Heroica RPG - Quest#88: Fathers and Sons

[Zepher]

"Wrestle a bear, huh?" The eye-patched king smiles grimly. "Make sure you tell Chief Belvin Flame-head that when you meet him. I'm sure he'll be interested to put your skills to the test."

The heroes find themselves outside of a building, once wooden, now with piles of stone piled outside.

"The young Prince has... recently diverted some of the funds from the bridge and started to rebuild the temple. Come, I'll introduce you to him and his warrior priest."

General Hamilton and the troops that have been escorting the heroes stop.

"I fear this is where we must part way, for the time being, heroes. I must go prepare another dispatch to the other shore - the raids make our men tired, and we need reinforcements constantly. I will be heading over myself to help relieve General Mint of the Four Boulder Kingdom."

"Hm, I'm make sure to send the heroes your way. I think it would be best if they met Prince Speros and say the Orcish raids for themselves. Perhaps Hoke will be able to tell what tribe they're from, and tell us who to punish." Heweyrt taps his nose as if sharing a secret, Hamilton gives a salute, and King Speros leads the heroes into the temple.

Inside it is musky and serene. There is only quiet murmuring in far corners. Two figures stand at the center alter - one raised above the other, lecturing.

"...and the Lord of Light will vanquish all those who fight him. His way is the only right way. He cannot be swayed, his path is straight. Every soul with a Light in the heart is a beacon in the darkness where the blind and frightened people can gather. Give us the power of the Light to see through the darkness- to see it for what it really is, and give us the power to resist it. The Light that reveals everything will shine forever."

"The Light that reveals everything will shine forever."

King Speros clears his throat.

"Forgive me for interrupting," he says bluntly and loudly. The two figures turn to look at him.

"These are the heroes that Heweyrt hired to assist us."

"Ah, welcome heroes. I am King David." The man offers his hand.

"Prince," reminds King Speroes sharply. "Your father is not dead yet."

"I pray for his return every day."

"Maybe it would be prudent to finally take action." Heweyrt lays a reassuring arm on King Speros' shoulder.

"When the bridge is complete, and we are able to strengthen our relationship with the orcs, then we can negotiate for his freedom."

"I fear the job won't be done without him."

The man on the alter clears his throat.

"Peace, King Arthur Speros, King David Lynch. You are both instruments of the Light." King Speroes snorts, but the Warrior Priest continues. "Welcome, heroes. I understand that you are here to ward off the darkness these evil orc raiders present us. They are the darkness, we are the light. Which of you is a champion of the Light?" He appraises the heroes, waiting for a response.

[Sisco]

Jess looked around nervously at the question, then chose her response carefully.

"Well I wouldn't say that I'm a champion of either light or dark... Gray, perhaps? Red? Green? Whichever color means 'I'm in it for the money'. Gold! That's the right color. I'm a champion of the Gold."

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni grinned and drew Dryw ar Zoot. "Well, this plaything of Zoot is imbued with the holy." The blade gleamed but with a quirk of her brows Tesni also drew Cysgodion "Though my friend here is much more helpful when battling any of the brothers. Seldom does a straight path lead to true success my friend."

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen stood quietly, listening.

She caught Gocklo's eye and winked before she spoke up.

I have done right and I have done good.

I have taken a stand against deceitful sorceresses and Dark Generals. I have battled lying dragons and usurping brothers. I have fought demons, abominations and the godless. I have enlightened the blinded and lead the fearful. If you seek a champion, I am here.

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke speaks plainly, but remains congenial.

"If you are asking if one of us is a Paladin, I regret to say there is not a true one among us. Lady Nerwen has healing power, and I am a knight, so it would seem we have two half-paladins."

[Peppermint_M]

"Three, Berserker remember? I may not be as noble as the stuffed breastplates but I have the shield." Tesni added.

[Zepher]

"I thought I had asked you to find me a Paladin," the Warrior Priest says, turning to Heweyrt. Heweyrt shrugs.

"My little friend here was in charge of hiring."

Gocklo laughs rascally. "Hehehe, no Paladins wanted to come to meet you, Warrior Priest. I chose a competent team."

The Warrior Priest ignores Gocklo. He looks at Hoke, Tesni, and Nerwen.

"You all look capable of joining the ranks of the Paladin Order. What has dissuaded you in the past? The Paladin Order is an old and powerful order, and we are well respected all over Olegia."

"Ennoc is a kind God. I trust him to look after the light. Sometimes we mortals can see only darkness, but Ennoc is always a guide, even when we do not see his hand. It is important that the King know the path for his people."

"It would look good if our representatives had a Paladin among them. The elf has the best credentials, there's no doubt, but I'd be willing to accept any of those capable. Are any of you three willing to begin your service to the righteous Light? It is not ideal, but I can train you for the next few hours and introduce you to your guardian angel. You will at least be a light, as Ennoc will know that you have chosen the path of the righteous. Orcs will cower and humans will be thankful to you. I like someone to carry my seal, and it can go to no one but a paladin." Raguel holds out a seal.

Seal of the Warrior Priest(ess) (Accessory, At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired).

[Flare]

Benji looks meanly at the warrior priest. "What is up with this racism anyways, huh? If Ennoc is so just, then why must you actively persecute the orcs, as he has obviously allowed them to live until now. Instead of racism you could be promoting peace and equality with your position, but nooo you must hold onto grudges that are generations old and sickening! You are a sick man!"

Also, to summarize what has happened with my inventory because of the Grogmas stuff:

+

Pugilist's Gloves, smelling salts, nostrum

-

Kusarigama, 2 health cores, 2 grand potions, 2 potions, remedy

Edited December 23, 2013 by Flare

[Zepher]

OoC: I will update the inventories very shortly (probably after this conversation) but thank you for keeping me in the loop - it makes my job much easier.

"You show your ignorance, hero. It is not racism, it is the truth. The Orcs exist through mortal failings, not through the failings of Ennoc. They tried to eradicate us, just as the demons of Zoot do, but we drove them back at great cost. If the Light wavers, the Darkness will seize the opportunity to destroy us all. Raising them to our level will only make them more of a threat. They cannot learn and they cannot forgive, and so we must not forgive or forget. We must defend the Light. Do you think, if they had won, you would stand here now. You speak from privilege, but do not recognize the cost that was paid to afford you your life as you know it now. You are bathed in the righteous Light, yet you are blind to it. It is our duty to free you from that blindness. I do not hate you for your words, only pity you."

Heweyrt makes eye contact with Benji and carefully and subtly shakes his head - no. King Speros laughs gruffly and meanly under his breathe, but says nothing. Prince David only looks at the Warrior Priest with awe.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen thinks a while. She had quested with several paladins. Cronk, Maurice, Lawerence.I will carry your seal and bring light to those that need it, striking down those who fail the light. All shall love me and despair.

Admit it Zeph, you just want to see Paladin!Nerwen...

[Zepher]

The Warrior Priest almost allows a smile to ghost across his lips.

"Very well, m'lady. Please, remain behind with Prince David and I for prayer. We will send you to meet your friends at..."

"We'll be crossing the river later today, near evening. I'll have Gocklo swing by and pick her up before then. Have fun, Nerwen."

The heroes leave the Temple, King Speros clearly fuming. Nerwen remains behind.

"Already one of your numbers has strayed. Be careful, heroes. If you don't stand strong, the cold will kill you. You stay together for warmth."

"If you stay too frozen, the winds will snap you in half."

"Yeah yeah," he flicks his hand dismissively. "Your fancy words don't mean so much when your heroes betray you, Heweyrt. Raguel will have his hooks in her next time you see her, mark my words. No resolution."

Nearby, the heroes hear the clatter of steel. For the first time they see King Speros break into a thin smile. It is not an attractive feature on his face.

"The Nords are bored, heroes. Fighting once again. Do you want to meet them?"

The heroes round the corner and come to a practice yard, covered in a thin snow, now turning to mud as feet whirl through it.

Steel cries on steel. The axe swipes down and draws blood. It appears, even in sparring, the Nords do not use dulled blades.

There is a low grumble, and the heroes turn their head as a man leads an enormous polar bear towards them. Flames roar out of the man's helmet, cracking briskly in the cool air. He raises a hand in greeting to King Speros and Heweyrt, and raises an eyebrow at Gocklo and the heroes.

"Hello Speros the King. Hello, Heweyrt the Ambassador. Are these your champions from the South?" The Nords turns to them. "They do not seem that tough. You should have hired Nords."

"Actions over words," Heweyrt says tapping his nose and a displaying a toothy grin. The Nord does not smile back. He turns to the heroes.

"I am Belvin Byrne, Chief of the Fire Nords, known as the Flame-head. This is my polar bear, Iorek." Iorek growls. "Heweyrt the Ambassador is right. I have heard only of your deeds. Words are wind to the Nords. We are a people of actions. Will you prove your worth to me and Iorek?" The two Nords behind the Chief stop fighting and turn to face the heroes. "These are two of my best men. Can you best them in combat?"

Edited December 24, 2013 by Zepher

[Flare]

"I am up for it." Benji growls, flexing his muscles. He drinks a grand potion and a mead.

Edited December 24, 2013 by Flare

[Sisco]

Jess unsheathed Blohdhurm and twirled it around, preparing herself. Then she pulled out a grand potion and drank it.

"Let's do it. I need to redeem myself."

[Peppermint_M]

"Awww, I wanted a go." Tesni grinned, she still held Cysgodion and Dryw, her shield balanced on her back. "Can I give 'em a good workout after hmm? Even if you guys win?" All the talk of Ennoc had made her itch.

[Flare]

"He never said it had to be two versus two." Benji winks at Tesni.

[Zepher]

"I never said it. Don't need to. She is clearly a woman of honor. What is your name, warrior? You seem a woman of the North."

Heweyrt smiles respectfully at Tesni as she and Flamehead step aside to talk. Hoke too hangs back silently. The two warriors step towards Jess and Benji.

The "Enemies"

Erik the Fire Gut

Level 42 Fiery Humanoid *Immune to Ice, Water and Instant Kill*

Health: 440/440

SP: 4

Special:

Fire Gut

- Erik cuts a deep gash across the hero's belly, giving them the burning effect (3 damage a round) the bleeding effect (5 damage a round) and the deadly poisoned effect (10 damage a round).

Drops: Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear)

Dion the Burning Heart

Level 65 Fiery Humanoid *Deals Fire & Ice Elemental Damage*

Health: 264/264

Special:

Heart Burn

- Dion attacks the hero, dealing 40 damage. The hero's heart is set aflame by the attack, and they receive the fragile and enraged effects.

Drops: 75 Gold, Sharp Axe (WP: 14, Fire Ice Elemental)

The Party

Benji Carvenhall

, the Dragonslayer

Level 35 Beastwarrior

*Natural Respite*

*Gains Triple XP*

*Immune to

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

Fragile

, and

Weakened

Effects

*

Power:

51

(35+16)

Defense:

9

(3+6)

Health:

60/61

(6+34+15+6)

Gold:

313

(owes 500 to Alexis Fenral)

Equipment:

Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:16; AIM's become HIT's;

darkness-

,

ice-

,

fire-

,

wind

-

elemental

)

,

Medal of Glory

(accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to

asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects)

, Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Overkill Gloves

[borrowed from Galen]

(handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy)

, Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors)

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15;

earth-,

wood-,

water-

,

lightning-,

light-

elemental),

Kusarigama (WP:10, whip),

Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors),

Ratmancer's Cowl

(headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin),

Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (artefact, accessory),

Health Core (8),

Grand Potion (13),

Potion (3),

Remedy (5), Phoenix Essence (5),

Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3),

Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (6), Mulled Wine (4), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3),

Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone,

Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel

Jess Islanti (Sisco)

Level 19.5 Assassin

*Immune to Weakened Effect*

Power

: 37 (+4)

(19+14+2+2)

Health

: 26/31 (+1)

(7+18+5+1)

Gold

: 491

Equipment

: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect)

Inventory

: Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), Diamond of Thoric, 2 Venoms, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Remedy, 3 Grand Potions,

Dragonfire Stew (Gives the consumer the

encouraged

and

inspired

effects for the duration of one battle), Mulled Wine, Potion, Medal of Honor (Accessory, User Gains Triple Experience)

"Careful to keep it at only sparring, heroes. It'd be bad to start your diplomatic relationships by killing some of the big chief's cronies."

NOTE: You are attempting to get the Nords to 'call uncle". If their health drops below 95, they'll tap out. If they reach 0, they may die, and Chief Flamehead might not take it too kindly. If they tap out, you may not loot them.

[Flare]

OoC: I drank a mead.

Also, (again) to summarize what has happened with my inventory because of the Grogmas stuff (and yes its different than before, FYI)

+

Pugilist's Gloves, smelling salts, nostrum, remedy

-

Kusarigama, 2 health cores, 2 grand potions, 2 potions

"I'll take Dion. Lets fight."

Benji attacks Dion from the back with Meduiak.

Edited December 25, 2013 by Flare

[Sisco]

Jess weighed her options, then decided to down a smelling salts, then use the free turn to attack Erik from the back row.

[Zepher]

OoC: Thank you, Benji! Hopefully properly updated. Please, anyone else who used the Grogmas event, keep me in the loop!

Round One Nordic Sparring Match

>Benji v. Dion - Damage ([65/2]-9=24)

Jess takes Smelling Salts

>Jess v. Erik - Damage (42/2=21)

The Nords start powerfully, beating back their foes with their very sharp and very warm weapons.

The "Enemies"

"Ah, you don't have the fire and ice of the North!"

Erik the Fire Gut

Level 42 Fiery Humanoid *Immune to Ice, Water and Instant Kill*

Health: 440/440

SP: 4

Special:

Fire Gut

- Erik cuts a deep gash across the hero's belly, giving them the burning effect (3 damage a round) the bleeding effect (5 damage a round) and the deadly poisoned effect (10 damage a round).

Drops: Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear)

"It warms my heart to see a good fight... especially when I'm on the winning side."

Dion the Burning Heart

Level 65 Fiery Humanoid *Deals Fire & Ice Elemental Damage*

Health: 264/264

Special:

Heart Burn

- Dion attacks the hero, dealing 40 damage. The hero's heart is set aflame by the attack, and they receive the fragile and enraged effects.

Drops: 75 Gold, Sharp Axe (WP: 14, Fire Ice Elemental)

The Party

Benji Carvenhall

, the Dragonslayer

Level 35 Beastwarrior

*Natural Respite*

*Gains Triple XP*

*Immune to

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

Fragile

, and

Weakened

Effects

* *Encouraged*

Power:

51

(35+16)

Defense:

9

(3+6)

Health:

36/61

(6+34+15+6)

Gold:

313

(owes 500 to Alexis Fenral)

Equipment:

Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:16; AIM's become HIT's;

darkness-

,

ice-

,

fire-

,

wind

-

elemental

)

,

Medal of Glory

(accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to

asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects)

, Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Overkill Gloves

[borrowed from Galen]

(handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy)

, Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors)

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15;

earth-,

wood-,

water-

,

lightning-,

light-

elemental),

Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors),

Ratmancer's Cowl

(headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin),

Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (artefact, accessory),

Health Core (6),

Grand Potion (11),

Potion,

Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (5),

Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3),

Nostrum (4), Smelling Salts (4), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (4), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3),

Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone,

Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect)

Jess Islanti (Sisco)

Level 19.5 Assassin

*Immune to Weakened Effect* *Hastened*

Power

: 37 (+4)

(19+14+2+2)

Health

: 5/31 (+1)

(7+18+5+1)

Gold

: 491

Equipment

: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect)

Inventory

: Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), Diamond of Thoric, 2 Venoms, 2 Meads, Remedy, 3 Grand Potions,

Dragonfire Stew (Gives the consumer the

encouraged

and

inspired

effects for the duration of one battle), Mulled Wine, Potion, Medal of Honor (Accessory, User Gains Triple Experience)

"Your champions are not so strong!" laughs Flamehead to Heweyrt. Heweyrt just grins confidently back. "I hope you are stronger than your southern brothers," Flamehead says to Tesni.

[UsernameMDM]

Sorry guys, have been doing Christmas stuff for the past two days. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Hoke nods to the nords in greeting before they lock into combat with Jess and Benji. He trusts his companions can handle these two with ease, but he would watch the fight carefully to study the nords style and techniques in case they would ever be used against the party. Hoke had been around long enough not to trust warriors who reveled in combat.

[Flare]

Benji grimaces as the nord hits him.

Benji repeats his attack.

[Sisco]

Jess winced at the Nord's heavy-handed attack.

Jess drank another Grand Potion then repeated her attack.

[Peppermint_M]

"Your champions are not so strong!" laughs Flamehead to Heweyrt. Heweyrt just grins confidently back. "I hope you are stronger than your southern brothers," Flamehead says to Tesni.

"They breed us for bulk up in the mountains." Tesni grinned."Prickle bears and rock-eagles have a habit of popping by for a scrap."

[Zepher]

OoC: I intended for Dion to also be immune to instant kill (actually helps you guys in this battle) but forgot to note it. If this is something you find unfair, as always, I am willing to discuss.

Round Two Nordic Sparring Match

>Benji v. Dion - Shield (Beast Form)

Jess takes Grand Potion

>Jess v. Erik - Shield (42+65=107 Gold Gained)

The nords stumble backwards as Benji tears through his cloths and becomes a huge reptile once more. Jess is able to pocket some gold in the confusion.

The "Enemies"

"Dear Thoric!"

Erik the Fire Gut

Level 42 Fiery Humanoid *Immune to Ice, Water and Instant Kill*

Health: 440/440

SP: 4

Special:

Fire Gut

- Erik cuts a deep gash across the hero's belly, giving them the burning effect (3 damage a round) the bleeding effect (5 damage a round) and the deadly poisoned effect (10 damage a round).

Drops: Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear)

"Now THIS is a fight."

Dion the Burning Heart

Level 65 Fiery Humanoid *Deals Fire & Ice Elemental Damage* *Immune to Instant Kill*

Health: 264/264

Special:

Heart Burn

- Dion attacks the hero, dealing 40 damage. The hero's heart is set aflame by the attack, and they receive the fragile and enraged effects.

Drops: 75 Gold, Sharp Axe (WP: 14, Fire Ice Elemental)

The Party

Benji Carvenhall

, the Dragonslayer

Level 35 Beastwarrior

*Natural Respite*

*Gains Triple XP*

*Immune to

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

Fragile

, and

Weakened

Effects

* *Encouraged*

Power:

51

(35+16)

Defense:

9

(3+6)

Health:

36/61

(6+34+15+6)

Gold:

313

(owes 500 to Alexis Fenral)

Equipment:

Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:16; AIM's become HIT's;

darkness-

,

ice-

,

fire-

,

wind

-

elemental

)

,

Medal of Glory

(accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to

asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects)

, Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Overkill Gloves

[borrowed from Galen]

(handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy)

, Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors)

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15;

earth-,

wood-,

water-

,

lightning-,

light-

elemental),

Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors),

Ratmancer's Cowl

(headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin),

Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (artefact, accessory),

Health Core (6),

Grand Potion (11),

Potion,

Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (5),

Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3),

Nostrum (4), Smelling Salts (4), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (4), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3),

Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone,

Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect)

Jess Islanti (Sisco)

Level 19.5 Assassin

*Immune to Weakened Effect* *Hastened*

Power

: 37 (+4)

(19+14+2+2)

Health

: 30/31 (+1)

(7+18+5+1)

Gold

: 598

Equipment

: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect)

Inventory

: Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), Diamond of Thoric, 2 Venoms, 2 Meads, Remedy, 3 Grand Potions,

Dragonfire Stew (Gives the consumer the

encouraged

and

inspired

effects for the duration of one battle), Mulled Wine, Potion, Medal of Honor (Accessory, User Gains Triple Experience)

"By the Gods." Flamehead says sternly. "This is some powerful magic. I mistook at least one of your allies, daughter of the north."

Gocklo giggles on the ground as King Speros also looks on in awe.

"Oh, look! Benji just got fun again. Hehehe. I told you they had some tricks, Heweyrt!"

[Flare]

Benji roars fiercely amd repeats his attack on Dion from the front row.

Benji nods at Jess in a way for to understand that he wants her to use a grand potion on him and that he will pay her back later.

BO:

>Jess - grand potion on Benji

Benji - vs Dion

>Jess - vs Erik

Edited December 27, 2013 by Flare