Heroica RPG - Quest #109: Dreamscape

[Emjajoas]

"Meow," replies the cat, hoarding his catnip into a pile. "You're meoan agreable lot, meow. I'll be meunching on this until you bring the world down. Will probably make meow feel better about losing my home."

Edited August 24, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Brickdoctor]

"Before I forget, Master Vandagant, hang on to one of my Phoenix Essences for this quest."

I lend the consumable to Alexander.

[Captain Settle]

Well thanks for the cloak Knickers. I'm ready to move on to the next location if everyone else is.

[Kintobor]

"Um, if you could wait up, I'm still waiting to finish my deal with Mr. Knickers here." Annienal really didn't want to be left alone in the dream world.

[Emjajoas]

"The Phoenix Essence is your, Meoa'am," the cat purrs.

QM Note: I'll allow Alexander a chance to shop and talk to our feline friend before moving on.

[Wedge09]

"What you mean exactly saying they breowlong?" he asks anyway, even if it seemed strange.

Then, after watching at Knickers' Wares, Alexander gives the cat his two catnips for two Phoenix Essence, 45 gold each, total of 90 gold.

To Docken he replies "Now I don't need it Master Docken, but thank you anyway."

OOC: Emjajoas I hope the trading is all right, I made it so we can go less slower, as I'm the last

[Captain Settle]

"Er, Vandagant, I believe that when the cat says breowlong, he means belong."

[Emjajoas]

QM Note: The trading is fine. Update later tonight, just got home and need to unpack.

"Yes, they breowlong; they meoade this world. The Dreamer and the Witch, if I I remeowmber correctly. They're both in the castle. I don't see the Dreameowmer meuch, but the Witch goes on walks often."

Edited August 25, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Wedge09]

"A witch... interesting, maybe it's her that create all the dream soldiers...If all have done, I think we can go to the Castle. Thank you Knickers for the deals; will you come with us?" Alexander watched the rest of the group: if all are ready, the party will head to the Castle.

[Captain Settle]

"I've finished buying things, and I'm ready to go to the castle."

[Emjajoas]

"There not meouch I can do if I accompany you," the cat purrs. "But I've nyothing to lose. I'm going to disappear with this world anyways. I'll join you."

Knickers joins the party!

The Party:

Annienal Anavir (Kintobor)

"19" year old Elven Female

Level 4 Knight

Power: 8

Health: 13/13

Defence: 15

Equipment: Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Trainnig Sword (WP:4)

Gold: 28

Inventory: Potion x2, Bedroll, College Shield (SP: 2), College Halberd (WP: 3), Smoke Bomb, Mead, Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, throwing weapon, retreivable, 1/6 chance to slow), Venom, Field Rations (Heals for 15), Phoenix Essence

Francis Barkley (Captain Settle)

22 year old human ranger

Level 4

Power: 11

Health: 9/9

Defense: 3

Gold: 8

Equipped: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7), Tricorne (SP:3)

Inventory: Potion x3, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Long Bow (WP 3), Training Bow (WP:4), Mead, Venom, Lustrous Cloak (1/6 chance of dodging damage rolls and free hits. Suitable for rogue-based classes, artifact, backwear)

Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) **Party Leader** **Humanoids Marked**

99 years old elf Hunter

Level 24.33

Power: 35 (LVL 24+WP 11)

Defense: 5 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Tricorne)

Health: 38/38 (6 + 20 + 6 + 2 + 2 Chicken Drumstick)

Gold: 197

Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 11, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor- (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), , Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Dream Helm (SP:4, wearer immune to Sleep and Fast Asleep, artifact, headwear)

Inventory: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7)

• Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap, Tricorne (SP: 3)

• Grand Potion x2, Potions (10), Remedies (2), Tonic (2), Venoms (6), Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Military Grade Fire Bomb, Lightning Bob, Elven Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Meads (3), Weak potion (2), Weak Regeneration Potion (1), Weak Regeneration Tonic (1), Smelling Salt (2), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple, Bones (6), Skeleton Decoy, Charcoal, Phoenix Essence (2)

• Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass

Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor)

34-year-old human male, Warden

Level 45 4/5 *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Sudden Death* *Counterstriking*

Power: 55 (Level 45 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0)

Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3)

Health: 77/77 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 43 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 19*)

Gold: 1183(1 Gold loaned to Lord Lawrence Boomingham [Zepher])

GP: 27

Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, and Wind; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; Backwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear)

Inventory: Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club)

• Large Water Canteen (Carries 6 portions of water; Accessory), Aqua Gear (Adds Water-element to physical attacks, immune to Water, Accessory)

• Potions (4), Grand Potions (10), Health Cores (3), Remedies (11), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts (2), Mulled Wine, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (13), Bones (12), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Adamantite Shards (2/4 Adamantite),

• Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

• Silver Ore (60 Gold)

Knickers, Level 25 Rogue **Dies when knocked out at the end of battle**

Power: 35

Health: 40/40

SP: 5

Equipped: Cat's claws (WP: 10, suitable for Knickers only), soft fur (SP:5, suitable for Knickers only, soft to the touch)

Inventory: Grand Potion (3), Potion (3), Catnip (5) (Makes cats Lucky and Hastened for 3 turns)

QM Note: Might want to double check my math, but I think I got the transactions right.

_______________

The Party makes their way forward, Knickers in tow, towards their final destination: the Castle. The rain falling from the sky slowly becomes larger, more solid-- it snows. A cold wind cuts through the heroes. Winter had come. The heroes' feet slosh through the thin layer of snow gathering on the wet ground.

Before long, they can see the large, looming keep standing erect. The deep grey stone was almost black in coloration; upon comparison, it matched the armour of the Dream Soldiers. The spires stretched towards the sky like the arms of a child wanting to be lifted. Knights were carved into the rock face, fighting epic battles, slaying dragons, saving princesses... The decorations in the Marquis' room resembled the carvings on the Keep. Or... Perhaps it was the other way around...?

The keep itself was surrounded by a moat; a thin bridge the only way across. The heroes near the bridge, standing at one end--

At the other sat their enemies, ready for combat.

The Dream Soldiers seemed to be everywhere. What were they? Why didn't they have faces? Why were they so aggressive? Did they care that much about their world? Was there no peaceful solution? No way to save the Marquis while keeping their world intact?

The water in the moat had turned to ice; falling would be fatal, and because of the snow, there seemed to be no safe way down. It seems as though the party would have to take the bridge-- and fight the Dream Soldiers. This would be their most difficult push yet; by the looks of things, it wouldn't be their last fight, either. The castle itself was sure to be loaded with surprises-- though thankfully it seemed as though no Elites were guarding the bridge.

What is the party's course of action?

[Captain Settle]

"I say we attack these soldiers. I don't see how we can negotiate with something that doesn't even have a face! Besides, there's no elites in that group, defeating them in battle should be easy.

[Wedge09]

"I think it's better if Knickers stais out from this fight, I don't want he dies. I think this time throwing a bomb won't do the difference, Master Docken; have you all any strategy in mind or simply we charge them?"

[Kintobor]

Annienal coughs quietly into a handkerchief at the back of the party, folding the cloth and placing it into a pouch on her belt.

"Um, I know my input probably isn't the most important, but maybe we could just ask to have an audience with the two people we know are in the keep? Perhaps we come to a diplomatic solution? Or maybe that's just me trying to be overtly positive..."

She looked about the menacing edifice, hoping Docken would eventually answer her question on the Voice in the Sky.

"Mr. Barkley, may I ask why you assume they have no elites? My instructors told me to expect the unexpected and be alert at all times. if this is there keep, surely elites wouldn't be too far behind, right?"

[Brickdoctor]

"They can obviously see us by now, yet they do nothing."

Cupping my hands around my mouth, I yell across the bridge to the Dream Soldiers, using Diplomacy.

"Good day, soldiers of this Dream World! I am Bartholomew Docken; my companions and I have been sent here to speak with your leader, the young marquis known as the 'Dreamer.' With your permission, we would enter this castle, and no one has to get hurt."

[Captain Settle]

"Mr. Barkley, may I ask why you assume they have no elites? My instructors told me to expect the unexpected and be alert at all times. if this is there keep, surely elites wouldn't be too far behind, right?"

"I guess your right, there probably are some elites in the castle, but I thought as long as we take it one battle at a time, we would all be very strong and experienced by the time we came across them."

[Emjajoas]

A few of the Dream Soldiers mill about for a second, talking to one another. One nods and begins making his way over, his horse neighing quietly. The guard's actions become increasingly more nervous when he sees Knickers trailing behind the party.

"We see no reason to grant you an audience with the Dreamer. Not only have you brought Winter, but you've slain countless of our bretheren. We've been aggressive towards you from the start-- forgive us for thinking things would stay that way. I'm afraid we've no reason to trust you, especially considering none of you belong. Likewise, you've no reason to trust us. We've been trying to get rid of you from the start. Seems it's too late for that, though."

The dream soldier's horse shuffles slightly as he makes an aggressive motion with his spear. "I don't trust you to settle things peacefully; the Dreamer's happy enough asleep. No doubt you can make swift work of me and my men... However, I must warn you: Leave now or face the consequences."

Edited August 25, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Brickdoctor]

Using Diplomacy.

"No, we do not belong, and that is exactly why we should be allowed to speak with the Dreamer. I'm told that you are not from the outside world; how are you qualified to determine whether or not the Dreamer should remain here instead of returning there, or whether or not he will be happiest in his sleep here?

"But I'm a reasonable man, so tell me: how have we brought Winter, what exactly is Winter, and what are these consequences you speak of?"

[Emjajoas]

The Lancer seems at a loss for words for a minute. He sits on his steed, staring at Docken. "I-I was told he would be happier here. The outside world is something to be f-feared."

He clears his throat. "Winter marks the end. Winter marks the end of this world. And the consequences, well... I was told to meet you with aggression, but we don't really want to get slaughtered. We're dead if the Dream fades, but at least that's not as painful, or so I'm told. I guess the Consequences wait for you deeper in the Keep."

[Brickdoctor]

Using Diplomacy.

"I understand; you're just following your orders. Did your instructions come from the Dreamer himself, or from the one I'm told is called the Witch?

"I am curious; do you know your origins? Were you and your kin given life by the Dreamer or by the Witch, or have you simply always existed here?"

[Kintobor]

Feeling slightly brave, Annienal decides to put her diplomacy skills to work to answer a question.

"Um, excuse me, but if you would kindly tell me why your worried about this cat? I noticed some of you are a little nervous around her, and I can relate to that."

[Emjajoas]

"The Witch leads us. She gives us orders from the Dreamer. She created us, as far as I know, or at least helped give us shape. Time works differently here. I'm not... sure how long it's been since I've come into being. I couldn't tell you. It's felt like forever, but it can't have been that long."

The Lancer changes his attention towards Annienal. "Th-that cat, if it's the one I'm thinking of, slaughtered some of our men. I'm not sure how or why, but that cat is dangerous. Stories of it are told throughout the barracks."

He jolts when the cat focuses on him, uttering a single non-threatening phrase:

"Meow."

[Brickdoctor]

Using Diplomacy.

"I see. Thank you, that's quite interesting.

"Now then, we still require entrance to the castle, and as you have acknowledged, we're more than capable of doing so by force if necessary. So, if you and your men will allow us to pass, we will be on our way."

[Emjajoas]

The Lancer looks back towards his comrades.

"I'm... not sure I should."

He glances back at the heroes before heaving a sigh. "I... I can let you past. But you're on your own. I won't be accompanying someone who killed my comrades."

He beckons to his fellow Dream Soldiers, who in turn trudge towards the party.

"I can't really say I agree with what you've done with the place," he remarks, motioning towards the sky, "but if you have your reasons, a fake like me can't complain. I'd wish you luck, but if I'm honest, I hope you fall. Let's go, men."

The soldiers stare at the party on their way by, radiating scorn and sadness. With one final order, the Lancer leads his men through the party and off down the path, none of them looking back.

The way forward was clear.

The party takes hesitant steps along the bridge, moving forward steadily. Soon they reach the gates. Throwing them open, they stride into the castle, finally reaching their first destination. The inside of the Keep's walls was far less forboding than the view from outside. It was well-lit, and the entryway seemed to be what was once a garden. However, snow and ice covered the ground, making it hard to walk.

The party glances around, noticing that the only way forward was between a set of doubles doors.

Double doors guarded by what can only be described as an angry slew of well-armed soldiers.

This-- this would be a deciding battle indeed. Most of the Warriors were bristling with weapons and seemed to know how to use them. Unlike their less-skilled bretheren on the drawbridge, they didn't seem interested in talking, the archers already drawing their bows, ready to fire. They seemed to be led by a red-clad individual armed with three sharp blades-- what must be an Elite Dream Rogue backed by other Elite Dream Soldiers stood in their way.

The red rogue says one thing before signalling the archers to fire:

"They've forced her hand. This is our last stand. Show no mercy. Give no quarter. Shred them to pieces-- save this world. Our world."

The first few arrows slam into the ground near the party. As the archers grab more arrows and the other troops charge, it seemed as though the party had precious few moments to prepare.

Edited August 26, 2014 by Emjajoas

[Brickdoctor]

I consume a Smelling Salts, then a Mead.