Heroica RPG - Quest #105: Eternal Reaper

[Kintobor]

Em grinds his teeth again, his killer smile more vivid than ever, his crazed eye focused on the bloody demon in front of him. He runs a hand over his face, the dried blood peeling off as he claws at it, his tears frozen to his cheeks. "Ready to be torn apart, Seerus? I'm quite looking forward to making you a skid mark across this barren ground. A fitting end-- and the best work of art you'll ever take part in."

Em slices at Seerus from the front row with Doppelganger.

"But you're enjoying this, aren't you? You don't care if you die, do you? You just wanted to have a little fun before you left, yeah?" His hands ball into fists, his bloodthirsty grin breaks, his entire body shakes. "You're a monster who doesn't care about death. You shouldn't exist. You're an abomination. You're a mistake. You're nothing."

Karie couldn't help but feel a twang of sympathy for Em. Was this what she looked like a year ago, standing opposite of her allies?

"That, Mortimer, is a misconception. I plan on leaving this battle alive.

I shouldn't exist? I will be a general to one of the most supreme beings of all time. I shall have a large part of wiping out mankind, and will reduce Olegaia to a blank canvas. Don't you get that there is an aftermath, Mortimer? Did you really think we'd exterminate all humanoids and just... Call it a day? We aren't just going to leave olegaia desolate. The only thing we're removing from Olegaia are its absolute worst denizens - humans. After that, we shall make this world into a paradise. Your kind is short sighted. You value your own lives over that of the millions of years of paradise and prosperity we shall bring forth.

You see The regret as a destroyer, someone who does nothing but kill and maim. But it also happens that he is one of the most wonderful creators to ever walk this world. He built this Citadel. He has created islands. He has made some of the most advanced technology and medicine, and he has created a species or two. Quite the portfolio, isn't it?"

"And you think that *wheeze* justifies what you're doing to innocent people!?"

"Innocent? Do you think that an exterminator judges the life of each and every rat he kills? No. He kills them all, all the same, for regardless of what little good they may have done, they are vermin. We can't have a paradise teeming with disease, can we, heroes?"

"Every time you spew this bile out from your mouth we constantly show you up. Every. Single. Time. Judging everyone for the action of one is foolish and ignorant, something your kind have proven time and time again. Stop trying to compensate for something you don't have with your big, fancy words."

Even through her calmness, anger managed to spill forth as she spoke. She looked over to Em, wondering if she should talk to him. The time wasn't now. Seerus was at the cusp of defeat, but she couldn't let her guard down now.

"Karie, can you blind it again? Then we can all focus our attacks!"

"Certainly." She stated coldly, casting blindness on Seerus from the back row.

[Endgame]

"Yes, you have. You have stopped us in the past. I consider myself reasonable - Very rarely do I lie, or even spread falsehood. I can confess that you've been a hindrance before. You killed a future Mastermind... Nearly killed a current one, and set the Monolith MK II project back quite a bit. That's why I chose to greet you, and not some rank and file lackey. The Regret finds himself intrigued by you, heroes, if you can call it that. You're the only ones who have held a stable conversation with him. Had you not decided to cling onto your flesh bodies, perhaps this wouldn't be happening... Perhaps you could've demanded some respect from him. But the past is the past, usually. You've chosen your fate, and now you must live with it til the very end - that is, assuming we Oculoids don't change it for you."

Round Five of The Artist's Trials!

>Karie casts Blindness on Seerus (back): Success!

>Em VS Seerus (front): Critical Hit (11x2=22+5=27+19=46-7=39 damage)

>Johon VS Seerus (front): Damage Critical (13x2=26+30=56-7=49 damage)

>Erdathcath VS Crusher Tentacle (back): Special Damage Special Damage (Nothing happens)

>Jeaux VS Seerus (back): Critical Hit (13x2=26+19=45+5=50x2=100-7=93 damage)

>Johon VS seerus (back): Special Damage Shield: Ravage (90 goled earned, 132=26+30=56 damage)

>Masson VS Seerus (front): Hit (12+5=17+50=67-7=60 damage)

>Boomingham VS Seerus (front): Critical Hit (9x2=18+5=23+31=54x4=216-7=209 damage)

>Punii VS Seerus: Damage (nothing happens)

>Erdathcath VS Seerus (back): Hit (16+21=37-7=30 damage)

>Seerus takes Poison and Bleeding damage

>Em's bad eye: No effect!

>Seerus's bad eye: No effect!

With Barty looking over them, the party tears into Seerus. This battle was just about over.

"...Not... Bad."

Seerus, Level 89 Demon *Blind! 3 rounds remaining* *Poison 28!*

HP: 536/2400

SP: 7

Immune to Sealing, Fast Asleep, Hexed and Weakened!

Specials:

Canvas Curse: Seerus uses his magic to raises a stone slab from the ground, and uses the Canvas Curse to trap the hero who rolled Special Damage within it. The trapped hero cannot act until the canvas is destroyed.

Mind Reader: Seerus reads the mind of the hero who rolled Special Damage, predicting their moves. For the next two rounds, any enemy they attack will counterstrike them.

Succumbing Sonar: Seerus ensnares the mind of a random hero with his words, dealing 50 damage and Hexing them.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Acidic: On rolls of damage and free hits, Seerus reduces the SP of the damaged hero by 25%, rounded down.

Drops:

Oculoid Fireworks x3, 150 gold, Ectoplasm

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

Level 31.25 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Pierces SP From Front Row* *SP Ignored From Back Row* *Encouraged!*

Power: 50

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 10

Health: 1/54

Ether: 30/30

Gold: 808

Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding (-5) and Poisoned (-10); great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves, Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), *Pseudo's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)*

Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Sleeping Effect), Sabre (WP:6, Longsword), Darksteel Greatsword (WP: 10, Blinded Effect, Greatsword), Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence

• Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear) Cloak of Blood Magick (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic weaken the enemy, bodywear suitable for Mages, Necromancers, Chi Monks)

Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle)• Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst

• Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing,

• Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), 2x Mead, x2 Nostrum, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, Hair of the Dog

• Bedroll

*Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70)

**Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70)

Karie Alderflask-Cour

23? years old human female

Level 25.66 Witch

Defence: 2

Health: 41/41 (7+24+8+2)

Ether: 27/31 (1+24+4+2)

Gold: 680

Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1; coils around the users arm when outside of battle, whip), Catsuit (Wearer becomes nimble and has a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE, and Free Hits, suitable to women only; body wear), Ethereal Cloak (SP: +2, Max. Ether: +4, back wear), Paper Doll (immunity to hexed, accessory)

Inventory:

*Weapons:

Spring Staff (WP: 12, healing someone else through this staff also heals the user by the same amount; water elemental staff), Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10, fire elemental staff), Sexy (WP: 8, disregards SP, longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, deals poisoned by 10 effect, breaks after 3 uses)

*Minstrel Weapons: Angelic Trumpet (WP: 5, user is blessed, instrument), Vagrant's Guitar (WP: 5, user is lucky)

*Artefacts:

Glittering Dress (The user's job traits are replaced with those of a Harlot: Promiscuity, Flee, and Money Maker; suitable for women only, body wear), Medal of Valour (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience in battle. Accessory), Skull Mask (SP: 1, wearer can pose as undead, headwear), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Changes user's appearance into an elf, accessory), Witch's Talisman (Makes the witch's poisonous attacks cause poisoned by 10-effect instead of poisoned by 1, suitable for witches; accessory)

*Minstrel Artefacts: Encore Plectrum (If the same battle song is sung more than one round in a row, the song's ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable for minstrels; accessory)

*Gems: Ruby (Fire)

*Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Newtity

*Battle Songs: True Love's Serenade (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round, cost 10 ether; Battle Song)

*Consumables:

Potion, Grand Potion x2, Tonic, Grand Tonic x5, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Nostrum x3, Mulled Wine, 9 Venoms, Pumpkin Bomb (causes poisoned by 1, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used), Neutralizer x2, Tasty Pretzel (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened, and encouraged-effects upon consumption), 5 Herbal Infusions (Removes negative effects and causes Blessed and Transcended effects), Grating Stone

*Tools: Telescope, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

*Sheep: Baaffy (Pet Sheep, whenever unleashed, puts random enemy fast asleep, unlimited use)

Quest Items/Roleplay Item: Masson's Journal Entry 11, Map of Brendenton, Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal, Blue Syndicate Uniform, Kayla's Mask, Ulric's Letter

Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554)

Automaton male, Evoker

Level 19 *Blessed* *Transcended* *Immune to Sealing, Bleeding, and Confused*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 2

Health: 27/27

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 758

Equipment: Divine Cannonade (WP:13; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; Poison 7 and Cursed; Phoenix Essence; handcannon), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5), Automaton Armor (SP:2, immune to bleeding and confused; suitable to automata only; bodywear)

Inventory: Enchanted Bracelet (protects from sealing; accessory), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 items per round; accessory), Professor's Kit (successful attacks on Mechanical enemies have a 1/3 of turning them to the hero’s side for the next three rounds as a tamed monsters, accessory), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Topaz, Diamond, Amethyst, Soma, Tonic, Grand Tonic x2, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence x2, Remedy x2, Venom x2, Volatile Venom x4, Jinxy Juice, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Experienced Turdwing (Deals the confused and poisoned by 1 effects on an opponent when used, fly familiar), Ruby, Sapphire

Summons: Nilrem (Paladin Armor, Lightning Armor, Demon Armor)

Mortimer "Em" Mahzan (Em) *Reinforced!* *Half-Blind!*

Unknown age human male Warden

Level 18

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 25 (50)

Health: 36/37

Gold: 86

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Vigilant (SP 12, halved damage from elemental attacks, immune to electricity, shield), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +3, SP +3, Max. Health +3, Max. Ether +3. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year)

Inventory:

Consumables: Smoke bomb, Nostrum, Potion x3, Remedy x2, Venom, Grand Potion x5, Mead x2, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, Silver Ore

Weapons: Doppleganger (WP: 10, Retribution: The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on the target enemy on successful hits; longsword), Old Whip (WP: 10/20 against Beasts)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe

Equipment: Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Frost Helm (SP: 3, immune to ice, suitable for anyone), Eyepatch

Buffs: Permanent + 3 HP, +2 Power, and +1 Ether from Crystal Sovereign.

Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old,

Level 23 Druid *Party Leader!* *Hastened!*

Power: 38

Health: 37/37

Ether: 26/26

Gold: 195

Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:16, Fire-elemental, permanent poisoned 7, cursed), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear, suitable for anyone), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), Machine's Heart (The hollowed out heart of Monolith, after being defeated, halves all damage from Earth, Electrical, and Mechanical type enemies; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

*Qlice (WP: 8, club, permanent Poison 4), Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, bow, provides hastened effect for one round each battle)

*Mage's muffler (protects from sealing; accessory, suitable for anyone), Helmet (+1 max. health; headwear, suitable for anyone), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified; accessory, suitable for anyone), Helmet (+1 max. health),

*Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope,

*Scroll of Weakening

*6 Potions, Grand Potion x2, 6 Mead, 4 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Saber teeth, Jinxy Juice x2, Grand Tonic x3, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Mythril Shard x2, Silver Ore, 3 Elixirs, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence x2, Agni Bomb, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether), Neutralizer, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Equilibrium Tonic, Remedy

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

Level: 30.5

Power Bonus: +0 (0art+0perm)

Health: 14/44 (lvl30+cls7+7perm+0art)

Defense: 5 (5art+0Shield+0perm)

Ether: 0/0/30 (lvl30

Kept Effects: *Natural Respite* *Restoration**Immune to: Fragile* *1.5 stealing multiplier* *Hide of The Bleeding*

Temporary Effects:

Gold: 3741

Equipment:

Weapon: Muckraker (WP:+13, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators, *Water, Wood, Earth*, Causes *Weakened*)

Shield:

Artefact 1 (1+): Heavy Armour (suit: Bararians/Knights, SP:+5, *Immune to Fragile*)

Artefact 2 (10+): Hide of The Bleeding (suit: Anyone, +10HP +5ETH for every enemy user defeats)

Artefact 3 (20+): Sticky Gloves (suit: Rogues/Beast Warriors, 1.5 multiplier for stealing)

Artefact 4 (30+):Barbarian's Boots (suit: Barbarians/Chi Monks/Beast Warriors, *Restoration*)

Artefact 5 (40+):

Artefact 6 (50+):

Artifacts: Simple Helmet (suit: Anyone, HP:+1), Pseudo's hood (suit: Anyone, Ignores Undead immunity), Quiver of Poisoning (suit: Rangers/Beast Warriors/Infiltrators/Winged Warriors, Causes *Poisoned by 1* using bows/crossbows), Blessed Amulet (suit: Anyone, *Immune to cursed*), Dog Statuette (Rover) (suit: Anyone, SP:+1), Counterstrike Gloves (suit: Anyone, deals damage equal to level when hit with free-hit), Sterile Gloves (Suit: Anyone, *Immune to Poisoned/Bleeding*), Bravado Boots (suit: Anyone, 1/6 chance of receiving *Lucky* at start of battle), Scarlet Hood (suit: Anyone, pwr:+4, *immune to stunned*)

Weapons: Sword of Decay (WP:+8, suit: Barbaians/Knights/Mages, Causes *Decayed by X-3 rounds* X=dmg dealt/4, Effect does not stack), Greatsword (WP:+3, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators), Focal Staff (WP:+5, suit: Clerics/Mages, Ability: Roll 3 at cost of 5 ether), Gladius (WP:+15, suit: Anyone, Darkness, 1/3 chance of causing *Fragile* on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP:+8, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Harlots, 1/2 chance of causing *sealed*), Lullaby Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *asleep*), Lovelorn Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enamored*), Scaridy Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *afraid*), Wand of Wrath (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enraged*), Shield (SP:+5, Suit: Knights/Dragoons/Regulators/Skirmishers)

Consumables: Potions (25), Grand Potions (18), Tonics (0), Grand Tonics (1), Health Cores (1), Phoenix Essences (2), Remedies (9), Mead (14), Smelling Salts (17), Nostrums 15), Venoms (10), Deadly Venoms (7), Smoke Bombs (1) , Fire Bombs (1), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (14), Bones (13), Skeleton Decoys (1), Ambrosia (2), Mulled Wine (1), (1)Trial Brews (1), Ectoplasms (1), Level-Up Mushrooms (1)

Elements: Aquamarine (2), Emerald (1), Garnet (1), Opal (1), Ruby (1), Sapphire (1), Topaz (1), Diamond (2), Amethyst (2)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1), Scroll of Frailty (1), Scroll of Weakening (1)

Tools: Shovels (1), Pick-axes (2), Magic Compasses (1), Water Canteens (2), Magniscopes (1)

Quest/RP/Misc. items: Blue Rose (Invasion of Luosh) (1), Fifty Shades of Bley (1), Mythril Shards (1)

"Urgh."

Masson Cour, 26 years old, Level 50.2 Paragon *Poison 25!*

HP: 54/70

SP: 5

Power Bonus: 5

Gold: 50

Equipment: Zandatsu (WP: 12, Longsword, suitable to Masson only, each succesful hit lowers target's Level/SP by 1) Syndicate Cowl Deluxe (SP: 5, Headwear, suitable to Masson only), Syndicate Uniform (+5 power, Bodywear), Quickdraw Sheathe (1/6 chance of starting every battle Hastened, Backwear), Wedding Ring (Immune to Enamored, Suitable to Masson only, cannot be dequipped, Accesory)

Inventory: Spare Dagger (WP: 8), Remedy x3, Grand Potion x3

"Masson?"

Punii, Level 20.33 Alchemist

HP: 6/36

SP: 3

Equipment: Yellow Carapace (SP: 3, Backwear, cannot be dequipped, suitable to Punii only... Unless you want to skin him alive?), Tiny Tail (WP: 7, cannot be dequipped, suitable to Punii only... Unless you want to amputate it?)

Inventory: Health Core, Ether Core, Grand Tonic x2, Nostrum, Bad Breath

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round Six of The Artist's Trials!

>Boomingham VS Seerus (front): Hit (8+31=39+4=43x4=172-7=165 damage)

>Masson VS Seerus (back): Damage (Nothing happens)

>Jeaux VS seerus (back): Critical Hit (13x2=26+5=31+19=50x2=100-7=93 damage)

>Erdathcath VS Seerus (back): Special Damage Hit (16+21=37-7=30 damage)

>Erdathcath VS seerus (back): Hit Critical Hit (16x2=32+21=53-7=46 damage)

>Karie VS Seerus (front): Hit (11+25=36-7=29 damage)

>Em VS Seerus (front): Critical Hit (11x2=22+19=41-7=34 damage)

... (Seerus: 82 HP remaining)

The party, with seerus soundly blinded, barrages the Mastermind one last time. With Doppelganger in hand, Mortimer avoids Seerus's bewitching gaze and writhing tentacles, thrusting it straight into his eye. The Mastermind launches himself backward, hovering mere inches off the floor... He smashes the ground with one of his few remaining tentacles, in a petty rage... the action lifts up some stone slabs in the battle arena, but fails to harm the heroes.

"Agh! Enough! I know when to quit... I'm a Mastermind for a reason. I know when I've been... beat."

Seerus' remaing blue tentacle squirms up to hios "mouth", the horrible abomination spewing out some of his own inky blood as he coughs. It was rather pitiful. He digs his remaining tentacles into the ground, perhaps to prevent further ham.

"So... It's down to this, then. I'm impressed... I don't suppose I cna hold the truth back any longer. You deserve to hear it, after that display...

You see, I came down here for a different reason. I don't suppose you've ever heard of the Devil program? Captured human are brainwashed and molded into figthing machines, tools for we oculoids to use... They're getting to be quite expansive in terms of numbers, you see. And... They need a leader. They need a general, someone to direct them. Someone who knows military tactics, someone who has led people in the past... Someone like..."

Seerus tears his arms out of the ground, revealing that they were rippling with energy. His gaze snaps towards Boomingham. His remaining blue tentacle snaps his fingers, igniting the blood he had hacked up earlier, effectively isolating Boomingham from the group... As well as Masson.

"...! Boomingham, watch out!"

"Someone put two and two together, hah!"

Seerus launches the Canvas Curse, a wall of ether careening towards Boomingham. Masson dives in and shoves Boomingham away, the Paladin hitting the floor... He had evaded the curse, but Masson...

...Masson took Boomingham's place in the portrait.

"Oh, dammit! Idiot! Selfless to the very end, huh? Well... A Paragon would do. I'm surprised you didn't figure this one out earlier, Boomingham. You're the odd one out here. You're the only one here with no connection to The Regret - he choose you for this quest simply to make you and your angel his slave. But... Even now, that Paragon values his life as lower than everyone else's. Fool. It was his undoing."

Seerus lunges over to Masson's portrait and grabs it, hacking and wheezing... he had feigned losing, but he was injured badly nonetheless.

"Hmm. I do suppose a Paragon would make a good Devil commander, too... No divine help, but we can work out the kinks later.

You put up a damn good fight, heroes. I don't know how the hell you got so strong... I guess all of The Regret's schemes gave you a good work out, eh? Either way, it was an honor to welcome you to the Citadel. The game is afoot, then. Here's a hint for you: The Regret - and the Lifespark - reside at the tippity top of the Citadel. Can you climb the tower, kill the dragon, claim the treasure, and save the world? Hahhahhahahahahh... It's classic. Goodbye, heroes."

With that, Seerus flees the scene as the fire from his pyrotechnic blood dies down, dripping ink all the way. He cluthces Masson's portrait as he feebly speeds away...

"I... I don't *wheeze* believe it. We were set up, before we even came here..."

The Battle is Victorious... At a cost. All heroes gain EXP.

Party Leader, please distribute the loot.

Oculoid Fireworks x3: A multicolored pyrotechnic developed by Seerus. When used an enemy, does 150 damage, disregarding row and SP.

Ectoplasm

Grating Stone x2

Mead x2

Deadly Venom x2

150 gold

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher)

Level 31.5 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Pierces SP From Front Row* *SP Ignored From Back Row*

Power: 50

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 10

Health: 1/54

Ether: 30/30

Gold: 808

Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding (-5) and Poisoned (-10); great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves, Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), *Pseudo's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)*

Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Sleeping Effect), Sabre (WP:6, Longsword), Darksteel Greatsword (WP: 10, Blinded Effect, Greatsword), Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence

• Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear) Cloak of Blood Magick (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic weaken the enemy, bodywear suitable for Mages, Necromancers, Chi Monks)

Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle)• Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst

• Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing,

• Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), 2x Mead, x2 Nostrum, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, Hair of the Dog

• Bedroll

*Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70)

**Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70)

Karie Alderflask-Cour

23? years old human female

Level 26 Witch

Defence: 2

Health: 42/42 (7+24+8+2)

Ether: 28/32 (1+24+4+2)

Gold: 680

Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1; coils around the users arm when outside of battle, whip), Catsuit (Wearer becomes nimble and has a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE, and Free Hits, suitable to women only; body wear), Ethereal Cloak (SP: +2, Max. Ether: +4, back wear), Paper Doll (immunity to hexed, accessory)

Inventory:

*Weapons:

Spring Staff (WP: 12, healing someone else through this staff also heals the user by the same amount; water elemental staff), Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10, fire elemental staff), Sexy (WP: 8, disregards SP, longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, deals poisoned by 10 effect, breaks after 3 uses)

*Minstrel Weapons: Angelic Trumpet (WP: 5, user is blessed, instrument), Vagrant's Guitar (WP: 5, user is lucky)

*Artefacts:

Glittering Dress (The user's job traits are replaced with those of a Harlot: Promiscuity, Flee, and Money Maker; suitable for women only, body wear), Medal of Valour (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience in battle. Accessory), Skull Mask (SP: 1, wearer can pose as undead, headwear), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Changes user's appearance into an elf, accessory), Witch's Talisman (Makes the witch's poisonous attacks cause poisoned by 10-effect instead of poisoned by 1, suitable for witches; accessory)

*Minstrel Artefacts: Encore Plectrum (If the same battle song is sung more than one round in a row, the song's ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable for minstrels; accessory)

*Gems: Ruby (Fire)

*Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Newtity

*Battle Songs: True Love's Serenade (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round, cost 10 ether; Battle Song)

*Consumables:

Potion, Grand Potion x2, Tonic, Grand Tonic x5, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Nostrum x3, Mulled Wine, 9 Venoms, Pumpkin Bomb (causes poisoned by 1, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used), Neutralizer x2, Tasty Pretzel (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened, and encouraged-effects upon consumption), 5 Herbal Infusions (Removes negative effects and causes Blessed and Transcended effects), Grating Stone

*Tools: Telescope, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

*Sheep: Baaffy (Pet Sheep, whenever unleashed, puts random enemy fast asleep, unlimited use)

Quest Items/Roleplay Item: Masson's Journal Entry 11, Map of Brendenton, Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal, Blue Syndicate Uniform, Kayla's Mask, Ulric's Letter

Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554)

Automaton male, Evoker

Level 19.5 *Blessed* *Transcended* *Immune to Sealing, Bleeding, and Confused*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 2

Health: 27/27

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 758

Equipment: Divine Cannonade (WP:13; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; Poison 7 and Cursed; Phoenix Essence; handcannon), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5), Automaton Armor (SP:2, immune to bleeding and confused; suitable to automata only; bodywear)

Inventory: Enchanted Bracelet (protects from sealing; accessory), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 items per round; accessory), Professor's Kit (successful attacks on Mechanical enemies have a 1/3 of turning them to the hero’s side for the next three rounds as a tamed monsters, accessory), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Topaz, Diamond, Amethyst, Soma, Tonic, Grand Tonic x2, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence x2, Remedy x2, Venom x2, Volatile Venom x4, Jinxy Juice, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Experienced Turdwing (Deals the confused and poisoned by 1 effects on an opponent when used, fly familiar), Ruby, Sapphire

Summons: Nilrem (Paladin Armor, Lightning Armor, Demon Armor)

Mortimer "Em" Mahzan (Em) *Reinforced!* *Half-Blind!*

Unknown age human male Warden

Level 18.5

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 25 (50)

Health: 36/37

Gold: 86

Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Vigilant (SP 12, halved damage from elemental attacks, immune to electricity, shield), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +3, SP +3, Max. Health +3, Max. Ether +3. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year)

Inventory:

Consumables: Smoke bomb, Nostrum, Potion x3, Remedy x2, Venom, Grand Potion x5, Mead x2, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, Silver Ore

Weapons: Doppleganger (WP: 10, Retribution: The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on the target enemy on successful hits; longsword), Old Whip (WP: 10/20 against Beasts)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe

Equipment: Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Frost Helm (SP: 3, immune to ice, suitable for anyone), Eyepatch

Buffs: Permanent + 3 HP, +2 Power, and +1 Ether from Crystal Sovereign.

Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old,

Level 23.33 Druid *Party Leader!* *Hastened!*

Power: 38

Health: 37/37

Ether: 26/26

Gold: 195

Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:16, Fire-elemental, permanent poisoned 7, cursed), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear, suitable for anyone), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), Machine's Heart (The hollowed out heart of Monolith, after being defeated, halves all damage from Earth, Electrical, and Mechanical type enemies; bodywear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

*Qlice (WP: 8, club, permanent Poison 4), Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, bow, provides hastened effect for one round each battle)

*Mage's muffler (protects from sealing; accessory, suitable for anyone), Helmet (+1 max. health; headwear, suitable for anyone), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified; accessory, suitable for anyone), Helmet (+1 max. health),

*Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope,

*Scroll of Weakening

*6 Potions, Grand Potion x2, 6 Mead, 4 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Saber teeth, Jinxy Juice x2, Grand Tonic x3, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Mythril Shard x2, Silver Ore, 3 Elixirs, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence x2, Agni Bomb, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether), Neutralizer, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Equilibrium Tonic, Remedy

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

Level: 30.75

Power Bonus: +0 (0art+0perm)

Health: 14/44 (lvl30+cls7+7perm+0art)

Defense: 5 (5art+0Shield+0perm)

Ether: 0/0/30 (lvl30

Kept Effects: *Natural Respite* *Restoration**Immune to: Fragile* *1.5 stealing multiplier* *Hide of The Bleeding*

Temporary Effects:

Gold: 3741

Equipment:

Weapon: Muckraker (WP:+13, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators, *Water, Wood, Earth*, Causes *Weakened*)

Shield:

Artefact 1 (1+): Heavy Armour (suit: Bararians/Knights, SP:+5, *Immune to Fragile*)

Artefact 2 (10+): Hide of The Bleeding (suit: Anyone, +10HP +5ETH for every enemy user defeats)

Artefact 3 (20+): Sticky Gloves (suit: Rogues/Beast Warriors, 1.5 multiplier for stealing)

Artefact 4 (30+):Barbarian's Boots (suit: Barbarians/Chi Monks/Beast Warriors, *Restoration*)

Artefact 5 (40+):

Artefact 6 (50+):

Artifacts: Simple Helmet (suit: Anyone, HP:+1), Pseudo's hood (suit: Anyone, Ignores Undead immunity), Quiver of Poisoning (suit: Rangers/Beast Warriors/Infiltrators/Winged Warriors, Causes *Poisoned by 1* using bows/crossbows), Blessed Amulet (suit: Anyone, *Immune to cursed*), Dog Statuette (Rover) (suit: Anyone, SP:+1), Counterstrike Gloves (suit: Anyone, deals damage equal to level when hit with free-hit), Sterile Gloves (Suit: Anyone, *Immune to Poisoned/Bleeding*), Bravado Boots (suit: Anyone, 1/6 chance of receiving *Lucky* at start of battle), Scarlet Hood (suit: Anyone, pwr:+4, *immune to stunned*)

Weapons: Sword of Decay (WP:+8, suit: Barbaians/Knights/Mages, Causes *Decayed by X-3 rounds* X=dmg dealt/4, Effect does not stack), Greatsword (WP:+3, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators), Focal Staff (WP:+5, suit: Clerics/Mages, Ability: Roll 3 at cost of 5 ether), Gladius (WP:+15, suit: Anyone, Darkness, 1/3 chance of causing *Fragile* on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP:+8, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Harlots, 1/2 chance of causing *sealed*), Lullaby Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *asleep*), Lovelorn Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enamored*), Scaridy Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *afraid*), Wand of Wrath (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enraged*), Shield (SP:+5, Suit: Knights/Dragoons/Regulators/Skirmishers)

Consumables: Potions (25), Grand Potions (18), Tonics (0), Grand Tonics (1), Health Cores (1), Phoenix Essences (2), Remedies (9), Mead (14), Smelling Salts (17), Nostrums 15), Venoms (10), Deadly Venoms (7), Smoke Bombs (1) , Fire Bombs (1), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (14), Bones (13), Skeleton Decoys (1), Ambrosia (2), Mulled Wine (1), (1)Trial Brews (1), Ectoplasms (1), Level-Up Mushrooms (1)

Elements: Aquamarine (2), Emerald (1), Garnet (1), Opal (1), Ruby (1), Sapphire (1), Topaz (1), Diamond (2), Amethyst (2)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1), Scroll of Frailty (1), Scroll of Weakening (1)

Tools: Shovels (1), Pick-axes (2), Magic Compasses (1), Water Canteens (2), Magniscopes (1)

Quest/RP/Misc. items: Blue Rose (Invasion of Luosh) (1), Fifty Shades of Bley (1), Mythril Shards (1)

"How...?"

Punii, Level 20.66 Alchemist

HP: 6/36

SP: 3

Equipment: Yellow Carapace (SP: 3, Backwear, cannot be dequipped, suitable to Punii only... Unless you want to skin him alive?), Tiny Tail (WP: 7, cannot be dequipped, suitable to Punii only... Unless you want to amputate it?)

Inventory: Health Core, Ether Core, Grand Tonic x2, Nostrum, Bad Breath

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What will the party do? A path lies ahead of them, leading to into the Citadel's ground floor.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Endgame

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: Just remembered I have the sticky gloves, so 1.5X all the 90 gold I got previously

Johon stands in utter astonishment.

"Masson..."

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer growls, lunging at Seerus' retreating form. He sheathes Doppelganger, drawing his Aquabow and trying to fire at Seerus as he retreats. "Bastard!" he coughs, sprinting after the demon. "Bastard! You've taken more than enough! I will skin you alive! I will gouge ou--"

His banter is cut short as he slips on Seerus' inky blood, slamming face-first into the cold ground.

He lays there for a minute, breathing heavily, before slowly pushing himself to his feet again. He digs around in his pocket for the eyepatch the pirates had given him. Finding it, he adjusts it onto his face, turning to the party.

His visage can only be described as angry. "That thing must die. Before or after the Regret, Seerus will die by my hand."

[Endgame]

"Has anyone... Ever *wheeze* seen one of these Devils they're gonna try to make masson into...?

Em, Mortimer, are... You going to be *cough* okay? I know he took your eye, but... The regret is the one controlling him."

Edited August 22, 2014 by Endgame

[Emjajoas]

"Jetorix," Mortimer calls to Punii, the word spit from his mouth like poison. "They're going to make him Jetorix."

[Endgame]

"Wha...?! No. But he was... He was practically half machine, half Oculoid! By Ennoc, that was a Devil, wasn't it? There was hardly anything of him..."

Punii cuts his sentence short, trying to be nice to those who considered Masson a friend.

"Seerus was bleeding, right? Heavily? Maybe we can follow the *wheeze* trail? It'd at least show us the way out of these caverns..."

[Emjajoas]

"He's going to be bleeding a lot more when we're done with him," Mortimer shrugs, scowling. He drops to his knees, putting a hand on the ground-- a few potions in hand. "Need a ride again, Punii? Drink up until you're full health. I'll need-- I'll need you to cover my blind side."

[Kintobor]

Karie trembles over to the spot where Masson was. Her breathing becomes sporadic and quick, almost to the point of hyperventilation. She sniffles constantly, trying to hold back tears, her face turning red. She felt a chill run over her, her stomach queasy. She knew this feeling too well. She rests her head on the cave wall, covering her face with her arms.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Kintobor

[Endgame]

"He's going to be bleeding a lot more when we're done with him," Mortimer shrugs, scowling. He drops to his knees, putting a hand on the ground-- a few potions in hand. "Need a ride again, Punii? Drink up until you're full health. I'll need-- I'll need you to cover my blind side."

"It would probably be best if you *wheeze* saved those and let one of our healers do it, but... I'll help you out with the *wheeze* eye problem."

Punii looks towards Karie.

"Think... She'll be alright?"

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer turns his gaze to Karie, softening slightly.

He sighs lightly. "Karie. We haven't got time to waste. He's not dead. He's waiting. Let's go."

Edited August 22, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Kintobor]

Mortimer turns his gaze to Karie, softening slightly.

He sighs lightly. "Karie. We haven't got time to waste. He's not dead. He's waiting. Let's go."

Karie doesn't respond to Em immediately, despite knowing his best intentions. She felt too nerve wracked to do anything. Turning to Em, her paint had begun to run around her eyes and cheeks, but she wasn't crying, at least not at this moment. She nods solemnly.

[joeshmoe554]

Jeaux saw his party starting to fall apart at the seams. Em, or Mortimer as Seerus had called him, had lost his mind to rage and Karie had lost hers to grief. He watches the scene unfold, as still as his body had once been before he took up residence.

[The_Customizer]

"Em, and Karie, I get it, you lost someone, or something due to this battle, Seerus is still out there though, we need to deal with him, put your emotions aside for now, the only important thing is the death of the Regret. Let's move on."

[Endgame]

"Jeaux, Erdathcath... How do you *wheeze* set your emotions aside so easily?"

QM Note: I'll move this along when Zepher posts.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Endgame

[Kintobor]

Karie's sporadic breathing returns as she tries to grasp her surroundings and her situation.

"Guys... they're doing stuff to Masson... and their doing it soon.

The Regret gave me an offer to betray him, I don't know how, or why exactly, but he did, and... I declined. I don't know if I did the right thing, I mean he could be back here with us right now, and I could potentially save him, but..."

Karie stops, on the verge of tears. She didn't know what she was going to do. She felt twangs of fear strike down her as the gravity of her situation settled in. Did she make the right choice?

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer clicks his teeth. "Sorry. Next time I lose an eye I'll be sure to ignore it. Pain is only physical. I should be strong enough to shrug it off."

He shrugs, shoving his thumbs into his belt, and strides away from the party, scouting ahead.

[Kintobor]

Mortimer clicks his teeth. "Sorry. Next time I lose an eye I'll be sure to ignore it. Pain is only physical. I should be strong enough to shrug it off."

He shrugs, shoving his thumbs into his belt, and strides away from the party, scouting ahead.

Karie follows Em hesitantly.

"Would you... would you like me to look at it?" Her palm flared up in a purple aura.

[Emjajoas]

"Nothing to look at. It's not there. Boomingham's healing eased a lot of the pain. It's... just going to take getting used to."

Mortimer's frown deepens. "Just going to take some getting used to."

[The_Customizer]

"Punii, I'm part Elf and part tree. A tree has as many emotions as a dead person, an elf, at times, even fewer. Needless to say, I used to feel emotions of joy and sadness, triumph and defeat. Now, I feel only hatred towards the Regret, all other emotion must be pushed aside, it is because of past emotion of sorrow or lost, such as those killed by the Regret, that I failed to defeat him when I could as such, I find no more use for those emotions, only a righteous hatred and want for judgement."

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: There are still the drops to distribute...

[The_Customizer]

OOC: And apparently I'm an idiot , here is the distribution. If you guys want to switch something around, just let me know.

"Johon, considering you got quite a bit of gold already, I'll just split it up evenly amongst everyone else. Fine by you? Jeaux, can you hold onto the Oculoid fireworks for now?"

Loot Distribution:

Karie: Deadly Venom

Boomingham: Mead, grating stone

Em: Deadly Venom,

Jeaux: Ectoplasm, Oculoid Fireworks

Erdathcath: Mead

Johon: Grating stone

30 gold to everyone except Johon.

[Bricksandparts]

OoC: Make sure you update my gold

[Endgame]

OoC: Make sure you update my gold

QM Note: Your gold was added. Also, enough OoC about loot.

[joeshmoe554]

"Jeaux, Erdathcath... How do you *wheeze* set your emotions aside so easily?"

"I am no longer an organic being, the process that placed me in this form seemed to have damaged a part of my soul. As far as I can tell, the less I cling to what I once was, the less those sorts of emotions ... have a hold over me." Jeaux paused in his explanation, not entirely sure of its accuracy given the Regret's words and what he was currently feeling.

The Regret gave me an offer to betray him, I don't know how, or why exactly, but he did, and... I declined. I don't know if I did the right thing, I mean he could be back here with us right now, and I could potentially save him, but...

Jeaux looked at Karie for a moment to analyze her state of mind. The Regret had a powerful influence, and his ability to speak through one's own thoughts could turn someone against their allies, especially if he were able to play on their inner most desires or emotions. This he knew from personal experience.

Jeaux, can you hold onto the Oculoid fireworks for now?"

"That should not be a problem."