Heroica RPG- Quest #137: Where the Dead Go to Live

[K-Nut]

"Amber. Your group. Contact them. Call them off."

"Why would she do that? The fact that she even came with us in the first place is a blessing..." Althior ponders his decisions. "Why don't we hand her over to the watch? They're corrupt megablocks, but they know how to lock someone up until her father returns."

[Endgame]

"There's the Syndicate, but I have no clue if that's their jurisdiction. The Watch is a viable option."

[Asphalt]

"In the north, punishment was left to the Gods. The village council of my mother's people would send the condemned criminal into the winter wilderness with the cloak on their back, a hand ax and a skinning knife. If the Gods saw fit to return them in the spring their crimes were forgiven and they were accepted back into the village. If they did not, their sentence was just. Though this was also the same trial younglings underwent to be considered adults in the eyes of the council, as well as those seeking a wife. The laws and traditions of the North are very simple."

Edited March 26, 2016 by Asphalt

[K-Nut]

"We're not talking about punishment- not yet. We're talking about detainment,"

[Endgame]

"In the north, punishment was left to the Gods. The village council of my mother's people would send the condemned criminal into the winter wilderness with the cloak on their back, a hand ax and a skinning knife. If the Gods saw fit to return them in the spring their crimes were forgiven and they were accepted back into the village. If they did not, their sentence was just. Though this was also the same trial younglings underwent to be considered adults in the eyes of the council, as well as those seeking a wife. The laws and traditions of the North are very simple."

"To be honest, that sounds a bit easier than finding a mate, nowadays..."

What the hell am I saying? I haven't seen anyone in 400 years.

Edited March 26, 2016 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

Then let us leave her with the Watch. Surely they have a prison that can hold her until a decision is made or her father returns to claim her.

[Kintobor]

"Well, we could just leave her here if she promises to behave, and if not then, well, there's always the Paladin Order... I don't like them much but I like to think I'm on speaking terms with the High Priestess."

"The basement's a valid option. I'm certain we could have Connor drain her of her ether and ensure that she doesn't make a peep. All that's down there is old documents and supplies for burying the dead.

The Paladin Order's probably more keen on dishing out justice than detaining a wanted cultist until her father arrives. Whenever she does. That and McCreary and the Paladin Order have a complicated history. I don't think they'd be too keen on dealing with him again after what he did."

"Yeah, no, I don't think I want anything to do with the Paladin Order, thank you very much."

"Amber. Your group. Contact them. Call them off."

Amber snorts.

"First of all, I don't know where they are. My order to them before we got ran out of Fellcrest was to change their base of operation, which we were going to do anyways, but since I wasn't there I have no input as to where they went. Probably somewhere closer to Eubric though, so they're probably in Uland, or moving to Uland. Not that I could actually find them, because they expect me to be dead by this point, and I appreciate the fact you've gone this far without stabbing me repeatedly. Secondly, I can't contact them because my shadow had a bomb thrown in it's face, and it's still reeling from it. It could've gone out to find them, but you know, I doubt they'd listen."

"Why would she do that? The fact that she even came with us in the first place is a blessing..." Althior ponders his decisions. "Why don't we hand her over to the watch? They're corrupt megablocks, but they know how to lock someone up until her father returns."

"Yeah, and spend tomorrow and the rest of my days as a head on a spike, not really my cup of tea."

"'ate to agree with her, but she's right, you know. The watch has a bit of a problem when it comes to killing people they probably shouldn't in order to make examples of. Unless you have a lot of money to give to the watch in order to keep her locked up, as well as someone who we can rely on to ensure she won't get executed, then I don't think giving her to the watch is the best option."

"There's the Syndicate, but I have no clue if that's their jurisdiction. The Watch is a viable option."

"Those hooded fellows? The group that nobody's supposed to know about but everyone does? If anyone knows where or how to get a hold of them, I don't see the harm in trying. I mean, we could always get their opinion and see if they could detain her. I'd trust them more than the Watch, at least. Although, I remember McCreary having a bit of a problem with them..."

[Endgame]

"I think we can all agree taking away that poor woman's free will was a faux pas, Amber. You should be glad your shadow wasn't harmed more.

The Syndicate is basically just a slightly more competent Watch, right? I mean, they work for them. And I don't think they execute anyone."

[Duvors]

"The basement's a valid option. I'm certain we could have Connor drain her of her ether and ensure that she doesn't make a peep. All that's down there is old documents and supplies for burying the dead.

The Paladin Order's probably more keen on dishing out justice than detaining a wanted cultist until her father arrives. Whenever she does. That and McCreary and the Paladin Order have a complicated history. I don't think they'd be too keen on dealing with him again after what he did."

"Yeah, no, I don't think I want anything to do with the Paladin Order, thank you very much."

"Yes, shove her in the basement by all means, and just to be clear, that remark about the paladin order was meant to infer that we would hand her over to them if she gaveus any trouble here, I see that my threat was not as implicit as I believed."

The Syndicate is basically just a slightly more competent Watch, right? I mean, they work for them. And I don't think they execute anyone."

"As far as I can tell the Syndicate are a bunch of nutters who run around in robes and masks for no apparent reason and generally make nuisances of themselves. I fail to see why we'd need their help."

[Endgame]

"Still better than the watch. I must confess I've never had any direct interactions with the Syndicate, so you might know better."

Edited March 26, 2016 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

Whatever her fate is to be let us make it. I have spent little time actually in the city. In a city with no laws, where does one take the wanted criminals? Perhaps we could allow the Gods to decide.

Vindsval looks to Makepeace.

What say you to trial by combat? If you lose, you may choose death or etherless imprisonment in the Basement. IF you win, you may go free. It seems to me, as good an end to this as any.

[Endgame]

Whatever her fate is to be let us make it. I have spent little time actually in the city. In a city with no laws, where does one take the wanted criminals? Perhaps we could allow the Gods to decide.

Vindsval looks to Makepeace.

What say you to trial by combat? If you lose, you may choose death or etherless imprisonment in the Basement. IF you win, you may go free. It seems to me, as good an end to this as any.

"She came peacefully for a reason, Vindsval, and it was so she wouldn't fight us..."

[Asphalt]

I am well aware of that, and it was due to our contract with her father whom I ASSUMED wished to see her returned that I offered her my protection. But it would seem her father hs abandoned her. If my choices are now either babysit this maniacal woman for the rest of my days or allow the issue to be decided by the Fates. i would have it decided.

[Asphalt]

"What say the rest of you? This is my first run in with Ms. Makepeace. The rest of you know far more of her character and intentions than I. A decision must be made."

[Asphalt]

While waiting for his companions to respond Vindsval turns back to Connor.

So tell me, what interest have you in my Gems? They have benefited me well.

[Endgame]

"Watch or Syndicate. Considering how they're less likely to kill her, Syndicate."

[K-Nut]

"If you trust them, then why not? Can't be worse than the watch,"

[Duvors]

"Like I said, I don't have any clue what to do, so I'm just going to do whatever you lot agree on. By the way Sorrow, are you going to keep all that money for yourself?"

[Asphalt]

Fine, I will follow your lead Sorrow. We will place her in the hands of this Syndicate.

[Kintobor]

Connor and Jensen nod in agreement.

"Then it seems we've come to the agreement that we're handing her over to the Syndicate to hold onto. Seeing how none of us are actually members of this organization, we'll contact them and come to an arrangement. In the meantime, I think you gentleman deserve a rest. I'll lock Amber in the basement while Connor fetches a Syndicate member to assess our situation. You'd of made McCreary proud, and you've ultimately helped save the city. I'll ensure that when the time comes when this cultists do rear their ugly heads, you guys will be informed.

You can let go of her now, Vind."

"Vind, I'm rather busy for the rest of the day. If you'd like me to look at those Geodes of yours, I'd like to do it now."

Amber scoffs.

"Pfft. Well, I think we'll keep in touch, boys. Thanks for not murdering me and all. It was fun... I guess.

Oh, and Arthur," Amber blows the prophet a kiss, winking at him, "I will convince you to join me. One way or another."

The cold winter air left the city as the party began filing out. They didn't know when it would come, but eventually they would have to stand up to Amber's cult and their sinister plan for the city. Having earned a solid rest, the party departed the Way's End Cathedral reminiscing the town they left behind and knowing that their work here in the city was far from over.

-THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!!!-

The Party

Sorrow(Endgame) *Party Leader*

428 years old undead Necromancer

Level 32 *Immune to Sealed, Afraid, and Doomed*

Power: 59 (32+2+25)

Defense: 8

Health: 43/43(7+30+5)

Ether: 26/36 (31+4)

Gold: 1861

428 years old undead Necromancer

Equipment: Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear),Pink Ribbon (Max Ether +3, grants immunity to sealed, afraid, and doomed; accessory), Staff of the Supreme Necromancer (WP:25; damages undead; +5 level to raised undead; suitable to necromancers; staff)

Inventory: Reaper’s Scythe (WP:33, damages only humanoids; suitable to assassins only; scythe), Shark Jaw Scythe (WP 20/40 vs. aquatic monsters; scythe), Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians; backwear), Archer's Hat (Power +1, suitable for rangers; headwear), Disguise Kit (Allows the user to disguise them self as the opposite gender; accessory), Helmet (Max. Health +1, headwear), Greaves (SP:2, immunity to slowed and hastened; footwear), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear), Red Assassin's Veil (Grants immunity to sealed, bleeding and cursed, accessory), Ruby (Fire), 11 Grand Potions, 2 Health Cores, 2 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 5 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Ambrosia, 3 Venoms, Bedroll, Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Fire Bomb, Geode, Scroll of Blindness (Enables casting the Blinded effect to one target for three round. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Vampire's Court Sword (WP:12; 1/3 chance to cause bleeding; always causes bleeding to humanoids; great sword.), Chicken Drumstick (+1 Max. Health when eaten, consumable), 3 Myrrhs, Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones

Vindsval Half Born

Level: 31 Witch *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened, Effects* Attacks Are Poisoned by 1, Dual Striking, Takes half Damage from Demon and Dark Type Enemies.

Power: 56 (31+24+1+1)

Power Bonus +2 (2015 Henry Awards)

Defense: 4

Health: 47/47 (9+30+8)

Ether: 35/35 (5+30)

Gold: 819

Equipment:

Bifrost Blades (WP: 12 (24), Fire, Aquatic, Earth, Ice, Light, Lightning Elemental, dual strike, dagger) Poison 10

Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity toAsleep,Blinded,Confused, Fragile, and Weakened effects)(lent by Benji)

Lethauros Mail: SP: 4. Prismatic armor bright enough to banish darkness. You can feel the dragon watching you as your continue on your journey, aiding you in your hunt. The wearer takes half damage from Demon and Dark type enemies. Suitable for anyone, bodywear.

Mechanical Arm (Doubles WP for the equipped weapon; wearer cannot become disarmed; suitable for Vindsval only; handwear

Inventory:

Consumables: 5X Remedy, Potion, 5X Grand Potion, 3X Smoke Bomb, 3X Tonic, 2x Venom (poison -1), 4X Deadly Venom (Poison -10), Banana, Poison Bomb, 4X Hurricane - This exotic drink grants the Hilariously and Luckily Drunk-effect, doubling the power of every attack, provided the consumer can state a pun related to his attack with every attack for the duration of one battle, 4X Grating Stone, Bone, Jarate, Geode, Agni Bomb, 2x Venom, Elixir, Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Myrrh,

Spark Hammer (WP:8, (X2 against Aquatic, Flying, and Mechanical) lightning-elemental hammer),

Very Pink Parasol: Broomstick, WP:1, Male enemies are Enamored with the hero

Verkenner (WP:10, Darkness elemental Broomstick,(X2 against Humanoid and Holy/Luminous)ranged)

Xeno Whip (WP:4, poisoning the Xeno Whip doubles the poison output, whip)

Leets d’Loc (WP:9, ice-elemental longsword)

Simurgh Wingblade (WP:12, cannot be used with a shield; greatsword)

Artefacts:

Mythril Mail (SP:10; suitable to knights and barbarians only; bodywear)

Wonky Shoes (footwear, SP: 3, suitable for all classes)(lent by Benj),

Toxic Hood: (Headwear. The green hood worn by the Rosalia Pestilence. Changes the poisoned effect, to Blessed for the duration of the battle if poisoned while wearing the hood, Usable by all.)

Ten-Gallon Hat: Gives the wearer the "Tourist" effect, causing no one to take them seriously)

Witch's Talisman (Causes the witch's poisonous attacks to deal poison 10 instead of poison 1; suitable for witches, accessory)

Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages; backwear.

Raw Horsehide (Worth 10 Gold, or can be worn by Barbarian classes for SP:1)

Robes of the Archmagi (SP:3 Bodywear +5 Ether, immunity to Sealed Effect)

Mage's Muffler (Provides immunity to Sealed, accessory)

Gloves of the Hypocritical/Hippocratic Oath, Handwear, (Adds +10 to healing for characters with the Healing job trait and + 10 Poisoning for characters with the Wicked (or future equivalent) fighting style )

Gems: Emerald X2, Aquamarine,

Scrolls, Scroll of Poisoning. Can be cast on a weapon to give it Poison 10, for the duration of the battle at the cost of 5 Ether, Scroll of Frailty (Enables casting the Fragile effect to one target for three round. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.)

Decamon Cards: Cherub (Luminous 3)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Compass

Throlar Wineghilm

137 year old male Dwarven Warden. *Avoids free hits from Flying enemies*

Level, 17

Power, 27 (17+10). 36 against ancient enemies.

Defense, 1 (1).

Health, 22/34 (33)

Gold, 430.

Equipped: Fellcrest Hand Axe (WP: 8 throwing weapon. Deals bleeding 5 on successful hits) Shield of Invisibility (SP:0, the user is impervious to Free Hits unless they are the last hero standing.), Crow Helmet (SP; 1, Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer, suitable for Knights and Dragoons, headwear), Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1, Immune to weakened, suitable for knights and barbarians, body wear)

Inventory;

Weapons; Mopagsaber (WP; 12, Ice elemental longsword)Elven Sword (WP; 5, longsword), Miracle Lance (A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon. WP; 10, doubled against Ancient enemies)

Shields; Elven Shield (SP; 5, Ice and Darkness elemental. All elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing)

Artifacts;, Lethauros Crushers (While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies. Suitable for anyone, footwear), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level, handgear)

Consumables; Potion, Phoenix Essence, Soma (Causes the Blessed effect), Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value.), Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, x4 Fire Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb, Feather of Flight (allows the user to flee the battle when used), Bone x2, First Aid Kit (Completely restores health and removes all negative effects for the entire party once when used.)

Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Huntsman's Bow (WP: 7, deals damage to undead)

Treasures; Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's).

Decamon Deck, Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1),Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6)

Althior Emorith, The Dragonslayer (K-Nut)

36 years old male human Prophet

Level 55.4 *Clairvoyance* *Glossolalia* *Permanently Transcended* *Immune to Petrified, Bound, and Slowed, Confused, and Afraid**AbsorbsEarth**Immune to IceandDarkness* *Lucky!* *Encouraged*

Defense: 12 (2+5+5)

Health: 75/75 (5+53+15+1)

Ether: 10/92 (5+53+15+10+4+2)

Gold: 890

GP: 14

Equipment: Mythril Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:35, Has ⅙ chance to deal cursed effect on successful spells and ⅙ chance to deal blessed effect on successful healing, staff), Magician's Gloves (+10 spellpower, suitable to mages; handwear), Winged Sandals (protects from bound and slowed effects, footwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; backwear), Coat Hanger (Allows wearing a second bodywear artifact regardless of the amount limit for artifacts; accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified,ice, anddarkness elemental damage; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear),Robes of Illumination (SP: 5, +10 Max Ether, wearer is permanently transcended, suitable to prophets; bodywear),Tin Helmet (immunity to confused and afraid, headwear)

Inventory:

Weapons: --

Artifacts: Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience; accessory) (Lent to Hybros), Lieutenant's Helm (SP:3, protects from fragile; headwear) , Counterstrike Gloves (if the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handler), Sterile Gloves (Protects from poisoned- and bleeding–effects; handwear.)

Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine(Water), Emerald(Wood), Scroll of Frailty (Enables casting the fragile-effect to the target, causing it to take double damage for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Scroll of Love (Enables casting the enamored-effect to the target, making it unable to damage the caster for three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Scroll of Luck (Enables casting the lucky-effect to the target for one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance and costs 10 ether.), Begone With The Winds (Grants the holder access to the Weather Mage expert job class upon reaching Level 30)

Consumables: 3 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, 5 Tonics, 4 Grand Tonics, 3 Ether Cores, 6 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, 10 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Venom, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Geode

Tools etc.: Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, 4 Bones, Deaddy Bear (Causes 45 damage and doomed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), Map of Fellcrest

QM Note: Alright, there's a few things left to do before I fully let you go, but once you have I'll give the all clear.

1. Endgame, you still need to disperse the reward cash of 1000 gold.

​2. Asphalt, you can get those Geode's cashed in with Connor.

3. If any of you want to talk to Connor, Jensen, or Amber, feel free to do so.

Once that's done, you can head back to the hall.

Edited March 28, 2016 by Kintobor

[Asphalt]

Connor and Jensen nod in agreement.

"Then it seems we've come to the agreement that we're handing her over to the Syndicate to hold onto. Seeing how none of us are actually members of this organization, we'll contact them and come to an arrangement. In the meantime, I think you gentleman deserve a rest. I'll lock Amber in the basement while Connor fetches a Syndicate member to assess our situation. You'd of made McCreary proud, and you've ultimately helped save the city. I'll ensure that when the time comes when this cultists do rear their ugly heads, you guys will be informed.

You can let go of her now, Vind."

"Vind, I'm rather busy for the rest of the day. If you'd like me to look at those Geodes of yours, I'd like to do it now."

QM Note: Alright, there's a few things left to do before I fully let you go, but once you have I'll give the all clear.

1. Endgame, you still need to disperse the reward cash of 1000 gold.

​2. Asphalt, you can get those Geode's cashed in with Connor.

3. If any of you want to talk to Connor, Jensen, or Amber, feel free to do so.

Once that's done, you can head back to the hall.

Goodbye Ms Makepeace, perhaps if we meet again you will be walking a different Path.

He releases her into Jensen's custody.

He directs his attention to Connor

I would not delay you longer than needed. Please, if you could help me with these.

Vindsval hands the mage his geodes for "cashing in."

[Endgame]

"Good working with you all."

I distribute the gold equally, 250 per person, and head back to the hall.

I run a gloved hand under my ribcage, where I was hit in my last battle... Still hasn't healed. Probably won't A mark to remind me of my vacation to Fellcreste I suppose, or perhaps a mark that means my time is running even shorter than anticipated.

[Asphalt]

Vindsval takes his gold from Sorrow.

I will see you in the Hall shortly my friend.

[Duvors]

"Vindsval, Sorrow, may I have a word with you quickly?"

[Asphalt]

"What weighs on you Throlar?"