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

[Khorne]

Eric attacks the Two-Faced Mutant and the Slack-Jawed Mutant.

[Sandy]

Results of Round Two of the Mutant Assault:

Loewe hits Three-eyed Mutant - (Three-eyes: 158 health-(32x2/2=32 dmg)=126 health; Althior: -1 ether)

Dorothea hits Three-eyed Mutant - (Three-eyes: 126 health-(31x2/2=31 dmg)=95 health; Althior: -1 ether)

Skinny Joe hits Three-eyed Mutant - (Three-eyes: 95 health-(29x2/2=29 dmg)=66 health; Althior: -1 ether)

Sarge vs. Beastly Mutant (twice) - Critical Mortal Hit (Beastly: 205 health+4 SP-(60+7=67+67=134x2=268 dmg)=0 health)

Eric vs. Two-faced Mutant - Damage/Shield (Ravage - Blue: 154 health-(69x16=1104 dmg)=0 health; Cyclopean: 117 health-(69x8=552 dmg)=0 health; Moss-skin: 36 health-(69x16 dmg=1104 dmg)=0 health; Slack-jaw: 102 health-(69x8=552 dmg)=0 health; Three-eyes: 66 health-(69x8/2=276 dmg)=0 health; Two-face: 200 health-(69x8=552 dmg)=0 health)

Walbartan vs. Slack-jawed Mutant

Sarge vs. Blue Mutant (twice)

Eric vs. Slack-jawed Mutant

>Althior (Darkness) vs. Cyclopean Mutant

>Nur (Lightning) vs. Beastly Mutant

Walbartan - Bleeding (-5 dmg)

The mutants are no match for the powerful heroes, and they quickly fall before their blades. However, Throlar and the human boy have already been taken away.

THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS!

Walbartan gains a fifth of a level, Althior gains three fourths of a level, Nur gains a fourth, Eric gains a third, Sarge and Throlar gain half of a level. The enemies drop the following loot:

Spark Hammer (WP:8, lightning-elemental hammer)

Pickaxe (Allows the user to dig through a breakable wall or obstacle; tool.)

Wooden Spear (WP:4, wood-elemental spear)

Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear)

Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes)

Poisonous Rod (WP:5, causes poisoned by 5-effect; staff)

Lock & Chain (prevents items in the inventory from getting stolen; accessory)

Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip)

Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear)

Small Spiked Club (WP:5, earth-elemental club)

The enemies also drop the following Decamon Cards:

The heroes watch helplessly as the fish-faced girl begins to cry.

"*sob* I can't believe this happened to us! *sob sob* We were supposed to start a new life in Vega, and now the mutants took Brock! *sob*"

"Does anyone have skills in tracking? The rain will wash away their traces quickly."

Party:

Althior Emorith

(K-Nut)

*Party Leader*

32 years old male human Necromancer

Level 40 2/5

*Earns triple XP*

Power:

56

(40+16)

(

Spellpower:

61

(40+16+5)

)

Defense:

6

(4+2)

Health:

39/51

(5+39+5+1)

Ether:

42/55

(5+39+5+4+2)

Gold:

65

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), 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:

Weapons:

Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits.)

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)

Spell Items:

Diamond

(Light)

, Topaz

(Lightning)

, Amethyst

(Darkness)

x2

, Ruby

(Fire)

, Sapphire

(Wind)

, Garnet

(Earth)

, Opal

(Ice)

, Aquamarine

(Water)

, Emerald

(Wood)

Consumables:

5 Potions,

Grand Potion,

11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies,

2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense,

Emergency Essence,

Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts,

Dragon Scale ,

Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones,

Skeleton Decoy

Tools & Treasure:

Bedroll, 3 Bones

Loewe the Coward

(Undead)

Element:

Darkness

Power:

32

Dorothea Cansassy

(Undead)

Element:

Darkness

Power:

31

Skinny Joe

(Undead)

Element:

Darkness

Power:

29

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 24 Raider

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion*

Power:

48

(24+22+2)

Defense:

5

Health:

42/42

(8+23+7+4)

Gold:

29

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP: 22;

Ice

-,

Lightning

-,

Darkness

-elemental; 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:

Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; 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), 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, 9 Grand Potions, Health Core, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 8 Meads, 7 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone

Sgt. Jon McEncy

(Pyrovisionary)

54 year old male human Black Knight

Level 20

*Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *

Poisonous

Defense*

*Hastened*

Power:

42

(20+18+2+2)

Defense:

14

(10+4)

Health:

37/44

(7+19+9+3+3+3)

Gold:

224

Equipment:

Zoidberg Gauntlets

(WP:19, dual strike,

Light

and

Darkness

elemental, Hollow [Grand 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),

Inventory:

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

5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Health Core, 5 Remedies, 3 Venoms, Deadly Venom,

2

Phoenix Essences,

Mead, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb,

Military Grade Fire Bomb,

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)

En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

31 year old male human Evoker

Level 30 2/4

*Immune to

Darkness

*

*Converts Ether to Health*

*Reflects Ether-Based Attacks*

Power:

48

(30+18)

(66 against Humanoids

(30+36)

)

Defense:

1

Health:

47/47

(5+29+3+5+5)

Ether:

40/41

(5+29+1+2+4)

Gold:

30

Equipment:

Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, suitable for mages, clerics and necromancers), 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

*Poisoned by 1*

(WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), En & Sabah & Nur (WP:5, Shurikens 3/3), 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), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory), 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)

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, 3 Meads, Smelling Salts, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs,

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Summons:

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

Decamon Deck:

Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Specter (Icy 2), Scarab (Rock 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1)

Walbartan

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

45 years old female pongcanis Druid

Level 43 2/5

Power:

50

(43+7)

Defense:

3

Health:

39/60

(9+42+7+2)

Ether:

45/49

(5+42+1+1)

Gold:

204

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)

A mile away, two mutants drag their captives through the field of flowers.

Both Tholar and and the boy's hands are tied, and Throlar has been robbed of his possessions.

"Where are you taking us?"

"Shut up, immaculate! And you, dwarf, will pay dearly for what happened to our friends."

"Maddog won't be pleased when he hears about it."

The boy gasps.

"Maddog?! Mother always said that if I don't behave, Maddog and his mutants will come and take me away! I thought he was just a fairy tale!"

The red-clad woman smacks Brock on the back of his head.

"I said shut it!"

Captives:

Throlar Wineghilm (Lord Duvors)

135 year old male dwarven Knight

Level 12

Power:

12

Defense:

0

Health:

21/21

(10+11)

Gold:

530

Equipment:

Mopagsaber (WP:12,

ice

elemental longsword), Poncanis Shield (SP 5, immunity to

ice

) Crow Helmet (SP:1, flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer, suitable for knights and dragoons; headwear), Lion’s Plate (Max. Health +5, Power +1, immune to weakened; suitable to barbarians and knights only; bodywear)

Inventory:

Mace and Chain (WP 3, mace), Elven Sword (WP 5, longsword), Elven Shield (SP 3, All elves in the party gain an equal amount of SP so long as the wielder is standing), Armor of the Draugr (Max Health +2, bodywear), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Mulled Wine, Smoke Bomb, Hint Coin

,

Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Bone

Decamon Deck:

2x Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1)

[K-Nut]

Althior: Pickaxe, Metal Claw

Eric: Pitchfork of Abomination, Small Spiked Club, Leather Whip

Nur: Poisonous Rod, Lock & Chain, All Decamon Cards

Sarge: Wooden Spear, Spark Hammer, Ranger’s Quiver

Althior looks around, with neither the boy nor the dwarf in sight. He turns to the party, "Now, if anyone really wants these cards, take it up with Nur. I figured he can have them all at the moment, seeing as he's the only one here who seems to give a damn about them." He turns back, overseeing the carnage caused by the battle, and attempt to use Spiritism to speak with one or more of the mutants spirits.

I'll wait to see if this works before actually asking any questions. I'm not actually sure if this trait has been used before.

[Jebediahs]

Nur grins wide. I like this gentleman. He gives a curt bow. "Thank you, gracious leader."

[Duvors]

"Immaculate, I wonder what she meant by that." said Throlar to himself, "At least these idiots neglected to blindfold us."

Throlar attempts to memorize the path the mutants take, taking special notice of prominent landmarks.

[Pyrovisionary]

Ooc: I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I will be away from tomorrow until Monday afternoon at the earliest. Again, sorry!

[Sandy]

QM Note: I see now how the Metal Claw is slightly OP (especially when equipped by Chi Monks - thanks Zepher ), so I have to nerf it to only restore health equal to 50% of the damage done.

He turns back, overseeing the carnage caused by the battle, and attempt to use Spiritism to speak with one or more of the mutants spirits.

Althior concentrates, and gets in touch with the spirits of the deceased mutants. Only he can hear their whispers.

"Why do you disturb our rest, Immaculate?"

"You killed us, why can't you let us be now?"

"What more do you want from us?"

Party:

Althior Emorith

(K-Nut)

*Party Leader*

32 years old male human Necromancer

Level 40 2/5

*Earns triple XP*

Power:

56

(40+16)

(

Spellpower:

61

(40+16+5)

)

Defense:

6

(4+2)

Health:

39/51

(5+39+5+1)

Ether:

42/55

(5+39+5+4+2)

Gold:

65

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), 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:

Weapons:

Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits.)

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),

Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear)

Spell Items:

Diamond

(Light)

, Topaz

(Lightning)

, Amethyst

(Darkness)

x2

, Ruby

(Fire)

, Sapphire

(Wind)

, Garnet

(Earth)

, Opal

(Ice)

, Aquamarine

(Water)

, Emerald

(Wood)

Consumables:

5 Potions,

Grand Potion,

11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies,

2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense,

Emergency Essence,

Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts,

Dragon Scale ,

Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones,

Skeleton Decoy

Tools & Treasure:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones

Loewe the Coward

(Undead)

Element:

Darkness

Power:

32

Dorothea Cansassy

(Undead)

Element:

Darkness

Power:

31

Skinny Joe

(Undead)

Element:

Darkness

Power:

29

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord

Level 24 Raider

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion*

Power:

48

(24+22+2)

Defense:

5

Health:

42/42

(8+23+7+4)

Gold:

29

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP: 22;

Ice

-,

Lightning

-,

Darkness

-elemental; 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:

Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; 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),

Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), 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, 9 Grand Potions, Health Core, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 8 Meads, 7 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone

Sgt. Jon McEncy

(Pyrovisionary)

54 year old male human Black Knight

Level 20

*Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *

Poisonous

Defense*

*Hastened*

Power:

42

(20+18+2+2)

Defense:

14

(10+4)

Health:

37/44

(7+19+9+3+3+3)

Gold:

224

Equipment:

Zoidberg Gauntlets

(WP:19, dual strike,

Light

and

Darkness

elemental, Hollow [Grand 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),

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), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear),

5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Health Core, 5 Remedies, 3 Venoms, Deadly Venom,

2

Phoenix Essences,

Mead, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb,

Military Grade Fire Bomb,

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)

En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs)

31 year old male human Evoker

Level 30 2/4

*Immune to

Darkness

*

*Converts Ether to Health*

*Reflects Ether-Based Attacks*

Power:

48

(30+18)

(66 against Humanoids

(30+36)

)

Defense:

1

Health:

47/47

(5+29+3+5+5)

Ether:

40/41

(5+29+1+2+4)

Gold:

30

Equipment:

Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, suitable for mages, clerics and necromancers), 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

*Poisoned by 1*

(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), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory), 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, 3 Meads, Smelling Salts, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs,

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Summons:

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

Decamon Deck:

Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Demon Ray (Aquatic 3), Sahuagin (Aquatic 5), 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),

Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Mandragora (Plant 2), Tangleweed (Plant 3),

Scarab (Rock 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2)

Walbartan

(NPC, controlled by K-Nut)

45 years old female pongcanis Druid

Level 43 2/5

Power:

50

(43+7)

Defense:

3

Health:

39/60

(9+42+7+2)

Ether:

45/49

(5+42+1+1)

Gold:

204

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)

[Khorne]

Eric looked at the loot with a certain feeling of disdain. "What crap. All pieces of unusable utter junk. A whip? Who in their right mind would use a whip to kill somebody? I hope they'll at least fetch me some gold back on the marketplace."

"So, first the yeti runs off and now the dwarf is gone. Not that I particularly mind, though", he said with a smirk. He raised his eyebrow when Althior started conversing with the dead.

[Sandy]

The storm raged on as the remaining mutants and their two captives reached an imposing ruined castle. Throlar was unable to keep track of their route due to the foreign landscape, but he could tell they had walked for miles.

"Welcome to the Ruins of Transmogria, immaculates."

"Don't dawdle now, you have a lot of explaining to do for Maddog."

The mutants pushed Throlar and Brock through the iron gate and into the inner yard of the ruins. Only a few mutants were awake, guarding the place. One of them knocked on a door, and a huge amalgamation of a hound and a man stepped out. Sharp spines grew from his back, and his other hand was double the size of the other. The mutants pushed their captives to the ground in front of their leader.

"What is this?" asked Maddog, the chieftain of the mutants. "Where are the rest of the patrol?"

"They're dead, Maddog, slain by this dwarven immaculate and his companions. We managed to capture these two and flee."

"Are you saying that ten of our finest hunters and gatherers are dead?! For the sake of couple of immaculates?!"

"We're sorry, Maddog! We had them outnumbered two to one, but we didn't think they were so powerful..."

"Morons! The immaculates that wander into the wilderness are either incredibly strong or incredibly stupid, you should know that!"

Maddog turned to the captives.

"You two! What do you have to say for yourselves?"

Brock looks at Throlar in despair, his eyes on the verge of tears.

[K-Nut]

"Why do you disturb our rest, Immaculate?"

"You killed us, why can't you let us be now?"

"What more do you want from us?"

"Why, hello there. Yes, well, sorry about that whole killing thing, but actually it was that large brute over there," He gestures to Eric, "And I did in fact warn you about fighting us. So that one's kind of on you," Althior can tell he's getting nowhere with the spirits, and can tell that his party thinks he's gone mad. "Well, alright then. I am very truly sorry you had to die," Althior drops his voice to a whisper, "I know how painful it is. Dying. But it's not as painful as coming back. I know that you were probably just doing what you were told to do, and for that I am sorry. But I know there should be some good inside of you that lets us go and rescue the two that your companions took from us. Besides, don't you want the people who sent you to your death to suffer? Or at least know what you went through? Or the people who abandoned you to die to suffer? So please, please, where did your two 'friends' go?"

[Sandy]

"So please, please, where did your two 'friends' go?"

The spirits stay silent for a while, before starting to whisper again.

"The immaculate speaks the truth, you know? We did this to ourselves."

"We did this for our God, did you forget that? Funny, I would have expected to meet God by now."

"Maybe Maddog lied to us? Maybe this God lied to him? Whatever it was, I don't really care anymore."

"Hunt the immaculates and bring them to be judged by God. That was our task."

"The ruins of Transmogria, that's where you will find your friends. And Maddog. And God."

[K-Nut]

"The ruins of Transmogria, that's where you will find your friends. And Maddog. And God."

A small smile forms on Althior's face. "Thank you," He simply states. He turns back to the party. "The ruins of Transmogria. That's where they are. If memory serves correctly, that is directly south of Vega. We shall follow the road to Vega and make haste to the ruins. We can stop in the City after we rescue the boy, then make our way back to Dim Haven."

[Duvors]

"I'm surprised at you," said Throlar, speaking to Brock, "he just called you stupid and you don't say anything, well I suppose you can't expect much from some people. Now," he looked toward Maddog as he spoke, "why do you want us? We aren't really ideal slave labor, and I don't think you want to eat us, so why the... heck, are we here?"

[Sandy]

"We shall follow the road to Vega and make haste to the ruins. We can stop in the City after we rescue the boy, then make our way back to Dim Haven."

"*sob* What road? There's nothing but miles of wilderness between here and Vega. I told Brock we would get lost, but he just said we need to head west. *sob* But I don't know which way west is! *sob* And I don't want to go to Vega without Brock... *sob*"

"Now," he looked toward Maddog as he spoke, "why do you want us? We aren't really ideal slave labor, and I don't think you want to eat us, so why the... heck, are we here?"

Maddog grins savagely.

"Slaves? Isn't that the way you immaculates like to run things? Oppress and abuse people who are weaker or look different from you? You are in Transmogria, the safe haven for all the mutated. Occasionally, our patrols come across an immaculate or two - people untainted by the dark magic running wild in this land. They bring them here to be judged by our God. If the God deems them innocent, we will let them go. But if the God finds wickedness and scorn in their heart, He will punish them. Tomorrow, I will take you to the God to be judged as well."

"B-but I haven't done anything!"

"Then you should have nothing to fear, boy. But you can guess how many immaculates we've released during all these years." The mutant chieftain winks. "The number isn't large. Take these two to the pen!"

The mutants pick the captives up roughly and push them to the wooden pen on the far side of the yard. Brock slumps to the ground, exhausted and terrified.

"Why did this happen to me? Gosh, I hope Cally is okay... I miss home..."

[Duvors]

"Why did this happen to me? Gosh, I hope Cally is okay... I miss home..."

"That da... eherm, darned bast... fool, we weren't even given a chance to protest innocence, instead, well, we're here, and some horrible thing that these mutants believe is some sort of god is going to have us thrusted into his den, or something like that anyway."

He looked at Brock very closely, saying;

"This happened because you left your friends and family for something that isn't really very important in a state of ignorance, ill supplied, defenseless, you're lucky you aren't already dead." his voice was rather hard at first, but it softened as he continued, "

You miss home eh? Why did you leave it then? Does this 'Decamon' really matter to you so much Brock? A simple card game, good to pass the time when you have nothing to do, but not really important enough to leave home for. No it is not, to save the world, to do your duty, to defeat a Necromancer, to stop a bunch of fool nobles arguing over trifles, yes, those are all good reasons, but to learn a card game? No, it's not worth it. And your fishy girlfriend is probably with my companions, and they're probably on the way now." Throlar said this in the most reassuring way possible, but he himself doubted it.

Edited June 8, 2014 by Lord Duvors

[Jebediahs]

"*sob* What road? There's nothing but miles of wilderness between here and Vega. I told Brock we would get lost, but he just said we need to head west. *sob* But I don't know which way west is! *sob* And I don't want to go to Vega without Brock... *sob*"

"Well then Althior, are your spirits willing to direct us because in this storm I can't even tell from which direction we came?" Although he suspected all intelligent life had sought shelter by now, Nur briefly searches through the wet to find a creature to communicate with.

[K-Nut]

"Well then Althior, are your spirits willing to direct us because in this storm I can't even tell from which direction we came?" Although he suspected all intelligent life had sought shelter by now, Nur briefly searches through the wet to find a creature to communicate with.

"Don't bother, Nur," Althior urges Sarge to use his compass to find the way.

Edited June 8, 2014 by K-Nut

[Khorne]

Eric rummaged through the mud and shrubbery with his foot, but he didn't find any tracks. It seemed he had lost the skill to track during the time spent as an exile far away from home. He shrugged and wanted if the old man's compass would be able to show the party the way. The Nord snorted as rain dripped from his face. He wouldn't really mind if the party didn't find the dwarf, though.

[Pyrovisionary]

Ooc: I'm back!

Sarge uses his compass to find his way to the ruins of Transmorgia.

[Sandy]

Cally looked pleasantly surprised as Sarge takes out his magic compass. It indeed pointed to a distinct direction somewhere south-west.

"Wow, you guys are amazing! Let's go save Brock! ... Oh, and your friend as well."

"Hmm, the ruins seem to be way off my planned route, but I'm eager to see this through. I'm in no hurry, so I might as well keep travelling with you."

The night and the thunderstorm passed as Sarge lead his companions through the strange plains towards the ruins, and morning dawned bright and clear in the western Darklands. Throlar watched from his cage as the mutant inhabitants of Transmogria wake up and begin their daily chores.

Brock had been silent throughout the night, not answering Throlar inquiries. The misfortunate twist in his "grand adventure" had left the young man shocked, and being stuck in the company of a patronizing dwarf did not help.

As Throlar stared at the busy mutants, a trio of children chasing a muddy pig approached the gate. A one-winged boy spotted Throlar and walked to him.

"You killed my daddy last night", the boy said matter-of-factly. "God will punish you for that. Maybe he'll turn your hands into wings, like me and my dad's."

What does Throlar respond?

[Pyrovisionary]

Cally looked pleasantly surprised as Sarge takes out his magic compass. It indeed pointed to a distinct direction somewhere south-west.

"Wow, you guys are amazing! Let's go save Brock! ... Oh, and your friend as well."

"We're mercs. It's our job. "

[Duvors]

"You killed my daddy last night", the boy said matter-of-factly. "God will punish you for that. Maybe he'll turn your hands into wings, like me and my dad's."

What does Throlar respond?

"Actually I was hauled off before it happened, but I am sorry, not that I would have done much to save him, maybe if I had known more..."

Throlar stood back, his eyes glazing over as he looked over into the distance.

"I hate the role I perform in this massive play called 'Olegaia', everything I do makes me feel worse, I've killed unnecessarily, I've done a deed that was uncommonly like murder, and now I find that I nearly killed a father, at least I was captured before the deed was done, I might sleep slightly easier."

He sighed.

"But not much, I am still morally guilty, as I would have done it myself, that is the great problem with fighting, you do not see your enemy as a person, but as an obstacle, something to be removed."

"And the worst of it is," he said as his eyes snapped back to the present and looked at the mutant boy, "I'd never feel remorse until I met you, and I might never have met you, blast."

He slumped down beside the wicket fence, his eyes shining like two bright blue stars, and in the middle of each was a deep well of darkness, and if you looked into them you would be looking down into infinity, into the mind of Throlar Wineghilm.

[Sandy]

"And the worst of it is," he said as his eyes snapped back to the present and looked at the mutant boy, "I'd never feel remorse until I met you, and I might never have met you, blast."

The boy stared at the dwarf, looking confused.

"Lotsa big words, Mister Immaculate. My daddy was brave, patrolling in the wilds. I wanna grow up to be like him. Umm... Do you fear God, Mister Immaculate?"

As Throlar conversed with the boy, a group of foreigners approached the ruins stealthily.

"This must be it... Looks imposing. The flag is a nice touch, I must add. How will we go about it, Althior?"

[Khorne]

The Raider trotted through the mud, soaked from the rain. Apparently the party had decided on saving the dwarf, after all. Eric grumbled. It was the dwarf's own fault he had been taken. If only he had fought harder. The Vikings tried to never leave a man behind on a raid. They had each other's backs, but Throlar was no Norseman. Throlar was a creature for which Eric felt little sympathy. He had known dwarfs during his youth, but this specimen was different. More annoying. More stuck-up. The dwarfs of Vartland were different. Or at least they were in the Nord's mind. After all, it had been a while since he was last in Vartland amongst his people.

As the party crept closer, Eric checked his stock of consumables. His reserves were running low. Hopefully, the spoils he'd gather during this quest would be enough for him to decently restock. Especially on Mead. He didn't work well without the drink. The Nord grinned as he saw the skull-emblazoned flag. "Could these mutants be worshippers of Wartan Giant-Slayer, Skull-Taker, too?", he thought. Softly, he chuckled. The very thought was amusing. As if the great Allfather of the Norsemen would accept such fallen creatures in his dominion. Only the strong had his attention, only the people of the North.

"What a bunch of degenerates", Eric whispered, to none in particular. "They deserve nothing more than to be taken down."

[Duvors]

The boy stared at the dwarf, looking confused.

"Lotsa big words, Mister Immaculate. My daddy was brave, patrolling in the wilds. I wanna grow up to be like him. Umm... Do you fear God, Mister Immaculate?"

"Depends, what god do you mean? We of the Dwarves know many, but mayhaps you know of only one, is this so?"