Heroica RPG - Quest #105: Eternal Reaper

[joeshmoe554]

Jeaux casts a light spell at the wound from the back row

Edited November 8, 2014 by joeshmoe554

[Endgame]

Round Seven of The Battle on the Bridge!

>Alice heals Karie (back): Shield: Magic Vortex (12+20=32x2=64 damage to The Wound, 32 HP healed to all allies)

>Mortimer VS The Wound (back): Hit (14+20=34+5=39 damage)

>Masson VS The Wound (back): Critical Hit (9x2=18+5=23+50=73x2/2=73 damage)

>Boomingham VS The Wound (back): Shield: Guardian Angel

>Johon VS The Wound (back): Damage (Stunned)

>Jeaux VS The Wound (back): Critical Hit (21+13x2=26+47x2=94 damage)

>Erdathcath VS The Wound (back): Hit (16+25=41 damage)

>Punii VS The Wound (back): Hit (21+7=28/2=14 damage)

>Karie VS The Wound (back): Miss

The party continues to wail on The Wound. He looks on in awe as Barty is summoned to the battlefield.

"...Looks like this battle is just about over. Well done... Well done. There will be only one obstacle between myself and The Regret left... A living warmachine, a Monolith Mk II unit, if I'm not mistkane. He's... He's volatile. A "loose cannon", if I may use a term that would give Bellum a conniption. So emotionally unstable, I've heard whsipers that a means of disposing of him and piercing his invincible ribcage is still in the Citadel, in case he goes haywire. You would do well to find it before you try to slay him.

But... Other than that. You have my vote of confidence, heroes. You've beaten me once, you've beaten my twice... So lets see if you can pull a double on The Regret, eh? Let us finish this duel!"

Round Eight of the Battle On The Bridge!

>Karie casts Frailty on The Wound (back): Success!

>Masson VS The Wound (front): Hit (9+50=59+5=64x4=256 damage)

>Mortimer VS The Wound (back): Hit (13+21=34x2=68 damage)

The party slays The Wound, putting an end to the final member of the Gladius Unit standing. The harsh winter wind begins to swep away their ethereal bodies, bit by bit...

"Not bad... Not bad at all."

"That was a good battle, wasn't it?"

"The future is in your hands, heroes. I trust you with it."

With that, the three ghostly Proggs vanish, leacing a small pile of loot...

The Battl is Victrious! All heroes recive their respective amounts of EXP.

Party Leader, please distribute the loot:

-240 gold

-Grating Stone

QM Note: If I forget to give you your max HP back, please, alert me!

The Party:

Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Encouraged!*

Level 32.75 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness*

Power: 51

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 10 (8)

Health: 55/55

Ether: 30/30

Gold: 938

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: Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Sleeping Effect), Sabre (WP:6, Longsword), Darksteel Greatsword (WP: 10, Blinded Effect, Greatsword), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword) Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Remedy x2, Phoenix Essence, Health Core

• 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) Scarlet Hood (Sutiable for anyone, headwear. SP: 4, Immune to Stunned.)

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, Grating Stone

• 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 27.66 Witch

Defence: 2 (0)

Health: 44/44 (7+26+8+2)

Ether: 26/33 (1+24+4+2)

Gold: 1011

Equipment: Blazing Palm (WP: 14, Fire elemenetal, whip, succeful hits lower the target's level by one.)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), Witch's Talisman (Makes the witch's poisonous attacks cause poisoned by 10-effect instead of poisoned by 1, suitable for witches; 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: 9, disregards SP, longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, deals poisoned by 10 effect, breaks after 3 uses), Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1; coils around the users arm when outside of battle, whip),

*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), Paper Doll

*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) Sapphire

*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, Tonic, Grand Tonic x6, Remedy x4, Phoenix Essence x4, 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), Deadly Venom

*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 21.33 *Blessed* *Transcended* *Immune to Sealing, Bleeding, and Confused*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 5 (0)

Health: 33/33

Ether: 17/21

Gold: 888

Equipment: Divine Cannonade (WP:13; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; Poison 7 and Cursed; Empty; handcannon), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5), Automaton Armor (SP:2, immune to bleeding and confused; suitable to automata only; bodywear), Golden Helmet (HP +3, SP +3)

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, x2 Amethyst, Soma, Tonic, Grand Tonic x3, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence x3, Remedy x3, 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, Ectoplasm, Oculoid Fireworks x3, Ether Core,

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

Mortimer "Em" Mahzan (Em) *Party Leader!*

Unknown age human male Warden

Level 20.66

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 25

Health: 39/39

Gold: 266

Equipment: Blazing Bow (WP: 14, Fire-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, Remedy, Venom, Grand Potion x5, Mead, Ambrosia, Silver Ore, Phoenix Essence

Weapons: Doppleganger (WP: 10, Retribution: The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on the target enemy on successful hits; longsword), Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental),

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, *Hastened!*

Level 25.33 Druid

Power: 41

Health: 39/39

Ether: 26/28

Gold: 375

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)

Inventory:

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

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) *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, 7 Mead, 2 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 x4, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Mythril Shard x2, Silver Ore, 3 Elixirs, 2 Phoenix Essences, Agni Bomb, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether), Neutralizer, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Equilibrium Tonic, Remedy x2, Silver Ore, Smoke Bomb

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

Level: 32

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

Health: 46/46 (lvl31+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: 5143

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), Old Whip (WP: 10/20 against Beasts)

Consumables: Potions (25), Grand Potions (18), Grand Tonics (1), Health Cores (1), Phoenix Essences (2), Remedies (10), Mead (14), Smelling Salts (14), Nostrums 12), 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), Grating Stones (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), Silver Ore

"Poor Bellum."

Punii, Level 22.33 Alchemist

HP: 38/38

SP: 3

Gold: 19

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 Coire, Ether Core, Grand Tonic x2, Bravado Brew, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb x3, Doomsday Bomb

"We won! I can't believe we trumped them..."

Alice Incor, Level 20.66 Sage *Invisibility!*

HP: 30/30

Ether: 15/22

SP: 2

Equipment: Leather Armor (SP: 2, Bodywear) Invisibility Cloak (Backwear: 1/6 chance of dodging rolls of Damage and Free Hits), Ivory Hammer (WP: 12), Diamond, Amethyst

Inventory: Grand Potion x2, Smelling Salts

"It's over, for now."

Masson Cour, 26 years old, Level 50.4 Paragon

HP: 70/70

SP: 5

Power Bonus: 5

Gold: 50

Equipment: Darksteel Zandatsu (WP: 15, Longsword) Ivory Syndicate Cowl (SP: 5, Headwear, suitable to Masson only), Regretful Robes (+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), Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword)

Inventory: Spare Dagger (WP: 8), Remedy x2, Grand Potion x3, Paper Doll

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

The party stands alone on the connecting bridge.

"Altitude is getting *wheeze* pretty high. Tough on my lungs, uh, lung."

"How... How did I do...?"

". . ."

Masson stands solemnly and silently near the edge of the bridge, looking downwards, fearing the worst from his next conversation.

[Kintobor]

Karie allows her Blazing Oculoid Palm to slither back up her arm, feeling her stomach. Blood stained her sweater and a hole had ripped into her outfit, directly on her stomach. She curses under her breath, wondering how she'd never been knocked out.

"I can do without any substantial loot."

She notices the other members of her group, looking weak and cold,. She moves over to Masson, trying to keep a level head. She felt more confused than angered, although she still felt it burning inside her. She found words hard to find. Instead she stands next to him, looking down.

[Endgame]

Masson points at a flock of hunters making a seemingly succeful forward push towards the front gate.

"Would you look at that... Maybe Alatreon is pulling through down there. Seeing all those people down here... It gives me motivation amidst al of this madness."

Masson sighs, collects his thoughts, and responds.

"I signed up for this quest for two reasons, Karie. The first was that I wanted to protect you. So, when Captain Patricia came into the Syndicate office and was looking for some backup the Sand Queen had requested, for some Oculoid assignment... I signed up for it, immediately. Admittedly, I've been doing nothing but a lousy job so far.

The second reason was... After your last quest where you vanished for half of year... I couldn't do it. Not again. I can't handle being alone, not anymore. I was even back on my antidepressants again, for Ennoc's sake. It was... It was bad. I slumped. And I can't go through that again. I just - I just can't.

But you have every right to be mad at me for what I've done. So... Let me have it."

Edited November 8, 2014 by Endgame

[The_Customizer]

"Well, we did it, I guess there isn't much more to go, hopefully. I'm ready to move on if you are."

[Endgame]

"Yeah, we're... We're close. Just have to go through a little bit more of the upper citadel, and... We're there. The Regret is waiting for us, he said.

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

[interlude]

All is Calm on the Northern Front

In a small sanctuary, somewhere in Olegaia, an armoured and decorated woman stares up at a statue of her god, a winged warrior of justice and truth. She does not notice the man walk up behind her.

"You looked worried Isabelle. Surely something is on your mind?"

She turns around quickly, not expecting to see the face behind her.

"Your Lordship?! I... I did not see you there! I hope you'll understand if-"

"I merely asked you a question Isabelle, what is on your mind?" Isabelle takes a deep breath, looking to the statue of Ennoc as she responds.

"It's to do with the events going on in the North, with the Regret and his filthy, heathenish horde. I will be honest with you, the thought of him winning scares me. Our own lines are too thinly drawn. What should happen should he succeed if our intel is to be believed? Should we not have operatives there?"

"Do not concern yourself with what is happening in the North," he replies calmly, "I know how you feel after your squadron members were all tortured and turned against you by the Regret's forces, but you must have faith in their sacrifice, and in our lord. Something will stop the Regret, whether it be by the hands of others or his own, but it won't be ours. Besides, the Regret and his wretched horde is not our greatest concern at this time. We have more pressing matters at hand." The two look to the statue of Ennoc for a brief moment before Isabelle responds hesitantly.

"Is there a reason you're here, your lordship?"

"Yes, follow me, Inquisitor. I have much to talk to you about concerning the Order Imperial."

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

[Emjajoas]

LOOT:

Boomingham - 48 Gold

Erdathcath - 48 Gold

Jeaux - 48 Gold

Johon - Grating Stone

Karie - 48 Gold

Mortimer - 48 Gold

Mortimer glances over the bodies, sighing.

"Poor bastards," he mutters, stepping around them towards the citadel. He hesitates, however, deciding to ask the party their opinions regarding their next course of action. "Shall we move on towards the Citadel, or would you like to double back towards Iris' quarters?"

[Endgame]

"Shall we move on towards the Citadel, or would you like to double back towards Iris' quarters?"

"Hmm. I don't think we should put ourselves in anymore danger than we need to, not now... We have an inner sanctum to bust into."

"That, and... Urgh, no more timehopping, please and thank you."

[joeshmoe554]

"I say we head for the Citadel. Our top priority should be locating the weapon to use against the Monolith, and I doubt it would be found in Iris's quarters."

[Endgame]

QM Note: Just got done with lawn work. I'll give you folks an hour or two more to RP before this moves on.

"Do... Do you think the treausre all of these people are fighting for... Really *wheeze* exists?"

[Kintobor]

Karie sighs, looking down at all the little people beneath them.

"I'm upset with you... I get why perhaps you did it, but that doesn't make it right. You took advantage off me, Masson, in a situation which I couldn't say no. At least you know what you did was selfish, and your sorry, but that doesn't really do much now. What's done is done. I volunteered to take the poison, and the Regret manipulated us."

Karie pulls out her paper doll, looking it over lazily.

"We can discuss this in further detail when we get out of this place and the Regret's plans get foiled. Come on, it's cold out."

"Do... Do you think the treausre all of these people are fighting for... Really *wheeze* exists?"

"To the Regret, maybe, but his definition of words tends to be a little skewed. He may have something he defines as a treasure, but to us... it can't be anything good."

"How... How did I do...?"

Karie looks at Alice with a half hearted smile.

"You did good, sure."

Karie turns to Em, motioning him over.

"Em- Mortimer, can I have a word?"

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer nods, glancing around before moving in to speak with Karie.

"What is it?"

[Kintobor]

Karie shoves her hands in her pockets before responding, looking Em in the eye.

"What exactly happened between you and Alice?" She asked in a hushed voice, hoping the other red head wouldn't hear.

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer scowls, growing silent. He brings a hand up to his neck, rubbing the welt that was curled around it.

"A deal from the Regret. Trade my life for her sister's. Hammer to the head, hand around the neck, face down, lungs filling with water."

He clicks his teeth. "Nothing worth talking about."

[Kintobor]

Karie looks to the girl, squinting her eyes.

"No... that helps. I found it odd that Seerus hasn't shown his ugly head around here for awhile. I was wondering if perhaps we were dealing with Alice Incor... or someone else entirely. If she managed to lash out at you though, then I'd lean on her being the real deal. It could all be one big charade though."

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer flinches at the mention of Seerus, his eye changing focus to Alice. He glares at her momentarily before snapping his head back forward, grinding his teeth and balling his hands into fists.

"The bastard probably knows better. He's not suicidal. Tch. If she turns out to be with them..."

[Bricksandparts]

"We should move on." Johon says, irritated at the fact that they had to fight the Gladius unit. He hoped they were at least free from the Regret's control now. "I'm sick and tired of this damned place."

[Emjajoas]

"To the Citadel, then," Mortimer barks, leading the party towards their destination.

Edited November 9, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Zepher]

Boomingham holds out his hand to Masson. "My sword, Stealer."

[Endgame]

QM Note: Sorry, folks, home selling/moving/keeping up with academics has been extra demanding for the past 48 hours.

Boomingham holds out his hand to Masson. "My sword, Stealer."

Masson relinquishes the sword, but scowls as Boomingham calls him "Stealer." His quiet melancholy boils over into a subdued rage.

"My name is Masson Emeritus Cour, Boomingham. And, hell - for all I know, I may not even act as a field member when I get back to Eubric! I have some decisions that I'm going to have to make soon. Of course, even if I disbanded the Syndicate, you'd still be intent on killing me, won't you?"

The party continues down the bridge and enters the Citadel once more, escaping the bitter cold. They enter into the castle and find themselves standing over another buttress inside the Citadel itself, suspended over a pool of ink...

They look down into the inky blackness.

The room rumbles as the ink's level raises. The party fears that the black plasm will rise and consume them, but instead, it drains into the holes in the wall.

"Where's it all going...?"

The party forges forward, moving through another reinforced steel door. A noxious smell floods out as they pull the door open, smoke making their eyes water. They stand atop a ledge, looking at the room's centerpiece, trying not to cough and gag from the fumes...

Before them and above them several iron conduits carry the black plasm being stored in the room earlier. The passages, held up by black, obsidian pillar, transport the ink from one and to another.

Using the telescopes on their personage, the party takes a closer look at one of the ink-transporting straits...

Lining the side sof the plasm pipelines are modernized Dauntlets, all of them hard at work assembling the body of the Oculoids. Each one stretches, molds, and expands the body of an oculoid from the black ink passing through, the horrible demons slowly gaining shape as they pass through the lifeless assembly line. Before long they dissappear through a grate in the wall, likely to be animated now that their body was complete.

The shadow of the production core looming above him, the entire party dwarfed by the hugeness of the room, Punii stammers out something.

"S-since we've just entered this room... How many Oculoids have we seen made? Almost a *cough* hundred, maybe...? It's all so lifeless, too... It's scary, how *wheeze* efficient this place is. There's nothing alive in here. The Regret is making life from nothing."

The party could descend down the stiars and go near the supports of the plasm pipelines, or go to the left through a door. However, the door looked sealed shut, large red writing reading: "Only unlocks in case of emergeny. otherwise, high authorization needed."

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer glances around, taking shallow breaths to avoid gagging. "Let's see what sort of damage we can do to the plasm pipelines," he mutters. "Unless we see some way of getting past this door? Masson, have you got clearence?"

Edited November 11, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Endgame]

Masson shakes his head.

"No... It's blood based, not code based, and I think The Bleeding drained me of all the plasm in the system. Thank god he did, but it would've beena little useful right now. Looks like we're going to have to open it another way..."

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer bites his lip, deep in thought. Something had been weighing heavily on him since his talk with Karie.

He snapped, speaking softly.

"Alice," he mutters. "Open the door."

[Endgame]

Alice shrinks back, looking confused.

"H-huh..? What... But you need Oculoid blood for it, I thought Cour said?"

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer remains quiet, staring her down for a few heartbeats. "I don't remember seeing you bleed."

Edited November 11, 2014 by Emjajoas