Heroica RPG - Quest #116: The Tale of Two Faces

[Waterbrick Down]

Hoke looks in the eyes of those around him and finds no support, save for Alithor. He resists the overwhelming urge to slump his shoulders in defeat, and instead, holds his head high and sets his jaw.

"Let's conclude our business then," he says to Detective Hoples.

"Very well, take care heroes of Heroica you walk a very fine line."

The group leaves Blitze to tend to the body of his daughter as they move towards Town Watch Headquarters.

"Come on inside. Nasty business, no? Doesn't surprise me the Wolfgang had their hands in the pot as well. It's an awful city, but it's the only one we've got. Now I believe each of you are owed 50 Gold? And this..." The detective opens a door to a small closet, "Is the evidence lock-up. None of this has been claimed or used for anything over the past week, so I think you're fine if you want something."

Town Watch Evidence Lock-up:

Dealers Bag - (2x Double Rainbows, 2x Pixie Dusts, 2x Seventh Heavens)

Medic Bag - (2x Phoenix Essences, 2x Elixirs, Neutralizer)

Arsonists Bag - (2 Agni Bombs, 2 Stun Bombs, 2 Smoke Bombs)

Helm of Prestige - SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons

Robes of Illumination - SP: 5, + 10 Max Ether, Wearer is Permanently Transcended, Torsowear, suitable for Prophets

Cape of Extravagance - SP: 5, +10 WP, Wearer is Permanently Nimble, Backwear, suitable for Mimes

Suspension Saddle - After a Dragon's Wrath, the user becomes Hastened, Accessory, suitable for Dragoons

Dominating Pendant - The wearer can destroy his most powerful current summon to prevent a Free Hit, Accessory, suitable for Necromancers

Totem of Preparation - The user may choose to enter battle in Beast Form, Accessory, suitable for Beast Warriors

Heavy Crossbow - WP: 10, knocks target to back row, halving all incoming and outgoing damage to/from it for the next round, ranged, crossbow

Graive - WP: 10 deals the weakened effect, halberd

Twin Sai - WP: 10, dual-strike, dagger

Edited December 14, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[UsernameMDM]

Town Watch Evidence Lock-up:

Dealers Bag - (2x Double Rainbows, 2x Pixie Dusts, 2x Seventh Heavens)

Helm of Prestige - SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons

Suspension Saddle - After a Dragon's Wrath, the user becomes Hastened, Accessory, suitable for Dragoons

Graive - WP: 10 deals the weakened effect, halberd

"I would be interested in these."

[K-Nut]

Althior picks up the Robes of Illumination "Nothing else really seems worthwhile here. These could prove, well, useful down the road,"

[Waterbrick Down]

"One thing each, wouldn't want too much to go missing."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke tries on the Helm. It didn't quite sit right, but he figured it would be useful later. He ties it to his pack and waits for his quest mates to make their decisions.

Hoke uses Diplomacy

"Hoples, perhaps you could point us to some training. It looks like the soldiers you came with seemed to be capable men."

[Flare]

Benji picks up the Cape of Extravagance. "Thanks Hoples. Am I free to go now? I am feeling a bit anxious, I think I need to let out some steam..."

Benji turns and whispers to Althior about going to the docks to pick on some Bonapartes, making sure that no Town Watch can hear, otherwise it would be screwed. ( )

Edited December 14, 2014 by Flare

[K-Nut]

Althior rolls his eyes. "If you want to go causing trouble for no reason, be my guest. Leave me out of it..." He looks to Hoples. "Which way to Heroica Hall?"

[Flare]

"Pshh, what are you talking about..." Benji drinks a Grand Potion and a Potion and prepares to head out seeking mischief at the docks as soon as Hoples released them. He wondered to himself the things he would do for power, and shook the thoughts out of his head. He couldn't let his conscience be his downfall.

Edited December 14, 2014 by Flare

[Waterbrick Down]

"I'm not sure what you mean Sir Hoke. You wish to train as a patrolman? We had a hero a while back but he didn't last long."

Hoples pauses a moment.

"What happened today, heroes was truely tragic and it takes men with more courage than I to protect this city and to do it with truely noble intentions. Thank you."

Hoples saw the trio out the door and left them in the street in front of the Watch's headquarters.

Althior, after collecting his payment, shoulders his bag and with Aura in tow, heads for the Hall.

Benji starts on his way to the docks.

Where shall Hoke go?

The Party:

Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM)

Mystic Knight

Level 38 2/4 *Party Leader**Immune Fragile, Weakened, Confused, Sealed, Dark* *Gains Triple Experience*

Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP)

Defense: 29 32

Health: 22/62

Ether: 35/38

Gold: 1188

Equipment: Hollow Flagpole (WP:10, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 22), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile),Medal of Glory (Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened)

Inventory:

Weapons: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental longsword), Blade of Tranquility (WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, Longsword)

Artifacts: Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2, accessory), Crocodile Belt (Max Health +2, accessory),Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons)

Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel

Gems: Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth)

Scrolls: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep

•Consumables: Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 4x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, 1x Nostrums, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy, Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Venom-1, Venom-10, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Level Up Mushroom, Hydra Eye (worth 100 Gold), Hydra Tongue (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 3 and -1 SP effects permanently)

Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer and the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms

Beast Warrior

Level 49 2/5 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP**Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Poisoned, Bleeding, Slowed, and Weakened Effects* *Immune to Ice and Water* *Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 9 12

Health: 75/75

Gold: 1236

Equipment: Hollow Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:24; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental; Hollow), 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), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Bodywear, Immunity to Ice and Water, Suitable for Barbarians, Beast Warriors and Regulators), Sterile Gloves (Handwear, Immune to poisoned- and bleeding–effects),

Inventory:

Weapons - Hollow Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:17; earth-, wood-,water-, lightning-, light- elemental; Hollow), Ornamental Throwing Knife (WP: 6, has a 1/3 chance of causing target to be Confused; ranged; retrievable throwing weapon; suitable for rangers, rogues, beast warriors, infiltrators, scholars and winged warriors.) Hydra Fang (WP: 10, Dagger)

Artifacts - Tricorne (SP:3, headwear), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (accessory), Snake Eye Charm (accessory, immune to petrified-effect), Trickster Mask of the Dwarf (The wearer's appearance is changed to that of a dwarf, Headwear), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2, accessory), Crocodile Belt (Max Health +2, accessory), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Wonky Shoes (SP: 3; Footwear, suitable for all classes), Marksman Monocle (Misses are rerolled, Headwear), Winged Sandals (accessory, immune to bound- and slowed-effects), Cape of Extravagance (SP: 5, +10 WP, Wearer is Permanently Nimble, Backwear, suitable for Mimes)

Consumables - Health Core (2), Grand Potion (5), Potion (1), Remedy (4), Phoenix Essence (3), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (1), Mead (1), Flame-Distilled Brandy (4), Mulled Wine (3), Venom-1, Smoke Bomb (3), Soma, Cosmic Essence, Skeleton Decoy, Chaotic Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Water Bomb, Bone (12), Venom-15, Grating Stone, Hydra Eye (worth 100 Gold), Ruby, Modified Remedy

Tools - Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, Sewer Map of Eubric Freeport

Althior Emorith (K-Nut)

Necromancer

Level 44 *Gain Triple Experience* *Absorbs Earth* *Immune to Petrified and Darkness*

Power Bonus: 5 for Spells

Defense: 7 10

Health: 14/56

Ether: 52/60

Gold: 1270

Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on successful spells and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified and darkness elemental damage; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; Footwear)

Inventory:

Weapons: Hydra Fang (WP: 10, Dagger)

Artifacts: Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4, bodywear), The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Crocodile Handbag (+2 Max Ether, Accessory), Crocodile Belt (+2 Max HP, Accessory), Robes of Illumination (SP: 5, + 10 Max Ether, Wearer is Permanently Transcended, Torsowear, suitable for Prophets)

Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood)

Consumables: Potion, 7 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 6 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, 7x Mead, 4x Nostrum, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 2 Bones, Unicorn's Horn (Can be sold for 250 gold in certain magic shops)

Edited December 15, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke exits the Town Watch barracks, feeling like nothing was accomplished. He looks down to see Torc at his feet and is amazed at how quickly she has grown, from a small cat to near the size of a wolf. He wondered what effect the hydra meat had on her.

He fished around a bit in his pouch and pulled out a set of three keys. He looked at them for a moment, then closed his finger tightly around them and made his way back to the Lotus.

[Waterbrick Down]

Hoke makes his way back to The Lotus. The sun approaching noon, the establishment is pretty empty. Serving girls are mopping floors and straightening the tables and chairs. Madamae Moira surveys the work as Hoke enters the club.

"Ah, my knight returns."

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke makes his way back to The Lotus. The sun approaching noon, the establishment is pretty empty. Serving girls are mopping floors and straightening the tables and chairs. Madamae Moira surveys the work as Hoke enters the club.

"Ah, my knight returns."

Hoke chuckles to himself at that title, feeling quite unchivalrous due to the deeds of the day. He reaches out his hand and offers the set of keys back to her.

"You may be minus a few patrons," he said, referring to the two would-be assassins.

[Waterbrick Down]

Moira accepts the keys and stows them away.

"I lose patrons everyday, thanks to this heartless city, but I always win new ones as well. You look tired, rough night?"

Edited December 15, 2014 by Waterbrick Down

[Flare]

Benji heads back to Heroica Hall. His heart was heavy with the loss of the life of an innocent girl, and strife raged within him. He ran back to the hall, avoiding the glances of people on the street. Before opening the doors of the hall, he throws his crocodile skull hat into the gutters.

[UsernameMDM]

Moira accepts the keys and stows them away.

"I lose patrons everyday, thanks to this heartless city, but I always win new ones as well. You look tired, rough night?"

"Inexplicable so," Hoke says as he finally feels the weight of everyone slowly slump down on his shoulders. However, he also feels a pulsating warmth emanate from a lithe serpentine form curling around his leg. It was comforting, reassuring.

"I wanted to thank you again for your aid," Hoke says mentally tries to shake of the exhaustion that is now consuming him,"It was much appreciated and may have inadvertently stopped amongst the less savory organizations of Eubric."

Hoke removes his glove, takes Moira's hand and gently kisses the backside. He makes his way to the door and out into the city.

Edited December 15, 2014 by UsernameMDM

[Waterbrick Down]

Moira smiles at the Mystic Knight's kind gesture.

"Always the gentleman. You are welcome. Stop back, when you can stay longer, my knight."

--- Elsewhere in Eurbic Freeport ---

"Ahhhhhhh!"

--- Two Weeks Later ---

Madame Galuchat sat down after being on her feet for the final few scenes of her tale. Sipping from a goblet of fine wine, the sharkling closed her story.

"And so the heroes learned that day that there is always two sides to everything. Nothing is as it first appears and though they were successful, nobleness comes at a cost, justice has a price, and peace is often only purchased through terrible loss."

Galuchat sipped again from her wine and nodded her head to Lucas.

THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!

The Party:

Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM)

Mystic Knight

Level 38 2/4 *Immune Fragile, Weakened, Confused, Sealed, Dark* *Gains Triple Experience*

Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP)

Defense: 32

Health: 62/62

Ether: 38/38

Gold: 1288

Equipment: Hollow Flagpole (WP:10, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 22), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile),Medal of Glory (Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened)

Inventory:

Weapons: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental longsword), Blade of Tranquility (WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, Longsword)

Artifacts: Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2, accessory), Crocodile Belt (Max Health +2, accessory),Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons)

Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel

Gems: Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth)

Scrolls: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep

•Consumables: Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 4x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, 1x Nostrums, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy, Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Venom-1, Venom-10, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Level Up Mushroom, Hydra Tongue (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 3 and -1 SP effects permanently)

Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer and the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms

Beast Warrior

Level 49 2/5 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP**Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Poisoned, Bleeding, Slowed, and Weakened Effects* *Immune to Ice and Water* *Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding*

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 9

Health: 75/75

Gold: 1336

Equipment: Hollow Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:24; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental; Hollow), 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), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Bodywear, Immunity to Ice and Water, Suitable for Barbarians, Beast Warriors and Regulators), Sterile Gloves (Handwear, Immune to poisoned- and bleeding–effects),

Inventory:

Weapons - Hollow Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:17; earth-, wood-,water-, lightning-, light- elemental; Hollow), Ornamental Throwing Knife (WP: 6, has a 1/3 chance of causing target to be Confused; ranged; retrievable throwing weapon; suitable for rangers, rogues, beast warriors, infiltrators, scholars and winged warriors.) Hydra Fang (WP: 10, Dagger)

Artifacts - Tricorne (SP:3, headwear), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (accessory), Snake Eye Charm (accessory, immune to petrified-effect), Trickster Mask of the Dwarf (The wearer's appearance is changed to that of a dwarf, Headwear), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2, accessory), Crocodile Belt (Max Health +2, accessory), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Wonky Shoes (SP: 3; Footwear, suitable for all classes), Marksman Monocle (Misses are rerolled, Headwear), Winged Sandals (accessory, immune to bound- and slowed-effects), Cape of Extravagance (SP: 5, +10 WP, Wearer is Permanently Nimble, Backwear, suitable for Mimes)

Consumables - Health Core (2), Grand Potion (5), Potion (1), Remedy (4), Phoenix Essence (3), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (1), Mead (1), Flame-Distilled Brandy (4), Mulled Wine (3), Venom-1, Smoke Bomb (3), Soma, Cosmic Essence, Skeleton Decoy, Chaotic Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Water Bomb, Bone (12), Venom-15, Grating Stone, Ruby, Modified Remedy, Level Up Mushroom

Tools - Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel

Althior Emorith (K-Nut)

Necromancer

Level 44 *Gain Triple Experience* *Absorbs Earth* *Immune to Petrified and Darkness*

Power Bonus: 5 for Spells

Defense: 7

Health: 56/56

Ether: 60/60

Gold: 1270

Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on successful spells and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified and darkness elemental damage; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; Footwear)

Inventory:

Weapons: Hydra Fang (WP: 10, Dagger)

Artifacts: Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4, bodywear), The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Crocodile Handbag (+2 Max Ether, Accessory), Crocodile Belt (+2 Max HP, Accessory), Robes of Illumination (SP: 5, + 10 Max Ether, Wearer is Permanently Transcended, Torsowear, suitable for Prophets)

Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood)

Consumables: Potion, 7 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 6 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, 7x Mead, 4x Nostrum, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 2 Bones, Unicorn's Horn (Can be sold for 250 gold in certain magic shops)

QM Note: That's it folks, thanks for your patience and making this one of the most enjoyable quests I've had the pleasure of running. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the quest in the QM Lounge.

Edited December 15, 2014 by Waterbrick Down