Heroica RPG - Quest #151: Send the Pain Below

[JimBee]

The chosen heroes gather at the end of an alleyway, per the directions left in the Hall. A gnome with a respectable top hat waits outside a manhole.

"H-heroes? Is this everyone?" The gnome grumbled something about over-enforcement. "I-I'm supposed to bring you to the imps."

Party:

Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) ~Party Leader~

25 years old female human Alchemist

Level 34 2/4 *Immune to Fire* *Three rolls for Mixture* *Transfer poisoned and bleeding upon being hit* *No Free Hits for 3 rounds*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 6 (1+5)

Health: 55/55 (9+33+10+1+2)

Gold: 233

Equipment: Mythril Mallet (WP: 20, wood- and darkness-elemental; Hollow [-]; hammer), Rubber Gloves (For Mixture, the die is rolled three times instead of twice, and the highest two results determine the created item; suitable to alchemists; handwear.), Robe of the Magi (SP:1, suitable for mages, clerics, alchemists, chi monks, decamon drafters, necromancers, regulators, scholars and weather mages; bodywear.), Spider Helmet (SP:5, passes poisoned and bleeding effects to the enemy when the wearer is hit; immunity to fire; headwear), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear)

Inventory:

Weapons Ignis Fatuus (WP:13, permanently poisoned by 15, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:10, wood-elemental crossbow), Pan Flute (WP: 7, instrument), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Wormtail Whip (WP:15, earth-elemental, whip)

Artifacts: Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators, and winged warriors; backwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages, bodywear), Cherokee Rose (Doubles potency of both incoming and outgoing restorative consumables and healing; suitable for Ellaria only; accessory.)

Spell Items: Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance) Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Serenade of Water (Causes Water damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Battle Song)

Consumables: 10 Grand Potions, Health Core, 4 Tonics, Diluted Arc Tonic (Restores 10 ether to all allies), 3 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Hyper Arc Tonics (Restores full ether to all allies), 2 Elixirs, Arc Elixir (Restores 60 health and 15 ether to all allies and removes negative effects.), 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 3 Phoenix Essences, Last Resort (revives all knocked allies to 1 health), 3 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 2 Soma, 2 Mulled Wines, 2 Smoke Bombs, Hot'n'Cold Bomb (Causes 30 fire- and ice-elemental damage to all enemies), Holy Rain Bomb (Causes 20 water-, wind- and light-elemental damage to all enemies), Bad Breath (Poisoned by 1-effect to all enemies), Feather of White, Demon Repellent

Tools etc.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Chemistry Set (Allows the user to use Mixture outside of battle, costs 2 Gold Bars/un-modified roll, suitable for alchemists; tool), 3 Gold Bars

Kid Reddson (dum)

19-year-old Male Human (1/4 Leprechaun) Ranger

Level 5 *Aims become Hits*

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 10/10

Gold: 2

Equipment: Crossbow (WP 3), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear.)

Inventory: 3 Smoke Bomb, 2 Potion, Phoenix Essence, Venom, Fire Bomb, Sterile Gloves (Grants Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding effects, Handwear), Bedroll

Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus)

42 year old male human Mage

Level 14 *Immune to wood and fire* *Absorbs Darkness* *Enemies that hits Ezeran become slowed*

Power Bonus: 0 (+2 spellpower)

Defense: 3

Health: 18/18

Ether: 18/18

Gold: 0

Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:8, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff), Sneezing Demon (SP:2; enemies that hit the wearer become slowed; immunity to wood and fire; suitable to Ezeran only; bodywear.), Hood of the Elementalist (SP:1, *Absorbs darkness*; headwear, suitable to anyone),

Inventory: Emerald (Wood), Ruby (Fire), Remedy X3, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Pick Axe, Trickster’s Baubel (WP:6, each hit causes one random effect: stunned, poisoned by 1, asleep, blinded, sealed or confused; wand), Sylvania's Cowl (Grants "Animal Talk", Headwear), Grand tonics X2, Potions X5, Nostrum X2.

Paladin Petaldan Parfenius (Played by Palathadric)

5-year-old male "wonder" Knight

Level: 11.5 *Immune to Stunned, Bound, Petrified and Earth*

Power: 16

Defense: 9

Health: 22/22 10+10+2*

Gold: 198

Equipment: Brine Blade (WP: 5, 1/6 chance to trigger a Flood (see Weather Mage) when dealing damage, Longsword), Shield (SP: 5; Shield), Gloves of the Boy Wonder (SP:2; immunity to *Stunned*, *Bound*, and *Petrified*; suitable to Petaldan only; handwear), Really Hard Helmet (SP: 2, Immunity to Earth)

Inventory:

Weapons: Slimy Sword (WP:12, can be split into several weaker Slimy Swords or combined with other Slimy Swords to increase WP and split apart again at any time, Longsword)

Gems: Emerald

Consumables: Potion x 4, Phoenix Essence, Ambrosia, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb

Tools: Bedroll

Goliath (Goliath)

Automaton Barbarian

Level 1

Power: 4

Defense: 0

Health: 10/10 (8+2)

Gold: 0

Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear)

Inventory: Potion x4, Mead x3, Plasma Cutlass (WP:3; Greatsword), Magma Maul (WP: 6, 1/6 chance to trigger an Inferno (see Weather Mage) when dealing damage, hammer), Tonic x2, Bunch of 10 Cherries (Each cherry restores 1 ether when eaten), Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Blind Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel

Debts: 20 Gold (Torald)

Hunkan Silvertoss (BountyBeast)

53 year old male dwarf Rogue *Immune to Blinded*

Level 7

Power Bonus: 0

Health: 13/13

Gold: 188

Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP: 5, deals Poisoned-by-3), Goggles (Provides immunity to Blinded effect, Headwear)

Inventory: Potion, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Remedy, Fire Bomb, Wooden Sword (WP:7; Suitable to Anyone)

QM Note: Welcome to the quest! Please check your stats and check in within 24 hours. Dum, Kid can only equip one artifact as he is level 5. I de-equipped your Sterile Gloves.

I will mention right away that I will be leaving the country on July 11th, so the quest can go no longer than that. If I speed things along at certain points, that is why. I hope it won't be a problem.

[BountyBeast]

Hunkan enters the alley and finds the well-dressed gnome. "Hey. I don't know where the others are, but I saw Kid at the marketplace. They should be here soon."

My stats are correct.

[MysticModulus]

Ezeran walks down the alley, seeing Hunkan he smiles

If it isn't my dear dwarven friend. Greetings!

Ezeran looks at the gnome and nods.

Greetings master gnome. Our party will probably arrive shortly.

Ooc: my stats are correct

Edited May 28, 2016 by MysticModulus

[dum]

Thanks for fixing my glove issue. sorry about that.

Hey everyone. Let's see... We're waiting on Petaldan, Goliath, and...

Kid tries to remember the other name on the list.

Was it Malaria or something?

Kid shakes his head and gets to business.

I have a few questions. Maybe you're waiting on the group or something, but who exactly lives in Zylstra besides Imps? What have they been accused of doing? And how do we know they're innocent?

[MysticModulus]

Ezeran gives Kid a short nod as a greeting.

Thanks for fixing my glove issue. sorry about that.

Hey everyone. Let's see... We're waiting on Petaldan, Goliath, and...

Kid tries to remember the other name on the list.

Was it Malaria or something?

Kid shakes his head and gets to business.

I have a few questions. Maybe you're waiting on the group or something, but who exactly lives in Zylstra besides Imps? What have they been accused of doing? And how do we know they're innocent?

Ezeran greets Kid with a short nod. The symbiont yawns and smacks with its mouth. "Patience Kid, it seems he is just a messenger that have come to escort us. You will most probably get answers to your questions sooner than later..." He then turns to the gnome whilst giving him a good look for appraisal. "Am I correct in assuming you to be our escort or are you in a position to give us clear answers to our questions?" The symbiont sends a short sneer towards the imp, leaving tiny driplets of acid saliva passing dangerously close to the fine garments of the gnome.

[Sandy]

Ellaria arrived to the entrance of Zylstra, a familiar place to her from a past quest, only to find herself in the company of less experienced heroes. There was even a child among them, which made Ellaria's heart feel heavy all of a sudden. She put on a smile nevertheless and nodded to the others.

"Greetings, gentlemen. I am Ellaria Arbour, an alchemist of the Guild of Invision, and looks like I will be your leader for the duration of this mission. Do not fret, I am not prone to cause sudden explosions despite my profession. I can ensure that my stock of items will keep us all hale and healthy throughout this quest. And you must not fear the imps, either. Despite their demonic appearance, they are benevolent people. One of my best friends and our fellow hero Hybros is one, and he would not hurt a fly. Well, unless the fly was a monstrous one attacking innocent people."

She then greeted the gnome. "Good to see you again, sir. Please, do guide us down. I don't quite remember the way, as I don't do well in subterranean spaces." Yet somehow she somehow continuously found herself in those.

[dum]

Kid notices the presence of what seems to be a very skilled and experienced individual in their midst. He tries his absolute best to straighten his back and look formal. He looks rather strained. Hey. Nice to meet you, Ellaria. He extends his hand. Kid Reddson, ranger. Maybe you've heard of our recent assistance to the guild? He hopes to himself that she didn't also hear of his failure to catch the perpetrators as well.

[Palathadric]

I added 2 Grand Potions, 2 Remedies, and a Smoke Bomb to my stats. -45 Gold.

"Hello, everyone."

[Yzalirk]

OoC: Stats look good.

With the clangor of gears and other machinery, Goliath walks over to the others,

"The name be Goliath, land lubber. Who be these imps you speak of?"

[MysticModulus]

Ezeran greets Ellaria with a corteuos bow. "I have heard of you and it is nice to finally be able to meet you. Such an excellent representative of the Guild will truly be a great leader for this party. You and the guild have my full loyalty." The symbiont gasps as in awe.

[BountyBeast]

Hunkan greets the others with a short nod. When Goliath arrives, Hunkan looks at him, then at the manhole, then back to him. He speaks to the gnome. "Is that manhole where we're supposed to go? It looks awfully small, I'm not sure everyone fits through it."

[Sandy]

Hey. Nice to meet you, Ellaria. He extends his hand. Kid Reddson, ranger. Maybe you've heard of our recent assistance to the guild? He hopes to himself that she didn't also hear of his failure to catch the perpetrators as well.

"Sorry, but I'm just a row member in the Guild", Ellaria said, shrugging apologetically. "The higher-ups like to keep their own projects secret from us. Who did you assist, if I may ask, and how?"

Ezeran greets Ellaria with a corteuos bow. "I have heard of you and it is nice to finally be able to meet you. Such an excellent representative of the Guild will truly be a great leader for this party. You and the guild have my full loyalty." The symbiont gasps as in awe.

"Oh..." Ellaria blushed from the sudden praises she received from Ezeran. "I didn't know I had such a reputation... Sure, I've been a party leader several times before, but not all of them were very successful, I'm afraid. What about you, have you been a member of Heroica for long?"

Hunkan greets the others with a short nod. When Goliath arrives, Hunkan looks at him, then at the manhole, then back to him. He speaks to the gnome. "Is that manhole where we're supposed to go? It looks awfully small, I'm not sure everyone fits through it."

"That does seem to pose a problem", Ellaria concurred and tapped the tip of her nose in contemplation. "Maybe you can dismantle yourself, Mr. Goliath?"

[Yzalirk]

"That does seem to pose a problem", Ellaria concurred and tapped the tip of her nose in contemplation. "Maybe you can dismantle yourself, Mr. Goliath?"

"Aye, suppose that be possible. Me body may be more of a problem though. I be in need of help before we do down."

[MysticModulus]

"Oh..." Ellaria blushed from the sudden praises she received from Ezeran. "I didn't know I had such a reputation... Sure, I've been a party leader several times before, but not all of them were very successful, I'm afraid. What about you, have you been a member of Heroica for long?"

"No one can be perfect all the time but, I believe you are being quiet humble but that's a mark of a competent leader. I am truly curious of your experiences as an alchemist, was it a calling or more of a chosen profession on yor behalf? Mastering the skills of alchemy seems like no small feat... I have only been a member for sometime, I try to learn the trade of a hero one step at a time. I've served the guild for a while, most recently working for the great Dr Cula. However we were not able to help him capture som Ziegfried invaders in his experimental assembly..."

[dum]

Hunkan greets the others with a short nod. When Goliath arrives, Hunkan looks at him, then at the manhole, then back to him. He speaks to the gnome. "Is that manhole where we're supposed to go? It looks awfully small, I'm not sure everyone fits through it."

Kid notices Hunkan's glances at the automaton.

Hm, Hunkan, what do you mean? he says sarcastically. Who could you possibly be referring to? Would you care to be more specific? Who out of this party would have trouble fitting through the manhole?

"Sorry, but I'm just a row member in the Guild", Ellaria said, shrugging apologetically. "The higher-ups like to keep their own projects secret from us. Who did you assist, if I may ask, and how?"

It was nothing big.

Kid chuckles softly at the accidental pun.

Me, Ezeran, Petaldan, Hunkan, and a few others shrunk down to fix a problem with Alphy's-er-Dr. Cula's pipes, and-

Kid thinks back to his crossbow clattering against the ground as he failed to kill Marco.

-and it worked.

He decided not to mention the part where they lost the tonic recipe to the Ziegfrieds.

"That does seem to pose a problem", Ellaria concurred and tapped the tip of her nose in contemplation. "Maybe you can dismantle yourself, Mr. Goliath?"

You don't have a shrinking potion on you, do you, Ellaria?

[JimBee]

She then greeted the gnome. "Good to see you again, sir. Please, do guide us down. I don't quite remember the way, as I don't do well in subterranean spaces." Yet somehow she somehow continuously found herself in those.

"Oh, a familiar face - it is good to know someone who knows us a little bit can vouch - surely the imps will have you think we are the bad gnomes here. F-for those of you who don't know me, I'm Moke, the one in charge of finances in Zylstra."

"The name be Goliath, land lubber. Who be these imps you speak of?"

"W-well, it started with one - Hybros, I believe - he helped get rid of some nasty things down in Zylstra a while back - and that is why his imp friends were allowed to stay here. Little devil-like creature with wings and horns. But they just popped out of nowhere! We have seen our fair share of things unnatural besides that - you might begin to understand our worry when you have seen what we have seen."

Kid shakes his head and gets to business.

I have a few questions. Maybe you're waiting on the group or something, but who exactly lives in Zylstra besides Imps? What have they been accused of doing? And how do we know they're innocent?

"Imps, gnomes, halflings, dwarves - we've even been known to house a rockling or two. Zylstra has been a refuge of sorts for, ahem - folk of smaller stature." Moke shook his head sadly. "I-I'm not really sure what to think, but we've lost one of our own. The Baron told me not to speak that m-much about it, he says I talk too much... I'm just here to lead your down there. I-I'm sure the imps can brief you on your assignment."

"Am I correct in assuming you to be our escort or are you in a position to give us clear answers to our questions?" The symbiont sends a short sneer towards the imp, leaving tiny driplets of acid saliva passing dangerously close to the fine garments of the gnome.

Moke nervously backed up against the wall.

"P-please get that thing away from me!"

"...Ahem. It looks like you're all here - are there any more questions? As for your rather large friend, do not worry - we have somehow fit larger before."

[Sandy]

"No one can be perfect all the time but, I believe you are being quiet humble but that's a mark of a competent leader. I am truly curious of your experiences as an alchemist, was it a calling or more of a chosen profession on yor behalf? Mastering the skills of alchemy seems like no small feat... I have only been a member for sometime, I try to learn the trade of a hero one step at a time. I've served the guild for a while, most recently working for the great Dr Cula. However we were not able to help him capture som Ziegfried invaders in his experimental assembly..."

"I actually just wound up to the vocation, to be honest. I did some quests for the Guild and found their craft intriguing. I was previously a druid of Sylvania, but then... things happened, and I began to doubt my faith. I am glad I have been able to continue healing people through science instead, though."

It was nothing big.

Kid chuckles softly at the accidental pun.

Me, Ezeran, Petaldan, Hunkan, and a few others shrunk down to fix a problem with Alphy's-er-Dr. Cula's pipes, and-

Kid thinks back to his crossbow clattering against the ground as he failed to kill Marco.

-and it worked.

He decided not to mention the part where they lost the tonic recipe to the Ziegfrieds.

You don't have a shrinking potion on you, do you, Ellaria?

"Oh, so almost all of you have adventured together? That sounds promising. And I do know Dr. Cula, but he usually keeps to himself so we haven't ever really talked one-on-one.

And unfortunately I don't have Minimizing Dust on me at the moment, sorry."

"Imps, gnomes, halflings, dwarves - we've even been known to house a rockling or two. Zylstra has been a refuge of sorts for, ahem - folk of smaller stature." Moke shook his head sadly. "I-I'm not really sure what to think, but we've lost one of our own. The Baron told me not to speak that m-much about it, he says I talk too much... I'm just here to lead your down there. I-I'm sure the imps can brief you on your assignment."

"...Ahem. It looks like you're all here - are there any more questions? As for your rather large friend, do not worry - we have somehow fit larger before."

"Yes, do take us to the imps, Moke!"

[Yzalirk]

"Enough scuttlebutt, take us to the imps!" Goliath snaps eagerly.

[Palathadric]

Kid notices the presence of what seems to be a very skilled and experienced individual in their midst. He tries his absolute best to straighten his back and look formal. He looks rather strained. Hey. Nice to meet you, Ellaria. He extends his hand. Kid Reddson, ranger. Maybe you've heard of our recent assistance to the guild? He hopes to himself that she didn't also hear of his failure to catch the perpetrators as well.

Ezeran greets Ellaria with a corteuos bow. "I have heard of you and it is nice to finally be able to meet you. Such an excellent representative of the Guild will truly be a great leader for this party. You and the guild have my full loyalty." The symbiont gasps as in awe.

I am left to wonder how Ezeran and Kid know the pretty lady standing in front of us, but realizing that she must surely work for the guild, I saunter forward, as only a kid can, and take her hand warmly, kissing it.

"What a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I don't think I have the pleasure of knowing you as my friends here do, but I will prove myself worthy to be on your party, I am sure. You work for our friends at the Guild of Invision?"

"No one can be perfect all the time but, I believe you are being quiet humble but that's a mark of a competent leader. I am truly curious of your experiences as an alchemist, was it a calling or more of a chosen profession on yor behalf? Mastering the skills of alchemy seems like no small feat... I have only been a member for sometime, I try to learn the trade of a hero one step at a time. I've served the guild for a while, most recently working for the great Dr Cula. However we were not able to help him capture som Ziegfried invaders in his experimental assembly..."

"Not that he asked us to." I mutter a bit too quickly. "Sorry, Ezeran!"

I blush at my lack of thinking.

It's no good to argue about the past when we have a job to do at present. I think sagaciously.

"Imps, gnomes, halflings, dwarves - we've even been known to house a rockling or two. Zylstra has been a refuge of sorts for, ahem - folk of smaller stature." Moke shook his head sadly. "I-I'm not really sure what to think, but we've lost one of our own. The Baron told me not to speak that m-much about it, he says I talk too much... I'm just here to lead your down there. I-I'm sure the imps can brief you on your assignment."

Moke nervously backed up against the wall.

"P-please get that thing away from me!"

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Moke, I say, bowing low.

"Don't worry about Ezeran. The mouth on his belly looks mean, but it's never hurt me, and I've never seen it hurt anyone else that I can remember...has it, Ezeran?"

Edited May 28, 2016 by Palathadric

[dum]

"Imps, gnomes, halflings, dwarves - we've even been known to house a rockling or two. Zylstra has been a refuge of sorts for, ahem - folk of smaller stature." Moke shook his head sadly. "I-I'm not really sure what to think, but we've lost one of our own. The Baron told me not to speak that m-much about it, he says I talk too much... I'm just here to lead your down there. I-I'm sure the imps can brief you on your assignment."

Kid notices Moke's insecurity. Thanks, Moke. Very informative. Kid ponders the idea of a Kingdom of small creatures, and thinks of a relative of his that went missing as of late. Are there any Leprechauns down there?

Moke nervously backed up against the wall.

"P-please get that thing away from me!"

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Moke, I say, bowing low.

"Don't worry about Ezeran. The mouth on his belly looks mean, but it's never hurt me, and I've never seen it hurt anyone else that I can remember...has it, Ezeran?"

Yeah, that thing's totally never hurt anyone. Kid says this having no idea whether or not it's true. Ever.

[JimBee]

Kid notices Moke's insecurity. Thanks, Moke. Very informative. Kid ponders the idea of a Kingdom of small creatures, and thinks of a relative of his that went missing as of late. Are there any Leprechauns down there?

"None right now, but they would certainly fit in. I don't suppose you have leprechaun blood in you?"

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Moke, I say, bowing low.

"Don't worry about Ezeran. The mouth on his belly looks mean, but it's never hurt me, and I've never seen it hurt anyone else that I can remember...has it, Ezeran?"

"And your, sir knight. Though you look a little young to be holding a sword, even if you are a gnome."

.

"Yes, do take us to the imps, Moke!"

"Enough scuttlebutt, take us to the imps!" Goliath snaps eagerly.

"Very well. Follow me..."

Moke leads the way into the manhole, and the heroes file in one by one. With some tricky maneuvering and perhaps some loosening of joints, Goliath is able to fit in. Soon the party is on their way down a long and dark yet somehow warm and dry tunnel - not the smelly, slimy sewers that they were perhaps expecting.

Eventually a dim glow at the end of the tunnel begins to fill the tunnel, and they reach a large cavern populated by a few buildings and even a waterfall. The glow is lively and the sounds of people moving about their days can be heard.

"Welcome to Zylstra. You'll find your imps over there." Moke indicated beyond the buildings to a small group of makeshift huts. "And if there is nothing else... I do believe I have done my job. I will leave you to it." The finely-dressed gnome shuffles off towards the main city, perhaps a little more quickly than was natural or polite.

With not much else to do at the moment the heroes head over towards the imp settlement, where they don't have to wait long for someone to receive them. A diminutive creature approached, whom the heroes could only guess is a female imp. She was no larger than a human child, yet her composure and unblinking gaze through bright yellow eyes indicated confidence and and a commanding regality. She had leathery scarlet skin, bat-like wings, and a crown of dark, manicured horns. A pointed tail flicked behind her and small white fangs could be seen when she spoke. Behind her, a few individuals with similar features (yet not quite as striking) bustled about among the huts.

"You are the heroes we sent for." The imp's voice was another striking feature. It sounded - or rather, felt - thick and heavy, yet light and sweet at the same time, as if there were many voices layered on top of one another. The sound was full and somehow satisfying, as though one's ears were filled with music. "Our contact on the surface speaks very highly of your organization. I am Nahzka, the one who sent for you. I am also what you surface species might call a queen to my people. Before we begin I would like to know each of you - your names, where you hail from, and what brought you here to Eubric." Still unblinking, she gazed at each hero's eyes in turn.

[MysticModulus]

"I actually just wound up to the vocation, to be honest. I did some quests for the Guild and found their craft intriguing. I was previously a druid of Sylvania, but then... things happened, and I began to doubt my faith. I am glad I have been able to continue healing people through science instead, though."

"Oh, so almost all of you have adventured together? That sounds promising. And I do know Dr. Cula, but he usually keeps to himself so we haven't ever really talked one-on-one.

"It is certainly good to have a rational intellectual as yourself leading this enterprise... Our last endeavour was thick with, how shall I put it.... Non professional moral panic... "

"Enough scuttlebutt, take us to the imps!" Goliath snaps eagerly.

Ezeran raises one eyebrow looking at the automatron. "I suggest you get your act together, this enterprise will require great carefulness and wisdom in our interactions with our clients and other parties. Try to be polite."

I am left to wonder how Ezeran and Kid know the pretty lady standing in front of us, but realizing that she must surely work for the guild, I saunter forward, as only a kid can, and take her hand warmly, kissing it.

"What a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I don't think I have the pleasure of knowing you as my friends here do, but I will prove myself worthy to be on your party, I am sure. You work for our friends at the Guild of Invision?"

"Not that he asked us to." I mutter a bit too quickly. "Sorry, Ezeran!"

I blush at my lack of thinking.

It's no good to argue about the past when we have a job to do at present. I think sagaciously.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Moke, I say, bowing low.

"Don't worry about Ezeran. The mouth on his belly looks mean, but it's never hurt me, and I've never seen it hurt anyone else that I can remember...has it, Ezeran?"

"The past is just a unique configuration of water droplets in a river lost, forever to the dusty tomes of time. Let's focus on how the river presents itself now!" Ezeran looks down at the symbiont while concealing a covert smile. "No, not that you can remember..."

[MysticModulus]

Ezeran looks around trying to gather as much information about the surroundings as possible. He then faces Nahzka and presents her with a surprisingly graceful bow. "Your highness, my name is Ezeran Yavarr. Let me present myself to you..."

Ezeran starts to sing to an eerie but beatiful tune coming from the symbiont.

"Ashes, fire, water and air,

oh wanderer true and fair.

Your fate was set before your birth,

your life in wanton of true mirth.

You hail from many realms we know,

Your eyes ablaze with demon glow.

Wanderer of many realms unnamed,

Soul infused with power untamed.

Knowledge, refuge and will to do good.

On these intentions your thoughts will brood..."

As the song dies out so does the eerie tune. The hint of glow in his eyes flickers away and Ezeran takes a step back and bows again.

Edited May 29, 2016 by MysticModulus

[BountyBeast]

Hunkan takes a look around the cavern, having flashbacks of the mountainhome he once lived in. He shakes the memories out of his head and proceeds.

"And if there is nothing else... I do believe I have done my job. I will leave you to it." The finely-dressed gnome shuffles off towards the main city, perhaps a little more quickly than was natural or polite.

"Did we scare him, or was he just in a hurry?"

"Before we begin I would like to know each of you - your names, where you hail from, and what brought you here to Eubric." Still unblinking, she gazed at each hero's eyes in turn.

Hunkan is somewhat intimidated by the woman's grim appearance, especially since they're of similar height. He waits for someone else to answer first.

[Sandy]

I am left to wonder how Ezeran and Kid know the pretty lady standing in front of us, but realizing that she must surely work for the guild, I saunter forward, as only a kid can, and take her hand warmly, kissing it.

"What a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I don't think I have the pleasure of knowing you as my friends here do, but I will prove myself worthy to be on your party, I am sure. You work for our friends at the Guild of Invision?"

Ellaria smiled warmly at the little boy and leaned down.

"A pleasure to meet you too! Such a perfect little gentleman you are! My name is Ellaria. I have to ask though, do your parents know that you are out here adventuring with us?" Ellaria couldn't help but to feel concerned about the boy. She had failed miserably at keeping her own daughter safe, so having another child's safety in her hand made her nervous.

"Our contact on the surface speaks very highly of your organization. I am Nahzka, the one who sent for you. I am also what you surface species might call a queen to my people. Before we begin I would like to know each of you - your names, where you hail from, and what brought you here to Eubric." Still unblinking, she gazed at each hero's eyes in turn.

Ellaria was a little taken aback by the imp queen, for she was nothing like the meek, kind-hearted Hybros, even after his transformation. But she thought sincerity was the best way to proceed.

"Yes, we are here to help you, Queen Nahzka. I am Ellaria Arbour, an alchemist of the Guild of Invision. I come from a small village called Tumpkin in the Low Kingdoms - Billundia, to be exact. I came to Eubric guided by the goddess Sylvania, or so I thought. Nowadays I'm not so sure, I could have been just hearing what I wanted to hear. It has not been easy living in a big city after a childhood spent on the farmlands, but I have coped. Is that all you wanted to know? I do wonder what you need this information for, though."