Heroica RPG - Quest #23: Guarding the Guards

[Scubacarrot]

Results of Round 5 of the Basement battle.

Cronk vs. Scorpion - Shield Guardian Angel

Nyx vs. Poisonous Snake A - Critical Hit

Atramor vs. Rat B - Miss

Rufindel vs. Bat - Special Damage

Free hits:

Poisonous Snake B vs. Cronk - 0

As the party regroups and once again attacks, Cronk calls forth his Guardian Angel once more, protecting the party from harm in the next round. Nyx completely annihilates the poor snake with her dagger, that ripped the creature apart, once again covering the party and the room in snake guts. On the other side, Atramor is still tangling with the rat, who manages to dodge away from Atramor's incoming blade. Rufindel tries to switch weapons, but this allows the Bat to unleash attacks on the whole party, dealing 4 damage to each hero. The now only living snake, bashes against Cronk's shield, which does not hurt the paladin.

Enemies:

Poisonous Snake

B

Type: Vermin

Level: 6

Health: 70/70

Special:

Poison Spit: -

Poisons whole party.

Drops: Venom

Scorpion

Type: Vermin

Level: 7

Health: 80/80

Special:

Pincer:

- Stucks itself to the hero, dealing 5 damage, every time the Scorpion takes damage.

Drops: Nothing

Rat B

Type: Vermin, Beast

Level: 8

Health: 60/60

Special:

Fierce Bite -

Deals 8, regardless of SP and Row

Drops: Nothing

Bat

Type: Flying, Vermin

Level: 7

Health: 17/65

Special:

Flurry

- Hits all targets for 4, regardless of SP and Row.

Drops: Book of a Thousand Creatures

Party:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17 Paladin

Power: 29

SP:

9

Health:

33/37

Ether:

12/18

Gold:

17

Inventory:

Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll,

Nyx (played by Pandora)

Party Leader

Level 16 Battle Mage

Power:

25

SP:

-

Health:

17/26

Ether:

13/21

Gold:

40

Inventory:

Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 15.5 Rogue

Power:

23

SP:

2

Health:

12/22

Ether:

-

Gold:

230

Inventory:

Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12 Cleric

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

16/20

Ether:

11/16

Gold:

37

Inventory:

Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12

on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP),

Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7)

,

Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing

Next round automatically, because of Guardian Angel.

Results of Round 6 of the Basement battle.

Cronk vs. Scorpion - Hit

Nyx vs. Poisonous Snake B - Damage

Atramor vs. Rat B - Miss

Rufindel vs. Bat - Critical Hit

With half the enemies down, the heroes once again go in, Cronk stomps on the scorpion, dealing a solid 29 damage. Nyx would have gotten bitten by the Snake, but is shielded by Cronk's angel. Atramor fails AGAIN in hitting the rat, who seems to be just messing with the rogue now. Rufindel grips his staff tightly, and with a fine display of martial prowess, knocks the bat right out of the air, taking it out.

Enemies:

Poisonous Snake

B

Type: Vermin

Level: 6

Health: 70/70

Special:

Poison Spit: -

Poisons whole party.

Drops: Venom

Scorpion

Type: Vermin

Level: 7

Health: 51/80

Special:

Pincer:

- Stucks itself to the hero, dealing 5 damage, every time the Scorpion takes damage.

Drops: Nothing

Rat B

Type: Vermin, Beast

Level: 8

Health: 60/60

Special:

Fierce Bite -

Deals 8, regardless of SP and Row

Drops: Nothing

Party:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17 Paladin

Power: 29

SP:

9

Health:

33/37

Ether:

12/18

Gold:

17

Inventory:

Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll,

Nyx (played by Pandora)

Party Leader

Level 16 Battle Mage

Power:

25

SP:

-

Health:

17/26

Ether:

13/21

Gold:

40

Inventory:

Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 15.5 Rogue

Power:

23

SP:

2

Health:

12/22

Ether:

-

Gold:

230

Inventory:

Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12 Cleric

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

16/20

Ether:

11/16

Gold:

37

Inventory:

Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12

on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP),

Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7)

,

Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing

Party Leader, choose the order of action.

All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking.

Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.

If Rufindel can specify a target, I can do the next round quickly, as well. should have might this battle harder..

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk will bash Scorpion from front row once again. Cronk thanks his angel once again.

[Pandora]

"Snake guts!! In my hair!! Eeeeewwww, that's going to take ages to get out.

I'm going back to spells. Hey Atramor, I'll give you a hand with that pesky Rat with my Wind magic from the back row. Rufindel, could you please target the Snake? I'm hoping you can seal it to prevent us from being poisoned."

Party Order:

Cronk

Nyx

Atramor

Rufindel

[CMP]

Atramor continues his attack, getting extremely irritated at his lack of hits on the rat.

[Scubacarrot]

Results of Round 7 of the Basement battle.

Cronk vs. Scorpion - Shield Guardian Angel

Nyx vs. Rat B - Greater Spell

Atramor vs. Rat B Scorpion - Shield Mug

Rufindel uses Scroll of Sealing on Poisonous Snake B - not successful.

Cronk starts the round off by once again calling forth his Guardian Angel. Nyx shows off her skill by completely blasting the rat to bits with her magic wind spell, at the cost of 1 ether. The blast causes Atramor, who failed to hit the rat for so long, to be covered with the blood of the rat, along with the innards of the other creatures Nyx caused to explode in gory mess. The perplexed rogue recovers quickly, and switches his attack to the Scorpion, which he stabs right through the body, dealing enough damage to take it out. For some reason, Atramor sees a bag with 36 gold lying next to his feet, which he quickly grabs. Rufindel tries out his Scroll of Sealing, but unfortunately, he can not get the spell off.

Enemies:

Poisonous Snake

B

Type: Vermin

Level: 6

Health: 70/70

Special:

Poison Spit: -

Poisons whole party.

Drops: Venom

Party:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17 Paladin

Power: 29

SP:

9

Health:

33/37

Ether:

12/18

Gold:

17

Inventory:

Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll,

Nyx (played by Pandora)

Party Leader

Level 16 Battle Mage

Power:

25

SP:

-

Health:

17/26

Ether:

13/21

Gold:

40

Inventory:

Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 15.5 Rogue

Power:

23

SP:

2

Health:

12/22

Ether:

-

Gold:

266

Inventory:

Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12 Cleric

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

16/20

Ether:

11/16

Gold:

37

Inventory:

Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12

on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP),

Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7)

,

Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing

Party Leader, choose the order of action.

All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking.

Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.

I'll do the next round automatically in 10 minutes, hold on

[Scubacarrot]

Results of Round 8 of the Basement battle.

Cronk vs. Poisonous Snake B - Meditate

Nyx vs. Poisonous Snake B - Shield Spellblade

Atramor vs. Poisonous Snake B - Shield Mug

Rufindel vs. Poisonous Snake B - Shield Miracle

Cronk, with his Guardian Angel next to him, decides to meditate on the events, and restores 1 ether. Nyx has had enough of all the creatures, and decisively finishes off the snake, by first launching off a wind attack, before landing her dagger in the snake's head. With all foes dead, the party gains half a level of experience.

THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS!

Party:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17.5 Paladin

Power: 29

SP:

9

Health:

33/37

Ether:

13/18

Gold:

17

Inventory:

Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll,

Nyx (played by Pandora)

Party Leader

Level 16.5 Battle Mage

Power:

25

SP:

-

Health:

17/26

Ether:

12/21

Gold:

40

Inventory:

Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 16 Rogue

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

13/23

Ether:

-

Gold:

266

Inventory:

Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12.5 Cleric

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

16/20

Ether:

11/16

Gold:

37

Inventory:

Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12

on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP),

Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7)

,

Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing

Party Leader, how shall the loot be divided?:

Venom x2

Paralyzing Venom - Coats the weapon with a toxin that causes afflicted targets to be unable to dish out free hits, lasts one battle.

Book of a Thousand Creatures - This book is quite heavy, the party figures that with some practice, it can be used as an effective melee weapon, WP:12 each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to come at the aid of the hero, suitable for clerics and mages.

Summoned Spider

Level 5 Minion

Health: 25/25

Critical hit = 2x level, Shield roll = 2x level, plus poison effect.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[CMP]

Atramor smears some rat innards off his face, with a smirk as he pockets the gold.

"I'd be happy to take the book, but I don't think Cronk's gotten a weapon he could use yet. Not to mention it'll probably come out as an orcish spider or somethin', judgin' by his angel.

So...I suppose we pick another chest."

[Pandora]

"Yeah, take that you smelly snake! And... ... uuhhm, would there be any serious objection to me keeping the book?

I'm completely open to reasoning from others.

But it better be really convincing reasoning, really, 'cause I really want that book."

Nyx realises that she is clutching the book tightly, so tightly her pale knuckles are becoming translucent. She also realises she is almost brandishing it as a weapon towards her friends. With a light shake of her hair, she composes herself, and smiles more warmly, not wishing to upset people she not only depends upon but also cares about.

"So, uhm, any particular requests for the Venoms? I'm thinking the Paralysing Venom for Cronk, and the garden-variety Venoms for Rufindel and Atramor?"

[CMP]

Atramor remembers it was Nyx who was responsible for the flying rat guts. He hastily decides not to argue the case of the book.

"Venom works."

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk not care about getting book. It funny to think of Cronk bashing evil with literature but Cronk have nice sword already. Cronk not have opinion about venom either. Whatever friend Nyx decide is fine with Cronk.

[Scubacarrot]

Updated Party, please update your signatures:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17.5 Paladin

Power: 29

SP:

9

Health:

33/37

Ether:

13/18

Gold:

17

Inventory:

Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom

Nyx (played by Pandora)

Party Leader

Level 16.5 Battle Mage

Power:

25

SP:

-

Health:

26/26

Ether:

12/21

Gold:

40

Inventory:

Book of a Thousand Creatures(WP:12, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero.), Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 16 Rogue

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

13/23

Ether:

-

Gold:

266

Inventory:

Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana, Venom

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12.5 Cleric

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

20/20

Ether:

11/16

Gold:

37

Inventory:

Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12

on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP),

Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7)

,

Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing, Venom

The party searches through the chest, but except for some gore, it is empty. What does the party want to do next?

Edited March 30, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[CMP]

"I could use a heal. An' I s'pose there's only one chest left to check..."

[Scubacarrot]

There are actually two chests, the party has not checked.

[CMP]

Oh, sorry, I thought the chest with the gore in it was the one Cronk suggested.

"Well, I assume we should check the top chest. Ain't much sense in debatin' which one we should open since there don't seem to be any distinguishing marks on any of 'em."

Edited March 30, 2012 by CallMePieOrDie

[Scubacarrot]

Atramor opens the top chest, but for some reason, it is wired to two Fire bombs! A small detonation causes the party to lose 10 health each. If they had had a Magnifying Glass, they could have checked for traps...

Party:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17.5 Paladin

Power: 29

SP:

9

Health:

23/37

Ether:

13/18

Gold:

17

Inventory:

Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom

Nyx (played by Pandora)

Party Leader

Level 16.5 Battle Mage

Power:

25

SP:

-

Health:

16/26

Ether:

12/21

Gold:

40

Inventory:

Book of a Thousand Creatures(WP:12, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero, only one creature can be out, summoning it costs 3 ether.), Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 16 Rogue

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

3/23

Ether:

-

Gold:

266

Inventory:

Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana, Venom

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12.5 Cleric

Power:

24

SP:

2

Health:

10/20

Ether:

11/16

Gold:

37

Inventory:

Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12

on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP),

Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7)

,

Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing, Venom

After the smoke clears up, the party sees that the chest is empty, except for 2 bones and 10 gold coins.

Updated the Book of a Thousand Creatures item.

Edited March 30, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[CMP]

McCafferey squawks, and with a mental grumble in the rogue's head, flaps her singed wings rapidly to put out the tiny embers on her feathers.

"Right, no, this challenge makes perfect bloody sense...."

Atramor sways where he stands, still burned and injured, but merely brushes some of the ash from his shirt and opens the last chest.

I feel like I'm moving too fast without everyone else, but there's not much else to do at this point.

[Scubacarrot]

I'll wait until other people post, don't want people to be knocked out now, do we.

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk not like chest going boom.

Cronk will heal Cronk, Nyx, Atramor, and Rufindel before next bad thing has chance to happen. Cronk meditated enough last battle so Rufindel can save ether.

[Pandora]

Cronk not like chest going boom.

Cronk will heal Cronk, Nyx, Atramor, and Rufindel before next bad thing has chance to happen. Cronk meditated enough last battle so Rufindel can save ether.

"No, I didn't like that much either, but thank you for your healing, it is a very generous and kind thing for you to do, Cronk. I guess if we're all definitely healed and prepared for the unexpected, we should carefully open the final chest."

[Rufus]

Thank you, Cronk!

Rufindel eyes the final chest suspiciously.

[Scubacarrot]

Cronk spends 4 ether to heal everyone to full health again.

Party:

Cronk (played by Corneliusmurdock)

Level 17.5 Paladin

Power: 29

SP: 9

Health: 37/37

Ether: 9/18

Gold: 17

Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Sword of Bashing (WP:5), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Heavy Crossbow(WP:8, Knockback), Potion x2, Holy Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom

Nyx (played by Pandora) Party Leader

Level 16.5 Battle Mage

Power: 25

SP: -

Health: 26/26

Ether: 12/21

Gold: 40

Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures(WP:12, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero, only one creature can be out, summoning it costs 3 ether.), Dawnstar II (WP:9), Longsword (WP:6), Sandman's Parasol (grants immunity to sleep), Helmet(+1 health), Ruby(Fire), Amethyst(Darkness), Topaz(Lightning), Sapphire(Wind), Emerald(Wood), Potion x2, Remedy, Tonic x2, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x5

Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieOrDie)

Level 16 Rogue

Power: 24

SP: 2

Health: 23/23

Ether: -

Gold: 266

Inventory: Leachfeather (WP:7 Fire, Wind, restores 2 health on hit), Shiv(WP: 4, can be used as both a melee and a throwing weapon.)Cloak of the Elven Spy(Allows wearer to see an NPC's stats from afar), Sand Worm Hide(SP:2), Bone, Nutritious Banana, Venom

Rufindel Galadhras (played by Rufus)

Level 12.5 Cleric

Power: 24

SP: 2

Health: 20/20

Ether: 11/16

Gold: 37

Inventory: Malfunctioning Staff(WP:12 on successful roll, has 50% chance to do half of WP damage to self instead(ignoring row and SP), Warlord's Helmet( SP:2 grants 'Natural Respite', Fauxthril Staff(WP:7),Potion x2, Remedy x1, Bone x2, Pickaxe, Tonic x2, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing, Venom

The party then moves in on the final chest. The party decides to let Atramor go in first. The rest of the party stands back, Cronk with his shield raised, Rufindel and Nyx in an offensive position, ready to respond to whatever comes out the final chest. Atramor shields himself with arm, and lifts the tip of the chest lid open with his dagger, and... Nothing happens. Atramor takes a closer look, and he finds the Magnifying Glass! *play Zelda music, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VRr9NG7RE0*

Magnifying Glass

[CorneliusMurdock]

Well that sort of anti-climactic... Cronk suppose friends should go return it to Auntie Quarry.

[Pandora]

"Hurrah, we have been successful in our quest to find an everyday item mislaid by a forgetful old man!

We only had to face being blown up and fight off hoards of creepy crawlies... I really hope he can now inform us better about this Strange Amulet... "

[Rufus]

Rufindel uses the magnifying glass to magnify his eye for comic effect.

No-one laughs.

[Scubacarrot]

The party goes back upstairs, and hand the magnifying glass over to the dwarf. He goes right to work, while muttering phrases along the lines of "Truly remarkable, Magnificent, Tally ho!" etc. Finally, the antiquarian turns to the heroes:

"It seems I was right. This is no amulet. At first glance, it appears to be some sort of tribal item, perhaps for ceremonial purposes? But that is not what it is, the inscripted lines are too precise, the symbols too... perfect. When I took a closer look, I was certain. This item is magically constructed. There is only one place I know of, that is capable of making something like this... This, this is a Strivvian Keystone. Forged from a single emerald, it's magic nullified. This item was made ages ago, for one purpose: sealing a single place. This stone is connected to one vault, and it is also the only way to open or close that vault. It is unknown how many there are, and for some the corresponding vault is not even found. But I think it goes without saying, that this item is unique."