabar again so soon but Nur was more afraid that when he exited the portal, the Wolfgang and his money might be elsewhere.