Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl winks at Keith and turns to Samantha,

"I'm Purpearl. Keith and I met at the Hovels and I helped him deal with a massive infestation of rats in his basement. I didn't help much though, your brave business partner did all the work. Say I did most of the encouragement?"

[Chromeknight]

"Tra-Serral... Thank you. I don't wish to make you relive unpleasant memories. I just wish to understand what happened. Raguel told me that if you did right, Ennoc would watch over you. But you say that he gave his life for peace, and still Ennoc abandoned him. My dreams horrify me not because of his death - that is something I saw and knew in the waking world - but because of the shadows that extinguish the light. I just wish to understand, Lady Calmcacil, how light can be swallowed by the darkness. What is the darkness? How can we possibly hope to fight it if it swallows the light of even Ennoc's most just servants? I am prepared to fight, but I don't know who to turn my sword on, and I don't know how to learn that, and worst of all, I don't know if it would do any good anyway."

Nerwen listens to Samuel, saddened by his lack of trust. She meditates on the message for him, a subjective hour, but to him a brief moment.

Is Ennoc a god or is he only a figment? He is a god and is over the unjust and the just alike. For is it not the unjust who most need justice? I tell you, Ennoc watches over you whether you do right or wrong. If you are his then your disobedience may earn his censure but you will nethertheless remain his servant. This is why I can say confidently that Ennoc did not abandon Raguel. Moreover, Ennoc is entirely able to achieve multiple results with the lives and deaths of his servants. So, Raguel's death could be viewed as the natural result of his mistakes and disobedience, whilst at the very same time, be a death that is just and achieves justice for those in the Kingdoms and in Baltarok - orcs who need justice just as much as men do.

And Raguel's death is a move in the battle between the forces that shape the lives of men. For while the gods are a pantheon, and are peers, they are not all harmonious, and their elemental nature means they strive one against another, sometimes opposing, sometimes complimenting, all the time struggling for dominance.

So you say you saw light swallowed by the darkness? I saw the the light standing against the dark and not overcome. I saw the darkness unmasked and flee, opening a chance for peace, light and justice to rain upon a people untouched by such for two centuries. For the hate and violence of the orcs is not from their essential nature but is the work of a truly evil force. A force that was blunted at the bridge.

As for what the darkness is, there is no one answer. Some darkness is the shadowy glade under moonlight ruled by Sem. Some darkness is the inner room, filled with the smoke of incense and visions granted by Isis. Some darkness is the balance and harmony of duality, of necessary war and righteous hate ruled by the Twins. And some darkness is those of the outside who hate even the darknesses of this world and would tear everything down until not even primordial chaos is left and all is eaten.

You are right to fear that kind of darkness, the undark, for it cannot be fought with swords, nor even with light alone. When that undarkness comes is can only be fought with the powers of the gods themselves. So, do not be quick to attack the servants of other gods. And do not label all darkness as evil, practice discernment and strive to hear Ennoc's will that you may be a worthy servant and be blessed with his power to stand against those from the outside.

I tell you the truth, for I have seen it happen, the powers of the gods can and does suffice to oppose the undark and there is worth and good in doing so. Do not turn from your hope but seek again the blessing of Ennoc. These are his words to you.

Ask a theological/philosophical question, get a wall of text exposition.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Chromeknight

[Zepher]

"Things seem to keep happening..." Alexis sighs, not elaborating. "Seems we're both on the same page. Glad to see you're still safe."

"Nice to meet you too Keith." She says smiling and then tosses her hair.

Keith's face plunges to crimson. He wiggles his hands around a little, not sure what to do with them.

"Would the lovely lady like a drink?" he asks.

"Now, Keith, don't forget your lovely wife."

"Oh Sam, I'm just being polite. I bought you a drink as well, didn't it?"

The gnome dutifully answers 'XX' before jumping to his own query - the anticipation is killing him. "My purse is empty," he begins, "and I don't even want to talk to that sniveling excuse for a bartender anyway. Who knows how he got here so fast - maybe he has a Hel horse, or an airship, or something. Anyway, did you manage to find a peashooter I can borrow?" Matthias works hard to avoid jumping up and down in excitement.

Speaking of empty purses, is it allowed for Matthias to nip out to the Marketplace and sell a couple of things? Or no? Not saying he will, but I just want to make sure I understand the intent.

"Aye, though peashooter is unfortunately the accurate name for it." XX hands a small hand gun, "Peashooter". "Even though it's a piece of crap I had to make a 50 gold deposit for it. Bull. Anyway, if I don't get it back to the fellow by the end of the week he'll make me double that amount - and the issue, of course, with being Everyman's pal is that he will track me down to make sure I pay, if another one of his pals wants him to. So, either get me 100 gold by the end of the week and keep the thing, or return it to me. Now, let's say you and me celebrate this new present with our pal Midge, and see if your least favorite bar tender won't give me and you a drink. I'll buy."

Peashooter (Handcannon, WP: 2, deals the burning by 2 effect on a successful hit)

OoC: It would take time - if that's a risk you're willing to take, yes. So, no "nipping out" but a trip to the market would be allowed! I would just be the one timing it. Or you could go the Boomingham route and ask your quest mates for a loan.

Purpearl winks at Keith and turns to Samantha,

"I'm Purpearl. Keith and I met at the Hovels and I helped him deal with a massive infestation of rats in his basement. I didn't help much though, your brave business partner did all the work. Say I did most of the encouragement?"

"She's too polite. I served as the discouragement as she did all the work!"

"Keith couldn't hurt a fly, much less a rat! It's a pleasure to meet you, Purpearl. You'll find that in our duo, I serve as both the brains and the brawn. Keith is mostly... the encouragement." She giggles.

Nerwen listens to Samuel, saddened by his lack of trust. She meditates on the message for him, a subjective hour, but to him a brief moment.

Is Ennoc a god or is he only a figment? He is a god... these are his words to you.

"I do not believe that Raguel wavered from the light. I do not pretend to understand the minds and ways of the Gods. I only wonder... we are all, the Warrior Priests, prepared to give our lives for Ennoc - but shouldn't anyone willing to give their life be good enough to keep their life. You say also that we can achieve more in death, but I don't understand how. How can the death of someone doing something righteous cause peace? If the good are killed, aren't they killed by those who do evil? I do not wish to oppose you and your wisdom, only to understand."

OoC: I love long speeches when they're thought out and peppered in at the appropriate times! Nerwen's a talker, you don't have to apologize for it. Play her the way she wants to be played!

[StickFig]

"...Now, let's say you and me celebrate this new present with our pal Midge, and see if your least favorite bar tender won't give me and you a drink. I'll buy."

Matthias eagerly accepts the Peashooter, turning it in his hands as 'XX' speaks. The firing mechanism is more up-to-date than his usual weapon, but the barrel and bore... so small! It's a weapon, though... He vaguely hears something about owing 100 gold if he doesn't return the little gun, and starts to pay attention again just in time to hear 'XX' say it's time for a drink. He heads to the bar and hails Featherhead. "So, what are you serving here? And what exorbitant rates do you expect us to pay?"

"Give us a good deal and we'll think seriously about not having another fight," he adds as an afterthought.

[Masked Builder]

Keith's face plunges to crimson. He wiggles his hands around a little, not sure what to do with them.

"Would the lovely lady like a drink?" he asks.

"Why yes, thank you very much." She says with her charming smile.

[StickFig]

"Why yes, thank you very much." She says with her charming smile.

Matthias nudges Keith. "I'm sure her friends would enjoy something to drink as well."

[Purpearljellyblob]

"She's too polite. I served as the discouragement as she did all the work!"

"Keith couldn't hurt a fly, much less a rat! It's a pleasure to meet you, Purpearl. You'll find that in our duo, I serve as both the brains and the brawn. Keith is mostly... the encouragement." She giggles.

"Nothing hides from the fact that you two don matching outfits for a partnership. What kind of business are both of you into?"

[Chromeknight]

"I do not believe that Raguel wavered from the light. I do not pretend to understand the minds and ways of the Gods. I only wonder... we are all, the Warrior Priests, prepared to give our lives for Ennoc - but shouldn't anyone willing to give their life be good enough to keep their life. You say also that we can achieve more in death, but I don't understand how. How can the death of someone doing something righteous cause peace? If the good are killed, aren't they killed by those who do evil? I do not wish to oppose you and your wisdom, only to understand."

It wasn't so much an apology as amusement that I'm easy to get talking, given the right topics.

If you are willing to give your life, why are you surprised that Ennoc occasionally avails himself of that offer? Sometimes there is more in play than simply the apparent 'goodness' of the one who dies.

One death causing peace? Is his death worth achieving less than that? Imagine a land where a conflict that might have raged is put on hold, even if only for a few years. Zoom in to a peasant boy in a kingdom, one who would have been pressed into service in an army and died quickly in the front of battle. Instead of dying, this boy comes to the attention of a local priest, who sends him off to study and train, a boy who grows to be a faithful servant of Ennoc. Multiply this story across four kingdoms and you can begin to see possible repercussions of Raguel's death.

Label those who kill the good as evil, that does not change the fact that Ennoc, as a god, can use what is labeled evil for his own good ends. Perhaps you begin to understand? But tell me also of yourself. Why are you doubly blessed?

[Zepher]

Matthias eagerly accepts the Peashooter, turning it in his hands as 'XX' speaks. The firing mechanism is more up-to-date than his usual weapon, but the barrel and bore... so small! It's a weapon, though... He vaguely hears something about owing 100 gold if he doesn't return the little gun, and starts to pay attention again just in time to hear 'XX' say it's time for a drink. He heads to the bar and hails Featherhead. "So, what are you serving here? And what exorbitant rates do you expect us to pay?"

"Give us a good deal and we'll think seriously about not having another fight," he adds as an afterthought.

"Oh no, oh no," cries the poor fellow. "Two times in one day. Please don't hurt me. This isn't my bar - the were hounds who run it are *sniffle* on a vacation while it gets renovated *sniffle* wish I could go on a vacation *sniffle* and have asked me to watch it in the mean time. I can't give drinks away for less than they'd charge or they'll *sniffle* skin me when they return."

Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 43 gold.

Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 23 gold.

Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 48 gold.

Rum - The favorite drink of any common pirate, giving it to them makes them your friend. Does not work on pirate leaders, though. Costs 7 gold.

"Why yes, thank you very much." She says with her charming smile.

"Pick your poison!" he says open hearing Justin list the drinks.

Matthias nudges Keith. "I'm sure her friends would enjoy something to drink as well."

Samantha smiles charmingly, her words caustic.

"I'm sure her friends can afford to buy their own drinks."

"Purpearl and I are pals already! She knows she only need ask for a drink and I'll buy it for her! I am forever in her debt."

"Nothing hides from the fact that you two don matching outfits for a partnership. What kind of business are both of you into?"

"Think of us as the Heroica of Odd Jobs. We're both from the Hovels, so we do what we can to keep afloat. You'd be surprised how willing people are willing to pay to get silly little tasks done."

"We sailed recently on a merchant ship, loading and unloading wares in various cities. I finally convinced Sam to quit with me - turns out I have no stomach for the ocean."

"As I told Alexis, our most recent job is transporting a body for burial. He wants to be married at point A, but he died at point B, and his family is to lazy to take him there, so we got stuck with it. Which reminds me, we actually do need to get going tonight. Keith, finish your drink, buy one for Alexis, and we'll hit the road!"

It wasn't so much an apology as amusement that I'm easy to get talking, given the right topics.

If you are willing to give your life, why are you surprised that Ennoc occasionally avails himself of that offer? Sometimes there is more in play than simply the apparent 'goodness' of the one who dies.

One death causing peace? Is his death worth achieving less than that? Imagine a land where a conflict that might have raged is put on hold, even if only for a few years. Zoom in to a peasant boy in a kingdom, one who would have been pressed into service in an army and died quickly in the front of battle. Instead of dying, this boy comes to the attention of a local priest, who sends him off to study and train, a boy who grows to be a faithful servant of Ennoc. Multiply this story across four kingdoms and you can begin to see possible repercussions of Raguel's death.

Label those who kill the good as evil, that does not change the fact that Ennoc, as a god, can use what is labeled evil for his own good ends. Perhaps you begin to understand? But tell me also of yourself. Why are you doubly blessed?

"He has the right to my life, yes. I have sworn it to him, and Raguel swore it to him as well. I ask only how a just god can throw away a life of a servant? If he is powerful beyond means, if he is able to bend the wills of men and orc and all mortals, why does he allow his own servants to die?"

"You say that Raguel's death will bring peace, will allow children to live and join the order, or go do other production and righteous things with their lives. I do not doubt that. I do not doubt that Ennoc brought good in what he does, I only wonder why it cost what it cost. You have presented me with many positive products of Raguel's death, and I do not doubt them, m'lady, but you have yet to tell me why he had to die to achieve them. That is my question. Why must the light be extinguished for others to shine more brightly? Why could Raguel have not lived as a champion? Would there be no peace then? And why? If Ennoc can bend the wills of mortal, why then did he bend them to kill Raguel to bring peace, as opposed to using Raguel as a champion of peace?"

"As for my doubly blessed..." the boy blushes, "I fear now that you will think I do not deserve the honor. In all truth I don't know what I did to garner it myself." In answer, two angels shimmer into existence for a mere second, flanking Samuel on either side. He smiles sheepishly.

[Masked Builder]

Hmm, she thinks to herself. "I'd like a Flame Distilled Brandy."

[StickFig]

"Hmphf," Matthias sighs, not really in the mood for a drink anyway. It's already been quite an exciting day, he has a new cannon in his hands to examine, and he doesn't much care to deal with Featherhead again. "'XX', why don't you and Midge have a drink; I'm not all that thirsty at the moment." The gnome finds an empty table, scanning the room to see if there are other patrons he hadn't seen, other entrances and exits, and anything else of note before sitting down and focusing his attention on the Peashooter.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Think of us as the Heroica of Odd Jobs. We're both from the Hovels, so we do what we can to keep afloat. You'd be surprised how willing people are willing to pay to get silly little tasks done."

"We sailed recently on a merchant ship, loading and unloading wares in various cities. I finally convinced Sam to quit with me - turns out I have no stomach for the ocean."

"As I told Alexis, our most recent job is transporting a body for burial. He wants to be married at point A, but he died at point B, and his family is to lazy to take him there, so we got stuck with it. Which reminds me, we actually do need to get going tonight. Keith, finish your drink, buy one for Alexis, and we'll hit the road!"

"Sometimes people have the means but they are not committed one way or another, that's when people like you and me come in to fill the gap. In the end, they are happy and you put food on the table to keep yourself going." shrugs Purpearl. "It is hard to come by people like Keith, Sam. Sometimes for a team to work, there needs to be someone that lead and others to follow. Can't fill up a team with people who always want to call the shots, can you? But I suppose for a duo, it's flexible."

[Chromeknight]

"He has the right to my life, yes. I have sworn it to him, and Raguel swore it to him as well. I ask only how a just god can throw away a life of a servant? If he is powerful beyond means, if he is able to bend the wills of men and orc and all mortals, why does he allow his own servants to die?"

"You say that Raguel's death will bring peace, will allow children to live and join the order, or go do other production and righteous things with their lives. I do not doubt that. I do not doubt that Ennoc brought good in what he does, I only wonder why it cost what it cost. You have presented me with many positive products of Raguel's death, and I do not doubt them, m'lady, but you have yet to tell me why he had to die to achieve them. That is my question. Why must the light be extinguished for others to shine more brightly? Why could Raguel have not lived as a champion? Would there be no peace then? And why? If Ennoc can bend the wills of mortal, why then did he bend them to kill Raguel to bring peace, as opposed to using Raguel as a champion of peace?"

Bend the wills of men? Is your will bent or do you serve freely, without coercion? No, the gods use those who would be used and do not give their power to those who will not accept it. To say that the gods bend the wills of men is to mistake their methods. They guide, inform, send dreams and visions, bestow power and withhold it. But always at the unfettered choice of the mortals involved.

As for allowing his servants to die, is Ennoc a miser that hoards mortal servants like coins, keeping them locked away? Or does he have a purpose of his own which he acts to achieve, spending his disciples, yes, even their lives, to purchase advantage over the other gods and victory against the outsiders.

As for why Raguel had to die, part of the answer is sometimes history needs not a champion, but a martyr. But again, though Raguel was of the Light, he was not all of the Light. That he is gone is sad, but not cause for dispair. The Light Above continues on undimmed.

Nerwen pauses, her voice quiet, but carrying clearly to Samuel.

I must confess though, part of why he was martyred was that I, seeking to follow Ennoc's path, delivered him up to pay the blood debt owed by the Kingdoms. He died so that Prince David, his acolyte, did not have to.

[Zepher]

Hmm, she thinks to herself. "I'd like a Flame Distilled Brandy."

"Justin! A brandy for my lady friend here!" Keith drops some gold on the counter. "Sam is right, as always, however, and I think you'll have to drink that with only your fellow heroes for company. I've got to hit the old dusty trail."

"Hmphf," Matthias sighs, not really in the mood for a drink anyway. It's already been quite an exciting day, he has a new cannon in his hands to examine, and he doesn't much care to deal with Featherhead again. "'XX', why don't you and Midge have a drink; I'm not all that thirsty at the moment." The gnome finds an empty table, scanning the room to see if there are other patrons he hadn't seen, other entrances and exits, and anything else of note before sitting down and focusing his attention on the Peashooter.

"Don't have to tell me twice."

Matthias shuffles over to a table. He does not see any other patrons, save the ones the party has already engaged in conversation. The only entrances/exits are the stairs, leading upwards to the rooms for the night no doubt, and the front door.

"Sometimes people have the means but they are not committed one way or another, that's when people like you and me come in to fill the gap. In the end, they are happy and you put food on the table to keep yourself going." shrugs Purpearl. "It is hard to come by people like Keith, Sam. Sometimes for a team to work, there needs to be someone that lead and others to follow. Can't fill up a team with people who always want to call the shots, can you? But I suppose for a duo, it's flexible."

"Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Keith. I couldn't do a thing I do without him." She beams. "But really, we must be going." Sam and Keith stand up, wave a thank you to the heroes, and walk out the door into the night. Only seconds later, Pigley and Russel walk in. They glance around, unsure who to go sit near.

As for why Raguel had to die, part of the answer is sometimes history needs not a champion, but a martyr. But again, though Raguel was of the Light, he was not all of the Light. That he is gone is sad, but not cause for dispair. The Light Above continues on undimmed.

Nerwen pauses, her voice quiet, but carrying clearly to Samuel.

I must confess though, part of why he was martyred was that I, seeking to follow Ennoc's path, delivered him up to pay the blood debt owed by the Kingdoms. He died so that Prince David, his acolyte, did not have to.

"Prince David. My brother in the light - nurtured by the same man. Perhaps one day I will find him." Samuel smiles. "You have been most gracious, Lady Calmcacil. I do not doubt it was difficult for you to recall the death of such a noble man, such a warrior of the light. But you have given me some names. Tra-Serral. Prince David." He rises. "I have other matters to attend to shortly. I myself have never been one to drink, but if you are, I would like to buy you something as a thank you. Even a meal of some sort. You have been generous with your time."

[Masked Builder]

Alexis downs the brandy. "Well, time for me to go to bed." She heads to her room.

[StickFig]

Matthias, having obsessed over every tiny detail of the Peashooter (easy and quick to do, since it's not exactly a work of art or a wonder of engineering), looks up to see the uncertainty in Ruffers' and Pigley's faces. "How was your errand?"

[Chromeknight]

I hope that your path continues to bring you wisdom and that you find the peace you seek.

Since you are collecting names, you might seek out the Mithrandir, my grandmother. If you are curious about the appearance of two angels to protect and guide you, she may know the answer. You will find her in the white tower between the low Kingdoms and Mistaria.

As for drink, as we serve as shields to our brethren, I have been drinking more ambrosia lately. I heard the barkeep say it was on the menu.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl moves away from the bar as Sam and Keith heads out. She finds an empty table to sit on as she waits for everyone to turn in for the night before doing so herself. Her left index finger drums the medallion in a irregularly irregular manner while she holds the bedroll on the other hand. As she dips herself into the endless sea of possibilities that might come about, words of Irisa interrupt her chain of thought from time to time, as though serving as a reminder of some sort.

[Zepher]

"Went as well as it could. We pick up a Phoenix Essence we owe Lady Nerwen."

Sameul goes over to the bar and buys Nerwen an Ambrosia, that she swiftly downs. He makes his way towards the door, but is stopped when Alexis runs into someone she recognizes on the rickety staircase.

Against all odds, walking down the stairs, is Strong-Chested Bors. He sneers at Alexis when he sees her shock... but then he has his own recognition, and glances around the room, his eyes narrowed and fierce.

"What's going on?!" cries the dwarf with him.

"Heroes," growls Bors.

"But you said we wouldn't be running into any of them! I'm just here to make some quick gold, damn it, Bors! I knew I shouldn't have trusted you after Grumpy never came back!"

"Stuff it, Sneezey." Bors glowers at the heroes. "Look, Chauncey and I are done. We've got no quarrel, alright? I don't know where the Hel he's taking Aventine. He doesn't tell me jack, and he doesn't let me loot at all, so I took what I could and left. I'm just gonna make a quick bit of gold in town, and be out of your hair. He's heading towards R'Klif, by the way. There, some information for you. So, let's go our different ways amicably." He stumbles over the last word, and even as he says it, he waves his sword around.

Sensing some danger, Samuel wanders back to Nerwen's side, and Midge whips a dagger out from some unseen pocket.

The Heroes

Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob)

*Party Leader*

180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *

Evasive

* *Blessed*

Level 12.5

Power:

27

Health:

20/20

Ether:

18/18

Gold:

87

(Owes Karie 25 gold)

Equipment:

Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Evasion Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed)

Inventory:

Thorny Rose (WP: 17,

wood

-elemental, deals the poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Bedroll, Potion (x3), Grand Tonic (x2), Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Tasty Pretzel (x2) (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Mead, Ambrosia, Bone, Tinyshroom, Level Up Mushroom, Venom (x2), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Fang Dagger (WP: 4)

Gemstones:

Ruby (

Fire

), Topaz (

Lightning

)

, Amethyst (

Darkness

),

Opal

,

Diamond

,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Aquamarine

Scrolls:

Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Magical Staff (WP: 15;

Water

-,

Darkness

-elemental; staff)

Alexis Fenral

, Orc-kin

(Masked Builder)

*Immune to

Blinded

*

*Counterstriking*

*Blessed*

*Encouraged*

*Immune to Ice*

22 year old female elven Harlot

Level 45.25

Power Bonus:

0

Defense:

0

Health:

73

/73

Gold:

1489

GP:

9

Equipment:

Steel

fan (WP:20,

ice

-,

lightning

-, and

darkness

-elemental)

Ring of Sight (protects from

blinded

), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed)

Inventory:

Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges)

, Death's Whip (WP:11, on successful hits there is a 1/6 chance to cause double damage), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5,

light

-elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4; staff), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Smelly Hide (Suitable for barbarians and beast warriors, half damage from beasts and humanoids on Damage, bodywear), Aquamarine (

Water

), Diamond (

Light

), Sapphire (

Wind

), Topaz (

lightning

), Fifty Shades of Bley, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Remedy, 2 Somas, Smoke Bomb, 5x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 4x Potion, Grand Potion, 9 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 9 Remedies, 7 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones, Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from

fragile

), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear)

XX

Level 33 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* *Encouraged* *Immune to Ice*

Health:

49/49

Defense:

0

Gold:

307

Equipment:

XX Hand Cannon (WP: 12, Ignores SP), XX Am

mo Belts (As an

Alchemist

, XX can only receive rolls ending in "Bomb", excluding Bravado Brew and Explosion, as a Cannonner Bomb XX and Bomb XXX are added to possible creations), Cannoneer's Sashes (The damage output of bombs consumed are added to the WP of the Cannoneer's weapon before damage calculation)

Inventory:

Dangerous Dagger (WP: 20, Fire-Elemental),

Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x7, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x3, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bombs (4), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to

Fragile* *Blessed* *Reinforced*

Level 29.3

Power bonus:

0

Defense:

16

32

Health:

48/48

Ether:

31/34

Gold:

27

Equipment:

Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14,

Light

Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Orc Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Heavy Armor (SP:5, Immune to

Fragile

, bodywear), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed)

Inventory:

Mourning Star (WP: 10;

Fire

-elemental; inflicts

Fragile

-effect; mace), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is

Slowed

and

Immune to Hastened

; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to

Blind

), Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to

Light

and

Jinxed

, Suitable for Knights), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired, Accessory, Suitable for Paladins), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors)

•

Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles, accessory), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to

Sealed

; bodywear), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear)

•

Topaz

•

No Scrolls

•

Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (4), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Ether Core, Grand potion, Ambrosia (3)

•

Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass

Midge

Level 22 Battle Mage *Encouraged* *Immune to Ice*

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 21/21

SP: 8

Gold: 25

Equipment: Midge's Dagger (WP: 3), Heavy Mail (Bodywear, SP: 7, Suitable for Barbarians and Knights), Helmet (SP: 1)

Inventory: Tonic, Potion, Mead, Topaz, Ruby, Diamond

Samuel the Doubly Blessed

Level 15 Paladin *Immune to Light, Darkness, Sleep, Blinded, Confused and Jinxed*

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 22/22

Gold: 0

Equipment: Sword of the Warrior Priest (WP: 5, Meditates become hits), Armor of the Warrior Priest (Immune to Light and Darkness Elementals, Immune to Blinded, Asleep, Confused, Jinxed)

Inventory: Phoenix Essence

Matthias

the Carnival Crusader (nstickney)

Level 12 Ranger *Hastened* *Blessed*

Power Bonus

: 1

Defense

: 0

Health

: 17/17

Gold

: 0

Equipment

:

Peashooter (WP: 2, deals the burning by 2 effect),

Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers),

Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed)

Inventory

: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle),

Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from

Bound

and

Slowed

effects),

Grating Stone, 2x Mead, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smelling Salts, 2x Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being

Encouraged

at the start of any battle), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP: 12, Deals the Bleeding -3 Effect)

Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley

Level 18 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed*

Power: 34.25

Health: 32/32

Defense: 4

Gold: 241

Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed)

Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Venom, Phoenix Essence

[StickFig]

"Went as well as it could. We pick up a Phoenix Essence we owe Lady Nerwen."

...

Against all odds, walking down the stairs, is Strong-Chested Bors.

Matthias isn't sure what's more surprising: that they've 'coincidentally' run into another villian, or that Ruffers and Pigley made it to the Marketplace and back without running one. Maybe the most surprising thing is Pigley's bad grammar; the animal is generally pretty articulate.

"Ten gold I don't have says Lady Purpearl picks a fight here, too," he remarks in the animals' language, not wanting Berthadhiell to understand.

Sensing some danger, Samuel wanders back to Nerwen's side, and Midge whips a dagger out from some unseen pocket.

Despite his disparaging remark, the gnome can feel the nearness of battle too - he doesn't trust Bors in the least. Seeing Midge pull the tiny dagger from the folds of his clothing, Matthias picks up Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe from his pile of weapons on the floor and holds it out towards the halfling. "Midge, why don't you take a look at this axe - you can borrow it if you want," he says, doing his best to make Bors and the dwarf a little more nervous by showing off the wicked blade. "And Samuel, I've got a big flaming sword wrapped up over here too that isn't doing me any good...."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods amicably to Samuel and looks expectantly in Purpearl's direction.

She replies via the Sylvania's cowl she wears to Matthias

<no one here would take that bet ranger, they would lose their money for certain.>

[StickFig]

"Exactly, Lady Nerwen - we gnomes will gamble on anything, but only when we know we'll win," Matthias replies with a grim laugh.

[Masked Builder]

"Well if we attack him fine, but I'm inclined to let him pass." Alexis says with a sigh.

[Zepher]

Matthias isn't sure what's more surprising: that they've 'coincidentally' run into another villian, or that Ruffers and Pigley made it to the Marketplace and back without running one. Maybe the most surprising thing is Pigley's bad grammar; the animal is generally pretty articulate.

"Ten gold I don't have says Lady Purpearl picks a fight here, too," he remarks in the animals' language, not wanting Berthadhiell to understand.

Despite his disparaging remark, the gnome can feel the nearness of battle too - he doesn't trust Bors in the least. Seeing Midge pull the tiny dagger from the folds of his clothing, Matthias picks up Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe from his pile of weapons on the floor and holds it out towards the halfling. "Midge, why don't you take a look at this axe - you can borrow it if you want," he says, doing his best to make Bors and the dwarf a little more nervous by showing off the wicked blade. "And Samuel, I've got a big flaming sword wrapped up over here too that isn't doing me any good...."

OoC: Apologies for the poor writing. I've been pretty spent, recently. I'm very excited for vacation - it turns out part time jobs unexpectedly turned full time jobs and I do not agree.

The ranger's quip sparks a snort of amusement from the pig, and a indiscernible glance from Russel.

Samuel and Midge both accept the weapons.

"This is one Hel of an axe," rumbles Midge severely, testing it out a few times. "Very good for cutting up Orcs." Bors narrows his eyes at Midge, but then shakes his head, dismissing whatever vulgar thought he had in favor of a retreat.

"How do these heroes know you?!" whimpers the dwarf. "You told me we'd just be making some quick money flipping that artifact."

"I said stuff it, Sneezy. These heroes and me know each other because we're both tangled up in the same mess. Never deal with wizards. Should have stuck to that. One bribes you one way, one bribes you the other, they both play with your mind." Bors spits. "Quit passing around weapons."

"What mess?!"

"Shut it, Sneezy."

"Exactly, Lady Nerwen - we gnomes will gamble on anything, but only when we know we'll win," Matthias replies with a grim laugh.

Another appreciative snort from Pigley.

"Well if we attack him fine, but I'm inclined to let him pass." Alexis says with a sigh.

"What happened to the morality of heroes, huh?" sneers XX. "Bors had just as much a hand in Aventine's kidnapping as the Werewolf or the Nord. But he gets to go free?"

"But I told you. Chauncey and me, we don't get along now."

"Yeah, after you took someone hostage, sure."

"Listen, I don't have to prove jack to you. Fine, I'm not good, but neither are you. What makes Aventine better than Chauncey? They're both stuck up pricks."

"What about this artifact you're trying to flip," accuses Samuel. "That does not sound righteous to me. Where did you get it from."

"Hey, that's no fair, someone gave it to me."

"A transparent lie." Samuel turns to Nerwen. "Are we to let this villain go? Surely he has committed many crimes. He reeks of evil."

[StickFig]

No need to apologize! I was more pointing out that your prose is usually so good that when you do make the rare mistake, it is hard to tell if you meant it in character or just missed something. And here's hoping you get the job situation figured out to your satisfaction.

Matthias' interest is peaked by mention of a valuable artifact. While Samuel seems to think there's been a theft, the gnome wonders first if it might be connected to Aventine and Chauncey, and second whether it might be profitable... hey, his pockets are more than empty - don't judge!

He finally addresses Bors directly, trying his best to look intimidating although he can barely see over the table. "First, Mister Chest, we already knew about R'Klif, so you won't get much gratitude from us for 'spilling' that bit. Second, how do we know you and Chauncey fell out? Prove it. Third, what's this artifact? Something connected to the two wizards? Out with it."