Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[StickFig]

"The demon also gave us both incredibly powerful weapons. I have since buried mine. And do not go looking for it. You won't find it."

"You've read my mind," Matthias says. "At least I hear that Charis has excellent wine, if we're to spend a week...."

Turning to the crab with the sword and his pig, Matthias makes a series of noises mostly unintelligible to Alexis and Purpearl. "Master Russel and Sir Pigley, I'm called Matthias. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. To which of you should I speak - or to both? As you can tell, I have no need of a cowl as does Lady Nerwen. Tell me, what do you think of our situation? Do you know the man 'XX' and accept him as a member of our party? How does our task of protecting Mr. Aventine from the demon and other dangers seem to you?"

Edited June 3, 2014 by nstickney

[Zepher]

Alexis apparently does not remember that quite a few people that XX knew (and even one or two he considered a friend) and saw her with last did not live, but perhaps she's the sort of hero who only counts other heroes as worth mentioning as far as death goes!

"You may of course address both of us! Unlike you humans, dwarves, elves, Orcs... all you so called non-animals, we crabs treat our steads with respect. Just because I ride him does not mean he is not my best friend!"

"We've all got to play our part," intones Pigley solemnly.

"Right you are! I think Atramor may have mentioned XX... and not too positively, but he looks like he can get the job done, and Johnny picks good friends for the most part. Chauncey is a name I recognize for sure, he actually funded the play that Pigley and Everyman took part in! He's a powerful foe, but Russel Ruffers never turns down a fight!"

[Masked Builder]

"That's not to say that a few of my friends didn't die. Good people." She says with an air of regret.

[Zepher]

Bart Aventine clears his throat.

"If you're all done with your questions for me, and your catching up, I do have one more caveat before we leave this basement. You are playing in a game of powerful men, and the temptation to flip or flop will no doubt be great. I have prepared for that eventuality, and have created these to prevent it from happening." The man raises seven medallions. "These are the Blood Oath Medallions. You are to wear them. While you wear them, you will receive a portion of my power. However, should you let me die, the Medallion will sap away some of your strength."

Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Suitable for anyone: User is blessed, if Bart Aventine dies, the user will lose .1 of their max health rounded up, permanently)

"Are you still willing to proceed? If not, Everyman will go collect new heroes from the Hall, but time is of the essence, and I like the group we have here."

[Masked Builder]

"I'll do whatever is necessary to keep you safe." Alexis accepts the medallion and puts it on, taking off the cloak.

[Zepher]

OoC: An accessory must take the place of an accessory.

[Masked Builder]

Alexis takes off the medal and puts on he medallion.

OOC: Aw.

[Chromeknight]

As this was seemingly a requirement, Nerwen grudgingly exchanged the seal for the medalion.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen hands Purpearl her Opal, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald and Aquamarine and

Scrolls of Sleep, Sealing, Blindness, Weakening, Fragile and Confusion

I believe my role will be as a strong shield at the front and I will not have space to use scrolls. The gems will be useful also.

[StickFig]

"Unlike you humans, dwarves, elves, Orcs... all you so called non-animals...."

"I'm a gnome, actually," Matthias winks to the crab. "We're not typically familiar with steeds, so my apologies," he adds to Sir Pigley.

"...I think Atramor may have mentioned XX... and not too positively, but he looks like he can get the job done, and Johnny picks good friends for the most part."

"I don't know Atramor," Matthias notes, feeling once again very new to Heroica despite his experiences in Baltarok, "but I'm willing to accept your recommendation of Master Everyman's friends for now, I suppose." Everyone seems to know everyone, he thinks to himself.

OoC: An accessory must take the place of an accessory.

And I suppose all normal artefact (level) restrictions apply?

Against his better judgement, Matthias takes his cue from the Ladies and accepts the medal, struggling to get the ribbon around his neck without dislodging his Dapper Hat.

Edited June 20, 2014 by nstickney

[Purpearljellyblob]

"If you're all done with your questions for me, and your catching up, I do have one more caveat before we leave this basement. You are playing in a game of powerful men, and the temptation to flip or flop will no doubt be great. I have prepared for that eventuality, and have created these to prevent it from happening." The man raises seven medallions. "These are the Blood Oath Medallions. You are to wear them. While you wear them, you will receive a portion of my power. However, should you let me die, the Medallion will sap away some of your strength."

"Are you still willing to proceed? If not, Everyman will go collect new heroes from the Hall, but time is of the essence, and I like the group we have here."

"I'm impressed. You've certainly gone through great lengths to keep yourself alive." as Purpearl unequips her Crocodile handbag, exchanging it for the Medallion.

Nerwen hands Purpearl her Opal, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald and Aquamarine and

Scrolls of Sleep, Sealing, Blindness, Weakening, Fragile and Confusion

I believe my role will be as a strong shield at the front and I will not have space to use scrolls. The gems will be useful also.

After receiving the gems and scrolls from Nerwen, Purpearl takes out her Thorny Rose.

"It may not deal great damage demons or demon spawns, but it seeps poison. Just let me know if you see any need for it. I will be happy to lend it to you."

[Zepher]

"Very well. We will get going then. I also hear that you heroes use something called a Party Leader. I believe that I would do best deputizing my fellow mage."

The Heroes

Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob)

*Party Leader*

180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *

Evasive

* *Blessed*

Level 10.5

Power:

13

(Level 10 + WP 3)

Health:

11/18

(Base 5 + 9 Levels + 4 Bonus)

Ether:

16/16

(Base 5 + 9 Levels + 2 Bonus)

Gold:

78

(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)

Gemstones:

Ruby (

Fire

), Topaz (

Lightning

)

, Amethyst (

Darkness

),

Opal

,

Topaz

,

Diamond

,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Aquamarine

Scrolls:

Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion

Alexis Fenral

, Orc-kin

(Masked Builder)

*Immune to

Blinded

*

*Counterstriking*

*Blessed*

22 year old female elven Harlot

Level 44.4

Power Bonus:

0

Defense:

0

Health:

42/72

Gold:

1458

GP:

9

Equipment:

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

blinded

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

Inventory:

Steel fan (WP:20,

ice

-,

lightning

-, and

darkness

-elemental), 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, 8 Water Bombs, 2x Lightning Bomb, 2x Fire Bomb, 3 Dirt Bombs, Smoke Bomb, 4x 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), 2xTitan 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)

XX

Level 32 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed*

Health:

48/48

Defense:

0

Gold:

450

Equipment:

XX Hand Cannon (WP: 12, Ignores SP), XX Ammo 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 x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to

Fragile* *Blessed*

Level 28

Power bonus:

0

Defense:

16

Health:

47/47

Ether:

32/33

Gold:

0

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:

Magical Staff (WP: 15;

Water

-,

Darkness

-elemental; staff), 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),

•

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)

•

No Gems

•

No Scrolls

•

Phoenix Essence, Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (2), Fire Bombs (2), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bombs (2), 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

Matthias

the Carnival Crusader (nstickney)

Level 10 Ranger *Immune to

Bound

,

Slowed

* *Blessed*

Power Bonus

: 1

Defense

: 0

Health

: 15/15

Gold

: 63

Equipment

: Fireball Extraordinaire (Hand Cannon, WP:5, also hits enemies listed above and below target, user is

Slowed

), Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from

Bound

and

Slowed

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

Encouraged

at the start of any battle), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers),

Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley

Level 16.5 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed*

Power: 42

Health: 26/30

Defense: 4

Gold: 346

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)

OoC: Please note that XX can perform actions both as a Alchemist and Cannoneer.

The heroes head out to the docks. The water is choppy. Aventine looks worried. He keeps glancing at the sky, and seeing him do it, the heroes follow suit. There are dark clouds rolling in off the sea. Eventually they meet with the man who is supposed to take them out to sea. He and Aventine hold a brief conversation out of ear shot, but it becomes clear quickly what he's saying.

"I'm sorry, I just can't take a ship out in this weather. I'm already in the dog house as it is. Sunk the last damn ship I took out," he eyes the heroes, not suspiciously or maliciously or even accusatorially, just pointedly: "that one was on the behest of a Heroica employer as well."

Aventine looks up at the skies. They are, in the Captain's defense, incredibly stormy. The heroes know that manipulation of weather is possible, but incredibly hard for Mages... and even the best of them can't change an entire storm on an entire ocean, just effect small areas.

"If you can find somewhere to stay for the night, I'll be able to take you tomorrow, assuming the storm passes."

There is clearly no point in arguing, so as the dark clouds pile up in the sky above them, the heroes make their way to a nearby tavern, the Albatross, to spend the evening. The heroes pile in, and Aventine picks a table.

The heroes look at the bar...

and the one other occupied table...

What would they like to do?

Edited June 4, 2014 by Zepher

[Masked Builder]

Alexis goes over to the Crowkin. "Hello there. Do you work for J. Smith?"

[Zepher]

The Were-Raven shrieks a heart wrenching shriek, and it takes Alexis a few seconds to recognize it as a laugh. Even so, it sends shivers down her spine, and as the Were-Raven's blood shot eyes turn on her she notices that they rarely if ever blink, and she feels even more unease.

"I am Dr. Everstien. Not some lackey to some low level criminal. Besides, I hear that J. Smith only hires Crowkins, and I am quite clearly a Were-Raven," he cackles. "You can tell us apart easily - Crowkins have had the great shame of having their wings removed, Were-Ravens have not. Were-Ravens are trustworthy and cunning. Crowkins are neither." He looks her up and down. "You do not disguise yourself very much, do you? You are a Harlot, and since you are a well armed Harlot I will assume you come from Heroica Hall. I have worked with your kind before. I find that you rarely leave your own bar unless it is for a mission, as the drinks are free there and the rest of Olegia is not so generous. What brings you to the Albatross?"

[Masked Builder]

"Good. Had an unfortunate run in with a Crowkin earlier. It didn't end well, for him. As you said I am from Heroica and am here business. At least for today." She pauses. "And I'm glad you like my new outfit." Alexis smiles.

[StickFig]

Matthias, wondering if he's seeing things, stalks up to the bar with his big cannon and positions himself in between the Watchman and the ...being... in the white headscarf. "Do you have any seidr?" he queries the bartender, doing his best to observe everything about the bartender and especially the other two patrons. Wanting an opportunity to see the entire bar, he turns and calls to Ruffers and Pigley, carefully noting the layout of the room and all the exits. "Would you two care for anything?"

Edited June 3, 2014 by nstickney

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods in satisfaction as Matthias takes a range of sensible precautions to secure the inn. She moves to stand by the door. Her armour and shield somewhat disguising her slim figure, she projects an air of defensiveness, aimed at discouraging other people from randomly wandering in and further complicating things.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Entering the Albatross, Purpearl's pleased that everyone in the party's being covert with their actions and gives them a slight nod. She takes up a seat beside Aventine and speaks in a hush tone, ensuring no one else hears, "Things might get messy once the bad weather hits and kinds of people start pouring in to seek shelter. It's possible that your former apprentice may pay off people to, you know, keep an eye on you before appearing himself. Do you think you'll be comfortable here out in the open or do you need a room for the night?"

[Zepher]

"Good. Had an unfortunate run in with a Crowkin earlier. It didn't end well, for him. As you said I am from Heroica and am here business. At least for today." She pauses. "And I'm glad you like my new outfit." Alexis smiles.

"I don't recall saying I like your outfit," clacks Everstien. "I am also on business, actually." And with that, he stops talking, leaving the Alexis to question entirely if he wishes to discuss the matter further or be left alone. He is a hard Were-Raven to read.

Matthias, wondering if he's seeing things, stalks up to the bar with his big cannon and positions himself in between the Watchman and the ...being... in the white headscarf. "Do you have any seidr?" he queries the bartender, doing his best to observe everything about the bartender and especially the other two patrons. Wanting an opportunity to see the entire bar, he turns and calls to Ruffers and Pigley, carefully noting the layout of the room and all the exits. "Would you two care for anything?"

Matthias glances around the bar. Other than the Watchman, Bar Tender, garbed man, Everstien, and those he entered with, there are no people in the bar. Matthias also notices, suddenly, that Everyman has entirely and totally abandoned the group - apparently somewhere between the docks and the Albatross, or the Hovels and the docks, or at least at some point, he had slipped down a back alley very quietly without anyone noticing.

There are two doors - one that they entered through which led to the front desk and entrance way, and one opposite that which presumedly led up the stairs to the rooms. There are also a few windows situated on what would be the second story. They allow in the darkening sunlight.

The Watchman and the garbed man are talking merrily as Matthais approaches, and so it seems unlikely to Matthias that the man in garb is part of a group that would assault a different member of the watch, though certainly not impossible.

"...had me squashing bugs," he says with a laugh. The Watchman laughs right along with him. The two friends turn to watch Matthias' approach.

Matthias asks for some strange drink from the bar tender.

"I'm afraid not," says the Bar Tender courteously. "Here's what we've got."

Tiger Balm - Grants immunity to all effects (positive and negative) for one battle. Costs 100 gold.

Mead - Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle. Costs 20 gold.

Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 60 gold.

Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 70 gold.

"Russel Ruffers never turns down a drink, though I've got enough gold to pay for myself!" the small crab proclaims, buying a Mead.

"I'm trying to watch my weight," Pigley laments.

XX also gravitates towards the bar, and orders a mead for himself as well.

OoC: Another thing worth noting - at bars on Zepher Quests you must drink your drink immediately! You will not be allowed to buy one for taking later.

Nerwen nods in satisfaction as Matthias takes a range of sensible precautions to secure the inn. She moves to stand by the door. Her armour and shield somewhat disguising her slim figure, she projects an air of defensiveness, aimed at discouraging other people from randomly wandering in and further complicating things.

The door remains motionless. It is slightly before noon... it seems unlikely that many people will enter a bar at this time, unless the rain drives them to it.

Entering the Albatross, Purpearl's pleased that everyone in the party's being covert with their actions and gives them a slight nod. She takes up a seat beside Aventine and speaks in a hush tone, ensuring no one else hears, "Things might get messy once the bad weather hits and kinds of people start pouring in to seek shelter. It's possible that your former apprentice may pay off people to, you know, keep an eye on you before appearing himself. Do you think you'll be comfortable here out in the open or do you need a room for the night?"

"I was afraid earlier I was not being clear enough, and you have proven me right. Lord Chauncey was my fellow apprentice, not an apprentice of mine. We studied under the same teacher." He allows something that sort of resembles a smile. "Language is such a fickle beast. As for the room, it is most generous, but I am certain the storm will pass and the Captain will allow us to disembark. If it truly becomes late, perhaps we will prepare to spend the night, but I hope very gravely that does not become the case."

[StickFig]

Matthias isn't surprised to see that Everyman has gone; the thief with the big personality was probably off to tend another string in the web he'd seemingly strung throughout Freeport and beyond.

As the bartender answers his request for cider in the negative, the ranger wonders if he should simply use the common pronunciation and try again, but thankfully the barkeep shows them all a menu and he's saved from further confusion. "I'll have a mead," the gnome says, pushing the barkeep 20 coins from his pouch.

Noting that Calmcacil has the main door more than secure and Alexis has engaged the ...bird-man (Matthias is never sure how to tell some of the more interesting species apart), the short hero turns back to the watchman and his companion, still suspicious of the latter's garb, and does his best to strike up conversation with the Watchman. "'ello, I'm Matthias. You wouldn't know a Private Thistlethorp, would you?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen notes that Alexis is not fully healed and so, heals Alexis. She also heals Russel and then heals Purpearl.

She hands Purpearl her magical staff. Snce you can not use that mace and this staff is heavier than the one you currently wield.

Russel. I note that you are trying to juggle three artifacts when you can only handle two. Do you require help?

XX, as someone with multiple class skills, I assume you announce each round of battle what you are acting as?

Alexis has a grand potion then later, 7 grand potions. Combine them? Sorry, couldn't figure how to ask that in character.

For XX as an alchemist, does he have an equal chance at the six possible outcomes? ie. just a straight D6? Affected by lucky/jinx as one would expect?

[Masked Builder]

"I don't recall saying I like your outfit," clacks Everstien. "I am also on business, actually." And with that, he stops talking, leaving the Alexis to question entirely if he wishes to discuss the matter further or be left alone. He is a hard Were-Raven to read.

"What do Were-Raves do?" She asks, curious.

[Purpearljellyblob]

OOC: Purpearl should have 14 ether (no longer has crocodile handbag equipped) and one less topaz (Nerwen should have 1 topaz)

Nerwen hands Purpearl her Opal, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald and Aquamarine and Scrolls of Sleep, Sealing, Blindness, Weakening, Fragile and Confusion

"I was afraid earlier I was not being clear enough, and you have proven me right. Lord Chauncey was my fellow apprentice, not an apprentice of mine. We studied under the same teacher." He allows something that sort of resembles a smile. "Language is such a fickle beast. As for the room, it is most generous, but I am certain the storm will pass and the Captain will allow us to disembark. If it truly becomes late, perhaps we will prepare to spend the night, but I hope very gravely that does not become the case."

Purpearl takes a quick scan around the bar as Aventine mentions Lord Chauncey's name. She notices the raven sitting close by and moves the seat closer to Aventine and whispers, so that no one else hears.

"I see, I suppose we should have an understanding that publicly announcing his name and title would do more harm than good. Especially when we have guests around."

Nerwen notes that Alexis is not fully healed and so, heals Alexis. She also heals Russel and then heals Purpearl.

She hands Purpearl her magical staff. Snce you can not use that mace and this staff is heavier than the one you currently wield.

Purpearl hands Nerwen her Thorny Rose.

"Thank you for the heal and your kind support."

Edited June 4, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Zepher]

As the bartender answers his request for cider in the negative, the ranger wonders if he should simply use the common pronunciation and try again, but thankfully the barkeep shows them all a menu and he's saved from further confusion. "I'll have a mead," the gnome says, pushing the barkeep 20 coins from his pouch.

Noting that Calmcacil has the main door more than secure and Alexis has engaged the ...bird-man (Matthias is never sure how to tell some of the more interesting species apart), the short hero turns back to the watchman and his companion, still suspicious of the latter's garb, and does his best to strike up conversation with the Watchman. "'ello, I'm Matthias. You wouldn't know a Private Thistlethorp, would you?"

"Here you are, my young friend!" says the Bar Tender, passing Matthias a mead. XX, meanwhile, orders a Mulled Wine, having finished his mead with surprising speed.

The Watchman seems a little bothered to have been interrupted, but his smiles at the mention of Thistlethorp.

"We were actually inducted into the the Watch the very same day! He's a bit of a blundering fool, truth be told, but so are quite a few of the members of the Watch, and not all of them have the heart of gold he has. Don't tell them I said that." He blushes. "I'd much have rathered joined the Syndicate, but Masson is a little more selective, and I don't know if I would have made the cut. Private Morrison, by the way."

"We used to do interesting things," counters the garbed man. "When Antony told me to join the Syndicate was still taking down Wolfgang thugs... now we're under the Watch's name and have to do whatever damn jobs the Watch thinks up for us... though Masson still does have a say. I nearly didn't make the cut myself - almost was outnumbered by bugs, eaten alive, but some heroes came to help me out. If it's anything that Masson's better at than the rest of the Watch, it's his view on heroes - he's got quite a soft spot for some of them. I'm Crowley," he says to Matthias.

Nerwen notes that Alexis is not fully healed and so, heals Alexis. She also heals Russel and then heals Purpearl.

She hands Purpearl her magical staff. Snce you can not use that mace and this staff is heavier than the one you currently wield.

Russel. I note that you are trying to juggle three artifacts when you can only handle two. Do you require help?

XX, as someone with multiple class skills, I assume you announce each round of battle what you are acting as?

Alexis has a grand potion then later, 7 grand potions. Combine them? Sorry, couldn't figure how to ask that in character.

For XX as an alchemist, does he have an equal chance at the six possible outcomes? ie. just a straight D6? Affected by lucky/jinx as one would expect?

OoC: I'd assume that means that yes, she has 8 grand potions, I've only copied stats of other people's! So I'll fix that. And I'd imagine that the it would not be affected by lucky/jinxed - shield skills never are (assassinations, for example, remain a 1/6 chance even when lucky, and I know that's how Sandy would rule for the Alchemist skill as well). It will indeed be affected by lucky/jinxed! Pigley also, as noted, does not count as an artifact for obvious reasons in that he is a living creature. It's is like your horse from 88, but it is much easier to list him where he is than below.

Nerwen walks around the Bar now, stopping at numerous tables before finally arriving at the bar. She exchanges some weapons with Purpearl before gusting by Alexis and healing her covertly, and finally she settles with Matthias, XX, Russel and their new friends at the bar.

"I've got it handled, thank you, m'lady! I can't buy you a Phoenix Essence here, yet, but tell me if something looks good! I've bought one drink for a beautiful hero, might as well raise it to two! Raise my odds and what not."

"Yeah, I'll let you know," he grumbles.

"What do Were-Raves do?" She asks, curious.

"I can't speak for Were-Ravens everywhere, but I'm personally a professional problem solver. Sometimes, people bring me cases, and sometimes, I find them myself to keep myself occupied. I'm currently doing some work on the local cemetery. They can't keep their patrons in the ground - and I don't mean that in the undead sense. Some of the people buried there have been dug up recently, and taken out of the cemetery. I'm trying to figure out why."

Purpearl takes a quick scan around the bar as Aventine mentions Lord Chauncey's name. She notices the raven sitting close by and moves the seat closer to Aventine and whispers, so that no one else hears.

"I see, I suppose we should have an understanding that publicly announcing his name and title would do more harm than good. Especially when we have guests around."

"You seem like a prudent elf. I will bear that in mind. My... adversary does indeed have many spies and many allies scattered across the island, and I have no doubt he will hire more for this specific event. But, as you can tell, I too have many friends, and I too will take the measures required to keep myself safe."

Edited June 4, 2014 by Zepher

[Masked Builder]

"I can't speak for Were-Ravens everywhere, but I'm personally a professional problem solver. Sometimes, people bring me cases, and sometimes, I find them myself to keep myself occupied. I'm currently doing some work on the local cemetery. They can't keep their patrons in the ground - and I don't mean that in the undead sense. Some of the people buried there have been dug up recently, and taken out of the cemetery. I'm trying to figure out why."

"Odd. Seems like a fun job, problem solving is enjoyable."