Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[StickFig]

Matthias slumps in his chair, exhausted and trying to relax but bombarded by doubts and fears. "I'm not a murderer. The orc was a kidnapper and a wanted man - I don't understand why the Watchmen didn't recognize him - and I'm sure his dwarf friend wasn't much better," he whispers, wondering whether he's trying to convince Midge or himself. "And I didn't steal anything. Ask Mr. Wet-His-Pants behind the bar."

As he listens to his own words, a thought strikes him. "Thistlethorp, haven't you seen that man," he indicates Bors' form, "on wanted posters before? He assaulted us a couple of days back, and one of the Watchmen - maybe his name was Crowley? Or Morrison? - said he'd seen the ruffian's likeness. We were simply approaching him about his criminal activity and he decided he'd rather attack nine heavily armed opponents than come quietly." It's a stretch, but Matthias convinces himself that Purpearl's demeanor wasn't the cause of the fight.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen stops. Speaking as diplomatically as she can she says,

Lord Severan. My profound apologies. I fear this situation has got out of hand.

Speaking to Samuel she replies

I understand, and even agree with you. It is one thing to evade a pompous stuffed shirt, it is another to raise arms against the Captain of the Guards.

Shaking her head sadly, she lifts her voice.

Lady Berthadhiell, I counsel and urge you, lay down your arms, this is a fight we should not be having.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Turning to the Captain, Purpearl bows respectfully and speaks,

"Captain, my name's Purpearl Berthadhiell and I believe there is a misunderstanding. I believe we have no intentions to raise arms against the Watch. I am sure you've worked with Heroes of Heroica and you should be very familiar with how our organisation works. I apologise for the mess inside, but I believe we took down the notorious Strong Chested Bors who captured Lord Aventine. We have very good reasons to believe that Lord Aventine is being transported to R'kilf for execution. We were tasked to protect Lord Aventine and I believe your guards misinterpreted the situation entirely. Time is of the essence here. I am willing to stay back in Eubric if you need me for further investigations, but I urge you to let my party set off for R'kilf immediately. "

Turning to Alexis,

"Should anything happen to me, please take care of the rest."

[Zepher]

Matthias slumps in his chair, exhausted and trying to relax but bombarded by doubts and fears. "I'm not a murderer. The orc was a kidnapper and a wanted man - I don't understand why the Watchmen didn't recognize him - and I'm sure his dwarf friend wasn't much better," he whispers, wondering whether he's trying to convince Midge or himself. "And I didn't steal anything. Ask Mr. Wet-His-Pants behind the bar."

As he listens to his own words, a thought strikes him. "Thistlethorp, haven't you seen that man," he indicates Bors' form, "on wanted posters before? He assaulted us a couple of days back, and one of the Watchmen - maybe his name was Crowley? Or Morrison? - said he'd seen the ruffian's likeness. We were simply approaching him about his criminal activity and he decided he'd rather attack nine heavily armed opponents than come quietly." It's a stretch, but Matthias convinces himself that Purpearl's demeanor wasn't the cause of the fight.

"Look, you don't have to convince me of anything. I'm a murderer too." Midge shrugs. "You think killing bad people makes you not a murderer? They're still alive. That dwarf tried to lay down arms, and we killed him just the same. Murder is murder. It doesn't bother me, but it is what it is."

Thistlethorp and Bert gather around the body and flip it over.

"Bors," says Bert remorsefully. "I know him. There's a bounty on his head, even." Bert sighs. "I wish that elf had let me talk to Andrew. If you had simply submitted... if we had time to look at the bodies, to assess the situation. Andrew can get his head all in a fury... but he and I go back a long ways. He listens to me." Bert shakes his head. "But if there are more guards outside, then the situation is out of my control. Out of Andrew's too, most likely."

"Oh dear. Is there nothing we can do? Matthias is a friend of mine!"

"Nerwen is a friend of mine," counters Bert. "We will see what we can do. Matthias, Russel, Pigley, halfling-"

"Midge."

"Midge. Collect your things. Let's see what's happening outside."

Nerwen stops. Speaking as diplomatically as she can she says,

Lord Severan. My profound apologies. I fear this situation has got out of hand.

Speaking to Samuel she replies

I understand, and even agree with you. It is one thing to evade a pompous stuffed shirt, it is another to raise arms against the Captain of the Guards.

Shaking her head sadly, she lifts her voice.

Lady Berthadhiell, I counsel and urge you, lay down your arms, this is a fight we should not be having.

"I'm no Lord, just a Lieutenant." Serevan lowers his weapon slightly as Nerwen and Purpearl lower theirs. "I am not against a peaceful surrender. The Watch is not infallible. If there was indeed a mistake made-"

Andrew stumbles out of the building, weapon drawn, sleeve soaked in blood.

"That one there," he says, pointing to Purpearl, "is responsible for this." He holds up his bloody sleeve. "The others resisted arrest alongside her."

Serevan scowls, and raises his weapon again. Andrew walks out confidently, but his hopeful if faint smile falls upon seeing Serevan.

"Andrew..." he starts.

"I won't hear it, Bert! These heroes have made a mistake."

"The orc inside is Bors."

It is now Andrew's turn to look a little pale. He turns to Serevan.

"This means nothing. Mercenaries kill mercenaries all the time."

"This is your case, Andrew. You were the one to apprehend them. Show your worth. I asked for you to be made Lieutenant, it is up to you to deal with this situation." Serevan turns to the heroes. "It would have been easier on you if you had submitted to us immediately. As for the wound that was inflicted on Andrew - that cannot be allowed to go. Purpearl, you are to come with me. Andrew, you may do with the rest as you please."

Severan does not handcuff Purpearl, but does lead her down the street. The rest of the guards stand awkwardly with the heroes.

"That was your leader, wasn't it? How do you pick who to follow, heroes?" growls Andrew. "I imagine she'll be thrown in the clink for the night, maybe longer. I'd like to do the same to you-"

"Andrew!" Bert beckons to his commanding officer to step aside with him. The two speak in hushed voices for only a few seconds before returning to the heroes.

"Bert has proposed a solution that I find acceptable," states Andrew flatly.

"I know you are good, heroes, and I believe that a chance to prove that to the rest of the Watch would benefit you. It will take only the evening. That is time you will have to sacrifice."

"Matthias, I believe you are aware that an attempt was made on Private Thistlethorp only a few days ago. We have reason to believe that a second attack will come tonight. We have a man who's job it is to collect rumors. I trust him. We could use with the extra assistance. If you accept, you will be free to continue on your quest in the morning."

"It's the best I could do," hisses Bert to Nerwen.

"Sounds fair enough to me." Midge shrugs.

"Wasn't there another man with them?" asks Andrew, surveying the heroes. As if in response, the second floor of the building explodes outwards, showering everyone in dirt and debris. Smoke spills forward. In an alley, there is the sound of a heavy body falling. Morrison and Crowley run towards it, but even as they arrive, the look on Morrison's face conveys that it is too late. XX is gone.

"Damn!" howls Andrew. "You five, come with me. Bring your pets."

OoC: The party as stands is Alexis, Nerwen, Matthias, Samuel, Midge, Pigley and Russel. Purpearl, you can expect a PM shortly. There may be a slight delay with the next spot, as I will be returning home tomorrow from vacation, so Sunday will be the continuation (I will need a little bit of time to construct sets on Sunday, you have all taken the quest quite a bit off the rails). Feel free to role play for the time being. You are about half way through the quest right now... perhaps a little less, but just about. None of you have expressed tiring at this point, but please do feel free to communicate with me if anything seems to be dragging ever!

[Masked Builder]

Alexis stands and takes in the events silently, observing everything. "Well I guess I'm the leader now. Any objections? No? Good. We follow you then Andrew." The party follows Andrew.

OOC: Nope no issue here, I'm loving what's happening.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen expends an ether and heals Lieutenant Andrew's wound.

Speaking to Alexis and Matthias, she says.,

Whilst the watch have our service, we still ought choose one of our own to order the battles, distribute loot and keep our quest on track. I believe Purpearl indicated that you were to take over Alexis, but if you do not wish to, say so.

[StickFig]

Matthias explains the events to Ruffers and Pigley, leaving off the bit where Andrew referred to them as 'pets'. He's unsure who to be angriest at - Berthadhiell, for her unexplained violent streak; Featherhead, for his overly loud cowardice; or the Lieutenant, for being a jerk in general. "Lady Alexis, I'm fine with you leading," he says as they follow the Watchmen.

Walking at the back of the group with Thistlethorp, Matthias questions his friend. "When was Sergeant Andrew promoted to Lieutenant? And I don't suppose there's any chance now of collecting the bounty on Bors...."

[Masked Builder]

"No I am fine being leader." Alexis says to Nerwen. "I am always open to suggestions though."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen turns to Matthias.

I am glad it did not come to raising arms against one another. No good comes of fights like that.

What is it about Private Thistlethorp that people seek to kill him? Has he witnessed something he ought not?

[StickFig]

"I'm not sure - and I don't think he knows either." Matthias replies. Looking to Thistlethorp, he adds, "We were accosted by a Crimson Crown assassin, who only said that the Private had 'dealt with nefarious men,' I think."

[Zepher]

Andrew grunts some quiet thanks as Nerwen heals him. He glances at her covertly.

Walking at the back of the group with Thistlethorp, Matthias questions his friend. "When was Sergeant Andrew promoted to Lieutenant? And I don't suppose there's any chance now of collecting the bounty on Bors...."

"Only recently," says Thistlethorp. "I think he's trying to make a name for himself. I don't know if he's making the right kind of name, of course. In my opinion, it is best to silently do your work as opposed to loudly doing your work. As for the bounty, I would only broach the subject after you are done with the current task. And maybe if Lilith shows up, she's more reasonable."

The heroes stop in front of a nondescript house. Andrew produces a key and unlocks it.

"This is the safe house." He looks inside. It is muggy and dusty. "I have other matters to attend to, heroes. Your presence has freed me up, and as I'm sure you know, crime does not rest. I will be leaving Bert in charge of the guards here. If Thistlethorp is alive by the morning, you can continue on your way to R'Klif." The guards and the heroes file in. Andrew passes Bert the key to the room. "Lock up." He slams the door shut, and is gone.

"Well, this is it, heroes. One of the few safe houses we have scattered around the city." He pauses. "I'm sorry about the mess, both in here and back there. Andrew doesn't trust heroes. I wish Purpearl hadn't stabbed him." He sighs. "I guess make yourselves at home. We have no idea where this attack is coming from, or why, or when. We only believe it will be tonight. Prepare yourselves for combat. I don't understand the situation, or why anyone would want to hurt specifically Thistlethorp, but it seems to be coming. I have not had any run ins with the Crimson Crown, but they are a force to be reckoned with, from what I hear."

Crowley and Morrison mill around. The heroes look around the safe house. It is dim with the door closed (Andrew moves to lock it now) though there is a little bit of moonlight pouring in from above. The door seems solid enough, and is pretty heavy. There are no windows. The ground is dirty, and many of the tiles are cracked. Dirt and sand seeps through where it can. The house is made of old cracked stones that have come to rest heavily on top of each other. In a few places the stones are supplemented by tall wooden walls, a more recent addition, from the look of things. Crowley knocks on one.

"Seems pretty sound," he says. He then sits down in a corner. "Thistlethorp and I are primarily healers, so we'll be able to help out on that front. I can't speak for the old man, but I'm not afraid of a fight, either. Like I said, some other heroes helped me earn my chops. I'd like to continue to learn."

"I haven't been in much combat yet, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid!" chips in Morrison.

"Oh please don't let anything bad happen to me, heroes," says Thistlethorp. "I don't understand at all what I've done to get the Crimson Crown on my back."

Crowley scoffs and shrugs.

"You must have some idea," he says. Thistlethorp shoots him a wounded look. "Sorry. Rundown places get under my skin - reminds me of run down people . I don't understand why we're not holed up somewhere nicer."

[StickFig]

"I don't understand why we're not holed up somewhere nicer."

Matthias, once again keenly aware of his empty pockets, agrees with the sentiment but is pretty sure he understands the reason: cost. After his earlier run-in with the Crimson Crown, he's not overly worried about the attack, but he takes off the Quickdraw Quiver and puts on his Dapper Hat instead. The ranger moves slowly around the room, pushing and tapping at the walls and dirt floor, looking for loose boards or stones in the walls, or diggings under the floor. "Master Russel, Sir Pigley, do your animal eyes and instincts see anything here that mine don't?" he queries.

[Masked Builder]

"Well we may as well make ourselves comfortable." Alexis gets out her bedroll and sits on it, but not sleeping.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen looks over the watchmen

If you are fighting alongside us, it will be helpful to know how you are equipped and what your skills are.

She checks the party to make sure everyone was healed up and ready for action.

[StickFig]

x2 Ball and Chain (Chains, WP: 4)

Are these whips? Clubs? Maces (Maci?)?

I know it's not that important, I'm just wondering.

[Zepher]

I just wrote out a whole reply, and then randomly closed the window. So, round two.

Matthias looks around the room. The moonlight from above continues to make things easy to see.

What in particular would he like to investigate?

"Defense is not my game, Matthias! I'm more of an offense sort of crab!"

"Of course," says Morrison. "We are all, like you Heroicans, at different points in our career with the town watch."

Crowley

Level 6 Cleric

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 12/12

Ether: 9/9

Equipment: None

Inventory: Tonic

Private

Morrison

Level 4 City Watchman

Power Bonus: 10

Health: 17/17

Defense: 1

Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1)

Inventory: None

Private Bert

Level 20 Watchman

Power Bonus: 10

Health: 33/33

Defense: 1

Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1)

Inventory: Mead, Grand Potion

Private Thistlethorp

Level 11.5 Cleric

Power Bonus: 10

Defense: 2

Health: 20/20

Gold: 47

Equipment: Staff (WP: 4), Town Watch Helmet (SP: 2)

Inventory: Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic, Elixer

City Watch Guard

Base Health: 14

Weapons: Daggers, Longswords, Greatswords, Throwing Daggers

Job Trait: Strength in Numbers – Receives a +5 power bonus for other watchmen in battle.

Shield: Guarding the Guards – Any damage delivered to the Guard next round is null. Also deals damage equal to a critical hit.

All other attacks function normally (Critical Hit is Critical Hit, Damage is Damage, etc.)

"Remember also, Lady Nerwen, that you have my sword." He lowers his voice: "Though I am not certain of the goodness of our mission. If this man is being hunted, he must know the reason. If he is embarrassed to admit it, it must not be good. I know we must defend him - I am in as much trouble with the Watch as you are, though I followed you I did so of my own free will - but I do not like him."

"So you're the lady I'm supposed to take orders from now, huh?" asks Midge, standing next to Alexis. "Don't know if we ever got introduced back in that bar. I'm Midge."

[Masked Builder]

"So you're the lady I'm supposed to take orders from now, huh?" asks Midge, standing next to Alexis. "Don't know if we ever got introduced back in that bar. I'm Midge."

"Yes I guess so. I'm Alexis, elf and resident Harlot."

[Zepher]

"And this is how you get ready for combat?" asks Midge, looking at the bedroll. "Should we all be preparing for naps, or only you? Is this a do as I say not as I do sort of situation? Your last leader was hauled off, you think the same's likely to happen to you if this Thistlethorp kicks it?"

[Masked Builder]

"Who said anything about napping? I'm just sitting on this. No sleeping involved."

[Zepher]

"Ground too dirty for you?" He sits down. "Is it common for you people to walk into a bar, murder an Orc or two, and then get roped into stopping another murder? No one's batted an eyelash. That elf even stabbed a City Watchman and everyone was fine with it."

[Masked Builder]

"Well I'd rather be clean than dirty." Alexis shrugs. "Yeah, typical day for us. Though I would not have attacked the Watchman."

[Zepher]

"Why not? They seem to bleed the same as everyone else, and they've got more than enough stuff to loot." Midge shrugs. "I guess you have to draw the line somewhere, just to keep things straight in your head. Kind of arbitrary though, huh? I only don't attack mice and things with horns and young girls with freckles, but hey, that's just my line. If you want your's to be the Watch, so be it, though I don't know why they get the privilege."

[Masked Builder]

"We were outnumbered, there wasn't a good chance of us escaping. You like this?" Alexis says, flipping her hair.

[Chromeknight]

Huh. Guards can't use shields. Thought a defensive class like that would've.

Also, two of them are equipped with city watch halberds (weapon type halberd?) but halberds aren't listed in the usable weapons of watchmen.

You need a good weapon Crowley, take my mourning star and my white cloak while you are at it.

Also, Samuel, you can use a red lizard shield, so take my spare. It's weak, but better than nothing. And you can use this too, she says, placing the seal of the warrior priestess around his neck.

There are many ways the Private might be hunted without knowing the reason, Samuel. It could be a case of mistakes identity, it could be he has be affect by a curse or charm that blocks the memory of the event or, given dreams and visions, it might not be something he has done bit something he will do that his assassins do not wish him to forstall.

[StickFig]

"Should we all be preparing for naps, or only you?"

Matthias smiles quietly at Midge's indignant confusion. Once upon a time the ranger would have thought it impossible to sleep before a battle, but now, fifteen battles into his career, sleep seemed pretty high up on the pre-battle priority list. The gnome continues to investigate his surroundings, taking a peek through the wall where possible and then focusing on what appeared to be a trap door in the floor.

"Is it common for you people to walk into a bar, murder an Orc or two, and then get roped into stopping another murder? No one's batted an eyelash. That elf even stabbed a City Watchman and everyone was fine with it."

At this Matthias can't help but laugh, if grimly. "Lady Alexis is right, Midge - it is a fairly normal occurrence for us, except stabbing the Lieutenant. I don't know what's gotten into Lady Purpearl lately...." The gnome trails off, but as Midge continues to question the party's methods and choices, he speaks up again. "We do our best, usually, to work for good, though I do know a few 'heroes' who would just as soon loot you as look at you. The orc we killed earlier was wanted for a long list of crimes - not least of which in our minds was that he and some others attacked us and kidnapped our charge a few days ago." Matthias wonders what else he could say truthfully in defense of his organization, and realizes that's about it. "On the whole, we hope we can do more good than harm, but it's not wise to cross Heroes."

I'm having trouble keeping up with who has what and who's wearing what - can we get a full party stats update? Thanks.