Heroica RPG - Quest#19: Let's Start a Riot

[Zepher]

The Party

Skrall

(played by WaterBrickDown)

Level 11 Ranger (Party Leader)

Power

: 20 (+4 Against Beasts)

Health

: 16/16

Gold

: 45

Inventory

: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (4), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smelling Salts (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Water Bomb (1), Ice Bomb (1), Holy Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1)

Tesni Hightribe

(played by Peppermint_M)

Level 16 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader)

Power

: 26

Health

: 32/32

Gold

: 112

Inventory

: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 3 Mead, 3 Venom, 2 Nostrum

Haldor Skovgaard

(played by Scorpiox)

Level 12 ½ Cleric

Power

: 24 (23+1)

Health

: 20/20

Ether

: 18/19 (16+3)

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence

Hoke Ablesword

(played by UsernameMDM)

Level 13 Knight

Power

: 23

Health

: 24/24(+1)

Gold

: 3

Inventory

: Vintul, the Greatsword of Wind (Great sword: WP 10), Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Steel Buckler(Shield: SP 5), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Emerald, Aquamarine, 2x Phoenix Essence, 5x Potion, Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Baby Dragon

Jess Islanti

(played by Cralegoboy)

Level 13 ½ Rogue

Power

: 23 + 1

Health

: 19/19

Gold

: 49

Inventory

: Blohdhurm (WP: 9)(Fire elemental), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), 2 Venoms, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Remedies, Potion

Dyric Rone

(played by Legonator)

Level 7 Rogue

Power

: 12

Health

: 13/13

Gold

: 225

Inventory

: Double Chain Whip (WP: 5), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone

Felton

(NPC)

Level 10 ½ Wren Fighter

Power

: 7

Health

: 50/50

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: Rapier (WP: 3), Potion x2, Phoenix Essence

NOTE: Shield – Rest, recovers 5 Health

The party bids the merchant good bye and head back to camp as the sun sets.

------

The next day, they wake up. Hans and Felton have already started a fire. The heroes must decide what they want to do next.

Day 4 - Visit Factories with Felton (2 Left), Visit Rebels with Hans (2 Left)

SIR POLETAD - He may be used, in some circumstances, to sneak ahead, due to his small size, and see the strength/number of certain enemies. You may take him on 3 of the remaining 4 days, use him wisely.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke took a quick meal which he shared with the dragon.

"Have no fear. Once we have completed this quest, you may return to your family. If you need help back in your homeland, I would be proud to lend my sword and shield"

Hoke turned to the party.

"What path shall we venture today? Perhaps another trip to the rebels?"

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall awakes to the smells of breakfast from the campfire. Trudging up he greets Hoke and the dragon. "I am in agreement with ya, I think we should visit another of the chiefs today. If everyone else is of the same mind we'll be off after ya all get some vittles."

<Sir Poletad, why don't ya accompany us today, we may be in need of someone of yer stature.>

[Peppermint_M]

"Yes, meeting the leaders today allows us to be as we should."

OoC: M power should be 27, as I upgraded my WP by 1

[Scorpiox]

"Meet the rebels again seems like a good plan."

Haldor walks over to Jess.

"Jess, you said we needed to talk. Have I failed you, again?"

[Zepher]

The Party

Skrall

(played by WaterBrickDown)

Level 11 Ranger (Party Leader)

Power

: 20 (+4 Against Beasts)

Health

: 16/16

Gold

: 45

Inventory

: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (4), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smelling Salts (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Water Bomb (1), Ice Bomb (1), Holy Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1)

Tesni Hightribe

(played by Peppermint_M)

Level 16 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader)

Power

: 27

Health

: 32/32

Gold

: 112

Inventory

: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 3 Mead, 3 Venom, 2 Nostrum

Haldor Skovgaard

(played by Scorpiox)

Level 12 ½ Cleric

Power

: 24 (23+1)

Health

: 20/20

Ether

: 18/19 (16+3)

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence

Hoke Ablesword

(played by UsernameMDM)

Level 13 Knight

Power

: 23

Health

: 24/24(+1)

Gold

: 3

Inventory

: Vintul, the Greatsword of Wind (Great sword: WP 10), Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Steel Buckler(Shield: SP 5), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Emerald, Aquamarine, 2x Phoenix Essence, 5x Potion, Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Baby Dragon

Jess Islanti

(played by Cralegoboy)

Level 13 ½ Rogue

Power

: 23 + 1

Health

: 19/19

Gold

: 49

Inventory

: Blohdhurm (WP: 9)(Fire elemental), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), 2 Venoms, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Remedies, Potion

Dyric Rone

(played by Legonator)

Level 7 Rogue

Power

: 12

Health

: 13/13

Gold

: 225

Inventory

: Double Chain Whip (WP: 5), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone

Hans (Host controlled NPC)

Level 10 1/2 Wren Fighter

Power

: 16

Health

: 40/40

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2

NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents

Sir Earl Poletad

(NPC)

Level 2 Frog Paladin

Power

: 2

Health

: 6/6

Ether

: 2/2

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: None

NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.

The heroes again trek through the mountains, and this time they arrive in a smaller valley, a plateau, rather, in the mountains. The snowy field is humming with activity as troops rush to and fro. Hans makes his way through, and a few troops call out a greeting to him, and a few more salute. Hans seems at ease, much different from when they met with Vonnetate. They finally arrive at what appears to be the leader's table.

"Greetings, travelers. My name is Fredrick Reich, and I am in charge of this group of rebels. I'm afraid we're not very popular with the other rebels.... Vonnetate scares me a little, to be honest, but we're a strong force, and since we agree with the cause, we will assist you. Now, I do have a minor mission for you, nothing like massacring a caravan, but something little. My Right-Hand Man, Gregor Ichor was recently captured in a raid. I have located where he is, and need you to go save him. Likewise, I have reason to believe that there is a large military force in the area. I would like two of you to remain here to protect me. Please, I am afraid, I do not know who the force belongs to. It could be a fellow rebel force, but even that wouldn't be terribly comforting, who knows what those Pongcanae will get up to? Please decide who will go save Gregor and who will remain here with me, I can give you fifty troops, by the way, I am willing to throw everything into the cause. Vonnetate needed proof of your worth, I do not."

Edited December 21, 2011 by Zepher

[Scorpiox]

"Hmm, if possible I'd like to go wherever Jess does, we need to talk, I think she has doubts. I'll never leave her, but I'm not sure it's the same the other way around.

I'll volunteer to stay behind, if Jess does."

Haldor looks at yes, his eyes saying everything, he reaches into his bag and fondles the crystal. Hoping the spirit of Grishnika Darkbane will give him some guidence.

[The Legonater]

I have no preferance where to go- I go where I'm told.

[Peppermint_M]

"If we face trouble it is better for us to be thick in the fray. Skrall, I leave it to you, where best to deploy us." The eerie purple glow of the gemstone cast strange patterns around the party.

[Sisco]

"I don't think that you'd be best to stay behind, Sweetie," Jess says, addressing Haldor. "They're going to need a cleric to heal their wounds."

[Waterbrick Down]

"Well met Master Reich. My name is Skrall and this be my party. We're thankful fer yer assistance in putting down this evil regime, but I am curious as to why the other rebels don't take to kindly to ya and what's this about some caravan masecre?" Skrall wasn't sure how much the leader knew about their other dealings with the chiefs but he wanted to be careful.

"Also, we'll be glad to leave two of us behind, but should ya need help, is there any way of callin' for assistance? How far off is yer right hand man bein' held and who's holdin' him, the town watch or some other faction?"

Speaking off to his companions Skrall adds his opinion, "Right now I think Hoke should be left with Jess as they can both take care of themselves, the rest of ya would accompany me, while we try to break this fella's man out of confinement. Any other thoughts?"

[UsernameMDM]

"Seems we may see action either way. Is Gregor heavily guarded?"

[Zepher]

"Well met Master Reich. My name is Skrall and this be my party. We're thankful fer yer assistance in putting down this evil regime, but I am curious as to why the other rebels don't take to kindly to ya and what's this about some caravan masecre?" Skrall wasn't sure how much the leader knew about their other dealings with the chiefs but he wanted to be careful.

"Also, we'll be glad to leave two of us behind, but should ya need help, is there any way of callin' for assistance? How far off is yer right hand man bein' held and who's holdin' him, the town watch or some other faction?"

Speaking off to his companions Skrall adds his opinion, "Right now I think Hoke should be left with Jess as they can both take care of themselves, the rest of ya would accompany me, while we try to break this fella's man out of confinement. Any other thoughts?"

"Seems we may see action either way. Is Gregor heavily guarded?"

"Skrall, look, we rebels may not love each other, but we are aware of each other's dealings and actions. I am aware of the force you took out at Vonnetate's request. As for the other rebel's hatred of me... well, I can't understand it either. Vonnetate doesn't seem to like anyone, and I disagree with many of his... personal views. As for Samuel and Haddock... they don't get along well with anyone, but they're luckily so preoccupied hating each other that they don't give me much heed."

"Gregor is being held in a tower in the mountains. I will give Hans directions. It is the Town Watch's, but like all things related to war, they keep it outside the center of town so as not to alarm the citizens. The factories are up here, so are the jails. I do not believe that Gregor is too heavily guarded, but a big force will no doubt draw attention, which is why I'm sending you. As for calling for assistance... no, you will be too far away. I may, if there is a crunch, be able to get word to Vonnetate or Samuel, but I do not know how quickly they could respond."

"What will it be, Skrall? Let's make a choice and get a move on."

[UsernameMDM]

"I shall perform the duty requested of me."

[Waterbrick Down]

"Alright then, Hoke and Jess you stay here, Hans will lead the rest of us to rescue this Gregor chap. Daylight's a burnin' so let's get a movin'."

[Scorpiox]

"Aye, let's head off. Jess, stay safe, but I'm sure you're expert skill will protect you. Hoke, keep an eye out, alright?"

Haldor gives a parting kiss to Jess and looks her in her sparkling eyes, then he leaves with the rest of the party.

[Zepher]

The Party

Skrall

(played by WaterBrickDown)

Level 11 Ranger (Party Leader)

Power

: 20 (+4 Against Beasts)

Health

: 16/16

Gold

: 45

Inventory

: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (4), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smelling Salts (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Water Bomb (1), Ice Bomb (1), Holy Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1)

Tesni Hightribe

(played by Peppermint_M)

Level 16 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader)

Power

: 27

Health

: 32/32

Gold

: 112

Inventory

: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 3 Mead, 3 Venom, 2 Nostrum

Haldor Skovgaard

(played by Scorpiox)

Level 12 ½ Cleric

Power

: 24 (23+1)

Health

: 20/20

Ether

: 18/19 (16+3)

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence

Dyric Rone

(played by Legonator)

Level 7 Rogue

Power

: 12

Health

: 13/13

Gold

: 225

Inventory

: Double Chain Whip (WP: 5), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone

Hans (Host controlled NPC)

Level 10 1/2 Wren Fighter

Power

: 16

Health

: 40/40

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2

NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents

Sir Earl Poletad

(NPC)

Level 2 Frog Paladin

Power

: 2

Health

: 6/6

Ether

: 2/2

Gold

: 0

Inventory

: None

NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.

The heroes depart, wishing their friends good luck and safety. The heroes continue on the road, following Hans, who puzzles over a map. Suddenly a happy voice calls out to them, ahead of them on the path.

"Lost, heroes?"

The party draw their weapons and prepare for combat, but Wren stops them, shooting six black orbs out to envelope all their weapons, and Sir Poletad entirely, who hangs, suspended in mid-air.

"I did not come to fight, heroes. I came to offer you a bargain, as I always do. Isn't it interesting that you always draw weapons and I always come in peace, and yet you paint me as the villain here? I am prepared to help you get to the jail, but you must do more a favor in return. The ether that is required to teleport all six of you to the jail is immense, and I do not want to be tired, as I am going to war soon! So, and this is fair, you will have to pay me back for it. The heroes of Heroica must offer up a total of 50 health and ether, combined for my magic to work. Alternatively, I could drain the life from your frog friend over-here, and use his life force for the magic. It would kill him, but what do you care? Do you know that Master Docken killd a defenseless Orc in the Arena? That Jess sold out Hybros to save her own neck? Betrayal between heroes isn't uncommon, and Mr. Poletad isn't particularly friendly with you all anyway. You've only known him, what, two days? So, what will it be heroes?"

[The Legonater]

"I did not come to fight, heroes. I came to offer you a bargain, as I always do. Isn't it interesting that you always draw weapons and I always come in peace, and yet you paint me as the villain here? I am prepared to help you get to the jail, but you must do more a favor in return. The ether that is required to teleport all six of you to the jail is immense, and I do not want to be tired, as I am going to war soon! So, and this is fair, you will have to pay me back for it. The heroes of Heroica must offer up a total of 50 health and ether, combined for my magic to work. Alternatively, I could drain the life from your frog friend over-here, and use his life force for the magic. It would kill him, but what do you care? Do you know that Master Docken killd a defenseless Orc in the Arena? That Jess sold out Hybros to save her own neck? Betrayal between heroes isn't uncommon, and Mr. Poletad isn't particularly friendly with you all anyway. You've only known him, what, two days? So, what will it be heroes?"

Don't drain Sir Poletad. He still has much to live for. We have not known him long, but we know he is eager.

No, drain me.

Surely you can refrain from killing me completely. But take what health you want from me. I have little left to live for. I've been tortured to the extreme- and nothing can possibly be worse than that. So drain me. I look at the other heroes. You think of me as a coward. Let this show you that I am not. I turn back to Wren. So drain me. If draining a frog with 6 minimal health will give you what you want, then drain me.

[Zepher]

Don't drain Sir Poletad. He still has much to live for. We have not known him long, but we know he is eager.

No, drain me.

Surely you can refrain from killing me completely. But take what health you want from me. I have little left to live for. I've been tortured to the extreme- and nothing can possibly be worse than that. So drain me. I look at the other heroes. You think of me as a coward. Let this show you that I am not. I turn back to Wren. So drain me. If draining a frog with 6 minimal health will give you what you want, then drain me.

"That's noble and all dear, but I won't kill you, I need you, and the most health you can give me is... 13, if I had to put a numeric value on it. I need a total of 50. You'll do, as a start, but I'm going to need more."

[The Legonater]

"That's noble and all dear, but I won't kill you, I need you, and the most health you can give me is... 13, if I had to put a numeric value on it. I need a total of 50. You'll do, as a start, but I'm going to need more."

One, I never said kill me. That'd be too easy.

Two, if you can get the health needed from Poletad, why can't you get it from me? Especially when I'm more than twice his health?

[Zepher]

"Because, sweetie, the expiring of his soul is different than taking you out of commission for a while. These are my conditions."

Edited December 25, 2011 by Zepher

[The Legonater]

I think for a moment, then take Haldor aside.

Your a cleric, right? Is there any way for her to do what she wants to do to Poletad to me, but still revive me?

[Peppermint_M]

Cysgodion was held. Purple sparks flared from Tesni's eyes and crackles of light fought with the darkness orbs. "Zoot's witch, return us to each other. Although it is interesting to meet." She stood tall, knowing there was no point to use intimidation on this woman. "I must profess, there seems limited point to give up our own health when the frog will do." at the others aghast stares, "His destiny was as a potion of some sort. If we faced his ilk in battle, even his kin, we would feel no pain to despatch them. He was to leave us before the quest was over. His sacrifice would assist us." Still more looks of shock, Tesni shrugged "These are the shadows of life. There is little pure light and little pure dark within the brothers, just the action life demands of us."

[Scorpiox]

"Dyric, the difference is, if the witch uses the toad, she'll drain all his life force. With you you'd just be in a 'KO', which would provide her less energy.

Tesni, we cannot sacrifice the toad, such an act would be the same as just murdering him in the factory. He joined us not to end up dead just so we could fly somewhere. You say we'd feel no pain to kill is friends if they stood in our way? Well you probably won't, because all you care about is fighting! I feel the loss of every living thing, I feel the pain as creatures die! Everytime a 'dumb animal' falls, I hear it crying out for it's mother! Just because you don't care when you slay them, just because they can't cry out in fear, it does not mean that they do not deserve to live!

Haldor calms down a bit after his outburst.

"All life is precious, let us not waste any. I will offer all 20 of my health. And I remind my friends that I can heal us all when the magic is over."

Edited December 23, 2011 by Scorpiox

[Peppermint_M]

"I do not say he does not deserve life, I say that his sacrifice is the most logical." She looked at Haldor, puzzled at his outburst. "You are a soft touch for a norseman. I will explain more why I think this: If we each take a hit on our health for this witch to teleport us, we will have to use our resources to heal and recover ether. Then we would face battle depleted, risking the use of more resources when there is many more tasks for us to complete and maybe battle with this witch or her goons." A purple misty aura shimmered around Tesni, sparking in emphasis of her words. "We risk long term problems for the life of a frog that will leave us, maybe even betray us. Or do you forget the ant?"

She turned to face him then. "I know this slave of Zoot is giving us this to cause chaos. So I will keep this brief and move with the party leader as he wishes. I. Do. Not. Fight because I love it. I fight to survive, to prove to the world that I deserve to be on it. To show those who doubt that I am strong and able." her anger died down and for the first time the undertones left her voice naturally. "I loved herding the sheep and goats, chasing the chickens back to their coop and being chased by pricklebears. I loved finding things to show the priestess and learning about them from her. Picking the mountain flowers and making paints from the rock dusts and mud. Swimming in the lake and hearing stories about the Hightribe. What I love now is questing with my friends and helping people with their requests. Shouting and laughing in the hall and training with Hoke and the others. Talking of home and my goals." The others were looking at her strangely. "I do not know why you left your hometown and joined Heroica. I left because there was nothing left. All were dead and gone. I joined Heroica for company and family, to seek out the wandering Hightribe heroes and to leave a mark on this world before I left it. Think carefully before you say things to me like that again, beau of my friend Jess or not."