Heroica RPG - Quest#102: Debts

[Masked Builder]

I am sure you have seen worse. At least we have leads and some clue as to what we must do. That is more than we often have.

"True, this job is more straight up than most. At least we haven't had to fight any large monsters yet."

[Zepher]

"Don't worry, Sir Pigley, we have six days to find Master Aventine before this is over," he adds.

"Sooner than you know it we will only have five days, and then four, and then three, and then none," says the sad pig, and he looks down at the ground. "Time just flies."

The heroes hear the clipping and clopping of horses' hooves. They look over, and see XX leading six of the finest horses they've ever seen.

"Don't know exactly how the pig and crab ride, but I was figuring they'd share." One of the horses snorts, and fire erupts from it's nostrils! "These are Hell Horses. They'll get us there by sunset."

The heroes mount up, and after a series of physical gags that aren't really that funny when written out, but trust me, they are funny in a sort of "had to be there" way, Pigley and Russel manage to get on their horse. The heroes set out for Bric'Lin.

OoC: A legitimate update is on it's way tomorrow! Sorry, I'm still a little strapped for time, but it will be less than 24 hours now! I unexpectedly got invited to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart today, and it was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up!

[Purpearljellyblob]

As Purpearl leads the party out, she turns to Russel, "Keeping an eye on the enemy, good thinking. Hopefully he's there by the time we reach." Purpearl's not too unfamiliar with horse riding, but riding on a horse that breathes fire, that's a first for her, "XX, where did you get your hands on these horses?"

"Matthias." Purpearl signals to Matthias, hoping he could perhaps converse with the Hell Horse. Might or might not get anything out of it, but it's worth trying considering Hell is often associated with Demons.

[StickFig]

OoC: A legitimate update is on it's way tomorrow! Sorry, I'm still a little strapped for time, but it will be less than 24 hours now! I unexpectedly got invited to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart today, and it was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up!

Cool! I saw him do a stand-up act about ten years ago - he's a great entertainer. Very jealous.

Matthias struggles almost as much as Pigley and Ruffers with his mount, but thankfully everyone is distracted by the spectacle of a crab and a pig atop (eventually) a Hell Horse. He uses his cannon as a sort of ladder, leaning it gingerly against the fiery, intimidating animal, scrambling up to the saddle, and pulling the Extraordinaire up behind himself. Once seated, the gnome grips the reins tightly, alternately leaning in towards his steed's neck to avoid falling off, and sitting up straight, trying to stay away from the animal he's sitting on as much as possible. "Whoa, whoa," the others hear him mutter repeatedly as they ride, but only Nerwen, Pigley, and Ruffers can understand.

"Matthias." Purpearl signals to Matthias, hoping he could perhaps converse with the Hell Horse.

Straining to stay in the saddle, his feet not reaching anywhere near the stirrups, Matthias nearly loses his balance as Purpearl calls out. He nods in her direction. "Hell Horse," he mutters into his mount's ear, wondering what a more proper term of address might be, "do you know anything about our errand?"

Edited June 10, 2014 by nstickney

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen rides with ease, despite her mount's otherworldly origins.

Lady Berthadhiell, I wonder if, while we ride, you might tell me more of yourself. Where did you grow, where were you schooled?

Edited June 10, 2014 by Chromeknight

[Purpearljellyblob]

"I haven't got that luxury to have my path shown graciously by Ennoc's light, nor do I have the teachings of The Paladin Order to abide to." Purpearl teases, "Perhaps knowledge and enlightenment comes in different forms. She pauses for a moment before continuing, "I believe in nature and the ether that intertwines all things. Sometimes it is better to let things find its form by guiding it rather than being contingent about it."

"Whoa, whoa," the others hear him mutter repeatedly as they ride, but only Nerwen, Pigley, and Ruffers can understand.

Turning to Matthias, rather concerned by the strange sounds he's been making consistently, "Are you alright?"

[Zepher]

OoC: Earlier today, while I was thinking, I realized that a Hel Horse in Heroica would not be associated with fire but rather with ice, as our version of "Hel" is Ice. So I guess that they were named ironically.

As Purpearl leads the party out, she turns to Russel, "Keeping an eye on the enemy, good thinking. Hopefully he's there by the time we reach." Purpearl's not too unfamiliar with horse riding, but riding on a horse that breathes fire, that's a first for her, "XX, where did you get your hands on these horses?"

"Like I said, someone owed me a favor. Everyman may be a scoundrel, but he's a Hel of a friend, and his friends often become friends with each other thanks to him. He generally picks good friends too... myself being a prime example."

Straining to stay in the saddle, his feet not reaching anywhere near the stirrups, Matthias nearly loses his balance as Purpearl calls out. He nods in her direction. "Hell Horse," he mutters into his mount's ear, wondering what a more proper term of address might be, "do you know anything about our errand?"

The horse snorts fire.

"I do not ask questions. My job is to run. Hell Horses serve one purpose only, and we serve it with pride."

The heroes arrive in Bric'Lin just as the sun is setting. They glance around, but have a hard time finding a mansion - it could take hours of searching.

"I think that Bric'Lin has both a Market and an Inn. We could try asking around at either place, I'm sure Chauncey is well known in the town. We could split up, or stay together. I don't think it matters either way - the town isn't likely to be violent, and even if it is, we're more than adapt at dealing with it."

Edited June 10, 2014 by Zepher

[StickFig]

Turning to Matthias, rather concerned by the strange sounds he's been making consistently, "Are you alright?"

The gnome manages to give Purpearl an unconvincing nod.

The horse snorts fire.

"I do not ask questions. My job is to run. Hell Horses serve one purpose only, and we serve it with pride."

"You certainly do it well," the ranger replies, still holding on for dear life.

"I think that Bric'Lin has both a Market and an Inn. We could try asking around at either place, I'm sure Chauncey is well known in the town. We could split up, or stay together. I don't think it matters either way - the town isn't likely to be violent, and even if it is, we're more than adapt at dealing with it."

Matthias translates for the others, adding, "I don't mind either way; let's just ask the first person we meet."

Edited June 11, 2014 by nstickney

[Masked Builder]

"Let's stick together, that just makes things easier. And bad things tend to happen when we split up.."

[Zepher]

"If it doesn't matter to anyone else, I'm always in favor of a tavern. Started our day in one, may as well end our day in one." XX says. He then turns to the Hell Horses and clicks with his mouth - a sound that Matthias and Nerwen understand as "return". The horses whinney one final time and then turn back to Eubric. "Sorry all, part of my deal. They were a one way trip."

[Masked Builder]

Alexis nods in assent. "All that matters now is rescuing him as quickly as possible. Let's find that tavern." She looks around for anyone to talk to.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"If it doesn't matter to anyone else, I'm always in favor of a tavern. Started our day in one, may as well end our day in one." ...

"Sorry all, part of my deal. They were a one way trip."

"If Avetine is here, it would be the most ideal. But we can't be sure unless we find him. Tavern might be a good place to start with, especially at this hour." Purpearl takes note of the setting sun, "We've lost a day and time is definitely not on our side, we should get going whenever we're ready."

Purpearl nods at Alexis, "Let's see if we can find those ruffians at the tavern."

[StickFig]

Purpearl nods at Alexis, "Let's see if we can find those ruffians at the tavern."

"To the tavern it is," Matthias says to Ruffers, nodding his agreement with Purpearl.

[Chromeknight]

<Was it in Bric'lin that you performed your play master Pigley?>

I am content with the tavern, though I disagree with Alexis. We would cover more ground if we split up. Alexis, Ecksecks and I in one group, and Matthias, Lady Berthadhiell and Ruffers in the other.

Splitting up may mean a bonus battle for Nstickney/PPJB, closing the level gap one step...

[Purpearljellyblob]

Splitting up may mean a bonus battle for Nstickney/PPJB, closing the level gap one step...

OOC: That would be showing favouritism! But I'm sure all the players in Heroica go through the same pathway. All are lower levels at some point. Having bonus battles just for us lower levels might be a little unfair for the others who want to level up.

I am content with the tavern, though I disagree with Alexis. We would cover more ground if we split up. Alexis, Ecksecks and I in one group, and Matthias, Lady Berthadhiell and Ruffers in the other.

"It's already sunset, we can go to the Tavern together and maybe spilt up from there, if the Market isn't already closed by now."

Edited June 11, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob

[Zepher]

OoC: Wouldn't be favoritism! Everyone gets different numbers of battles - you guys have already gotten the same numbers in the last three weeks that Boomingham has had in four months! Everyone levels up at different speeds. BUT, that being said, there is no battle at the market, just a market. I personally would not add a battle if you happened to split up JUST to close the level gap, but other QMs might, so it's not bad thinking!

The heroes head to the tavern, called the Pale Mermaid. Upon stepping inside, they find it crowded.

"It was," says Pigley in something that is, for once, a little better than a drone. "Thank you for remembering."

If any of the heroes had ever been to the Pale Mermaid before, they may have been concerned, as the patrons seemed to always remain exactly in the same spots, night after night - surely not healthy for their bodies, drinking that much in such a habitual way. As it is, though, only Pigley and Russel have been there before, and they don't bat an eyelash, because at that very moment someone calls out to them!

"Pigley! Russel!" The man comes rushing over. "How are the two of you?" He turns to the heroes and makes a sweeping bow. "Sir Jules Taylor, director, actor, writer. I'm sure you've heard of me. Are you friends of these two? Sir Pigley is one of the finest actors I have ever had the honor of encountering, excluding myself, of course. HA HA HA!"

Sir Pigley blushes.

"We all have to be good at something."

Edited June 11, 2014 by Zepher

[Chromeknight]

Stars shine on our meeting, Master Taylor. I am lucky to count myself a friend of Sir Pigley and the redoubtable Russel Ruffers.

The have in turn also told me of you, that you are talented and capable. And able to persuade the financially overburdened into assisting your work. They mentioned one of your benefactors was Lord Chauncy, whom we have travelled here to do business with. Unfortunately we lost track if the factor he sent before our deal was concluded. I am certain that he would be able to finalise our transaction himself. It is merely a matter of meeting him, or another of his agents.

Nerwen smiled encouragingly as her diplomatic words dropped into Taylor's ears.

[StickFig]

Matthias, rubbing his sore legs and flexing his chafed hands, is already put off by the smooth director, actor, writer's pompous air. Thankfully it seems Calmcacil is taking the lead in dealing with Taylor, so the gnome looks around for a bartender, wondering if this place serves cider.

[Zepher]

"They've mentioned me? They are too kind!"

"I don't recall mentioning him."

"Stuff it, Ruffers."

But, luckily, Jules cannot understand the animals, and so Nerwen's words of praise bloat his ego appropriately.

"Yes, please, step outside with me. I know how difficult Lord Chauncey can be to find - he financed our play and yet didn't even come to watch it!"

Jules and Nerwen step outside, which gives XX the opportunity to laugh at the vain man and make his way over to the bar.

"He lives right up there!"

The dying rays of the sun catch the sides of an enormous and oppressive mansion sitting high on a hill at the edge of town. Nerwen is shocked that the heroes didn't see it previously, but perhaps that too is part of it's mystique, magic, and charm.

"It will be a chore to get into the house, however - it is protected by incredibly strong magic, and Lord Chauncey must give you a seal of approval for you to get inside, and even those are only one time uses! If you're hoping to see him, I think you'll have to find some alternative route in, or wait for him outside or something. I don't have a mind for that sort of thing. Mine is more of the artistic bent."

Matthias, meanwhile, makes his way over to the bar alongside XX.

"Seems you and I think alike."

"What can I get for you?" asks the Bar Tender.

-Rum (5 gold)

-Cider (5 gold)

-Mead (10 Gold)

-Flaming Gumball (10 Gold)

-Hurricane (15 Gold)

-Nostrum (50 Gold)

-Mulled Wine (100 Gold)

[Masked Builder]

"Do you know how often he comes out the front gate?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl turns to Alexis, "I'm told he's probably very well prepared for that event. They would've noticed us when we first arrived. It is rather hard to miss from that vantage point, if they're vigilant enough. Let's hope that the duel isn't actually taking place in his mansion, we might have some trouble breaking in. But I digress, we should definitely check it out, together."

[StickFig]

Matthias, worried that his purse might be getting a little light, nonetheless can't turn down a cider after his experience with the Hell Horses. "One cider, please," he says to the bartender, placing four shiny coins and one dull one on the bar. Turning to 'XX', the gnome does his best to swallow his distaste for the man, and asks, "Did you build that cannon yourself?" As he waits for a response, Matthias glances around the bar, wary after their last tavern experience, and notes all the exits, as well as any patrons that are watching the party too closely, before turning his eyes to the main door to watch for Calmcacil and Taylor coming back inside.

[Chromeknight]

Returning inside, Nerwen hears the bartender give his list of wares. Hearing Flaming Gumballs were available and thinking of Nyx, Nerwen ordered one, a little sad that she did not have quite enough money to buy one for Alexis and Purpearl also. Gumballs were best drunk in company...

[Masked Builder]

Feeling adventurous, Alexis buys a Flaming Gumball, then takes a seat next to Nerwen.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Matthias, worried that his purse might be getting a little light, nonetheless can't turn down a cider after his experience with the Hell Horses. "One cider, please," he says to the bartender, placing four shiny coins and one dull one on the bar.

Purpearl approaches the bar and looks at what's available. She had a mulled wine earlier in the day and wonders if she should have more. But she orders two flaming gumballs anyway. She turns to the gnome and smiles, "Here, have a flaming gumball, my treat."

Edited June 12, 2014 by Purpearljellyblob