Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[Zepher]

"Do you know how often he comes out the front gate?"

Alexis speaks to the thin air because Nerwen was the only one to step outside with Jules. Luckily, however, Jules is stepping back indoors as Alexis speaks, and hears her, though his response is of little use.

"I am far to busy to keep tabs on everyone in this town. Lord Chauncey travels a lot, for all I know he isn't even in his mansion. Probably why he protects it so carefully, considering how often he's away."

OoC: I know it's a weird thing to be a stickler about, but please attempt to be aware of the space you're occupying. It let's me know you're paying attention, and in some quests (93, 100 right now) your location in relationship to other players does matter. Sorry!

Matthias, worried that his purse might be getting a little light, nonetheless can't turn down a cider after his experience with the Hell Horses. "One cider, please," he says to the bartender, placing four shiny coins and one dull one on the bar. Turning to 'XX', the gnome does his best to swallow his distaste for the man, and asks, "Did you build that cannon yourself?" As he waits for a response, Matthias glances around the bar, wary after their last tavern experience, and notes all the exits, as well as any patrons that are watching the party too closely, before turning his eyes to the main door to watch for Calmcacil and Taylor coming back inside.

"An old bastard named Blackenord helped out a little. He's dead now, though. Some lady I know fried his insides."

Matthias scans the bar, finding only that one exit they came in through, and finding all the patrons sitting, staring fixedly at their drinks, because they never ever move.

XX watches as the heroes all order Flaming Gumballs at the behest of Nerwen. He smirks slightly to himself, bites his tongue, and almost does something that one might consider blushing if they don't know how callous and awesome he is. He then orders a Flaming Gumball himself, clumsily clinks his glass against Matthias' and Nerwen's, and drinks it.

The heroes, sharing the drink, feel camaraderie for each other.

Camaraderie - All heroes gain +1 power for total number of heroes in battle with Camaraderie. Cannot exist in only one hero has camaraderie.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen watches XX's expression as he orders Nyx's favourite drink. Scraps of conversation and hints of rumours coalesce as Nerwen slowly understands her young Mage friend's lovelorn state.

A wistful smile spreads across her face as she enjoys the company.

Looking at Alexis, who had been sitting with her back during the conversation with Nyx about her love-life, then at XX she says

A toast. To love. Burning like fire, solid as rock, carefree as the wind.

[StickFig]

Purpearl ...turns to the gnome and smiles, "Here, have a flaming gumball, my treat."

Matthias looks suspiciously at the feminine mage, wondering who she thinks he is that he would drink something girly enough to be named a Flaming Gumball. Holding it in his hand, his first thought is to pass it to the crab, since he did buy Berthadhiell a drink earlier...

XX ...orders a Flaming Gumball himself, clumsily clinks his glass against Matthias' and Nerwen's, and drinks it.

...but 'XX' saves him from certain death by social awkwardness. If the big cannoneer can do it, I suppose I can too, the ranger thinks, since this quest might have become a girls' night out if not for Ruffers, Pigley, and 'XX'. "Thanks," Matthias says to Purpearl in a voice even deeper than his normal bass. He quaffs the liquid in as masculine a manner as a gnome drinking a Gumball can muster.

A toast. To love. Burning like fire, solid as rock, carefree as the wind.

Ugh, exactly what he was afraid of - girly mushy stuff. "Sure, whatever," he says, but he's secretly glad to be a member of the team.

Thinking of the crab again, Matthias looks around low to find Ruffers and Pigley. "How did you two enjoy your ride? Mine was awful," he says, the drinks beginning to work their magic to loosen his tongue.

Edited August 23, 2014 by nstickney

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl takes a sip,

Matthias looks suspiciously at the feminine mage....

..."Thanks," Matthias says to Purpearl in a voice even deeper than his normal bass. He quaffs the liquid in as masculine a manner as a gnome drinking a Gumball can muster.

and narrows her eyes and holds her breath for a second in hesitation, as her gnomish comrade downs the drink in large quantities. Her face turning red as she blushes, remaining silent as she takes another sip.

[StickFig]

Matthias looks around low to find Ruffers and Pigley. "How did you two enjoy your ride? Mine was awful," he says, the drinks beginning to work their magic to loosen his tongue.

Without waiting for a reply from the valiant animals - the drinks must really be getting to him, and two in as many minutes is a lot for a gnome, even if he hasn't finished his cider yet - Matthias catches Purpearl sipping her drink out of the corner of his eye.

Her face turning red as she blushes, remaining silent as she takes another sip.

Despite the effects of cider (low quality, terrible vintage, by the way) and Gumball (too fruity for him but he might be persuaded to try another one someday), he can't face the blushing elf mage so he turns back to 'XX'.

"An old bastard named Blackenord helped out a little."

"What do you think of the Fireball? I know the construction is a little out of date but I saw an issue of Practical Siege Weapons back at the Hall and I think it could become a real keeper with a few upgrades."

[Zepher]

A toast. To love. Burning like fire, solid as rock, carefree as the wind.

Raising an eyebrow and sneering: "I liked that part about fire."

Thinking of the crab again, Matthias looks around low to find Ruffers and Pigley. "How did you two enjoy your ride? Mine was awful," he says, the drinks beginning to work their magic to loosen his tongue.

"It was quite the experience! I am, of course, an expert horseback rider! They are incredibly noble animals."

"It brought me, I think, a little bit closer to death than I have been in a while. Those Hell Horses move fast - falling off one could have been the end of me. But aren't we all near death at all times, so what's the fear, I guess."

"What do you think of the Fireball? I know the construction is a little out of date but I saw an issue of Practical Siege Weapons back at the Hall and I think it could become a real keeper with a few upgrades."

XX takes a quick look at the Fireball.

"It's a beauty, I'll give you that. Never undervalue old and trustworthy. And, Hel, if it goes boom, which is seems to, you're doing pretty damn well. Tell me if you want to trade the two for a battle at some point. I like trying new things out."

"Well, now that we've had our drinks, let's be on our way? I want to go see this guy's castle and see if we can't rough it up and get in."

Edited June 12, 2014 by Zepher

[Masked Builder]

Alexis finishes her drink, then manages. "Yes let's get going."

OoC: I know it's a weird thing to be a stickler about, but please attempt to be aware of the space you're occupying. It let's me know you're paying attention, and in some quests (93, 100 right now) your location in relationship to other players does matter. Sorry!

OOC: Oops, sorry.

[StickFig]

"It's a beauty, I'll give you that. Never undervalue old and trustworthy. And, Hel, if it goes boom, which is seems to, you're doing pretty damn well."

The gnome beams with pride at the cannoneer's words. He drains the remainder of his cider and hops down from the bar stool with surprising agility, though once on his feet he does seem a bit wobbly. "Letsgo," he says, slurring slightly.

Edited June 12, 2014 by nstickney

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl nods kindly at the bartender as she prepares herself.

"Let's go."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods in readiness.

[Zepher]

OoC: Updated stats because it's been a while!

The Heroes

Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob)

*Party Leader*

180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *

Evasive

* *Blessed* *Inspired* *Camaraderie*

Level 11

Power:

14

(Level 10 + WP 3)

Health:

38/38

(Base 5 + 9 Levels + 4 Bonus)

Ether:

16/17

(Base 5 + 9 Levels + 2 Bonus)

Gold:

83

(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, Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory)

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), Fang Dagger (WP: 4)

Alexis Fenral

, Orc-kin

(Masked Builder)

*Immune to

Blinded

*

*Counterstriking*

*Blessed*

*Camaraderie*

22 year old female elven Harlot

Level 44.6

Power Bonus:

0

Defense:

0

Health:

72

/72

Gold:

1477

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, 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), 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)

XX

Level 32.25 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* *Camaraderie*

Health:

48/48

Defense:

0

Gold:

360

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, 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* *Camaraderie*

Level 28.33

Power bonus:

0

Defense:

16

Health:

42/47

Ether:

28/33

Gold:

15

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),

•

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

•

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 (3), 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 10.5 Ranger *Immune to

Bound

,

Slowed

* *Blessed* *Camaraderie*

Power Bonus

: 1

Defense

: 0

Health

: 15/15

Gold

: 68

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), Fang Dagger (WP: 4)

Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley

Level 17 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed*

Power: 43

Health: 31/31

Defense: 4

Gold: 291

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)

The heroes march through the moonlight towards Lord Chauncey's Mansion. A good while away from the entrance Russel, who is leading the pack, starts to walk in place. He leans forward a little, putting his back into it, but he can't make any progress. The heroes try their luck. It is like walking into a very soft fluffy concrete impenetrable wall. There is no pain, but there's also no passing.

"Magic is cowardly!" proclaims Russel all of a sudden, and begins to parry the invisible wall in an invisible fight with his visible sword. The others have little hope that he will manage to hack his way through.

"Hey," says a voice from no where that only Nerwen and Matthias can hear. The heroes look around. "But I can help you out if you help me out." The heroes look down at their feet.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Zepher

[Masked Builder]

Alexis looks down at the frog. "Well hello there. What kind of help do you need?"

[Zepher]

The frog looks at Alexis in confusion - he is not able to understand her language, she is unable to speak his.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen sees both Alexis and the frog's confusion.

She steps in smoothly saying,

<Stars shine on our meeting Master Frog. What is the price you require?>

To the others she says,

This frog can help us, but wants help in return. I have just asked him what he requires help with.

[StickFig]

"Hey," says a voice from no where that only Nerwen and Matthias can hear. The heroes look around. "But I can help you out if you help me out." The heroes look down at their feet.

Matthias opens his mouth to answer the frog, but is confused as Fenral speaks, and then realizes Calmcacil is handling the translation already. He decides to keep his mouth shut for the moment.

[Masked Builder]

"I assume you asked him what he wanted?"

[StickFig]

"I assume you asked him what he wanted?"

"Shedid," Matthias replies, still slurring.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Alexis looks down at the frog. "Well hello there. What kind of help do you need?"

The frog looks at Alexis in confusion - he is not able to understand her language, she is unable to speak his.

"You seemed quite natural back there, perhaps animal talk used to be something you were familiar with."

Edited June 15, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Zepher]

"Hello there! My name is Sir Peter the Solid. I am one of the Frog Paladins!"

Russel Ruffers stops battling the wall and joins the conversation.

"I know the Frog Paladins," he says. "Sir Peter, you say?"

"And you're Russel Ruffers. I saw you, briefly, during your stay with our High Priest."

"Ah, yes, I remember," says Russel, clearly not remembering Peter, "good to see you again! These people with me are heroes of Heroica. I'm sure you've heard of them."

"Sir Poletad never stops talking about them. Anyway, as I was saying..." The frog croaks, clearing his throat. "There is a way into the mansion. One of the drains for the house is not included in the protection spell - just a flaw in the make-up, I think. It will be easy for you guys to crawl in. Except..." he clears his throat again, building up the anticipation, "the drain is guarded by a fearsome snake, a well-known Hissvetia. It's actually what I was sent here to clean up, but I'm having some trouble. So, if you kill the snake and take the drain, you can get into the house. Probably shouldn't be too difficult for biggies like you!"

[StickFig]

Matthias translates for Fenral and Berthadhiell. "Thisfrog's name is Sir Peterthe Solid. Sayshe knows Sir Poletad, who knowsabunch of Heroicans. Master Russel seems to trusthim. Sir Petersays that theresa drain pipe we can get in through, although theresaa 'Hissvetia' snake, whatever thatis, guarding the pipe. Killthe snake, get into the house." The gnome pulls his cannon forward. "Letsgo!"

Thinking for a second, Matthias says to Ruffers and Peter the Solid, "What isa Hissvetia?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Matthias translates for Fenral and Berthadhiell. "Thisfrog's name is Sir Peterthe Solid. Sayshe knows Sir Poletad, who knowsabunch of Heroicans. Master Russel seems to trusthim. Sir Petersays that theresa drain pipe we can get in through, although theresaa 'Hissvetia' snake, whatever thatis, guarding the pipe. Killthe snake, get into the house." The gnome pulls his cannon forward. "Letsgo!"

Purpearl acknowledges Matthias' translation with a nod and kindly addresses the frog, signalling Matthias or Nerwen to translate whenever they can.

"Sir Peter the Solid, pleased to meet you. I am most glad to assist you in your task. I know this might be a long shot, but I've never been to Lord Chauncey's mansion. Since we're all here outside his mansion, do you happen to know much about the lay of the land around here and within the mansion itself? Any guards that you've noticed so far?"

Edited June 15, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Masked Builder]

"You seemed quite natural back there, perhaps animal talk used to be something you were familiar with."

"I used to be able to. For quite a few years, back when I was a ranger."

[Zepher]

Sir Peter the Solid leads the way. Matthias haltingly translates Purpearl's question.

"I've never been inside the mansion either. I haven't seen that much activity in it over the last few weeks while I've been here, but people come in and out once in a blue moon. No guards at the moment!"

"The snake isn't Hissvetia herself, just a worshipper. Hissvetia is the sworn foe of Amphibianoc. She is the Snake Goddess of Death. She lives under the ground, which is why you bury your dead. Most snakes worship her, because they are her kin, and they come from the ground too. That is why most snakes are dark evil dark creatures."

The heroes see the little archway up ahead, and the frog stops.

"Best of luck!" he calls out. The heroes approach the drain, trying to be quiet, but Russel accidentally falls off of Pigley's back and the pig steps on him before he realizes what is happening. The pair start to loudly curse/apologize. When they regain their composure, there is a snake ahead of the party, hissing at them.

"Who disssssssssturbs my sssssssslumber?" it hisses, not in an unfriendly way, more like it is groggy and has just been woken up.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen speaks, the cowl causing her words to emerge as a guttural hissing.

<We come seeking the Hissvetia.>

Edited June 15, 2014 by Chromeknight

[Zepher]

"I am a worssssshipper of Hissssssvetia. What do you want with me?"